What is Podcast Blogging, and How Do You Get Started?
Are you a fan of both podcasting and blogging? Did you know some of the most successful bloggers also have podcasts? Yes, in today’s world, podcast blogging is quite common for the most successful bloggers. It’s almost essential for any online business blogger.
This post uncovers what a blog podcast is and how to get started and provides some actionable tips and resources for your own business podcast.
From choosing the right podcast platform to writing engaging blogs that make for great podcast episodes. We’ll also reveal some of the top blogging podcasts from the most successful bloggers who’ve done it.
Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or a beginner blogger, this post is for you. Continue reading to discover more about the exciting world of podcast blogging.
What is podcasting?
Podcasting is a form of digital media that involves creating audio files, typically episodes, and distributing them over the internet.
It allows creators to reach a global audience with their content and allows listeners to consume it on their own schedule.
Podcasts cover various topics, including news, entertainment, education, sports, etc.
They can be accessed through various platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and others.
Listeners can subscribe to their favorite podcasts to receive new episodes automatically or browse through the library of available content to find something new.
Podcasting has grown in popularity in recent years, with millions of people listening to their favorite programs on a daily basis.
How are podcasting and blogging different?
Podcasting and blogging are two different forms of content creation and distribution, although they can complement each other in some ways.
Blogging typically involves writing and publishing text-based content on a website or blog platform. Bloggers use their writing skills to share their thoughts, opinions, ideas, and expertise on a particular topic with their audience.
Blog posts can include images, videos, infographics, and other multimedia elements to enhance the reader’s experience.
Podcasting, on the other hand, involves creating audio content distributed over the internet.
Podcasters use their voice and audio editing skills to produce episodes on a particular topic, which listeners can access and download on various platforms.
Podcasts can also include interviews, guest appearances, and other special features to provide a unique listening experience.
One of the main differences between podcasting and blogging is the content format. Blogging relies on text-based content, while podcasting relies on audio-based content.
Additionally, podcasting requires more equipment and technical expertise than blogging, which involves recording and editing audio files.
What is a podcast blog?
A podcast blog, also known as a pod blog or a podcast blog hybrid, is a content platform that combines the elements of both podcasting and blogging. It is a blog that includes audio content in addition to written text.
Podcast blogs typically feature a series of podcast episodes, each accompanied by a blog post that provides additional context, highlights key points, or offers a written summary of the episode.
This allows creators to offer their audience multiple ways to consume content, catering to different learning styles and preferences.
By combining podcasting and blogging, creators can reach a wider audience and provide a more comprehensive and engaging experience for their listeners and readers.
Podcast blogs are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a unique and versatile content format that appeals to audio and text-based learners.
Steps to get started with podcasting on your blog
Podcasting is a great way to create content and engage with your blog audience in a new way. A weekly podcast covers many of the topics you have covered in posts or will cover in the weeks ahead.
Sometimes the podcast is a precursor to a post, and sometimes, it is to gauge your audience’s reaction to possible blog post topics.
Here are some steps to get started with podcasting on your blog:
1) Choose a topic
Decide what you want your podcast to be about. It could be related to your blog’s niche or something entirely different. Some of the most popular topics podcasters rely on are:
- True crime
- Health and wellness
- Personal finance and investing
- Pop culture and entertainment
- Travel and adventure
- Entrepreneurship and small business
- Technology and innovation
- Sports news and analysis
- History and world events
- Comedy and satire
- Science and education
- Politics and current events
- Philosophy and spirituality
- Food and cooking
- Relationships and dating
2) Identify your niche
Identifying your niche goes hand-in-hand with choosing your topic. Think about what you are passionate about or what you are an expert in. Pick a topic relevant to your interests, expertise, and target audience.
3) Research your audience
Research your target audience and determine what topics interest them. This will help you choose a topic that resonates with your audience and ensures that your podcast is relevant and engaging.
There are a few great options for audience research that can provide you with the needed demographic and psychographic data to help you hone in on your potential listeners.
- Edison Research: Edison Research offers a range of podcast audience research reports and studies, including The Infinite Dial, which provides insights into podcast listening habits, demographics, and trends.
- Nielsen: Nielsen’s Audio division provides audience measurement and consumer insights for podcasting, offering data on demographics, listening behavior, and more.
- Stitcher: Stitcher is a podcast platform that provides audience insights, including listener demographics and behavior, through its Stitcher Insights Dashboard.
- Chartable: Chartable is a podcast analytics and attribution company that offers audience insights, including listener demographics and location data.
4) Look for gaps in the market
Look for topics that need to be better covered or covered in existing podcasts. This will help you differentiate yourself from the competition and offer something unique to your listeners.
Use the list of topics outlined in this post to start. Those are the most popular, so choosing one of those likely comes with higher levels of competition. That doesn’t mean you can’t create within one of those areas. You might just need a unique perspective or angle.
5) Keep it focused
Choose a narrow topic to allow you to dive deep into it and provide valuable insights to your listeners. Avoid choosing broad topics that are difficult to cover comprehensively in a single episode or a series of episodes.
6) Stay passionate
Choose a genuinely passionate topic that can sustain your interest over a long period. This will help you stay motivated, enjoy the podcasting process, and create quality content that resonates with your listeners.
7) Purchase equipment
You’ll need some decent equipment to start a podcast; nothing overly glorified or flashy, but serviceable is advised. Here are some equipment options you may want to consider when starting your podcast:
Microphone: A good-quality microphone is essential for producing a high-quality podcast. USB microphones such as the Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica AT2020 are great for beginners.
