Do you view your podcast as a passion project or a revenue-generating business strategy? In today’s episode, I’m kicking off a new series all about becoming a paid podcaster, and diving into the various podcast identities you may connect with.
Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.
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Examining Podcast Identities
The other day, I was on Threads, and someone asked how podcasters view their podcasts. Many responses mentioned it being a passion project or a side hustle. Some people called it a revenue generator, and we even saw a few full-time job responses. But one thing I did not see too many people referring to their podcast as was a business or marketing strategy.
Today, I want to explore the different types of podcast identities to help you determine where you fall. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, these podcaster identities are great to review and consider before launching so that you can develop a plan to meet your goals in your particular podcasting area.
Podcast as a Passion Project
I think most people launch their podcasts as passion projects, even if they don’t technically fall under that category. For business owners, if your podcast is relevant to the work you do, it does not fall into the passion project category. For example, Lifestyle podcasts by independent creators with smaller audiences often start as passion projects, even if there’s a bigger plan.
As an example, my other podcast, “Let’s Grab Drinks,” began as a passion project for me and my friend. We wanted to create something that didn’t exist and grow from there. Right now, it remains a passion project while we focus on our individual brands, but we dream of it becoming a revenue generator one day.
Podcast as a Revenue Generator
This is where the lines get blurry for the next few identities. Any podcast can be a revenue generator if it brings in any sort of income, whether it’s enough to support production or make a full-time income. We’ll talk more about ways to generate revenue in next week’s episode, but for now, let’s look at three revenue-generating podcast identities.
Podcast as a Side Hustle
A side hustle identifies someone planning to go full-time but currently has other commitments. They may have a full-time job, and the podcast is supported by their audience but does not yet provide full-time income. Many content creators and influencers fall into this category as they work towards making podcasting their main gig.
Becoming a Full-Time Podcaster
A full-time podcaster has built an audience and found a way to monetize their show, making it their sole job. These podcasters treat their podcast as their business, often creating related social media and marketing content. Whether part of a network or an independent podcaster, this identity focuses on generating revenue and treating the podcast as a business.
If dreaming of moving to full-time podcasting, it’s essential to treat your podcast as a business from the start, shifting your mindset accordingly and preparing for that transition.
Using Your Podcast as a Business or Marketing Strategy
Most of my clients fall into this category. They use their podcast as an extension of their business strategy to generate revenue through shop sales, course enrollments, memberships, services, or affiliate marketing. The podcast supports their business but might not directly tie into revenue streams immediately. The key is to ensure the podcast clearly communicates your offerings and builds trust with your audience.
So, where do you fall? Are you at the passion project stage, aiming for revenue generation, on the side hustle grind, a full-time podcaster, or leveraging your podcast as a business strategy? If you want to make money from your podcast, start talking about your offerings more.
If you’re ready to turn your passion project into a revenue-generating podcast, consider joining Mic Check Society. We offer accountability, support, and resources to help you reach your podcasting goals. Use code PODCAST for 10% off your enrollment.
Time-stamps:
How do podcasters view their podcasts? (1:42)
The passion project (2:37)
The revenue generator (4:29)
The side-hustler (5:30)
The full-time podcaster (6:14)
The business or marketing strategy (7:54)
Podcast Resources:
Mic Check Retreat: gaffincreative.com/retreat/
Let’s Grab Drinks: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-grab-drinks/id1670781228
