Prologue
Podcasting Skills = Money
If you're interested in making money with your podcasting skills this year, you're going to love the opportunity I have listed below—a spreadsheet with contact info (and payment rates) for tons of podcasts and broadcast radio shows who are looking for freelance producers.
Also, a (not so) funny video of a guest accidentally shooting a gun during a podcast interview, a way to automate your guest bookings, and more ...
Be careful out there!
Sponsor
Big Podcast AMP
If you like the newsletter, you'll love Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program).
This personal coaching program helps you do three things:
- Grow your podcast audience.
- Get people talking about your podcast.
- Make more money with your podcast (and podcasting skills).
You can get details here.
Podcaster Opportunities
Podcast Production Pitch List
If you're curious about how much money you can make as a podcast producer or want to see who is looking for podcast producers, this is the list you want.
It includes opportunities with:
- 99% Invisible
- All Things Considered
- Criminal
- Embedded
- Love and Radio
- Morning Edition
- Planet Money
- Radiolab
Podcasting News
Audio vs. Video Content ... Again
"It’s such a short-sighted thing for the podcast industry to be doing, to move away from the very thing that we have in our favor, which is that podcasts are there as entertainment for your ears while your eyes are busy. "
This is a quote from James Cridland of Podnews.
I just talked about this topic in the previous issue of this newsletter as well as the latest episode of Build a Big Podcast.
Video companies who need free content from people like us are selling a dream, trying to get us to play their game.
Yes, video has its place, but don't buy into their hype—there is plenty of room for audio-first content.
Podcast Production
Guest Accidentally Fires Gun During Podcast Interview (Video)
Drugs and guns in the podcast studio ... what would go wrong?
This guy is lucky he didn't hurt himself or somebody else.
You can watch a video of the incident here.
It's an interesting situation, for sure. If you have any thoughts on it, post them in the comments section, because I'll be doing a related episode of Build a Big Podcast about this general situation (not just the gun) and I'd love to share your comments.
Podcasting Deals
Automated Podcast Booking for Only $49
Zcal is an automated scheduling tool with a very nice interface that looks similar to Typeform and can include a custom video to help guests learn more about your process and what you expect from them ... or just set them at ease.
If you're not already using a similar tool, check out Zcal and make your life easier.
Podcast Humor
Bad Guests? Just Say No!
Something I learned the hard way when I was a performing musician is that it's easy to say yes to a job, especially when money is involved, without actually thinking the job through. For example, a $5000 performance can seem like a lot of money, before you factor in time, equipment rental, travel costs, etc.
Podcasters have something similar with guests. It's easy for us to put something (or somebody) a few months into the future, without considering that "the future" comes quickly and can take up a lot of time and resources when it does.
If you're not sure about a guest, it's fine to have that person check back with you later. But if you know somebody isn't a match for your podcast, say so now—never assume that person will forget to followup with you when pushed to "check back in a few months." Followup always happens these days thanks to automation tools available with the most common email services.
Don't let things get awkward!
Podcast Monetization
Start Monetizing Your Podcasts with Spotify
How it works ...
You'll earn money every time an ad monetized by Spotify plays in your episode. This is on *all platforms *where your podcast is distributed, not just Spotify.
All you do is mark where you want your ads to play within each episode, and Spotify does the rest, delivering targeted ads so each of your fans gets an experience that's relevant to them.
There are several monetization tools for both audio and video podcasts.
Is taking part in this program a good match for your podcast? Maybe. But most podcasters will earn more money by working directly with sponsors.
Need help with this? Start with this book ... Sponsor Magnet: How to Attract, Price, & Execute Your Dream Brand Partnerships
Classifieds
Riverside - Remote Recording Studio
Riverside records high-quality audio (and video) directly from your browser. No special equipment is needed and connecting with your guest is as simple as sending a web link!
You can try Riverside free (no credit card is needed) and, if you like it, save 15% on any paid plan by using the coupon code BIGPODCAST.
The Wrap Up
Do This Next ...
If you want the shortcut to building a podcast people care about, here’s how Big Podcast can help you …
Free of charge ...
- Big Podcast Extra – Short emails to help you build an audience, attract clients, and make money via podcasting
- Build a Big Podcast – The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
- Podcast Growth Toolkit – The "Swiss Army Knife" of podcasting ...
For budgets under $750 …
- Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) – Personalized coaching for indie podcasters to help you grow your podcast audience and build your authority, brand, and reputation
For budgets of $3000 or more …
We offer a range of podcasting services including:
- Full-service podcast production and marketing
- Podcast and radio hosting
- Podcast launch and development services