How Scott Porch helps podcasters grow and monetize their audiences
Jan 13, 2025
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Scott Porch, founder of Big IP, has a dynamic background in law and journalism, now transforming the podcast landscape. He discusses the significant role podcasts played in the 2024 US presidential election and the tough monetization hurdles for indie podcasters. Scott shares his strategies for audience growth, the intricacies of podcast ad contracts, and the potential of paid subscriptions. He also dives into effective content creation on platforms like YouTube, balancing engagement with revenue, and the unique challenges faced by nonprofits in podcast advertising.
Podcasts significantly influenced public opinion during the 2024 US presidential election, showcasing their growing role in political communication.
Small to mid-sized podcasters often struggle with monetization due to advertising network thresholds, necessitating assistance for audience growth and revenue generation.
Scott Porch advocates for paid subscriptions as an emerging revenue model, emphasizing the potential for significant earnings in the podcasting industry.
Deep dives
Impact of Podcasts on Political Influence
Podcasts played a significant role in shaping public opinion during the 2024 US presidential election. With numerous deals signed in the podcast industry, it became evident that podcast platforms have become essential for political communication and voter engagement. The pervasive presence of podcast clips on social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok has further amplified their influence, making it increasingly challenging for smaller podcasts to stand out. Despite this growth, many small to mid-sized podcasters still struggle to monetize their content effectively.
Challenges in Podcast Monetization
Monetizing a podcast can be particularly challenging for smaller creators, who often need to join advertising networks that impose audience thresholds for acceptance. These thresholds can create barriers for up-and-coming podcasters who have quality content but lack a large following. Without access to advertising revenue, many podcasters face financial difficulties, as alternate revenue streams like subscriptions require a dedicated audience base. Consequently, this creates a reliance on management and assistance from professionals like Scott Porch, who help increase visibility and revenue opportunities.
The Journey of Scott Porch in Podcast Management
Scott Porch transitioned from a law career to becoming a podcast manager after initially working as a journalist covering the media and entertainment sectors. His interest in the podcasting industry sparked while writing about its rise, leading him to produce shows and establish relationships within the industry. Porch's unique combination of journalism and legal experience allows him to navigate the complexities of podcast management effectively. This journey highlights how professionals from diverse backgrounds can find success in the evolving podcast landscape.
Strategies for Audience Growth and Monetization
Porch emphasizes the importance of utilizing both podcast and YouTube platforms to maximize audience reach and engagement. His approach involves identifying structural barriers that impede growth, such as content distribution and monetization strategies. Collaboration among podcasters and participation in guest appearances on similar shows are effective methods to enhance visibility and reach new listeners. By fostering relationships within the podcast community and applying best practices, Porch can substantially increase a show's audience and revenue.
Emerging Trends in Podcast Subscriptions
Scott Porch has observed a shift toward paid subscriptions as a viable revenue stream for podcasters within the last year. By leveraging platforms like Apple Podcast Subscriptions, which offer lower friction for listeners compared to Patreon, podcasters can enhance their earnings from audience subscriptions. This approach has helped certain shows realize significant revenue growth, demonstrating the potential of subscription models in the podcasting space. As monetization dynamics evolve, podcasters are continually adapting to capitalize on emerging opportunities while minimizing barriers for audience engagement.
2024 was a big year for the podcast industry. Not only were there several huge deals signed, but podcasts wielded significant influence in the US presidential election. These days it’s impossible to open YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram without coming across podcast clips, and the market is still poised for significant growth in the coming years.
But if you run a small-to-mid-sized podcast, it’s still incredibly difficult to make a living from your work. You need to join an advertising network to generate significant revenue, and most networks won’t accept you unless you meet a minimum audience threshold.
To deal with these challenges, many podcasters turn to Scott Porch. Scott runs Big IP, a podcast management company that helps podcasters grow their audiences and monetize their content. In a recent interview, he explained how he chooses which podcasters to work with, what value he brings to the relationship, and why he’s bullish on paid subscriptions for podcasts.
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