Learn how to start a podcast step-by-step in 2026. Discover equipment, hosting, promotion, monetization, and WordPress tips for beginners.
Podcasting has evolved from a niche hobby into one of the most powerful content platforms on the internet. In 2026, podcasts are not only entertainment tools—they are traffic drivers, brand builders, and income generators for creators, businesses, and educators.
Whether you want to share knowledge, grow an audience, or monetize your expertise, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to start a podcast from scratch, even with a small budget.
What Is a Podcast?
A podcast is a digital audio (or video) show released in episodes that listeners can stream or download on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
Unlike radio, podcasts are:
-On-demand
-Global
-Easy to produce
-Perfect for niche audiences
👉 According to Spotify’s creator resources, podcasts are one of the fastest-growing content formats worldwide
🔗 https://podcasters.spotify.com
Why You Should Start a Podcast
Podcasting is one of the best long-term content investments you can make.
Benefits of Podcasting
🎧 Build authority in your niche
🌍 Reach a global audience
💬 Create deeper audience engagement
💰 Monetize through ads, sponsorships, and products
🚀 Boost SEO and brand visibility
Read more on →👉 How to Grow an Online Business with WordPress
Table of contents
- Step define your podcasts niche and goal.
- pick a podcast name and branding .
- Choose your podcast format.
- Get the right podcast equipment.
- Choose the right podcast recording software.
- Plan and script your episodes.
- Edit your podcast like a pro.
- Choose the podcast hosting. platform.
- Submit your podcast to directory.
- Create a podcast website with WordPress.
- Promote your podcast effectively.
- Monetize your podcast.
Step 1. Define Your Podcast Niche and Goals
Before buying a microphone, you need clarity.
Choose a Clear Podcast Niche
Successful podcasts focus on specific audiences, not everyone.
Examples:
-Digital marketing for small businesses
-WordPress tutorials
-Tech trends in Africa
-Personal development
-Education and online income
Ask yourself:
Who is my ideal listener?
What problem will my podcast solve?
Why should people listen to me?
🔗 External resource:
https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/guide/podcasting/
Step 2: Pick a Podcast Name and Branding
Your podcast name should be:
- Easy to remember
- Relevant to your topic
- Search-friendly
Tips for Podcast Naming
- Use keywords people search for
- Avoid complicated spellings
- Check availability on podcast platforms
Example: ❌ The Ultimate Audio Experience
✅ WordPress Growth Podcast
🎨 Create podcast cover art (1400×1400 to 3000×3000 pixels).
You can use Canva: 🔗 https://www.canva.com
Step 3: Choose Your Podcast Format
Your format defines how your show flows.
Popular Podcast Formats
Solo Podcast – You speak alone (best for beginners)
Interview Podcast – Host guests
Co-hosted Podcast – Two or more hosts
Storytelling Podcast – Scripted narratives
Educational Podcast – Tutorials and
Learn how creators structure content →
Here is our recent guide on 👉 How to Create High-Quality Content with AI
Step 4: Get the Right Podcast Equipment
You don’t need a studio to start.
Essential Podcast Equipment
- 🎤 Microphone
- 🎧 Headphones
- 💻 Laptop or smartphone
- 🎙 Recording software
Recommended Microphones
- Blue Yeti (USB)
- Samson Q2U
- Fifine USB Mic (budget-friendly)
🔗 External review site:
https://www.podcastinsights.com/best-podcasting-microphones/
Step 5: Choose Podcast Recording Software
Good audio quality builds trust.
Best Podcast Recording Software
Audacity (Free) – https://www.audacityteam.org
GarageBand (Mac users)
Adobe Audition (Professional)
Riverside.fm (Remote interviews) – https://riverside.fm
🎧 Record in a quiet room and reduce background noise.
Step 6: Plan and Script Your Episodes
Planning saves time and improves quality.
What to Include in Each Episode
- Intro (5–10 seconds)
- Main discussion
- Call-to-action (CTA)
- Outro
Example CTA:
“Subscribe to the podcast and visit our website for more resources.”
Want to write a SEO-friendly blog for your website? Here is a complete tutorial
👉 How to Write SEO-Friendly Blog Posts
Step 7: Edit Your Podcast Like a Pro
Editing improves clarity and professionalism.
Basic Editing Tips
- Remove long pauses
- Normalize volume
- Add intro/outro music
- Cut background noise
Free music sources: 🔗 https://pixabay.com/music/
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary
Step 8: Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform
You cannot upload podcasts directly to Spotify or Apple Podcasts—you need a podcast host.
Best Podcast Hosting Platforms
Spotify for Podcasters – Free
🔗 https://podcasters.spotify.com
Buzzsprout – https://www.buzzsprout.com
Podbean – https://www.podbean.com
Anchor (Spotify) – Beginner-friendly
Your host generates an RSS feed used to distribute your podcast.
Step 9: Submit Your Podcast to Directories
Once hosted, submit your RSS feed to:
Apple Podcasts
🔗 https://podcastsconnect.apple.com
Spotify
Google Podcasts
Amazon Music
This increases discoverability.
Step 10: Create a Podcast Website with WordPress
A website gives your podcast ownership and SEO power.
Recommended plugin: 🔗 https://wordpress.org/plugins/seriously-simple-podcasting/
Why Use WordPress for Podcasts?
- Full control
- SEO-friendly
- Monetization options
- Easy episode publishing
You can:
- Publish show notes
- Embed podcast players
- Collect email subscribers
You can read our guide’s right here on_
👉 How to Create a Website with WordPress
Step 11: Promote Your Podcast Effectively
Publishing is only the beginning.
Podcast Promotion Strategies
- Share clips on social media
- Convert episodes into blog posts
- Email your subscribers
- Collaborate with other podcasters
- Use YouTube Shorts and Reels
Step 12: Monetize Your Podcast
Once you build an audience, monetization becomes possible.
Podcast Monetization Methods
- Sponsorships
- Affiliate marketing
- Premium episodes
- Online courses
- Digital products
This is our full guide’s on
👉 How to Make Money Online with Digital Products
Common Podcasting Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting without a niche
- Poor audio quality
- Inconsistent publishing
- No promotion strategy
- Ignoring audience feedback
Consistency beats perfection.
How Long Does It Take to Grow a Podcast?
Most podcasts grow steadily within 3–6 months of consistent publishing.
Focus on:
- Quality content
- Weekly episodes
SEO-optimized show notes
Final Thoughts: Is Podcasting Worth It?
Absolutely.
Podcasting in 2026 is one of the best low-cost ways to build influence, traffic, and income online. With the right strategy, tools, and consistency, anyone can start—even beginners.
If you already run a WordPress blog, a podcast is the perfect content extension.
Next Steps
✔ Choose your niche
✔ Buy a basic microphone
✔ Record your first episode
✔ Launch your podcast website