This article contains affiliate links. Not all of them, but some of them. You’ll see I’m talking about things I use.
When I first launched the School of Podcasting, my website and the courses were all in the same spot (WordPress). Eventually, a new shiny tool for courses came up, and I moved the courses separate from my website (I now have the courses as a subdomain).
It was so much easier.
While the phrase “All in one place” sounds like a good idea, it’s not always. Heck, Apple separated Apple music and podcasts out of iTunes. When I did anything on my site, I had to decide if it was for the public or private, if it was time-released, etc. It made it more difficult than it needed to be.
Recently, I did this with the business side of the School of Podcasting (SOP). I always had one checking account for SOP and one for personal use (Same bank).
I recently moved the SOP bank accounts to SOFI. By having these completely separate, I don’t see them. If I don’t see them, I don’t use them (which means more money stays in my accounts. I also spend less on my personal life. It was too easy to transfer money before, and while it’s not hard now, logging into a different bank is the right size hurdle I need).
Without making this a giant SOFI commercial, I have a credit card that I pay off monthly from SOFI. I didn’t realize I was earning “points” that I could redeem for money. All my SOP expenses go on that card (and again, I RELIGOUSLY pay it off each month). I’ve been doing this for a year and never checked my points. It turns out I could redeem $581 from points. I thought there would be a catch, but it was there when I checked my account.
So, different perspectives lead to different results.
So now I’m playing with Acorns, an app/service that rounds up your purchases and invests that money. When I was 16, I worked for a wise business owner (a Grocery store), and he told me, “Pennies make dollars,” and I’ve never forgotten it because it’s true. Sofi also has a “round up” option (so if something is $1.25, it deposits .75 into savings).
If Money Is the Goal, Run Your Podcast Like a Business
All my subscriptions use the credit card I mentioned. You can use tools like Fiverr Workspace (free and paid) or the Wave app (free) to track income and expenses (both will tie to your bank accounts, so tracking is easy). This also makes it easy come tax time. (The next episode of the School of Podcasting I interview accountant Ralph Estep Jr about taxes and podcasting. Follow the show and get it when it comes out).
If you want to make money with your podcast, the most profitable strategy is to sell your products and services (not ads). I recently did an episode about dynamic ads.
I get that with tools like Podia, Heartbeat, Zenler, it is nice to have everything in one place. In my travels, those tools are good at most features but not great. They “Do the job,” and if it works for you then great.
My Latest Episodes
Podcast Saturation: Is Your Playlist Bursting at the Seams?
Engaging Listeners with Giveaways(?)
Ask Ralph: Mastering Your Finances with a Christian Perspective Reviewed
Earn Your Happy Reviewed
Unveiling the Truth About Programmatic Ads in Podcasting
Gleam
I’m playing with a contest tool called Gleam. You can see where I’m giving away 30 minutes of consulting (the contest ends tomorrow, so click now). It’s free, but for more functions, it's $10 a month.
Minvo
Minvo is yet another AI video editing tool. This one is on App Sumo for a lifetime deal of $59.
Life Focus
I bought Michael Hyatt’s new Life Focus product that helps you get your priorities straight. It ships later this month.
Streamable added the ability to add a clickable logo to your videos.
Podgagement will now transcribe your voicemails from your audience.
Apple Podcasts rolled out transcripts. Remember it can take 24 hours for the transcript to show up.
What’s Coming In The Future
Some people are charging guests to come on the show. When I ask how they disclose this to stay in FTC guidelines, they all seem to say WHAT???
Follow the School of Podcasting at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/follow
Need Help With Your Podcast?
Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned podcaster, the School of Podcasting can help. Helping podcasters is what I do, and I’ve been doing it since 2005
USE THIS LINK to save 20%