You know that feeling you get when you’ve poured your heart into your podcast for months, only to see the kind of download numbers you could count on one hand? If that’s you, I want you to know you’re definitely not alone.

The sheer number of podcasters who reach out to me, stuck in this exact scenario, is far higher than you’d probably guess.

But here’s the kicker: it rarely comes down to a lack of effort or even a lack of content.

More often, the problem is rooted in five persistent myths that quietly steer podcasters straight into a rut.

Myths I see crop up almost every time I run an audit for someone serious about improving their reach.

If you’re at the point where you’re open to a bit of tough love, this episode will give you a chance to step off the hamster wheel, take a proper look at what's holding your show back, and finally start seeing the kind of traction you actually deserve.

https://podmastery.co/lite

00:00 Guest Dependency Issues in Podcasts

04:00 Downloads Don't Equal Engagement

09:41 Podcast Monetization Myths Debunked

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Book your Podmaster audit

Wanna get unstuck from the sub 100 downloads per month doldrums. Fancy getting closer to top 2% podcaster glory? Sounds like you need one of my Podmaster audits. Go to podmastery.co/lite and within 5 business days you’ll get a full video and written report on my findings. That's podmastery.co/lite

Podmaster audit

A Podknows Production

Podknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/

If you’ve spent time scratching your head over how to actually make money from your podcast – not in a pipe dream, “I’ll just wait until the sponsors come running” sort of way, but in a real, put-cash-in-your-bank-account way – this episode is going to either save you from a world of wasted effort…or register as the podcasting equivalent of hearing Santa isn’t real.

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I get it: the advice out there is either laughably vague or refers to audience sizes that would make most national radio stations blush.

You’re told to focus on sponsors. You’re sold the idea that passive ad income is lurking just around the corner, when in reality, most podcasters would be financially better off mowing lawns.

On “5 ways to make money with your podcast,” I’m breaking from that nonsense and lifting up the hood on what actually works if you’re not one of the lucky few sitting on tens of thousands of downloads.

And, yes, I’ll lay out the business models that don’t work for the majority – and point you to approaches that actually deliver if you’re willing to think a little more creatively and act with intention.

Chapters:

00:00 Monetising for Indies

04:17 Targeted Digital Products

06:27 Podcast Sponsorship

Mentioned in this episode:

Book your Podmaster audit

Wanna get unstuck from the sub 100 downloads per month doldrums. Fancy getting closer to top 2% podcaster glory? Sounds like you need one of my Podmaster audits. Go to podmastery.co/lite and within 5 business days you’ll get a full video and written report on my findings. That's podmastery.co/lite

Podmaster audit

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A Podknows Production

Podknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/

In a world where anyone with a microphone can claim to be a podcast expert, it’s crucial to arm yourself with the knowledge on how to differentiate the true pros from the shady fakers.

We’re putting our detective hats on and analysing the tell-tale signs of those who are merely cashing in on your naivete.

From the overly polished personal branding clips that scream desperation to the suspiciously high follower counts that suggest a bot brigade, we dissect the modern-day snake oil salesman lurking in the podcasting community.