In this episode, I take you through my personal experience of evolving from a podcasting novice in 2019 to a professional editor and producer for over 30 shows globally.

I provide my top five tips for those interested in starting their own podcast on a budget. My recommendations include selecting basic but vital equipment, creating a workable home studio, utilizing efficient recording and editing software, seeking assistance and guidance from friends and the online podcasting community, and the importance of continuous learning and networking.

The episode serves to demystify podcasting for newcomers and emphasizes the possibility of producing top-tier content without breaking the bank.

00:47 Podcasting on a Budget: The Scottish Way
02:16 Essential Equipment for Podcasting
10:35 Setting Up Your Home Studio
16:15 Choosing the Right Recording and Editing Software
18:43 Leveraging Your Network for Podcasting Success
20:52 Learning and Networking in the Podcasting Community

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

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“This sponsorship would never have come without TikTok. This brand did not hear my podcast… they saw a short video on TikTok.”

When I recorded this episode, I wanted to share something that genuinely surprised even me: after years of being skeptical about TikTok, a sponsor reached out purely because of our short-form video content. They never listened to the show, never watched the YouTube version—they saw a clip on TikTok and decided Discover Vietnam was a brand they wanted to work with.

It also reinforced the value of understanding my audience deeply and being confident in pricing. What happened here wasn’t luck; it was the result of intention, consistency, and a willingness to experiment.

I hope this story helps you rethink your own distribution strategy and gives you practical inspiration to monetize your show.

Key Talking Points

1. How TikTok unexpectedly brought in a paid sponsor: Despite not being a TikTok user, one short clip led directly to a sponsorship deal.
2. Why repurposing each episode into multiple formats increases value: Audio, video, clips, blog posts—each touchpoint builds your brand equity.
3. How I used AI to understand my audience and set pricing: Combining data from Buzzsprout, Apple, Spotify, and ChatGPT clarified my target demographic.
4. The full negotiation process from first message to deal signed: How I went from “this looks like spam” to landing a 4-episode partnership.
5. Why posting everywhere matters—even if you don’t personally like the platform: Sponsors care about visibility and reach, not whether you scroll TikTok.

Chapters and Timestamps

• 02:00 – Understanding My Audience with AI
• 05:00 – Why Repurposing Content Matters
• 07:00 – Growing on TikTok Without Even Trying
• 09:00 – The Sponsorship Message & My Skepticism
• 10:00 – Negotiation, Pricing, and Closing the Deal

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

"As soon as you start doing something for money, whether you like it or not. It's gonna change."

Podcasting expert and host of Smarter Podcasting Niall Mackay is interviewed by Samantha an AI Voice powered by ChatGPT.

Niall shares his journey from being an avid podcast listener to becoming a successful podcaster himself. He candidly discusses the challenges of podcasting, strategies for attracting and retaining an audience, and the future of the industry.

Niall's wealth of experience and practical advice make this a must-listen for aspiring and experienced podcasters alike.

Niall delves into the transition from hobby to profession, emphasizing how money changes the dynamics of podcasting. He also explores the importance of consistency, authenticity, and community-building in establishing a dedicated following.

Additionally, Niall shares his thoughts on the impact of video integration and offers monetization strategies for podcasters.

Key Takeaways:
- Appreciate the time commitment required for podcasting, and consider outsourcing tasks like editing to save time.
- Consistency and being true to yourself are crucial for building a dedicated audience.
- Engage with your audience where they are, and provide value beyond just promoting your episodes.
- Sponsorships and Patreon are viable monetization strategies, but don't expect quick riches from podcasting.
- Video integration is the future of podcasting, but audio should remain the primary focus.

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!