You can totally monetize a podcast even if your audience is smaller and niche. It's like having a tiny but super passionate fan club instead of a massive crowd that’s half-asleep. Today, we’re chatting with Ray Arnett from aroundthelayout.com, who lives, eats, and breathes the world of model railroads. He’s got some wild ideas about partnerships that don’t rely on the usual sponsor route, and trust me, it’s more interesting than it sounds. Monetizing a Smaller AudienceThink making money off a podcast is just for the big shots? Well, let's pop that bubble! This episode digs into how even those tucked away in the tiniest of niches can make some cash. If you're a model train enthusiast with a handful of loyal listeners, you’re in for a treat. Ray Arnott Shares All the LessonsRay's not just talking numbers; he’s all about engagement and connections, proving that sometimes having a smaller audience means having a more dedicated one. Forget about chasing those elusive sponsorship deals; Ray's got a different game plan. He shares how forming partnerships with like-minded businesses has been the real money-maker for him. So grab your conductor's hat and hop on board as we explore the wild world of niche podcast monetization. Get ready to learn that with the right approach, even a handful of listeners can lead to big bucks!Takeaways: Monetizing a podcast isn't just for the big names; even small niche audiences can cash in. Engaged listeners are worth their weight in gold, no matter the size of your audience. Finding the right marketing partners who share your vision can be a game changer. Creating a community in your niche can lead to unexpected sponsorship opportunities. Never take your community for granted.It's not about having a large audience; it's about having the RIGHT audience.Underserved communities need a safe place to connect with like-minded people.Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.comaroundthelayout.comHeartbeat Community ToolRedirect.Pizza (aff)Cancer and Comedy PodcastSchool of Podcasting Affiliate ProgramMentioned in this episode:Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes ContentIn each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free communityPodcasting ObservationsQuestion of the Month: Where Do You Get Ideas For Your Podcast?I saw this in a Facebook Group and thought it would be a question for all of us to chime in on. "What do you use... "How do you ... ...come up with ideas for your podcast? I need your answer by 4/25/25 Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/questionQuestion of the MonthStarting a podcast can be daunting. Fear of failure, uncertainty about where to begin, and doubts about your abilities can hold you back. But what if you had a guide? The School of Podcasting is here to help you confidently launch, grow, and monetize your podcast. With over 20 years of experience and tons of successful podcasts launched, I'll walk you through every step. From planning to promotion, you're never alone." Learn at your own pace with video courses, join a supportive community, and get unlimited coaching. Say goodbye to fear and hello to success." Start your podcasting journey today with the School of Podcasting. Join now and take the first step towards turning your passion into a reality. Visit SchoolOfPodcasting.com to get started. No fear, just success.School of Podcasting

Join Stephanie Thompson, a podcaster and educator in brand collaborations, as she shares her insightful journey in podcast partnerships. She reveals why partnerships are more effective than traditional sponsorships for growing your audience. Forget waiting for downloads; she landed partners before even launching her show! Stephanie stresses the importance of aligning with brands that share your values and maintaining integrity in collaborations. Plus, she shares tips on educating your partners to foster robust relationships. Tune in for actionable advice!

