What do you do if your podcast lacks confidence in pitching and securing sponsorships?

As a podcast agency owner, I've learned that confidence in pitching sponsors is crucial. It all starts with knowing your podcast inside out. - What makes it special? - Who's listening, and - why should sponsors care? Sharpen your communication skills, so you can explain your podcast's strengths clearly. Practice your pitch with friends or other podcasters for feedback. This builds confidence and helps you refine your approach. Remember, sponsors want to invest in podcasts that know their worth and can express it confidently. So, take the time to build your skills—it's an investment that pays off when you land those sponsorships.

Make sure your podcast concept is sound and special: Don't make a podcast for everyone. Know your niche! It's easier to find a sponsor for a small podcast that serves its niche very well compared to a mediocre podcast that wants to reach everyone.

Create a tailored pitch for potential sponsors that highlights your podcast's strengths and alignment with their brand. Include relevant statistics, success stories from previous sponsorships, and clear details on what you offer, such as ad spots, mentions, or integrated segments. Ensure your pitch is clear and concise, focusing on how a partnership can mutually benefit both parties. Being well-prepared and professional can significantly boost your confidence during negotiations.

Communicate clearly that podcast reach is in no way comparable to an insta or TikTok reach. People spend seconds on a social media post, but they listen to your podcast for half an hour to an hour. Sponsors need to understand that a well-crafted ad, read by the podcaster themselves, is very hard to ignore and directly sells.

Media kits are super easy to create and some podcast hosts, such as Captivate, have them built in. Include in your kit: - Your reach (overall across all channels) - Your "why" and your podcast description - Your links - all of them! - Your name and background ("why should you be trusted") - Your downloads! Yes, I know - it's nervy - but you have to be honest - Why your audience is valuable: remember that engagement is often more useful than "impressions", so a smaller audience can really big a BIG benefit.

Crafting a media kit for your podcast is like building a shining armor for battle. It's your chance to showcase your podcast's strengths and achievements in a clear and compelling way. Think of it as your podcast's resume, highlighting all the impressive stats, demographics, and glowing testimonials that make sponsors sit up and take notice. Plus, having everything neatly organized in one place can give you a confidence boost when it's time to pitch. It's not just about looking professional; it's about being prepared and ready to answer any questions sponsors throw your way. A well-crafted media kit can be your secret weapon in landing those coveted sponsorships.

After networking events and initial pitches, it's crucial to follow up with potential sponsors. Send a thank you email to reiterate your interest and summarize key points from your discussion. If you don't hear back, don’t hesitate to reach out again with a gentle reminder or additional information that might pique their interest. Persistent, polite follow-ups keep you on their radar and show your dedication and professionalism, increasing the chances of securing a sponsorship.

Consider your industry / community / niche. There are over 8 Billion people on this planet, but perhaps only five thousand humans are remotely interested in your subject matter. That’s fine; there are sponsors in your industry for whom those five thousand people would be a game changer if they could reach them! Those are the sponsors who you can help.