In an ideal world, podcasters would be able to produce content without having to worry about money. In the real world, however, all content creators need money to live and to offer quality productions. Here are five tips for getting paid for your podcasts!
If you have an idea for a podcast, whether it’s a one-off or a series, you can start by approaching various producers.
Depending on the format, topic and tone of your project, you can pitch your idea to:
Each studio has its own preferences when it comes to selecting a project. So be sure to find the right one for you, and don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries at different studios before being chosen.
Also, feel free to visit the websites of each of the studios you’re interested in to get more information regarding their selection process.
If you have a relatively large audience or think you can mobilize a community around your project, you can engage in participatory funding. This can take several forms:
You’ll need to specify how you’ll be using this money. Is it to pay yourself directly? To pay for equipment/materials? To pay for transportation as part of producing a podcast?
Another way to monetize your podcast is to find a sponsor. If you have a lot of listeners or your show is about a niche topic, a podcast sponsor might be the perfect fit.
To do so, you should identify a few brands that may be interesting to your audience based on the theme of your show.
You can then approach these companies and highlight what they have to gain by partnering with you.
Give them as much information as possible regarding your podcast’s style, audience and listener statistics.
Don’t forget to attach an episode and/or “demo” (which is useful if your contact doesn’t have time to listen to an entire episode).
Specify the type of sponsorship you’re proposing. For example, it can take the form of a commercial at the beginning of the episode, presented by the brand or yourself.
Even if you don’t have thousands of downloads per episode, having a niche topic increases the chances that your listeners will be directly interested in your topic…
And therefore, more interested in the brand that’s sponsoring your podcast.
If you have expertise in podcast design, sound recording, editing and mixing, you can produce podcasts directly for a brand.
In the past few months, many companies have launched their own audio programs. This allows them to develop their brand universe and attract new customers.
If you have a particular affinity for a brand, you might consider approaching it directly for brand content. Explain your project and highlight your skills.
However, don’t sell yourself short. Podcasts cost less than videos, but quality production requires time and resources.
Another solution for getting paid as a podcaster is to offer products inspired by your show: tote bags, mugs, pins, etc. You can create an e-shop on your podcast website!
For this, you can either go through a platform that’ll handle your orders, or you can manage this business yourself.
This can be an attractive solution if you have a large, well-established community. However, be careful you don’t underestimate the time spent on product design, communications, and order management.
Don’t expect to make a living out of it, either. You’re more likely to make a bit of pocket money versus a real salary!
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