Starting a podcast can be a lot of work and might take a bit of funding to do. That’s why you want to be attracting sponsors.
Recording a podcast is a big undertaking, even if it seems like it could be a fun side hobby. It’s a full-time job for many, so it’s important to be able to bring in sponsors that will help fund the entire process.
Let’s take this opportunity to learn about what sponsors are, how they add to the podcast’s integrity, and how you can make sure that your podcast looks appealing to anyone who might want to throw some money your way.
What are Sponsors and How do they help Elevate your Podcast?
Sponsors are companies that pay you to talk about their product or service in your podcast. They can help you make money from your show, as well as bring more attention and visibility to it. Sponsors typically choose podcasts that have content that is at least somewhat relevant to the product or service or have a similar target audience.
Having sponsors allows you to make an income as well as be able to fund your podcast in different ways. You can use that money to purchase new equipment such as microphones or computers or rent out a podcast studio so that your recording quality is better than when you started. You might use that money to bring in important guests that are relevant to your content. Or, you can put that money towards purchasing higher-quality editing software so that you can edit your podcasts as you need to.
Having a bigger budget is never a bad thing for any kind of production, so making sure that you’re bringing in a steady stream of sponsors is a great way to build your budget up.
How do I attract Sponsors?
Now that you have the basics of why sponsors are important, it’s time to start thinking about how to attract said sponsors to your podcast. Before you can get started with getting sponsors for your show, there are a few things you need in place first:
- An Audience – You need to have an audience that is actively engaged and invested in your show. This means you need to have a solid listener base that is actively interacting with your podcast and connecting with the content you are producing. You can make sure to interact with your audience by having a relevant social media presence and even going live to really get to know them and learn about what they might be looking for in your podcast.
- Trackable Metrics – You need to be able to provide potential sponsors with metrics on your show’s performance. Be sure to track listener numbers, downloads, click-throughs, and any other relevant data points. Of course, this information is important even when you’re not looking for sponsors (though, you always should be looking for more sponsors!) because it provides you with insights into what content is working and what you should and shouldn’t be focusing on.
- Quality Content – Your podcast should have quality content that resonates with both your audience and potential sponsors. You want to create compelling, engaging content that stands out from the crowd and is worth sponsoring.
- Valuable Sponsorships – Think about how you can provide value for sponsors beyond just ad space. Think about ways you can partner with the sponsor on content, guides, giveaways, and more. Potential sponsors will want to know where you’re planning to place them throughout your podcast, how you’ll talk about them, and why you think they’ll be relevant to your audience.
- Relevant Partnerships – Make sure your sponsorship agreements are relevant to your show’s mission and values. Don’t take any partnership for money alone—make sure it adds value to your podcast in some way. For example, if you’re running a podcast about personal finance, it might not be a great idea to partner with an energy drink company, but perhaps you’ll consider working with a sponsor that has financial software for small businesses and personal budgeting.
- An Email List – Building an email list is essential for both engaging with your audience and securing sponsorships. You want to be able to reach out directly to potential partners when you are looking for sponsorships. This can be done by creating an e-mailed newsletter to update your listeners on any schedule changes or live events coming up, or you might consider setting up a Patreon for exclusive content (which could also bring in a steady bit of income and sponsorship money).
- Social Media Presence – Having a strong presence on social media is key for getting exposure and attracting sponsors. Make sure you’re active on the networks where your listeners are most engaged and be consistent with your content. This is where you’ll interact with your audience the most, so take some time to really get to know them and build relationships with potential sponsors.
- A Pitch Deck – Have a comprehensive pitch deck ready to go when pitching potential sponsors. This should include information on your show, listener metrics, social media presence, relevant partnerships, and more. Being prepared is one thing that businesses really look for when looking for podcasts and other shows to sponsor.
If your podcast has all of these elements and you can present them to potential sponsors readily, then you’ll be reeling in the sponsorships in no time at all!
How can I make sure that my Podcast is ready for Sponsors?
If you’re not sure how to go about making sure that your podcast has all of these elements, then let C&I Studios guide you!
At C&I Studios, we offer comprehensive services to ensure that your podcast is ready for sponsors. We will help you create an email list, develop a social media presence, and design a pitch deck that will get the attention of potential sponsors.
We also have experienced professionals who can help you track listener numbers, optimize content for engagement, and provide valuable insights into which sponsorships are the best fit for your podcast.
Not to mention that our studios can be fully equipped with fantastic podcast gear, too! Or if you’d prefer to record in your own studio, but still need access to great equipment such as microphones, cables, and even laptops already equipped with editing software.
With C&I Studios, you can rest assured that your podcast has all of the elements it needs to get sponsors and grow as a business. Contact us today to get started on making your podcast ready for sponsors!