ASK BOB - Podcasting Q&A

Today, I want address the question, “Is it cost efficient?”

One of the reasons podcasting has become so popular is because it costs little to almost nothing to get started. Compared to traditional radio, podcasting is literally pennies for every dollar that would have spent in traditional radio.

Let me explain it like this…

If you went down to your local radio station and asked them to put you on the radio, they would do a couple of things (believe me, because I’ve had to jump through those hoops before).

First, they want to know what subject matter you are going to be talking about. They want to make sure it is a good fit for their demographics. For example, if you wanted to talk about all things concerning the country and western music industry, but you were approaching a hip-hop station or a heavy metal station, they would probably turn you down.

Next, they will want to know the budget you trying to operate within. This will guide them in determining IF they even have a broadcast package that will fit within your budget.

Next, they will offer you a few available time slots. You may want to broadcast from 730-8am and talk directly to the morning rush hour traffic. When people are stuck in their cars. But if they have a morning radio show already scheduled during that time slot, you are not going to get it. And even IF they would consider putting you there, that would also be considered “prime time” and you would pay a heft fee for being able to broadcast in that spot.

You may only be offered a 3-330am time slot for the budget you have in mind. One that will not have much of a listenership but they want to have programming in anyways. They may be opting into a nationwide syndicated program during that time slot. So instead of paying money out, they would rather give it to you so they can have money coming in.

Now, let me just talk about a friend of mine in the Baltimore market. And this is just one example. He is on the drive time slot I told you about. The morning drive between 730-8am. He has a ONE MINUTE commentary where he talks about current events and Christianity. He is on 5 days per week, Monday through Friday, for ONE MINUTE each day. He is charged $80 per minute! Even if they gave a HUGE discount and charged him only $800 for a 30 minute program, that would $4000 per week or $16,000 per month. Is your budget anywhere near $16,000 for prime time in your market? Probably not – mine either!

That is where podcasting comes in!

For less than $50 per month, in most cases, you can have a daily program of any length! Of course, there are cheaper plans – as well as more expensive plans – that you can go with. That is only an example. But $50 per month is a lot better than $16,000 per month! Don’t you agree?

The point I’m trying to make is this: Podcasting is referred to the “common man’s radio program.” You can get started for little or nothing or almost nothing. You can increase your budget to whatever level you feel comfortable doing. There are some people that budget thousands of dollars per month to podcasting. There are many who have successful podcasts who spend next to nothing.

So you, you can get started on whatever budget you have – right now!

If you find these videos helpful, please give us a rating and a comment below. It helps others to find this information as well. Thank you in advance for helping us to get the word out!

Over the course of these videos and articles, I want to answer any questions you may have concerning podcasting. You can leave your questions in the comments section below. But a better way of communicating with me and making sure I am able to see your questions rapidly is by using the contact form on my website. Go to

The question “Is Podcasting Complicated?” can be answered, "No, but it can become complicated if you do not pay attention to what you are trying to do." It is only as difficult as you WANT to make it!

Is Podcasting Difficult to Do?

Today, I will answer the question, “Is It Difficult to Do?”

Quick answer is “No.” But there are some things that you need to pay attention to in order to produce a quality product. If you do not have a quality podcast in this day and time, your listeners will probably only end up being your family and close friends. If you want to expand your reach, you should invest in a few pieces of equipment that will improve your quality.

Now, if you are doing a video podcast, you definitely will need a camera. If you are going to use your lap top, you probably have a camera built in. If you are using a desk top computer, you can purchase a cheap camera that will sit on top of the monitor. The other option is to purchase an actual video camera, but this could also be the most expensive option.

For an audio podcast, you can use the microphone built into the computer itself. But it will also sound like you are using the microphone built into the computer. For just a small investment, you can purchase a headset and microphone combination. This will improve the sound quality and help you to stand out from those who just want to use their cell phone or computer microphone.

For a bit more, you can purchase a little better Condenser microphone, such as a Blue Yeti or Blue Snowball. These work well as long you stay close to the microphone. I have used a Blue Yeti and you can see it here!

If you truly want to go all out and get to the professional sounding quality, you can purchase a Dynamic Microphone. This style of microphone only picks up sounds that are directly in front of it. It’s the type you see in pictures of radio stations where the DJ is speaking directly into the mic. The condenser mic’s pick up sounds from AROUND the microphone…basically, the room. Which is why it sounds “funny” unless you are directly in front of the microphone, like I am right now.

So, there you have a list of some of the equipment you will need. In the next episode, I will go over “Is it complicated?”

Over the course of these episodes and articles, I want to answer any questions you may have concerning podcasting. You can leave your questions in the comments section below. But a better way of communicating with me and making sure I am able to see your questions rapidly is by using the contact form on my website. Go to https://podcast-training.com/contact (https://podcast-training.com/contact) and click on the contact tab. Fill out the form and be sure to send me your questions.

If your question is used on this podcast, I will be giving you credit for bringing it to our attention and you will receive a FREE download of my book, “The Complete Guide to Podcasting.” That is a $37 value and you will receive it for FREE if you send along your questions and used on this “ASK BOB” program. If you include your website or podcast information, I will be referencing that as well and putting your information in the show notes of the podcast.

Who knows, you may see some increased traffic to your website, your podcast, etc. just from asking a question. If I get asked the same question, the first person to ask it will be getting the credit. So IF you have a question, don’t wait! Ask today. Just go to https://podcast-training.com/contact (https://podcast-training.com/contact) and fill out the contact form.

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Download your FREE PODCAST CREATION CHECKLIST today! This is the same checklist I provide my clients and follows along with the training program. I am making...

In today's episode of ASK BOB, Bob Thibodeau answers the question, "What is a Podcast?"

This is an information episode about "Ask Bob" and why you should listen!