Day 46: Join a Podcast Network

Let's talk about podcast networks and how they may help you to grow your show. We're going to discuss how networks operate and the pros and cons of joining one. And whether it's a setup that will be a benefit for your pocket.

Steps for Skill Mastery:

1. Decide if joining a podcast network is right for you
2. Search for podcast networks

Step 1: Decide

Podcast networks host a group of shows connected by theme or genre and exist to help market, scale, and monetize podcasts. Networks make it easier to connect with sponsors and help boost your show's visibility, too.

The most important question to ask yourself is whether a podcast network will truly benefit your show, or if you can achieve your goal better on your own.

Creating high-quality content is always the best way to set yourself up for financial success in podcasting — with or without a network!

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Activity: Decide

Decide if joining a network is right for you and what your requirements would be for joining a network.

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If you decide that joining a network is something you would like to do, let's look for some that may be a good fit.

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Step 2: Search for Podcast Networks to Join

Before reaching out to a network, try everything you possibly can to grow your show yourself; the more you work on developing a strong podcast marketing plan and growing your listenership, the better position you'll be in to negotiate.

Make sure your podcast is listed in all the major directories (Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, etc.) and actively promote your show on social media to build your online presence.

You might be in this stage for months or years before you feel ready to approach a network — and that's okay; the important thing is to create a show a network would be proud to feature in their line up.

When it does come time to pitch to a network, or they approach you with an offer, make sure to ask the following questions:

• What percentage of ad revenue does the network take?
• What, if any, creative restrictions are there on podcasters?
• Can the network guarantee a number of ads or percent of revenue?
• Can you issue a trial contract for several episodes before committing?

Here is a list of niche networks and a list of the most popular networks. But keep a lookout because new ones are popping up all the time.

Activity: Create a List

Create a short list of networks you may want to join that align with your podcast. Find out what is required to join their network.

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Good luck on your search. Sometimes you don't always find one that fits your podcast. In which case you may think about creating one yourself!

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Skill Lesson Mastered

Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson by applying it to the above activity. If, and only if, you have a full understanding and have mastered the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson, select the next lesson in the navigation.