Prologue
Let's think beyond "podcast advertising"
Something I've noticed from a lot of podcasters, and maybe this is because I'm in the business of marketing, is that many are obsessed with trying to make money via advertising.
I get it. People "vote" with their wallets and seeing money come in is one way to know that somebody finds value in what you do.
But money isn't the only signifier of value and "advertising" is just the beginning as far as the money you can make with podcasting.
Not every podcast is a match for "advertising." And not every podcaster needs to worry about being paid directly from a podcast.
Trust me, the money is there, but I encourage you to "play chess" when it comes to making it with your podcast. Most podcasters will find there is a lot more money to be made from merch, associated services, and live appearances than direct advertising.
Just think about it. And if you want to put together a podcast monetization plan, I can help you.
Podcasting News
Podcasts start coming to Facebook next week
Everybody and his brother has been talking about this and now the time is finally here...almost.
Personally, I've already received notice from Facebook to set everything up, so RED Podcast is ready to go on launch day. The funny interesting thing is, I don't even bother with the RED Podcast Facebook page.This makes me think Facebook is getting everybody set up. So if you're interested in having your podcast there on launch day, you may want to log-in to your podcast's Facebook page and see if they want to verify your feed info.
Spotify's "Clubhouse" knockoff is here!
Spotify has been busy in the spoken-word audio space, snatching up podcasts like Call Her Daddy to exclusive offers and this "Clubhouse" knockoff – a way to record live conversations and distribute them as podcast episodes.
Clubhouse launched like a rocket, but like Skylab, fell from orbit pretty quickly. Does Spotify have the juice to make Greenroom stick? We'll see...
I don't think any single piece of software is going to be a magic bullet for podcasting, but the option for podcasters to "go live" is nice and, if you have the skill to pull it off successfully, it can be helpful to growing your podcast audience.
Definitely check this out and be aware of it. And if you're using it, let me know if you want me to use you as an example when this is discussed in future issues.
Podcasting Tools
DIY Acoustic Panels
In 2018, Marcus dePaula built a dozen acoustic panels using pine boards, Rockwool insulation, and fabric. The whole project cost less than $400, including mounting hardware, and took just a couple weekends to complete.
Now, Marcus has released written instructions on how anyone can build their own acoustic panels.
I've already got this project scoped out and will be making my own acoustic panels within the next month. If you decide to do this also, let me know, because I'd love to feature photos of your panels when I revisit this topic in the future.
Podcast Production
27 Pictures of Desks - Top Marketers Share Tips for Cameras, Mics, and Lights
Speaking of home studios, you'll find these "desk photos" from top content creators (writers and podcasters) showing where they do their work interesting.
FYI – I share podcast studio photos via the Big Podcast Instagram page all the time. If you'd like me to feature you, submit your studio photo here.
The Wrap Up
Like this newsletter? Tell a friend!
My goal is to better empower podcasters to be more successful spreading their messages and make more money with their podcasts.
I'd love it if you'll help me spread the word about this newsletter by sending your podcasting friends to bigpodcast.com/newsletter.