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How hard do you think it’ll be to make $10,000 podcasting? Seriously, if I sat down with you right now and said give me a plan for how we’re going to make $10,000 with your podcast, how hard would that be? For some of us, this would be no problem. We have digital products, we have partnerships, we’re pitching our services in every episode, this is the status quo.

However, for the greater majority of us we’d have no idea.

In this episode I’ll walk you through how I’d help a client make their first $10,000 with their podcast, what you need to know and how you can capitalize on the experience, audience and existing brand to make your first $10,000 podcasting. 

Why Do You Want to Make $10,000?

Before we get into the how, let’s start with the why. Making money is great, but it’s not just about the dollars—it’s about what those dollars represent. Ask yourself:

• Why do I want to make $10,000 with my podcast?
• How will this goal impact my podcast, business, or personal life?
• What exactly will I do with the $10,000? 
• How will I feel when I have the money? How is that different than I’m currently feeling?

For me, earning money from my podcast isn’t just about validation. It helps me grow—hiring help, attending conferences, and connecting with other podcasters to make a more meaningful impact on this industry. It’s not about the money, it’s the opportunity I get from the money. 

Take some time to define your “why.” When your goal has meaning, you’ll be far more committed to achieving it. Want a place to write it all down? Download my free workbook for this episode here. 

Set Your $10K Timeline

Goals need deadlines. Here’s how to figure out yours:

1. Choose a Timeframe: What makes sense for the amount of time you’re able to put into pitching, promoting and selling on your podcast? 
2. Define Your Timeline: Let’s say you want to make $10,000 in 3 months. That breaks down to:
   • $3,333 per month
   • ~$833 per week
3. Do the Math for Your Goal: How many weeks or months will it take for you to reach $10K based on your audience size, monetization methods, and time commitment?

Breaking your goal into weekly targets makes it feel manageable and actionable. Download my free printable $10K Podcasting Worksheet to track your progress.

Step 1: Know Your Audience

To make money, you need to know your audience inside and out. Here’s how to define your listener profile:

1. Identify Why They Listen: What are the top three reasons people tune in to your podcast?
2. What Challenges Can YOU Solve: It’s not just about knowing what your audience wants or needs, it’s how you can clearly solve the problems they’re willing to invest in. 
3. Create a Listener Persona: Know their demographics, challenges, and interests.

A well-defined audience is critical for selling products, landing partnerships, or creating content that converts.

Step 2: Monetization Strategies

Here’s a step-by-step approach to making money with your podcast:

1. Leverage What You Already Have

• Do you run a business? Offer services? Have existing partnerships?
• Create a clear contact form for potential clients tailored to your audience’s needs.

2. Pitch to Brands

• Make a Media Kit: Highlight your audience and what makes your podcast valuable. Shop my customizable media kit template here! 
• Start Small: Pitch 10 brands a month. If they say no to sponsorships, ask about affiliate programs.

3. Create a Digital Product

Digital products are low-cost, high-reward options like:

• E-books
• Templates
• Online courses

Need ideas? Check out my free Digital Product Generator Tool for podcasters here.

4. Offer Exclusive Content

Put premium content behind a paywall. Whether it’s early access to episodes or ad-free listening, exclusive content is a proven way to monetize.

Step 3: Repurpose and Expand

Make your content work harder:

• Repurpose Podcast Episodes: Post clips on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Use affiliate links to earn from product mentions.
• Monetize Social Media: Build audiences on other platforms and drive them back to your podcast.
• Start an Email List: Send updates, episode highlights, or product promotions directly to your listeners’ inboxes.

Final Thoughts

Earning your first $10,000 podcasting isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy, action, and knowing your audience. Define your “why,” set your timeline, and use the monetization tactics outlined here to create a sustainable revenue stream for your podcast.

Ready to get started? Download the free $10K Podcasting Workbook here.

Got questions or want to work together? Schedule a 30-minute call with me here.

You’ve got this. I can’t wait to hear about how you made your first $10,000 podcasting.