Setting Podcast Expectations

Starting a podcast is an exciting adventure fueled by passion and the desire to create meaningful content. We are so pumped to “get this thing going” that we often think more with our hearts than our brains. One crucial aspect often overlooked is setting realistic goals, particularly concerning monetization.

Understanding Podcast Monetization

It’s essential to acknowledge that relying solely on podcast income to quit your day job can be challenging, especially in the early stages (and by that, I mean 99.9% impossible). Unless you’re targeting an ultra-niche, high-income audience, like spine surgeons, immediate financial returns may be modest.

But don’t let that deter you! Success lies in managing expectations and prioritizing what truly matters — building an engaged community through high-quality content and smart promotion.

A Realistic Scenario

Consider this: You achieve 100 downloads per episode within 30 days. Impressive, right? That’s potentially 100 individuals finding value in your podcast. However, most advertising agencies won’t see this as a large enough audience for monetization opportunities.

The 3% Rule

When I did the research for my book on podcast monetization, typically, about 3% of your audience will take action and invest in…