When I first started podcasting, I genuinely thought that if I just showed up with great content and killer guests, sponsors would be lining up to throw money at me. Wellllllll, that's not how podcast monetization strategies actually work, and I learned this lesson the hard way.

Picture it: I'm at a massive podcast conference, surrounded by industry heavyweights, and I feel like complete shit. Everyone's talking about download numbers and going viral, while I'm sitting there with my "middle-tier" show wondering if I should just go get a regular job. That's when someone pitched me a $16,000 scheme to artificially boost my numbers through social engineering. For a hot minute, I actually considered it.

Thank God I didn't.

Instead, I discovered something way better: there are seven proven ways to make money podcasting that have absolutely nothing to do with massive download numbers. And today, I'm spilling all of them because I'm tired of seeing podcasters chase the wrong metrics.

The Download Numbers Game is Broken

Let's get real about podcast revenue streams for a second. The average podcast gets 400 downloads per episode. FOUR HUNDRED. Meanwhile, traditional advertising requires around 100,000 downloads per episode to make decent money. See the problem?

The math just doesn't add up for most of us. But here's what the "experts" won't tell you: you don't need massive downloads to build a profitable podcast. You need the right podcast marketing strategies and a shift in mindset from chasing numbers to building relationships.

7 Ways to Monetize Your Podcast (That Actually Work)

1. Sell Your Own Products or Services (My #1 Pick)

This is hands down the best way to make money podcasting. Why? Because it's completely independent of download numbers and builds incredible trust with your audience.

Here's my secret weapon: the mid-roll strategy. In the middle of every episode, I say something like, "Hey, it's Allison. Did you know that the ideas shared on this show is something I can help you with in real life?" Then I give a clear call to action.

The magic? You can literally sell a $10,000 program off one tight 25-minute conversation with the right call to action. Try doing that with a 7-second Instagram reel on a platform you don't own.

2. Sponsorships and Ads (But Do It Smart)

Yes, traditional sponsorships are still viable, but you need to be strategic. You can start conversations with advertisers around 5,000+ downloads, but the real money comes from host-read sponsorships and niche audiences.

Here's the thing: a small, engaged audience in a specific niche is worth way more than a massive generic audience. If you're talking to zookeepers, that monkey food sponsor is going to pay premium rates because you're speaking directly to their customers.

3. Patreon for Podcasters (When Done Right)

Paid subscriptions can be incredibly lucrative with smaller, engaged audiences. Look at "A Little Bit Culty"—Sarah Edmondson and Nippy Ames built a thriving Patreon community around cult awareness and recovery.

The key is offering genuine value behind the paywall: exclusive content, community access, merchandise, and direct interaction with hosts. But fair warning—this adds significant workload to your regular podcast schedule.

4. Affiliate Marketing (The Authentic Way)

This works best when you're genuinely recommending products you use and love. The revenue is usually modest unless your audience actively buys, but it can provide nice passive income once set up properly.

The trick is maintaining authenticity. Your audience can smell a sellout from miles away, so only promote products that truly align with your values and theirs.

5. Listener Donations

Simple but effective. Platforms like "Buy Me a Coffee" make it easy for listeners to support independent creators. Just be genuine about it: "I'm an independent creator and your support helps me continue bringing you this content for free."

6. Live Events and Speaking Gigs

Post-pandemic, people are craving real-life connections. You don't need a massive audience to host meaningful meetups or speaking events. Start small—organize a coffee meetup in your city and see what happens.

Check your podcast analytics to see where your listeners are geographically, then plan accordingly. This deepens relationships with your audience in ways that virtual content simply can't match.

7. Content Licensing and Repurposing

This one's newer but exciting. Think about how "Scam Goddess" is turning into a streaming series. Your content could be licensed for other platforms, turned into courses, or repurposed into different formats.

The Real Secret to Podcast Marketing Strategies

Here's what changed everything for me: I stopped focusing on downloads and started focusing on relationships. I tell new podcasters not to even look at their analytics for the first year—just focus on engagement.

Your podcast isn't just content; it's a trust-building machine. While social media gives you hooks and visibility, your podcast allows you to unpack who you are, what you believe, and how you serve in three dimensions. That's where the real magic happens.

How to Grow Your Podcast Revenue Right Now

Ready to implement these strategies? Start with these steps:

1. Define your four Ps: Purpose, Person (your ideal listener), Premise (your unique perspective), and Promise (what listeners get every time)

2. Choose one monetization method that aligns with where you are right now

3. Focus on engagement over downloads for the first year

4. Create a clear mid-roll call to action for your main offer

5. Track what works and double down on those strategies

The Bottom Line

You don't need to be the next "Smartless" to make money podcasting. You just need to be strategic, authentic, and focused on serving your audience well. The money follows the value, not the download numbers.

Ready to turn your podcast into a real revenue stream? Stop chasing downloads and start building relationships. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.

Let’s talk about starting your podcast journey. Book your free clarity call here. Your message deserves to be heard.

Listen Now: The Reinvention Room Podcast

Watch Now: Reinvention Room on YouTube

If you’ve got a podcast or an idea that won’t leave you alone, here's your sign to take it seriously. Not just because it's fun (it is), but because it can change how people see you, connect with you, and trust you. That's the magic.

And if you're wondering how to make it actually work? Book a free clarity call with me at allisonhare.com/freecall. I'll help you turn that idea into a tight, bingeable, client-attracting machine.