Post office boxes (maybe called something else in other countries) require an investment (especially increasing the last few years), but they could be worth it for you!
You can get PO Boxes from a local Post Office and even other providers like UPS and such.
1. Privacy, obviously!
This is the obvious top reason most people think of. A PO box protects your home address from going public. All the reasons below tie back to privacy, but just having the box isn't enough—you have to use it correctly!
2. Use your PO Box for public records
Domain registrations used to expose personal info via WHOIS lookups (now shifting to RDAP). Many registrars now offer free privacy protection, but it's still smart to check your own domains. My favorite tool is who.is. Try it with your own domain(s) to see what information is exposed with your domain.
With a PO box, you can list it instead of your home address on domains, business filings, or many public records associated with your podcast and business. It can even serve as your official business mailing address.
3. Encourage your audience to send things
This is the most fun benefit! I've received awesome stuff at my PO box (PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005—feel free to send podcast swag, chocolates, cream soda, gold bars, etc.).
The coolest item I ever received was for my old clean comedy podcast. A listener wrote their funny story on a giant inflatable ball—bigger than a beach ball—slapped postage on it, and mailed it!
Other fans have sent stickers, magnets, posters, signs, and cash. I definitely recommend against sharing your private address with your audience. But with a PO Box, you can still share a mailing address to receive the things people might want to send.
It fits perfectly into my Podcast PROFIT Paradigm (Popularity, Relationships, Opportunity, Fun, Income, Tangibles). A PO box allows you to receive those tangibles as part of your podcast profit, and that can deepen your relationship with your audience.
4. Use your PO Box as a secure delivery address for retailers
Although some retailers won't ship to PO boxes, ask your post office if you can use their street address with your box number formatted as “Suite” or “Box” (for example,123 Main St, Suite 739).
This often allows shipping systems to accept your alternative address. Then, packages arrive securely at the post office—no porch pirates, no weather damage, and no worries while you're at work or traveling.
I've ordered items to arrive while traveling and picked them up safely later. Just confirm with your provider first because some might charge extra or don't allow it.
5. Boost Your Reputation with a Hint of Professionalism
Giving out a PO Box can sound more professional. It positions your podcast as a more established entity, even if it's only your hobby.
If you treat podcasting as a business, the PO box expense is often tax-deductible (check with your accountant). Plus, you can use it as the return address when mailing things to listeners—keeping your home private.
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This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship. I may receive compensation from your actions through such links. However, I don't let that corrupt my perspective and I don't recommend only affiliates.
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