Is your podcast still worth the effort? Discover six ways podcasting can reward you (and your audience) beyond downloads.
Happy International Podcast Day! September 30 is a day to celebrate podcasts, podcasting, and what this medium makes possible for us and our audiences.
But you might be wondering whether podcasting is still worth doing. Maybe you're considering ending your podcast. Or you want to start an audio podcast, but all the attention on YouTube and video makes you question whether there's still value in audio.
I think there's lots of value in podcasting! Here are six ways you can benefit, and they aren't all about audience size or money.
1. You can get popular [01:34]
Podcasting can help you become known as the go-to person in your space. That could be professional expertise, a hobby, or even a TV show. Some fan podcasters have become recognized experts on the shows they cover, received shout-outs from those shows, or had opportunities to meet the cast.
I wouldn't suggest making popularity your top goal, but don't dismiss it as a possibility. And prepare for it before it happens. What privacy and safety measures would you want in place if more people knew who you were?
Popularity also brings responsibility. You don't have to turn your podcast into a platform for every issue you care about, but you should recognize that your words can carry more influence and receive greater scrutiny. Think now about how you'll use that influence responsibly and handle the criticism that can come with it.
2. You can build relationships [03:24]
Popularity means being known by more people. Relationships mean being known more deeply. I think those meaningful connections can be the most rewarding benefit of podcasting.
I've seen cohosts become best friends through the time they spend together. You can also build friendships with your audience, your guests, and other podcasters. That's one reason I love podcasting conferences, especially Podfest in Orlando. The hallway conversations let me get to know people, understand their goals, and foster friendships I've had for years. Those gatherings also remind me of relationships we've lost, like my friendship with Todd Cochrane.
If another podcaster serves the same audience, don't automatically treat them as a rival. You both care about some of the same things! That can be the beginning of a friendship, not a reason to keep your distance.
Guest appearances and interviews can build your professional network, too. But these relationships don't have to produce income to be valuable. Whether your podcast is serious or silly, it can connect you with people who share your interests.
3. You can discover new opportunities [05:54]
Podcasting has opened opportunities for me to speak at conferences, travel, review products and services, get early access to things, and advise companies. I was an adviser to Captivate for several years, and I'm currently an adviser to Northflow.
Those advisory opportunities came through podcasting. I didn't already know the founders when they reached out, but their introductions led to opportunities and relationships we've continued developing.
If you run a podcast agency or network and want to improve your operations, I recommend checking out Northflow. I'm not being paid for this recommendation, and that link isn't an affiliate link. I am an adviser to the company.
You might not know which opportunities your podcast will create. Keep providing value and be open to the conversations that follow. An opportunity can lead to a relationship, just as a relationship can lead to an opportunity.
4. You can have lots of fun [07:18]
With all the talk about growing audiences and making money, it's easy to forget that podcasting can simply be fun. You get to talk about your hobbies, passions, and expertise. You can guide the conversation toward what you care about, however serious or silly that might be.
Don't underestimate that benefit just because your audience is small. When you're enjoying your podcast and your audience is enjoying it with you, that can strengthen your connection.
Yes, the technology can sometimes feel overwhelming. But tools increasingly handle things we used to have to figure out ourselves. That's what I meant years ago when I predicted that podcasting technology would “disappear”: not that it would stop existing, but that we'd spend less time thinking about it.
Let your tools support what matters instead of becoming the whole focus. And don't forget to have fun with your podcast!
5. You can earn more income [09:22]
Podcasting can help you earn income, but that usually takes effort and strategy. You probably won't start talking about movies or video games and suddenly have sponsors lining up. If income is your goal, think from a business perspective: what are you actually selling that someone values?
I don't earn much directly from The Audacity to Podcast. My income comes primarily from products and services I've created for podcasters, including Podgagement and PodChapters. The podcast and those products serve the same people, but the products are my business.
You could sell bonus episodes, access to your back catalog, time with you, or a service you provide. Your audience can also support you directly, like giving back to The Audacity to Podcast. Sponsorship is another possibility, but remember what you're selling: access to your audience. A smaller, highly engaged audience can be valuable when it's a good fit for a sponsor.
Affiliate recommendations can earn income, too. For example, a TV-show fan podcast could recommend relevant books, Blu-ray sets, or merchandise. Recommend things your audience would actually want, and clearly disclose whenever you're financially compensated. Whatever approach you choose, focus on the value being exchanged, not the expectation that publishing a podcast should automatically produce money.
6. You can receive tangibles [14:41]
Podcasting can create opportunities to receive products, discounts, or access to services. Some aren't literally tangible, like software you get to try, but they can still help your workflow or give you something useful to share with your audience.
For example, I'm recording this episode with an Electro-Voice RE320 microphone and a first-generation RØDECaster Pro that were given to me. Those opportunities came because of the value I'd provided through my podcast and other channels.
You might also receive something to give away. If a product is relevant to your audience, you could ask the company whether they'd provide one for you to review and then give to a listener. That can benefit the company, your audience, and your podcast.
The important order is to provide value first. Receiving something can be a benefit of podcasting, but helping your audience should remain the reason for sharing it.
These six benefits form the Podcast PROFIT Paradigm I've taught for years: Popularity, Relationships, Opportunities, Fun, Income, and Tangibles.
And the value goes both ways. Your podcast can help your audience experience these benefits, too. So celebrate International Podcast Day by introducing someone to a podcast they'd enjoy, even if it isn't yours, and looking for another way to provide value through your own podcast.
If you love The Audacity to Podcast and value the podcasting inspiration and education I provide, would you please consider giving back what it's worth to you?
Supercharge your podcast engagement and grow your podcast!
Do you ever feel like your podcast is stuck? Like you're pouring your heart into your podcast but it seems like no one is listening?
Try Podgagement to help you supercharge your podcast endgagement!
Get speakable pages to simplify engaging with your audience, accept voicemail feedback (with automatic transcripts), see and share your ratings and reviews from nearly 200 places, follow your podcast rankings across nearly 34,000 global charts, discover networking opportunities, and more!
Ask your questions or share your feedback
- Comment on the episode
- Send a written or voicemail message here
Follow The Audacity to Podcast
- Apple Podcasts, Spotify, other Android apps, or in your favorite podcast app.
- Subscribe on YouTube for Podcasting Videos by The Audacity to Podcast
- Follow @theDanielJLewis on X-Twitter
Disclosure
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.
Related Content
