How to start an internet radio station: A step-by-step guide

Monday, 23 August 2021

People ask this question a lot.

We get it – getting started is 50% of the process, right?

But if you are still wondering how to create your own internet radio station, look no further!

Looksomething.com has created this comprehensive guide for you, to get you on the right track.

There’s a tone of information out there, and, well, not everything you read online is true! But we have the science, the experience and the will to get you started, so you can build your own radio website in no time, too.

Let’s see how! 

1. What equipment do I need to run an internet radio station?

Start with the elephant in the room.

If you have to ask what the elephant is, maybe you’re not ready yet – just saying.

Jokes aside, the first and most important thing to get you started is the equipment!

Internet radio stations are a lot easier to run than terrestrial ones, because you will normally need less equipment – and less expertise, which is always a good thing when jumping into new adventures!

In order to get started, you’ll only need the basics: A computer with internet connection! If you only plan on playing music, maybe that’s all you’ll need. But if you plan on talking, here are a few extra necessities:

• Microphone
• Headphones
• Recording/editing software

Want to go all-in? You can always upgrade to state-of-the-art equipment and get an audio interface, a boom arm, a pop filter, a mixer – the list goes on, and it depends on how much you’re willing to spend, really.

The good thing is that, by requiring less technical knowledge, web radios become easier to run even from the comfort of your own bedroom.

Not that we condone that – we’re just saying it’s possible.

 

 

2. How do I decide the concept of my web radio?

This is probably the most important question you must ask yourself before diving in.

Maybe your heart is already set on a specific topic, like sports, so you want to keep this theme throughout your station.

Maybe you’re still figuring things out and want to see what works and what not. Is it news? Is it music?

It’s fine.

Whatever you choose is fine, and of course you can always change your mind along the way. But it’s important to have an idea at least, before going on air.

3. So, where is my audience?

Uhm, wrong question!

First you need to ask yourself, *what* is your audience.

In marketing, there is the concept of the buyer persona, meaning the ideal customer. So, what’s the ideal “customer” of your internet radio station? Is it a man or a woman? How old are they? Are they interested in local artists or listen to foreign music? Are they listening to your station in their cars or while they exercise?

These are all very important questions to ask yourself – only after answering these you will be able to recognize your audience, and then you can figure out where to find them!

 

4. Do I need a brand in order to build a radio website?

No, you don’t – but, yes, you do!

As in… it’s not necessary, but it will be useful. Very useful. So useful that it becomes necessary.

Does that make sense?

Having a logo, having a name, having an identity: it’s what makes you memorable, what sets you apart from competition and, ultimately, what contributes to your brand awareness the most.

So, if you want to monetize down the line through advertising, the digital presence of your web radio station or radio app are very important.

Memorable branding? Cha-ching $!

Further reading: How to create a radio app for your radio station?

5. I'm all set! Now how do I promote my radio station?

This is one of the most important aspects of web radio set up, because this is where things can get more technical.

Whether you run a website, an android radio app or an  ios radio app, marketing is always important.

In order to promote your web radio, increase your listenership, and, ultimately, monetize, you’ll have to open your wings and try new things. Not everything works for everyone.

It can be social media marketing that does the trick for your niche market, or influencer marketing, or SEO marketing. You have to dip your toes in uncharted waters to see for yourself. You can also try radio directories, events, or newsletters.

The more you try to promote your station, and the more ways you utilize, the better.

Further reading: 13+1 smart ways to promote your radio efficiently

6. Now the fun part: How do I make money from my internet radio station? 

Some people may by interested in radio because they just like music. Maybe the feel good behind the microphone: playing music, making playlists, talking with the audience (and not at them!)

But, maybe, just maybe, it would be nice to earn some money from it?

Here are some ways to consider:

• Radio ads
• Banner ads
• Interstitial Google ads
• Affiliate marketing
• Merchandise

In case you have people that want to have a website or a mobile app like yours, you have the opportunity to resell all of Looksomething’s services as if they are yours, through our unique white-label reseller program.

If you’ve got questions about it, here are a few words: With Looksomething.com’s white-label reseller program you can have all the apps & websites we develop under your brand, while Looksomething appears nowhere.

Tip: Our reseller plan gives you the ability to sell all our mobile & web solutions and entitles you to a 25% discount.

7. Any finishing thoughts and touches before I set sail?

Here are the final steps you need to consider if you’re still wondering how to create your own internet radio station.

• It’s cheaper to run that terrestrial radio stations. Give it a go!
• You can broadcast without geographical restrictions.
• Web radios have a better sound quality than AM/FM stations.
• You need to customize and find your niche market!
• You have to decide on the specifics: live broadcasting? Podcasting? Playlists?
• What are the copyright laws in your country? You must make sure you are legal!
• Content is king! You need to stay fresh!

And, last but not least, evaluate your processes and decisions as you go, and don’t be afraid to change what doesn’t work.

If you still have questions, Looksomething.com is here for you. Ask your question now!

 

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