Make money at home with podcast!

Almost everyone who enjoys podcasts has found themselves thinking: What if I made my own program? You don't have to be a big fan of technology to know that podcasts are gaining more and more space in our society.

What is a podcast?

A podcast is basically audio content that can be made available through streaming on platforms such as Spotify, Orelo, Google Podcasts and iTunes.

Despite being very similar to the beloved radio programs, what sets the two apart is the more specific and accessible content segmentation, allowing the user to listen to the programs wherever and whenever they want, thus ensuring more freedom for those who consume them.

And, unlike written materials, audio content allows for greater mobility for those who consume it, for example. While listening to a program, you can work, walk, clean the house, go to the gym…

This is a huge advantage, as our lives are increasingly intense and fast-paced. This has helped make podcasts so popular these days.

What are the advantages of this format?

Take a look at some of the main advantages of investing in podcasts:

• Economy: Compared to other platforms – such as TV and even YouTube videos – the cost of creation and practicality are strong points of the format, allowing it to be more accessible.
• Equipment: You don't need much to kickstart your podcast! With a microphone, recorder and simple editing, you can record your shows with ease;
• Audience diversity: There are audiences of all ages. Just define the topic that most connects with your audience!

How to define the theme of my podcast

This is when your imagination can run wild! That's because, with the popularization of the format, there are now podcasts about almost everything! News, recipes, pop culture, journalism, cinema, criminal investigation, finance, politics, recipes, ufology and much more.

The possibilities are almost endless! The ideal is to think of a broad, more general theme. This main theme will act as an “umbrella”, guiding the subthemes.

For example: if your show is about pop culture, the topics could be music, movies, and TV shows. And now, the golden tip is: choose a subject that you are an expert in! By speaking about the chosen topic with expertise, you will be able to attract your target audience and, consequently, captivate your audience!

Program planning

Before thinking about technical aspects, a very important phase is planning. Generally speaking, your program is like a text: it needs to follow a clear structure. A commonly used model of structure is:

Vignette;
Presentation of the program and the host;
Theme;
Theme development;
Preparation for completion;
Notices/announcements;
Invitation to the CTA;
Closing.

Depending on the theme of your podcast, you can “play” a lot with the topics that will be covered during the program, creating specific sections or blocks that are still part of the proposed theme. This will give more dynamism to the episode!

Another important tip is: regardless of the theme of your program, produce quality content. This will help – a lot! – to add value to the listener, highlighting your program.

Where to publish your podcast

Once you’ve recorded and edited your show, it’s time to upload it for everyone to hear! At this point, it’s essential that you look for accessible alternatives for your audience.

After all, you don't want your audience to have any difficulties when accessing and listening to your podcast, right?

Currently, there are some content aggregators that make life easier for content producers and the distribution of their programs. Anchor, for example, publishes your podcast directly to platforms like Spotify, iTunes and Google Podcasts.

Tips for monetizing your content

Advertisers

Companies are increasingly looking at the potential of podcasts. This is leading them to increasingly seek partnerships and sponsorships.

I bet you’ve heard an episode where the host mentions a brand and then does a quick merchandising of the product/service. And this is likely to become more and more common, as companies and marketing departments are starting to see the potential that podcasts have.

But, for your program to become a target for these brands, it needs to have a well-defined identity and operating segments!

Crowdfunding

This is one of the main forms of monetization among podcasts. Incentive and donation campaigns work as a kind of members' area.

The platforms Patreon and Padrim are a reference in the area, helping to connect content producers with fans who want to support and financially encourage the project.

To encourage your audience, you can offer exclusive content and benefits to listeners who participate in the project, such as extra episodes, early access, program appearances and gifts.

The search for sponsors never stops!

Once you have advertisers, the next step is to find regular sponsors for your show. This happens when the companies and the podcast share the same target audience.

When companies notice a program that is standing out, they will soon seek to be part of the project and, thus, win over that slice of the public!

As you can see, although there are several possibilities and ways to make money with podcasts, there is no magic recipe to transform your podcast into something profitable overnight. Therefore, the key word is to experiment!

It is by experimenting that you will discover the best form of monetization and which one works best for you and gives you the best results. Only then will you be able to conquer your space as a content creator.