“If your number one goal is to make money from your podcast, then you’ve already made the wrong decision.”
In this episode, I break down one of the biggest myths in podcasting — that it's a quick way to make money.
Too many blogs and YouTube videos will tell you to start a podcast as a “side hustle.” But here’s the truth: podcasting takes time, effort, and love for the medium. If you’re only in it for the money, you’re likely to be disappointed.
I share why traditional podcast sponsorship isn’t realistic for most podcasters, what CPM actually means, and what to do instead, including dynamic ads and treating your podcast as a powerful marketing tool for your business.
Key Takeaways
- Why starting a podcast just to make money is the wrong mindset
- What CPM really means — and why most podcasters won’t benefit from it
- The real download numbers needed to attract sponsors
- How I use dynamic ads and a strong back catalog to monetize
- A client case study: turning a niche podcast into serious business results
Chapters and Timestamps
- 1:00 – Podcasting isn’t a side hustle
- 2:45 – What CPM is (and why it fails most podcasters)
- 4:30 – Real download stats you should know
- 6:00 – Why sponsorships rarely pay off
- 8:20 – How I use dynamic ads to monetize
- 11:30 – Client case study: small podcast, big results
- 13:00 – Final thoughts and next steps
Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com