With about 60% of US consumers listening to podcasts every week, brands, both large and small, have started using podcasting as part of their content marketing strategy.
Thinking about starting your podcast?
The good news is it’s never been easier or more affordable.
In this post, we’ll review seven affordable tools you can use to start your professional podcast, regardless of your budget or skill set.
How to Start a Podcast
The technical side of starting a podcast is not rocket science. Anyone can do it.
Here’s what you need to do to get started:
- Come up with the topics you’ll want to discuss, the format of your discussions, and what category your podcast content fits into.
- Select a podcast hosting platform where your episodes will be stored and easily shared or downloaded.
- Design your cover artwork and write a description that sells your podcast.
- Secure the basic podcasting technology and necessary equipment, such as a computer, microphone, headphones, and fast internet connection.
- Find a good location to record your podcast, without noise or other distractions.
Want to get started, but you’re on a budget?
No worries, we’ve got you covered.
7 Affordable Professional Podcast Tools
With a monthly budget of around $100, you can still launch a successful podcast.
Here are ten super affordable tools to launch your professional podcast and promote your business.
1. Logitech G
What is it?
The first thing you’ll need is a good Microphone. You can’t make a podcast without a way of getting your voice into a computer.
Technically, you can use your phone, your laptop’s built-in mic in your laptop, or a standard headset to record, but no serious podcaster does that. Your sound quality is very important.
A good microphone is completely worth the investment. Logitech G’s Microphone (BLUE SNOWBALL ICE) is the fastest, easiest way to get high-quality sound at an affordable price.
Why it’s awesome
The Logitech G plugs into a USB and comes with a stand. It’s cardioid, meaning it’s designed to capture sound directly from the front. Only your voice is captured as the surrounding sounds get filtered out.
A perfect microphone for recording at home or the office.
How much does it cost?
Besides having some cool features, these microphones only set you back a mere $50.
2. Libsyn
What is it?
Next, you need to figure out how to host your podcast. You can’t just upload your podcast to your website. You need a separate service to host your recordings.
You might think, for example, that Apple hosts podcasts through iTunes. Can I upload my recording to iTunes?
Nope, services like Apple Podcasts (iTunes), Spotify, and others are directories RSS feeds that readers subscribe to. They don’t host the podcasts.
You need a completely different service for that, like Libsyn.
Why it’s awesome
There are a lot of great podcast hosting services to choose from, but for entrepreneurs on a budget, we recommend Libsyn.
Founded in 2004, Libsyn was among the world’s first podcast-hosting service providers and is still a popular option used by a large community of influential podcasters. The platform is easy to use and puts your brand in the center, as it also helps you promote your episodes across other platforms, apps, etc.
And with Libsyn, you can access detailed analytics, monetization options, and WordPress integration.
How much does it cost?
Libsyn starts at 50 MB storage for just $5 per month.
3. Hindenburg Journalist
What is it?
Want to give your podcast a professional touch? Hindenburg Journalist is the audio editing software you need to edit out awkward pauses and other unwanted elements you might record. You can also use it to splice in different sounds and snippets, a special commentary, an intro and outro, sound effects, etc.
While there are many popular (and free) audio editing tools, such as Audacity and Auphonic, the Hindenburg Journalist is worth the cost because it reduces the learning curve and offers more functionality.
Why it’s awesome
This software was specially designed for radio broadcasters and podcasters with higher production value. Apart from the standard benefits of other sound editing tools, the Hindenburg Journalist has automated levels, an EQ, loudness, and a clipboard feature to help you remain organized.
This tool is also easy to integrate with numerous podcast hosting providers.
How much does it cost?
Hindenburg Systems has various sound audio editing programs. The Journalist is their entry-level tool, going for $95.
4. Riverside
What is it?
Skype or Google Hangouts have been the go-to tools for remote interviewing guests on podcasts for many years. The biggest issue, regardless of internet connection, has been sound quality. That’s where Riverside comes in.
Riverside lets you record all participants’ audio and video locally with separate audio and video tracks for each guest. This eliminates sound quality issues and gives your remote interview a professional studio sound, look, and feel.
Why it’s awesome
Although Riverside might not be as well known (yet) as many other platforms, it offers some incredible and useful features, including:
- It records HD video.
- Inbuilt live-stream integrations with Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Twitter.
- It supports up to 8 participants.
- You can share screens and switch cameras.
- You can let your listeners call in via video.
Both audio and video recording are done online and locally, so choosing the quality you want is easy. The host can invite guests to the show, stream it live, and edit the recorded session before publishing it on other platforms.
How much does it cost?
Audio-only recording sets you back only $15 a month. You can upgrade and get the audio and HD video recording combo for $29/month or add live streaming support at $39/month.
5. Audiojungle
What is it?
Your podcast would be boring without any music or sound effects to add while editing your audio. However, podcasting is just like radio broadcasting; you cannot use someone else’s intellectual property without their permission. Using the creative content on your podcast without getting licensed for it might land you with legal problems.
One of the easiest (and the best) ways to handle such an issue is by seeking royalty-free music and sound effects. Luckily, platforms such as Audiojungle provide thousands of music for any podcast, representing any mood and with numerous sound effects.
Why it’s awesome
Unlike many other platforms that offer royalty-free sounds, Audiojungle goes a notch higher to provide thousands of sound and video effects. The sounds are easy to get using the filter search option.
Apart from only dealing with sound and video effects, Audiojungle is a one-stop shop for a professional podcaster. For visual identity, you can get other services, including graphics and photos.
How much does it cost?
There is a wide selection of music and effects from as low as $1 per piece.
6. Evernote
What is it?
Evernote is an app designed for note-taking and organizing tasks. Two things are instrumental to podcasting.
This tool is handy when you’re out and about and need to jot down an idea or start brainstorming. You can also use it to take notes during interviews and keep your show notes organized.
Why it’s awesome
We like it because it’s well-designed. It’s the easiest way to capture and prioritize ideas, projects, and to-do lists so nothing falls through the cracks.
How much does it cost?
Evernote starts free.
7. Unitel
Unitel is your go-to tool if you’re one of the many podcasters who like to play recorded comments or questions from their audience during the show. You can use it to set up a unique toll-free number or “Hot Line” that goes directly to voicemail.
Your listeners can then call in and record their messages, which you can download and play for your audience.
And if you have other phone system needs, Unitel has you covered.
Why it’s awesome
It’s a customizable phone system you can manage online with zero technical skills. It’s backed by amazing customer support (real people ready to help).
How much does it cost?
It starts at just $9.99/month.
Over To You
With tools like these, anyone on any budget can start their podcast. But just because you have the right equipment doesn’t mean you’ll be successful.
Why?
You need listeners!
That means coming up with an idea that sets your show apart from the crowd (and it is crowded) and then consistently creating interesting, useful, and, of course, entertaining content.
For that, you’ll need hard work and talent, not technology.
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