TPU157 – How to Start a Podcast on a Budget in under $100 in 2024!

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Dilip

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If you have not started a podcast because you think it is expensive, then this one is for you.

A lot of people think podcasting is expensive.

But the truth is that you don’t need a huge budget to get started. Today I’m going to show you exactly how to start a podcast on a budget for under $100.

If you want to get started with your show without breaking the bank, the listen on.

How to start a Podcast on a Budget!

If you have been putting off starting your podcast thinking that podcasting is just too expensive to get started, then let me break it to you.

The truth is, you don’t need fancy equipment or a big budget to launch your show.

You just need the right tools and strategy.

So, here’s how you can start a podcast with less than $100.

Step 1: Basic Equipment

One of the most important and major investment when starting a podcast is a microphone.

You don’t need a $500 microphone to sound professional.

If you are planning to start a podcast on a budget, you need affordable solutions.

There are affordable options that get the job done, and here are my top recommendations:

  • The Audio-Technica ATR2100x is a great microphone for around $99. It’s a solid investment if you want good sound quality. But if that’s still out of your budget…
  • You can go even cheaper with a USB microphone, like the Samson Q2U, which is often available for around $60. If that’s too much, you can start with something as simple as a $40 condenser mic, and you’ll still be good to go.
    • Don’t forget a decent pair of headphones too. You can find quality ones for around $20. Remember, your audio quality doesn’t have to be top-tier when you’re just starting out—you can always upgrade later!

Step 2: Free Software

Recording and editing software can also come with a hefty price tag, but you don’t need to spend anything here. Use free software like:

  • Audacity – It’s open-source, easy to use, and works on both Windows and Mac.
  • GarageBand – If you’re on a Mac, GarageBand is already built into your system and works perfectly for recording podcasts.

Both of these programs are beginner-friendly and have all the tools you need to get started with professional-sounding episodes.

Step 3: Budget-Friendly Hosting

Now let’s talk about hosting—where your podcast will live and how it’ll be distributed to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

For hosting, there are free options you can use:

  • Anchor – It’s completely free, and it handles distribution to all major platforms for you.
  • Acast also has a free version that’s great for beginners.

Starting with a free hosting platform means you can get your podcast out into the world without spending a cent on hosting fees!

Step 4: Content Strategy

The next important part of starting a podcast is having a solid content strategy. Focus on creating niche content. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, pick a topic or niche that you’re passionate about and become an expert in it.

The more specific, the better! Not only will this make it easier for you to create content, but it’ll also help you stand out and attract a dedicated audience.

And remember, great content always trumps fancy equipment.

Step 5: Promotion Without Ads

Promotion is key, but you don’t need to spend money on ads to grow your audience when you’re just starting out. Here are a few budget-friendly ways to promote your podcast:

  • Leverage your social media channels. Share your episodes on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn—wherever your audience hangs out.
  • If you have an email list, use that to let your subscribers know about new episodes.
  • Collaborate with other podcasters. Guest on their shows or invite them onto yours. This will help you tap into each other’s audiences and grow organically.

Also, engage with your listeners. Respond to comments, and ask for reviews. Word of mouth is powerful, and your listeners can be your best promoters!

Conclusion:

To sum it up, you don’t need thousands of dollars to start a podcast. With a budget of less than $100, you can get everything you need to launch your show—basic equipment, free software, and free hosting. What really matters is your content. Start small, and upgrade as you go!

So, if you’ve been putting off launching your podcast because you thought it was too expensive, it’s time to reconsider. Just start with what you have, and focus on delivering value through your episodes.

I hope you found this episode helpful! Don’t forget to head over to thepodcastinguniversity.com for show notes and resources, and check out the free guide if you’re ready to launch your podcast.

Show Notes:

Here’s what we discussed in the episode –

  1. Basic equipments to start a podcast on a budget
  2. Why equipments are not as important as it looks
  3. The more important aspects to succeed with podcasting!

This episode is sponsored by Zencastr. Use my special link here to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

Resources discussed in the episode

Here are some of the resources I discussed in this episode that can help you start your podcast on a budget.

You can find all of the audacity tutorials on YouTube here – Click here!

You can find all of the editing tutorials on YouTube here – Click here!