Molly Ruland stops by to explain how she started a branded podcast that brought in so many clients from season one that she had to pause it. For Molly, it is all about starting and building relationships with her guests. By conducting targeted outreach, she added 500 marketing people to her LinkedIn network, improving the relevance of her feed.When it comes to SEO, AI is interesting, but she advises against using "podcast lingo" and emojis in podcast show notes and metadata. Instead, she recommends focusing on using relevant keywords. We should be advising AI to use relevant keywords in our descriptions and have it use the AIDA approach.Takeaways: Molly Ruland emphasizes that authentic podcasting is about being yourself and not just a sales pitch. Building relationships through your podcast can lead to business opportunities without being pushy about it. SEO isn't just a buzzword; optimizing your podcast content can help increase its visibility and attract the right audience. Don't just focus on the numbers; create meaningful connections with your guests and audience. Because of My Podcast: Ralph Estep JrRalph has been an accountant for 30 years. Because of his podcast, Intuit approached him to share and teach about the experience of moving from local copies of their software (Quickbooks and others) to the web-based version. Check out Ralph's show at www.askralphpodcast.comLinks referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.comaskralphpodcast.comheartcastmedia.comCamp Content ShowTom Petty and Axl RoseMentioned in this episode:I'd Love To Meet You - Here is Where I Will BeI will be manning the Podpage booth at Podcast Movement in Chicago and Dallas. For more information go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where If you would like to me speak at your even (on or offline) go to www.schoolofpodcasitng.com/contactWhere Will I Be?Starting a podcast can be daunting. Fear of failure, uncertainty about where to begin, and doubts about your abilities can hold you back. But what if you had a guide? The School of Podcasting is here to help you confidently launch, grow, and monetize your podcast. With over 20 years of experience and tons of successful podcasts launched, I'll walk you through every step. From planning to promotion, you're never alone." Learn at your own pace with video courses, join a supportive community, and get unlimited coaching. Say goodbye to fear and hello to success." Start your podcasting journey today with the School of Podcasting. Join now and take the first step towards turning your passion into a reality. Visit SchoolOfPodcasting.com to get started. No fear, just success.School of Podcasting2025 Audience SurveyQuestion of the Month: Where Do You Get Ideas For Your Podcast?I saw this in a Facebook Group and thought it would be a question for all of us to chime in on. "What do you use... "How do you ... ...come up with ideas for your podcast? I need your answer by 4/25/25 Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/questionQuestion of the Month

After a lot of feedback on the first episode about podcast newsletters, I wanted to answer more questions, and this time I brought Paul Gowder to help. We’ll discuss what tools to use and what content to include. If you really want to skip this whole newsletter thing, we've got some backup plans for you, too. Paul not only has wisdom about newsletters, but we also talk about building his community.Spoiler alert: You might even want to ditch social media for this! Buckle up, because we’re about to make your newsletter dreams a reality.Takeaways: Start building your podcast newsletter today; it's like planting a seed for growth. Don't overthink content; even simple updates can keep your audience engaged and informed. Use email as a direct line to your audience; it's way better than shouting into the social media void. If you're not asking for emails, you're missing out—it's like having a party and not inviting anyone. Be cautious with Facebook. They may delete your group with 85,000 people in it.Mentioned In This Episodeschoolofpodcasting.compaulgouder.comPaul's Free Strategiespaulgowder.com/emailtoolsPaul's Email Jump StartWhat to expect at your first Powow.schoolofpodcasting.com/972 - Part 1 about Newslettersschoolofpodcasting.com/974 - This episodeJef Sieh's Social Media News Live PodcastTools Mentioned:SustackSendfoxMailerliteKitNewsletter DatabaseLiz Wilcox TemplatesGroup Leads for gathering emails from Facebook Groups.Mentioned in this episode:Do You Need a Podcast CoachBill Gates, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, and many others have had COACHES to help them with an outside view to help them shape their content. I will start my 20th year in podcasting and would love to help you follow the best practices of podcasting, and avoid the common mistakes and avoid those steps that lead to burnout. School of PodcastingQuestion of the Month: Where Do You Get Ideas For Your Podcast?I saw this in a Facebook Group and thought it would be a question for all of us to chime in on. "What do you use... "How do you ... ...come up with ideas for your podcast? I need your answer by 4/25/25 Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/questionQuestion of the MonthI'd Love To Meet You - Here is Where I Will BeI will be manning the Podpage booth at Podcast Movement in Chicago and Dallas. For more information go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where If you would like to me speak at your even (on or offline) go to www.schoolofpodcasitng.com/contactWhere Will I Be?

In this lively discussion, Kim Newlove, a pharmacist and host of The Pharmacist's Voice, shares her podcasting insights alongside fellow podcasters. They tackle the biggest pet peeves in the podcast world, like drawn-out intros, jarring audio inconsistencies, and those pesky mid-episode ads that feel like unwanted guests. Listeners are encouraged to streamline their content and improve their production quality. With anecdotes and laughs, they navigate the faux pas that can truly ruin the podcast experience.