You can consider a dynamic or condenser microphone and an audio interface if you have a larger budget.
Pop filter: A pop filter is an essential accessory that helps to eliminate popping and hissing sounds that can occur when speaking into a microphone.
Headphones: Headphones are important for monitoring audio quality while recording and editing your podcast.
Closed-back headphones such as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are ideal for better noise isolation.
Audio recording and editing software: You will need software to record and edit your podcast. Many options are available, including Restream, GarageBand, and Adobe Audition.
Optional equipment: Depending on your needs, consider investing in a microphone stand, shock mount, or portable recorder.
8) Plan your episodes
Create an outline for each episode with the essential items you’ll need for a successful podcast episode. Here is a list of items to work through and establish before you record your first episode.
- Introduction: A brief introduction of the show and the host(s) helps the listeners understand what the episode is about.
- Teaser: A teaser at the beginning of the episode can hook the audience and keep them engaged.
- Main Topic: The episode’s main topic should be covered in detail, with supporting examples or data.
- Interview or Guest: If there is an interview or a guest, it is essential to introduce them and ask relevant questions.
- Breaks: Breaks or interludes can help break up the episode, provide context, or introduce a new segment.
- Call-to-Action: A call-to-action at the end of the episode can encourage listeners to subscribe, rate, or review the podcast.
- Outro: The host should sign off and thank the listeners for tuning in.
- Music: Adding music can enhance the listener experience and make the episode more entertaining.
9) Record and edit your episodes
Record your episodes using your microphone and software. Edit your episodes to make them sound professional and remove any mistakes.
10) Host your podcast
Upload your episodes to a podcast hosting platform like Buzzsprout, Fusebox, or Podbean. These platforms will distribute your podcast to major podcast directories like Apple, Spotify, and Google.
11) Promote your podcast
Share your podcast on social media, your blog, and other relevant platforms to grow your audience. Consider collaborating with other podcasters to reach a larger audience.
You can start with podcasting on your blog and connect with your readers in a new and interesting way by following these instructions.
Best plugins to bring podcasts onto your WordPress blog
There are several great plugins to bring podcasts onto your WordPress blog. Here are three popular options:
Fusebox
The Fusebox plugin lets you easily embed podcast episodes on your website, create custom players, and display episode transcripts.
It also offers advanced features like analytics and call-to-action buttons. Fusebox offers a free plan as well as paid plans with more features.
The Starter plan will give you the basics, like podcast hosting, basic analytics, and a single-track player for $7.50/month. The Pro plan provides extra features like an archive player, sticky player, customizations, and premium support, for $15.83/month.
Simple Podcast Press
This plugin offers a simple and customizable player to be embedded on your website.
It also provides features like episode archives and social sharing. Simple Podcast Press offers paid plans with more features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pricing for the SPP plugin is a bit different than Fusebox. The plugin is an annual license at three levels. The single license is for 1 website, and additional licenses cover more websites. The single license provides you the player, auto-updating playlists, auto-publishing, auto URL shortener, and other essential features for $67.
Buzzsprout
While not strictly a plugin, Buzzsprout is a popular podcast hosting platform that offers an easy-to-use WordPress plugin for embedding your podcast on your website.
It also provides features like episode analytics, distribution to major podcast directories, and a customizable player. Buzzsprout offers a free plan as well as paid plans with more features.
The Buzzsprout free plan is limited to two hours each month, with episodes deleted after 90 days. For $12/month, you can upload 3 hours each month and have indefinite hosting. Two additional plans offer more upload time.
Popular Blogging Podcasts for Inspiration
Here is a list of some of the most popular podcasts by bloggers and for bloggers.
Smart Passive Income – Hosted by Pat Flynn, the SPI podcast provides insights and strategies for building an online business and generating passive income. Pat Flynn is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker who has been featured in various media outlets and has written several books on entrepreneurship and online business.
Blogging Millionaire – The Blogging Millionaire podcast is hosted by Brandon Gaille, a hugely successful blogger who has also launched a great SEO blogging tool, RankIQ. the Blogging Millionaire Podcast is a popular podcast that provides blogging tips and advice to aspiring bloggers.
Blog to Biz Podcast – Blog to Biz Show with Becca Klein is a weekly podcast for bloggers that discusses blogging, online business, social media marketing, online courses, and much more. The podcast for bloggers is highly rated and fun to listen to.
Thrive Blogger Podcast – A podcast series for blogging tips, strategies, and insights to help bloggers grow and increase their income. The podcast covers topics such as content creation, social media marketing, email marketing, affiliate marketing, and more. Bree Pair, a blogger, and social media strategist, hosts the podcast.
Blogger Genius Podcast – The Blogger Genius Podcast, by Jillian Leslie, focuses on helping bloggers and online entrepreneurs grow their businesses. It features interviews with successful bloggers and online entrepreneurs who share tips for building a successful online business.
Read Next: Blogging vs Vlogging – Which is Best for My Business?
Podcast Blogging Final Thoughts
If you want to start a blogging podcast on your own blog, it’s good to understand how successful bloggers have done it. Podcasting is not something to enter into lightly; it is work and requires adherence to a specific process to succeed.
A profitable blog and a profitable blog biz podcast are not the same things. When you enter the world of podcast blogging, you’ll want to figure out what will work for your business. The information here is designed to get you up and running, but there is always more to learn.