Is your podcast just a fun side gig, or could it be something more? We tackle this question head-on, inspired by a listener who’s got a budding podcast and some serious self-doubt creeping in.

We break down the reality of podcast growth and the often disappointing truth of monetization. Let’s face it, just because you’ve got listeners doesn’t mean you’re rolling in dough. We dive into strategies for gauging your audience’s engagement and the importance of asking them for feedback. You’ll hear how to avoid the common pitfall of spreading yourself too thin (because nobody wants to end up burnt out and bitter).

And hey, if you’re dreaming of making a living off your podcast, we’ve got some tough love for you. It’s all about building an audience first, and that takes time and effort. So let’s keep it real and maybe have a laugh while we figure out how to turn that hobby into something that might just pay the bills.

• Podcasting can start as a fun hobby, but it might evolve into something more serious over time.
• Engagement metrics are key; knowing how far listeners stick around helps gauge interest.
• If you're thinking about monetizing, remember: you're really monetizing the audience, not just the podcast itself.
• Consistency in content is crucial; it's all about providing value and keeping your audience engaged.

• schoolofpodcasting.com/start
• toggl.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Start Podcasting in Six Week - Starts June 3rd

Have you been struggling trying to start a podcast? Did you drown in all the jargon? Did you feel overwhelmed? The School of Podcasting is offering a course, Podcasting in Six Weeks, that will walk you through the entire process. Learn from 20-year Hall of Fame veteran Dave Jackson as he walks you through the process of planning, launching, and growing your show. The best part is the class is only $1. For more information, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks.

Podcasting in Six Weeks