Forget social media; if you want to drive traffic, newsletters are where it’s at. Seriously, I’ve been crunching the numbers and guess what? My newsletter is pulling in way more visitors than my half-hearted attempts at tweeting or posting on Facebook. Yeah, shocking, I know. It’s like trying to catch a fish with a toothpick when you could just use a net, right? So, in this episode, we’ll look at why newsletters are the real MVPs of traffic generation, sharing some juicy stats and personal tales that’ll have you reconsidering your social media obsession. Buckle up, because we’re about to turn your traffic woes into wows!I also share some behind the scenes of a future episode.Takeaways: A newsletter is like a Swiss Army knife for driving traffic; social media is just a flimsy butter knife. Crazy thought: newsletters give you more bang for your buck than social media ever will, who knew?! Social media might be fun for scrolling, but newsletters actually get people to click and engage. Turns out, people prefer their marketing via email rather than social media, shocking right? If you're still chasing social media likes, maybe it's time to rethink your strategy and join the newsletter revolution. Newsletters allow for better audience segmentation, making it easier to deliver personalized content that actually resonates. Links referenced in this episode:School of Podcastingschoolofpodcasting.comAudience Surveyschoolofpodcasting.com/survey25SOP Episode on UTMschoolofpodcasting.com/896Dave's Newsletterpodcastingobservations.comschoolofpodcasting.com/newsletterschoolofpodcasting.com/dailyGary Arndt Everything Every Dailyhttps://everything-everywhere.com/Gary Interviewed on the School of Podcastinghttps://schoolofpodcasting.com/how-gary-arndt-adopted-the-audience-growth-strategy-from-the-movie-industry/Podnews Report Cardpodnews.net/report-cardLeave Dave a Reviewschoolofpodcasting.com/appleCaptivate Media Hosting No Payments 'Till Aprilsupportthishow.com/captivatePodcast Marketing Trends Survey (Please Fill Out)https://podcastmarketingacademy.typeform.com/to/DR7WmJbFPaul Gowder Email Tipshttps://www.paulgowder.com/Liz Wilcox Email Templateshttps://lizwilcox.com/Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook Book From Gary V.Mentioned in this episode:I'd Love To Meet You - Here is Where I Will BeI will be manning the Podpage booth at Podcast Movement in Chicago and Dallas. For more information go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where If you would like to me speak at your even (on or offline) go to www.schoolofpodcasitng.com/contactWhere Will I Be?Question of the Month: Let's Talk AIForm a listener, are you using AI, if so what tools, what do you create, and do you spend more time tweaking the results that it would be quicker to just do it yourself? Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/quesiton and I need your answer by 3/21. Be sure to tell us a little bit about your show and provide your website addressQuestion of the MonthWhat Does Worry Free Podcasting Look Like?It means not having to worry about buying the wrong equipment. It means not worrying about wasting your money - you can cancel anytime during your first 30 days and get your money back. It means getting one-on-one coaching with a TEACHER who wants you to learn and grow and not upsell you on 20 more products. You can do this. I help podcasters. It's what I do, and I can't wait to see what we do together.School of Podcasting

