Offering Premium Content: Is It for Your Podcast?

Ever feel like you're constantly on the hunt for that next big thing to give your podcast a boost? Well, you're not alone. I hear ya, and so do many others who swing by "The Podcasting Morning Chat." The big question we tackled yesterday: Is it worth setting up a Patreon for my podcast?

Diving Into Patreon:

So, we're eyeing Patreon – not exactly the new kid on the block but it's certainly one with most known among the creator community. It's a platform where you can roll out the red carpet for those who just can't get enough of your podcast. Imagine giving your audience VIP passes to the behind-the-scenes action.

I invited Julie Drost Lokun , JD and Chris Vaglio ⚡️ to the show yesterday to share their experiences with Patreon and services like it. Julie's been running her celebrity client's Patreon for a while now and Chris brings his experience with services like BuyMeACoffee. He also just created his own Patreon for his podcast, Song Swap Showdown. Their insights? Gold.

Let's dig in to some of the main takeaways:

1. Building a Sense of Community:There's something special about creating an exclusive space for your die-hard fans. Both for you AND your audience. Patreon lets you do just that, turning your listener/viewer base into a tight-knit community. It's a place for your loyal fans to bond and engage with you in a way they hadn't before. It helps make them feel like they're a true part of your show.
2. Offering Valuable Perks:Let's talk content. The perks you offer can make a world of difference in attracting and retaining patrons. Whether it's bonus or ad-free episodes, behind-the-scenes peeks, or even a shoutout to one of your followers, make sure what you're offering is something your audience can't resist. It's all about adding value and making your fans feel like VIPs.
3. Transparency is Key:When it comes to Patreon, honesty goes a long way. Being upfront about where the support goes not only builds trust but also helps your listeners feel like they're truly contributing to something bigger. Whether it's funding new equipment or covering production costs, let your audience in on your goals and how their support helps you get there. Again, it helps them feel like a part of their favorite show and like they're doing their part to keep it going!

Your Move:

Thinking of getting started with Patreon? Scribble down a couple of things that scream 'you' and your podcast. Maybe it's your way of breaking down complex topics, or perhaps it's those quirky behind-the-scenes moments. What's going to make your target audience want to dive into their pockets for more of you and your content?

Let's Chat About It:

Got any Patreon advice to share? How do you balance between your main podcast feed and this exclusive content?