These days, everyone and their ex-boyfriend has a podcast.
But do they actually make money with it?
There are plenty of ways to make money podcasting, from placing ads to selling merch.
The most popular podcasters make millions, but even hobbyists can make some extra cash.
Take David Weinberger co-host ofShonen Flop,for example.
We take a look at a lesser-known manga that ran in the popular Japanese magazineShonen Jump, he said.
Not every podcast is going to be as popular or profitable asSerial.
But plenty of podcasters make a little extra money doing what they love.
We asked Weinberger to walk us through the steps.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
1.
Get Real
Making money with podcasting is a totally realistic goal.
But how much money?
But for every uber-successful megahit podcast, there are a hundred others that never make a cent.
Most podcasts fall somewhere in between.Shonen Flopis one of them.
When setting goals for podcasting income, be realistic.
You probably wont make a million in your first year.
Focus on putting out the best show you might in the meantime.
Get Professional
Listeners (and potential advertisers) tune out when sound quality is low.
Make audio a priority from day one.
Your first episode will always be your first episode, Weinberger said.
If its full of static, road noise and ums, no one will listen to episode two.
There are a few simple things you’re free to do to sound great from the beginning.
First, acquire a decent microphone.
Second, learn how to use audio editing software Audacity is a popular (and free!)
Weinberger has an excellent, thorough guide available righthere.
Finally, be ruthless.
Filler words, misspeaks, and unfunny tangents have got to go.
If youre cutting fifteen minutes, youre cutting the worst fifteen minutes of your show.
Get Promoted
If you want to make money with podcasting, you need listeners.
How do you find them?
Those initial hundred listens a month are all going to be people that know you, Weinberger said.
After that, make connections with other podcasters in your wheelhouse.
Host a show about Barbies?
Make friends with the American Girl podcast host.
you’ve got the option to work together to make great episodes and boost your profile.
Heres a real-life example of how this works.
When Shonen Flop invitedRedfromOverly Sarcastic Productionsto guest star, the show got a big jump in listenership.
Why not your podcast?
One, you’ve got the option to approach them.
Theres nothing wrong with cold-emailing a business and asking them if theyd like to team up.
Two, you might connect with a middle man who pitches advertisers for you.
Three, you’re free to wait for advertisers to come to you.
Once your numbers hit about 1,000 downloads per episode, you might get a knock on the proverbial door.
Shonen Flop has been approached by advertisers.
So far, theyve said no.
Why leave money on the table?
Get Fans
Another major revenue stream for podcasters is their audience.
Many fans will throw in a few bucks a month for early, ad-free, and bonus content.
The most popular way to do this is Patreon.
WhileYWAs exact revenue isnt public, some back of the napkin math tells you theyre making a tidy sum.
Fans of the show might also shell out for merchandise.Printed t-shirtsare an old stand-by and relatively easy to produce.
Dont Want to Monetize?
It Can Just Be Fun
Is all this talk of monetization starting to kill your joy for podcasting?
Theres definitely been temptation to say: can we make a career out of this?
But then, if its your job, it adds a lot more stress for you.
You really have to care about your listenership.
Its OK for podcasting to be fun.
Its OK for it to be ahobby.
Ciara McLaren is a freelance writer with work in HuffPost, MoneyGeek, and The Penny Hoarder.
you’re able to find her on Substack (@camclaren).
When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look?
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
