7 Ways How To Monetize A Podcast (2023 Guide)
Have you ever wanted to know how to start a podcast and earn money from it?
If so, you’re not alone.
With tons of podcast hosting sites and platforms available, starting your show is now easier than ever.
In addition, with the average person spending 7+ hours per week listening to podcasts, there’s a huge opportunity to make money in this space.
But how do you successfully monetize a podcast?
That is the question you need to be able to answer before ever recording your first podcast episode.
In this article, I will share with you some of the most popular ways to monetize a podcast right now, so you’ll be able to not only share valuable content with the world but also make money from it.
Let’s dive deep into this topic.
Best Ways To Monetize A Podcast
As a podcast host, you must remember that you control how you monetize your show.
You can mix and match different methods to find what works best for you and your audience.
This is an excellent concept to remember as you go over the following section on the best ways to monetize your podcast.
1. Sell Advertising Space On Your Podcast
A podcast episode is a great way to sell advertising space.
You can find advertising that your target audience will be interested in, and that will fit well with your show’s content.
A podcast advertising network like Advertisecast can help you find the right podcast sponsorship that works for you and your audience.
Alternatively, you can connect with companies that might be willing to pay for ad space on your show and explain the benefits they would get if they did so.
Even if you have a smaller audience that’s highly engaged, you will probably still be able to sell advertising, but it may not be as profitable as those with a larger following.
2. Have Listeners Donate Money To Support The Show
Podcast hosts can ask their listeners to donate money as a sign of support.
Whether by creating premium content or simply asking for donations, this is one of the monetization methods where the sky is the limit.
From creating paid content to direct donations, many options are available for those who want to ask their listeners for this type of help.
A Patreon account can also be used to collect monthly donations from your listeners in exchange for more content from your side.
This is a popular option for those who want to offer their listeners exclusive content in exchange for their support and can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars every so often.
Alternatively, you can use payment solutions like Paypal and Square to collect donations from your listeners.
No matter what platform you use, your call to action in this situation will be very important to get right.
You must explain to your listeners what they will be getting in return for their donation and how it will benefit them.
3. Offer Consulting Or Coaching Services Related To Your Podcast Topics
Starting a coaching business related to your podcast topic is a great way to turn your show into a profitable business.
You can share your knowledge and expertise with those who need it, and get paid for doing so.
This is a great option for those who want to turn their passion into a business and help others at the same time.
A podcast can be the perfect introduction that potential clients need in order to see you as an expert in your field and feel comfortable working with you.
Then, with coaching platforms that can take away the headache of starting and running a coaching business, you can get started and monetize your podcast in no time.
4. Use Affiliate Marketing To Make Money From Products Or Services Mentioned On Your Show
From recommending online services to selling other businesses’ products through a customized link, there are many ways to make money through affiliate marketing.
Having a niche audience can sometimes work better as the podcast content can directly tie into your recommended products or services.
Remember that podcast listeners are a knowledgeable and discerning group of people.
If you are trying to make money podcasting through the right affiliate link, ensure that your recommendations align with your values and that you’re not just trying to sell anything and everything to make a few dollars.
5. Sell Merchandise Related To Your Podcast
Podcast hosts can sell merch related to their show to monetize their podcasts.
This can be anything from t-shirts and mugs to more unique items like stickers and pins.
With the additional ability to offer exclusive access to merchandise only to your podcast listeners (and possibly in a limited amount), you can use human biases such as scarcity and exclusivity to work in your favor.
6. Sell Access To Your Products Or Services
From selling an online course related to your podcast topic to hosting events that deliver tons of value to your listeners, there are many ways to monetize your podcast by selling access to your own products or services.
Podcasts allow future customers to see the value you can offer and make up their minds about whether or not they want to invest in it.
Having a podcast website also lends itself to having a section that deals with going into detail about your products or services.
Taking the online courses example mentioned before, you can give away free content as a teaser of what people can expect from the system, hosted directly on your website or through the right integration with an online course platform.
This can make for a more successful podcast and enhance the number of sales businesses make from their products or services.
7. Repurpose Your Content
When you look at your podcast analytics, you’ll see that the number of listeners for specific podcasts will be higher than others.
This is expected, as some topics will be more popular than others.
When you see that the content of a popular podcast resonated more with your audience than other topics, it’s essential to take note.
While most podcast creators will create new content around such a topic and use that in future podcasts, a better idea would be to use similar content and repurpose it for other channels.
The possibilities are endless in this case.
From starting a YouTube channel where you post the video feed from your podcast, to starting a blog and expanding on the topics in written format, to hosting webinars that teach people more about your podcast topic, there are multiple ways to go about doing this.
Some tools can even help with the podcast conversion process, making it easier for entrepreneurs who want to expand into more channels after podcasting.
By repurposing popular content, you can make the most of what’s already working well and ensure your message reaches as many people as possible.
Growing A Podcast Listenership
Considering your marketing strategy when growing revenue streams through podcasts is critical.
At its foundation, building a loyal audience goes hand in hand with the level at which you are able to monetize your podcast.
The bigger your audience is within your own business, the more partnerships and opportunities will open up, so having a plan to grow your listenership should be a priority.
Here are some of the best ways to grow a podcast listenership.
