How To Start, Grow and Monetise Your Podcast

If you want to take your podcast to the next level and reach thousands—or millions—of new listeners and viewers, this episode is your roadmap to going viral. James Burtt and Alex Chisnall break down the exact strategies top podcasters are using right now to make their content pop across platforms like YouTube, Spotify, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more. They cover how to craft hooks that keep...

In this episode of Start, Grow & Monetise Your Podcast, James Burtt and Alex Chisnall dive deep into proven strategies for podcast monetisation—even if you have a small audience. Discover how value and audience depth matter more than sheer numbers. Learn about real sponsorship deals, premium subscriptions, live events, and how to unlock revenue from YouTube and Spotify.  From leveraging your p...

Are you struggling to grow your podcast audience and unsure what’s actually working? In this episode of Start, Grow & Monetise Your Podcast, Alex Chisnall and James Burtt share the essential audience growth strategies every podcaster needs in 2025. From understanding your analytics to using platform-specific strategies and content format testing, this episode is packed with actionable insights...

In this episode of Start, Grow & Monetise Your Podcast, hosts James Burtt and Alex Chisnall dive deep into the debate of evergreen vs. timely podcast content and how you can strategically craft episodes that continue to attract listeners long after their release. They explore news jacking, SEO optimisation, and the impact of trending topics on podcast growth. Using real-life examples, includin...

Understanding podcast analytics is crucial for sustainable growth and monetisation. In this episode, Alex Chisnall and James Burtt break down the most important podcast metrics you should be tracking, from download numbers and subscriber growth to average consumption time and audience retention. They also reveal how platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube provide detailed analytics and...

Think you need millions of downloads to make money from podcasting? Think again! In this episode of Start, Grow & Monetise Your Podcast, hosts Alex Chisnall and James Burtt dive deep into how to monetise a small podcast audience effectively. Whether you’re a niche podcaster, industry expert, or content creator, this episode breaks down real-world strategies that have helped small podcasts turn...

The podcast industry is more competitive than ever, and short-form content has emerged as the most effective marketing tool for organic podcast growth in 2025. In this episode of How to Start, Grow & Monetise Your Podcast, Alex Chisnall and James Burtt break down the strategies that have helped podcasts grow from 5,000 to 60,000 downloads per month using TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels...

Branding can make or break your podcast! In this episode, Alex Chisnall and James Burtt dive deep into how to create a strong, recognisable podcast brand that attracts listeners and builds credibility. They cover essential branding strategies, including how to design professional podcast artwork, ensure brand consistency across platforms, and leverage cost-effective tools like Canva and Fiverr to...

Want to attract high-profile guests to your podcast and grow your audience in 2025? In this episode, Alex Chisnall and James Burtt break down the best strategies for booking big-name guests, leveraging LinkedIn outreach, and crafting irresistible pitches.  They share real-world insights from landing Grant Cardone, Lewis Howes, and other top entrepreneurs—proving that even small podcasts can secure...

In this episode of How to Start, Grow & Monetise Your Podcast, hosts Alex Chisnall and James Burtt break down the best AI tools for podcasters that can save time, boost discoverability, and help monetise your podcast. They explore ChatGPT for research and show notes, Otter.ai for transcription, AutoPod for video editing, VidIQ for YouTube optimisation, and Opus Clip for short-form video conten...

Are you ready to take your podcast to the next level? In this episode, James Burtt sits down with David 'Ledge' Ledgerwood from Listen Network to uncover the secrets of podcast promotion through paid media. From leveraging the PESO model (Paid, Earned, Shared, Owned) to targeting niche audiences with precision, Ledge shares actionable strategies that can lift your podcast’s visibility and...

Unlock the secrets of getting PR for your podcast in this insightful episode of Start, Grow and Monetise Your Podcast! Alex Chisnall and James Burtt dive into actionable strategies to secure earned media coverage, build credibility, and attract new listeners. From leveraging regional relevance to crafting the perfect press release, this episode is packed with tips to help your podcast gain visibil...

