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How to Run a Thriving, Profitable Podcast

Best fan funding platform for YOUR podcast? 💰 (Podcraft Pointers)

Published 25 days ago • 3 min read

Hello, Podcrafters!

Thanks for all the feedback you sent after last week’s email! Totally invaluable as we strive to make our newsletter essential reading for you each week and to serve as the fuel that helps power your podcast 🚀

To support this newsletter, please check out Alitu.com — the quickest tool on the planet to make your podcast with.

Quick call before we jump in...

Do you run an active show in marketing, SEO, or social media? If your podcast covers any of these topics, hit reply and tell me about it 😊

Alright, on to this week's Podcraft Pointers 👇

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💸 Asking for Listener Tips & Subscriptions

In our recent Independent Podcaster Survey, 85% of respondents said they make no money from their podcast. Some simply didn't consider income as a high priority, but 39% did cite monetisation as one of their biggest challenges.

I know many podcasters worry that their audience numbers are too low to monetise. But you can set up fan funding options from episode one, and if you show up fully for that early core of listeners, some of them will want to support you.

I remember launching a Patreon back in 2014 and being amazed at how simple it made podcast monetisation. Things have changed since then, and bonus content or extra perks have now become the norm on the platform. Fortunately, there are two excellent alternatives that return to the simple idea of putting a tip jar on the counter.

And that's not to say Patreon might not be the best fit for you or your show. Here's a handy breakdown of each platform to help you decide.

👉 Patreon Vs Ko-Fi Vs Buy Me a Coffee​

Mic Drop Fact: Digital audio isn’t truly continuous.
What you hear from a digital file (like MP3 or WAV) is a rapid series of snapshots of sound — typically 44,100 samples per second. Your brain smooths these out into continuous audio.

🎙️ Why is Audio Taking LONGER Than Video!?

Our Indie Podcasters Report shows that once production goes past six hours, audio-only creators are the ones spending the most time in the edit.

But why?

The answer goes beyond workflow. Audio culture has always valued clean mixes, careful pacing, and detailed sound design, so creators tend to polish every moment. Video makers often move faster by embracing jump cuts and a simple top, tail, publish routine.

That doesn't mean video is the easier path. It brings its own challenges, from codec issues and lighting problems to huge file sizes that slow everything down.

In the end, this isn't a contest between formats. It is about understanding the differences so you can choose the approach that suits your skills, your time, and your goals.

We get into this and more on the latest episode of Podcraft.

🎧 Why Are Audio-Only Podcasters Spending MORE Time Than Video Creators?​

😋 Sound Bites

A tasting platter of fresh tools, tips, and treats for your podcast. Short links, big value!

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🗣️ Want to Speak at Podfest 2026?

The world's longest-running annual in-person podcasting event returns for its 12th year in January. The destination is Orlando, and one of the speakers is none other than our very own Colin. If you'd like to be one too, they have an open call to apply. And while I'm at it, their Podfest Messenger newsletter is also a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest industry news and trends!

🧙‍♂️ The Podcasting Sage Says:

“Perfectionism is just procrastination wearing headphones.”

Publish it, learn, and move on.

Two Other Things to Help Your Show 🚀

Here are two ways to accelerate your podcast journey: includes 1. the support to create something great, and 2. the tools to make it work.

1️⃣ The Easiest Way to Make Your Podcast?​
Use Alitu to record, edit, clean up, add music, transcribe, and publish. All-in-one tool, built by podcasters. No tech headaches or app juggling.

​Try the Alitu Podcast Creator app to turbocharge your workflow

.. and ...

2️⃣ Personal Coaching & Education Help You Succeed?​
Join the Podcraft Academy to get expert coaching, step-by-step courses and plug-and-play resources to help you launch, grow and monetise your show with confidence.

​Join the Podcraft Academy to get confidence in growing your show

🙋 Have you already launched your podcast?

We love helping new podcasters get started, but thriving comes from building momentum and creating great content. If you’re already past launch, click the link so we can share resources that help you stay consistent, grow, and monetise.

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Cheers!
Matthew & Colin

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PS - ❓Got a podcasting question you’d love answered in next week’s email? Hit reply and ask away. We’ll pick one to feature!

Have questions? Hit reply to this email and we'll help out!

The Podcast Host, Stephen’s Street, Inverness, Scottish Highlands IV2 3JP
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How to Run a Thriving, Profitable Podcast

Colin Gray

Join 29,000+ podcasters & creators to get Launch, growth and success tips for your show. Quick, actionable points, every week, from tool reviews to growth tactics, and much more, all aimed at helping you create the show of your dreams. If you're building a personal or a content brand, then get started and grow with us!

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