Filled Your Podcast Episodes With Value
From getting more downloads, to word-of-mouth recommendations from listeners, value is the name of the game when it comes to podcasting.
If your episodes are filled with actionable information that people can use in their everyday lives, they’re much more likely to keep coming back for more.
It’s also essential to ensure that each episode is digestible and relevant.
No one wants to listen to a rambling podcast that feels like it’s going nowhere.
Keep your episodes focused on one topic, and ensure you deliver value throughout the entire thing.
Offer Something Unique
Tied to the previous point, no one wants to listen to the content they can get anywhere else.
If you’re regurgitating information people can find elsewhere, people will not stick around for long.
Whether you provide your unique point of view about a topic and your experience in that field, or create exclusive content that can’t be found anywhere else, offering something unique is essential for keeping people engaged.
Tease Future Content
Getting current subscribers to keep returning for every new podcast highly depends on what happens both during and at the end of the previous podcast.
The ability to tease what’s in store in future episodes is a great way to keep people hooked and ensure they return for more.
It also helps to build a sense of anticipation and excitement around your show, which can do wonders for word-of-mouth promotion.
Interact With Your Listeners
You can’t just expect to release a podcast into the world and have people magically start listening to it.
You need to go out and actively promote your show if you want people to find it.
One of the best ways to do this is by interacting with your potential audience.
Whether through social media, forums, or other online communities, engaging with people who might be interested in your podcast is a great way to get them to check it out.
It also helps create a connection between you and your listeners, making them more likely to become loyal fans over time.
Feedback is a two-way street, so ensure you take the time to interact with your audience and address their concerns.
Be Consistent With Release Schedules
Having a podcast audience tune in every time you release a new episode is essential for growing your show.
But to achieve this level of consistency, you need to have a set schedule and stick to it.
Releasing episodes on a random basis will only serve to confuse and frustrate your listeners.
They will not stick around for long if they can’t count on you to release new content regularly.
In addition, a set schedule is the best way to ensure that your audience keeps returning for more and that you keep yourself accountable when creating shows.
Use Social Media To Promote Your Show
As much as it might hurt, people might forget about your show unless you remind them.
One of the best ways to do this is by using social media.
Make sure to actively promote your show on your social media channels and take advantage of relevant profiles on various networks.
This will help ensure that your podcast gets in front of as many potential listeners as possible.
You can also use social media to interact with your audience and get feedback on your episodes.
This can be a great way to improve your show’s quality over time and ensure that you’re consistently delivering content that people want to hear.
Use Your Storytelling Skills
Getting an audience to listen to your podcast is one thing, but getting them to stick around until the end is another.
Using your storytelling skills is the best way to share your stories and keep people engaged.
Being authentic when telling your stories is also key to connecting with your audience.
Those that have successful podcasts know how to use their storytelling skills to keep people engaged and coming back for more.
Choosing The Right Podcast Platform
Here are some top features to consider when choosing a podcast platform.
Ease Of Use
No one wants to spend hours figuring out how to use a complicated piece of software.
When choosing a podcast platform, make sure to go with one that is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
The last thing you want is to waste time figuring out how to use the podcasting platform instead of creating content.
Distribution And Monetization Options
There are several ways you can monetize your podcast, so choosing a platform that offers the options you need is essential.
From running pre-roll, midroll, or post-roll podcast ads to selling products through a paywall, make sure the platform you choose makes it easy for you to get things done.
Comprehensive Analytics
Knowing your target audience and what content they respond to is essential for any successful podcaster.
Make sure to choose a platform that offers comprehensive analytics so you can constantly improve the quality of your show.
Metrics like CPM, downloads, listener location, and device type are just some of the things you should be able to track.
The more data you have, the better you’ll be able to fine-tune your content and ensure that you’re always putting out the best possible show.
High-Quality Audio
You want your audience to be able to listen to your podcast without any issues, so make sure to choose a platform that offers high-quality audio.
No one wants to listen to a fuzzy or distorted podcast, so test the sound quality before committing to a particular platform.
Pricing
Finally, be sure to consider the pricing of each platform before making your decision.
While some platforms are free, others can be pretty expensive, so choosing one that fits your budget is important.
Don’t forget to factor in things like distribution fees and other potential costs when making your decision.
What Are The Top Podcast Platforms?
The biggest podcast platforms include Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
That said, if you want less competition and more specific features, consider platforms like Buzzsprout and Podbean, which offer more comprehensive features for podcasters.
That said, choosing the right platform will come down to your specific needs as a podcaster, so consider what’s important to you before making your decision.
Wrap Up.
The above step-by-step guide will help monetize your podcast as it grows.
In every action you take, always prioritize the value you provide your target audience over anything else, as this is the best way to keep them engaged.
Finally, consider using a mix of the podcast monetization strategies I’ve discussed to ensure that you’re making the most of monetizing your podcast.
Have you ever recorded a podcast?
What tips do you have for others who are thinking about how to make money with their show?
Let me know in the comments below!
Further reading on AdamEnfroy.com: With various strategies to market your podcasts, you can increase the odds of people finding and listening to your show.
With the wide range of affiliate programs available, you can also make money by promoting products and services on your podcast.
You could also use streaming software to repurpose your podcast content and make it easier for people to consume content based on their preferred format and channel.
Last Updated on February 20, 2023 by Adam Enfroy