Thank You for Joining

Thank you all for joining me on the show today.

If you enjoyed this episode then I am sure you will love some of the previous episodes as well. Pick your favorite ones and give them a listen.

The podcasting university is available on all podcasting platforms. You can pick your favorite one to listen to the show there. The links to some of the prominent ones are mentioned below.

CASTBOX: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/castbox
STITCHER: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/stitcher
TUNEIN: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/tunein
GOOGLE PODCASTS: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/googlepodcasts
APPLE PODCASTS: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/itunes
PLAYER.FM: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/playerfm
SPOTIFY: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/spotify
HUBHOPPER: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/hubhopper
AMAZON PRIME: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/prime

Recommended Resources for Podcasting

Here are some of the recommended resources for Podcasting. These are the ones that I personally use and am satisfied with and hence am recommending them.

  • Acast Podcast hosting – Acast is my favorite podcast hosting company. They have excellent customer support, have a pocket-friendly plan, and even have a free option with no limits.
  • Behringer Audio Interface – You will need an audio interface if you are using an XLR microphone. This is my recommended audio interface.
  • Zencastr – Zencastr is the easiest option to record interviews, both audio-only and audio+video. This is a must for an interview podcast. Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use my code “thepodu” You’ll get 30 percent off your first three months of Zencastr professional.
  • Audacity – This is the best and the most feature-rich free audio editing software. It gives you a lot of options while editing your interviews.
  • Samson Q2U – My recommended microphone
  • JBL Quantum 100 – My recommended headphones
  • Tidycal – My recommended calendar and booking solutions
  • Descript – Audio Editing, Transcription and Video editing software

AMAZON DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Podcasting University is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

MICROPHONES –

  1. ATR-2100x: https://amzn.to/3N3ru5C
  2. MAONO AU-HD300T : https://geni.us/ro48q
  3. Maono AU-WDM01 : https://geni.us/PhZ3V2v
  4. Samson Q2U – https://geni.us/k9cuk
  5. Audio Technica AT 2035 – https://geni.us/g2URDI
  6. Rode NT USB – https://geni.us/O6b65K
  7. Shure MV7X – https://geni.us/w7rZ4

LAVELIER MICROPHONES

  1. Boya ByM1 Auxillary Lavelier Microphone – https://geni.us/boyabym1lav
  2. Boya ByM1 Pro Lavelier Microphones – https://geni.us/boyabym1prolav
  3. Digitek Wireless Microphone – https://geni.us/R3cGd
  4. Boya – BYXM6 Wireless Microphone – https://geni.us/OS6gq
  5. Vook Dual Channel Wireless Microphone – https://geni.us/V9YBO1i

PORTABLE RECORDERS –

  1. Zoom H5 Portable Recorder – https://geni.us/rVTAIAV
  2. Zoom H1N Portable Recorder – https://geni.us/dOaDg

AUDIO INTERFACE –

  1. Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 – https://geni.us/gBCjm
  2. M-Audio M-Track Solo – https://geni.us/RnhHr
  3. HAYDEN HY-229 – https://geni.us/c80KbWB

MIXERS –

  1. HAYDEN 4 Channels – https://geni.us/cXQ0
  2. Behringer Q502USB

MONITORING HEADPHONES –

  1. Oneodio Studio Pro-10 : https://geni.us/IQI88Se
  2. Maono AU-MH501 : https://geni.us/AbNrU
  3. Audio-Technica ATH-M20X : https://geni.us/eEUf9

POP-FILTER –

  1. JEYANG Metal Pop Filter – https://geni.us/JMfuY
  2. Wright WP 101 – https://geni.us/OcOAzj

DESK-STAND/BOOM ARM –

  1. MY-STANDS MC 18 : https://geni.us/Lwnb
  2. Bulfyss Professional Recording Microphone Stand: https://geni.us/mV4S

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start a podcast on a budget

About the Author - Dilip

Podcaster, Blogger and Affiliate Marketer, I love the internet for the many opportunities that it offers.
I started my first podcast way back in 2009. Till now I have released more than 600 episodes including my own podcasts and some episodes that I did for my clients.
I share all of those simple, practical and implementable podcasting tips in my show, "The Podcasting University".

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