Podcasters: How to Design a Newsletter That Pays
This Might End Up Being a Workshop
How is everybody doing? What summer adventures have you enjoyed so far this summer? I’ve just returned from a whirlwind trip to surprise my grandma. I showed up at her door and called her and asked her to open the door.
She was SHOCKED.
I was planning to see her in 2020 and you know what happened. That trip was a birthday present to myself and I’m still so happy to have spent some time with her. I also recorded a podcast episode with my grandma and my great aunt for my personal finance podcast. It was so fun to do!
Pictured: Denver International Airport from my seat in the plane.
Announcements:
Podcast Movement Denver-Ticket prices are going up tonight!
The Podcast Academy Mentorship Program-Sign ups end on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 for the Fall 2023 Mentorship program. They are looking for mentees and mentors.
Paid subscriber monthly office hours-Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 6:00 pm MTN/8:00 pm EST (Zoom link in the paid section of this email)
If you’re reading this post you’ve likely subscribed to my “Podcasters Getting Paid” newsletter. During the month of July I’m covering why creators should develop their own products. I asked you to vote and the first product that the community asked me to cover was how to create a newsletter.
I love this newsletter so much. Seriously.
But, I don’t want people to overthink what a newsletter is. In my view, it’s a more interactive email list. In fact, I recorded a podcast episode comparing email lists to newsletters and which one is better.
There is also a video in this newsletter for paid subscribers where I break down how to monetize your newsletter and different strategies to consider.
August Coaching Hours
Book your 1-on-1 Coaching Session today. I have a limited number of coaching sessions each month. For August I would like to complete all coaching sessions before Podcast Movement.
Coming Up: Monetization Boot Camp (September)
*My birthday is on Monday. Stay tuned for the lowest price for the upcoming Monetization Boot Camp on Monday*
This will be an intensive 4 week in-person (online) monetization boot camp held in September. I will share a savings code for the bootcamp during Podcast Movement Denver with the Podcasters Getting Paid Community. The goal of the Monetization Boot Camp is to help students with the following:
Find areas within their brand to monetize
Design a monetization strategy specific to your personal brand.
Brainstorm and create an income stream that will build passive income for your brand.
Help podcasters create systems AND BEGIN pitching
Spaces will go on sale between starting August 24th (First day of Podcast Movement) I’m giving you a head’s up now as the price will be between $300-$500. I used to have to side-hustle for these types of resources in the past, so I try to give a head’s up so that you can plan between now and when doors open for the boot camp.
The Benefits of Having a Newsletter
I’m of the view that every single content creator and folks who own a bricks and mortar business must build a list of their ideal customer or community members. Notice that I mentioned both online and bricks and mortar businesses.
EVERYONE who is in business needs to grow a list. This is non-negotiable.
If you’re uncomfortable with growing a newsletter or email list and worry about the following:
I don’t want to bother people.
The people literally subscribed to your list. You didn’t magic them onto your list.
Maybe they will get mad that I’m selling products.
People are SAVVY. They understand that you may likely want to sell a good or service that will help THEM with a problem that THEY have. It’s ok.
What if they unsubscribe?
That’s AWESOME! It means that you served that subscriber well and your time with them is done. It also means that you don’t have to pay for them to be on your list (because most email lists/newsletters have a fee attached to them) You want people to unsubscribe when they no longer need you. It’s not personal.
How to Position Your Newsletter
Most people struggle with the idea of creating a newsletter because they aren’t clear about “what’s the point” of having a newsletter for their audience. In fact, I’ve spent a long time being really confused by this and wish folks would have spent more time sharing insight about how newsletters (and email lists) can be designed to serve people’s communities.
Different ways to position your newsletter
As a resource-That is how I’ve positioned Podcasters Getting Paid. The goal of this newsletter is to function as a living resource/guide to tips and resources that will help my community monetize their work online.
As a community engagement space-I think newsletters hosted on platforms such as Substack, Beehiiv, Ghost, etc. are a great way to interact with your audience off of a traditional social media platform.
As an advocacy space-There are a ton of communities being fostered via podcasting that also need adjacent advocacy spaces. A newsletter could become an advocacy space.
As a media outlet-I love seeing all of the independent media leveraging their newsletters to report on important issues happening in their town, state, country or the world.
A creative platform-You can share your own creativity such as ongoing chapters to a book or highlight art, music or other film based creative projects for your supporters.
Presenting Sponsors
Podcasting can be so time consuming. Save your time and simplify your process with Swell AI. I’m so excited to be partnering with Swell AI. This tool is the way I like AI to be used:
Generate show notes
Create social media posts
Creates transcripts for PREVIOUSLY RECORDED content!
Swell AI saves you so much time!
Podcast Movement Denver
I’m so excited to partner with Podcast Movement this year. I love that it’s being hosted in my hometown of Denver.
Build your social and professional network
Share your expertise (even if you’re not a speaker)
Meet industry professionals
Learn from the community
And enjoy all of the parties! I love attending Podcast Movement and know that you will too. Here’s a post sharing some tips on how to prepare for Podcast Movement.
