Monetize Your Podcast through Guests (without being sleazy)

Hey y'all!

Sorry I've been slacking on these releases.

But... I've been in the lab trying to figure out how you can best monetize your show WITHOUT sponsors.

And these next few editions will focus on the 3 paths that can get you there. I pulled these from a PDF training I'll be releasing shortly. So make sure you're subscribed to the newsletter to get notified when that comes out.

But let's get into it!

The first path to monetizing your podcast is through networking.

With this path, the focus is not merely on generating quick sales or superficial gains. Instead, this path requires creating and nurturing genuine relationships with your podcast guests. This strategy revolves around using these connections to cultivate a network of potential clients and referral partners through authentic engagement and providing real value.

Why Choose This Path?

This path is ideal for podcasts where guests have influential networks and could potentially become valuable business contacts. This approach is best suited for hosts who are natural networkers and are prepared to invest time in building lasting relationships rather than seeking immediate returns.

Core Principles of Monetizing Through Networking

1. Value-Driven Networking: Engage with guests who align with your business values and goals, ensuring that any potential partnership is beneficial for both parties.

1. Relationship Over Transactions: Focus on cultivating a genuine connection with your guests, looking beyond the immediate business potential.

1. Long-Term Engagement: Maintain contact with guests after the podcast to explore further opportunities organically.

Step 1: Create a Database of Ideal Guest Profiles (IGPs)

1. Identify Key Decision-Makers: Develop a targeted list of potential guests by identifying key decision-makers at companies and organizations that could become clients or partners.
2. Compile Guest Business Information: Include essential business information in your database, such as the guest’s role in their organization, industry relevance, potential for partnerships, and any personal or professional connections.
3. Find Contact Details: Search for and record each potential guest's contact information and social media profiles to make reaching out easier.

Step 2: Connect, Engage, and Invite Guests

1. Craft Personalized Outreach Messages: Create outreach communications that demonstrate a genuine interest in the potential guest's business and the unique value they could bring to your podcast audience. Use the insights from your Ideal Guest Profile (IGP) database to tailor your messages, ensuring they are relevant and engaging for each individual guest.
2. Utilize Multiple Communication Channels: Reach out to potential guests through a variety of channels to increase your chances of a successful connection:
3. Follow Up Authentically: After reaching out, keep the conversation going by following up in a genuine and respectful manner. This helps build a real connection and shows that your interest in them as a guest is about more than just one episode.?

Step 3: Conduct Pre-Interviews and Interviews

1. Schedule an Introductory Call: Arrange a brief call before the podcast recording. Use this time to connect personally, choose an appealing topic for your episode, and collect additional information that could help advance potential business collaborations.
2. Engage in a Memorable Interview: Conduct the interview in a way that not only resonates with your audience but also enhances your guest's experience. Ensure the conversation highlights your guest’s expertise while aligning with your podcast’s objectives.
3. Propose a Follow-Up Interaction: At the end of the interview, offer something of value such as a training session, product demo, or a consultation meeting. This step not only adds value for the guest but also serves as a natural progression into your business pipeline, increasing the possibility of future partnerships.

I hope that helps! If you've got any questions about the process or need some help getting started, leave a comment below and we'll get you going!

Hector Santiesteban

P.s... You can also check out my Gumroad profile for different templates and scripts to get started.