Dive into the inspiring journey of Martin Hewlett, a former paramedic turned full-time podcaster whose mindfulness and meditation podcast has garnered over 10 million downloads and continues to resonate with listeners worldwide. In this episode, Martin shares his transition from a high-stress career to living his dream life in a camper van, traveling the UK, and recording impactful meditations. Le...

In this episode of "How to Start, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast", James Burtt and Alex Chisnall dive into the art of pitching your podcast to dream guests. From booking high-profile names like Grant Cardone and Lewis Howes to leveraging strategic timing and personalized outreach, they share actionable strategies to elevate your guest roster.  Learn how to use voice notes, social media,...

In this episode of How to Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, James Burtt and Alex Chisnall break down their recent podcast launch, which achieved the #1 spot in two countries and #2 in the UK. With just under 1000 downloads, 2000 YouTube views, and a 40% click-through rate to their Pod School platform, they reveal the strategies behind their success.  From leveraging niche content and creatin...

In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, James Burtt and Alex Chisnall reveal the secrets to turning your podcast into a content machine. Learn how to repurpose your episodes into multiple formats like blogs, video clips, audiograms, and LinkedIn articles to maximize audience reach and engagement.  They discuss the power of macro and micro content strategies inspired by Gary Vayn...

In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast, hosts James Burtt and Alex Chisnall unpack the power of setting clear and actionable podcast goals. They delve into the importance of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and how they drive focus, growth, and long-term success.  Using real-world examples, they illustrate how having a clear listener avata...

In this insightful episode of Pod School, Alex Chisnall and James Burtt delve into the essential practice of defining your podcast's "dream listener avatar." They explore how understanding your audience’s specific demographics, psychographics, and behaviors can elevate your podcast’s resonance and impact.  With real-world examples from brands like Candy Kittens and Nando’s, they high...

In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast , hosts James Burtt and Alex Chisnall answer burning listener questions about podcast success, sponsorships, and finding your niche. Discover actionable tips on how to stand out in a crowded market, pitch to dream sponsors like Barclays, and define success beyond downloads. Learn why niching down helps build a loyal audience and how to alig...

Building a successful podcast starts with a solid structure. In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast , James Burtt and Alex Chisnall reveal the secrets to creating a winning podcast format that keeps your audience hooked and engaged. Learn how to craft a podcast with clear intros, engaging main content, and memorable outroductions while seamlessly integrating sponsorships and sig...

Success in podcasting isn’t just about numbers. In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, James Burtt and Alex Chisnall redefine podcast success, showcasing how it can mean engaging with your audience, building impactful relationships, or achieving personal milestones. Whether you're aiming to grow your brand, connect with key industry players, or make a difference in your nic...

Making your podcast accessible on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts is the first step to global reach. In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, Alex Chisnall and James Burtt break down the exact steps to set up your podcast for seamless distribution. Whether you’re new to podcasting or looking to optimise your setup, this episode provides everything you need to know...

Can You Start a Podcast for Free? YES!  Wondering if you need a big budget to start your podcast? Spoiler: You don’t! In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, Alex Chisnall and James Burtt break down how to create a podcast without spending a dime. From recording with your phone to using free hosting platforms, this episode is your guide to launching your dream podcast on any bud...

Consistency is key when it comes to podcasting success. In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, Alex Chisnall and James Burtt break down everything you need to know about podcast frequency and why maintaining a regular release schedule is critical for growth, audience engagement, and listener retention. 🎙️ Ready to Launch or Level Up Your Podcast? Check out The Ultimate A-Z Cour...

Are you struggling to figure out how long your podcast episodes should be? In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, hosts James Burtt and Alex Chisnall break down the ideal podcast length based on audience preferences, topic depth, and completion rates. Discover how to engage your audience, optimise your episodes for algorithms, and use data-driven decisions to find the perfect d...