We're diving into the wild world of podcasting and pulling some juicy lessons from the legendary Saturday Night Live as it hits the big 5-0. Seriously, SNL didn’t just survive; it thrived, and we’re here to steal some of that magic for our own shows. From knowing your audience to embracing the weirdness, there’s a treasure trove of insights that can help us all level up our podcasting game. Forget about being boring—SNL took risks, and guess what? It paid off! So, buckle up and get ready to channel your inner SNL spirit, because we’re about to get creative and maybe a little absurd.Takeaways: SNL stands the test of time, and so should your podcast; don’t be boring! Know your audience, but also create content you want to see; it's a balance! Embrace weirdness in your podcast; it keeps things fresh and fun for everyone! Experimentation is key; SNL’s success came from trying new things, so should you! If you get bored, so will your listeners; keep it exciting or risk losing them! Word of mouth matters; promote your podcast like SNL promotes its guests! Mentioned in this episode:Do You Need a Podcast CoachBill Gates, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, and many others have had COACHES to help them with an outside view to help them shape their content. I will start my 20th year in podcasting and would love to help you follow the best practices of podcasting, and avoid the common mistakes and avoid those steps that lead to burnout. School of PodcastingI'd Love To Meet You - Here is Where I Will BeI will be manning the Podpage booth at Podcast Movement in Chicago and Dallas. For more information go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where If you would like to me speak at your even (on or offline) go to www.schoolofpodcasitng.com/contactWhere Will I Be?Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes ContentIn each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free communityPodcasting Observations

Danny Peña, a podcaster for 20 years with Gamertag Radio, shares his incredible journey and insights into the world of podcasting. He emphasizes the power of persistence and genuine audience connections, revealing how networking can unlock amazing opportunities. Danny recounts his high-profile interviews and reflects on the significance of meaningful contributions over mere metrics. He discusses balancing parenting with podcasting, and how authenticity leads to success, all while inspiring listeners to stay true to their craft.

Recent insights from a YouTube report reveal that emotional connection is more crucial than just stellar visuals in content. Most viewers prioritize storytelling, with audio clarity and relatable themes taking center stage. Authenticity and originality engage audiences effectively, while meaningful interactions foster community. The podcast also celebrates the evolution of the platform, underlining the importance of support and connection in the podcasting journey. Plus, there's advice for creators to navigate challenges and enhance their content quality!

Every podcast can benefit from editing because it enhances the listening experience by removing the boring parts and keeping the content engaging. While authenticity is important, it shouldn't come at the cost of listener engagement. Effective editing can transform a good conversation into a great podcast by honing in on valuable content and eliminating distractions. By focusing on who your audience is and what they want to hear, you can make informed decisions on what to keep and what to cut. Ultimately, I encourage podcasters to see editing as a technical task and a creative opportunity to present their best work and respect their listeners' time.Takeaways: Editing helps improve the quality of your podcast by removing uninteresting or redundant content. A podcast should be a conversation with the boring parts removed for better engagement. Understanding your audience is crucial for determining what content to keep or cut. Planning your episodes effectively can reduce the time needed for editing later on. It's important to focus on making your podcast a favorite for listeners, not just good enough. Using editing tools wisely can enhance your show's clarity without sacrificing authenticity. Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.compodcastsconnect.apple.compodcasters.spotify.comschoolofpodcasting.com/survey25Mentioned in this episode:2025 Audience SurveyQuestion of the Month: Where Do You Get Ideas For Your Podcast?I saw this in a Facebook Group and thought it would be a question for all of us to chime in on. "What do you use... "How do you ... ...come up with ideas for your podcast? I need your answer by 4/25/25 Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/questionQuestion of the MonthI'd Love To Meet You - Here is Where I Will BeI will be manning the Podpage booth at Podcast Movement in Chicago and Dallas. For more information go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where If you would like to me speak at your even (on or offline) go to www.schoolofpodcasitng.com/contactWhere Will I Be?Join the School of Podcasting Worry FreeThe School of Podcasting is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of podcasting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced podcaster, the School of Podcasting provides invaluable tools and resources to help you successfully plan, launch, grow, and monetize your podcast. Imagine having a step-by-step guide that walks you through every stage of podcast creation, from the initial idea to reaching your audience and generating income. With the School of Podcasting, save time by avoiding common pitfalls, save money by learning proven strategies, and avoid headaches with our unlimited one-on-one coaching and community support. Say goodbye to the overwhelm and confusion of starting a podcast. Join our community today and transform your passion into a thriving podcast. The School of Podcasting: plan, launch, grow, and monetize your podcast easily. Ready to take the leap? Start today at schoolofpodcasting.comSchool of Podcasting