Show Notes
The decision of whether or not to run ads on your podcast isn't an easy one. Nor should it be. Smart podcasters understand the risks and rewards. And they give their most loyal listeners an escape route. How many ads or sponsored messages are too many ads or sponsored messages in a podcast episode? Last summer, I made the decision to make the current season of Podcast Pontifications sponsor-supported. There's the message from the title sponsor right after my cold open, and then another shorter sponsor block mid-way through the episode.And it's not just the audio. Articles published on the show's website and on Medium have a text-version of those sponsor blocks as well. That article—with sponsor messages—is also emailed to a few hundred people who get the free "in your inbox" version. I'm a completist! I recently activated a few "escape routes" for those who don't want to suffer through the relevant sponsor messages. Supporting members of BuyMeACoffe.com/evoterra, a few who pay for a premium subscription on Apple Podcasts, and absolutely no one (yet?) paying for a premium subscription on Spotify. I decided to add those premium options when I started getting complaints. Thanks for your candor, Patrick and April! If the two of you aren't happy, then at least 20 others aren't either. Or more.Because yes, 20–30% of an episode dedicated to sponsor messages and calls-to-action is a lot. Even though that's on par with broadcast TV and commercial radio. In the coming weeks, I'll probably lighten that load a bit. Because I agree; it's excessive. Until that time, you can always pull the rip-cord and choose one of the sponsor-free options, either on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or via Buy Me A Coffee. At least that's how I'm feeling about things right now. Like everything that I do on Podcast Pontifications, this is a work in progress. Who knows when I'll decide to change my mind and do things differently? :)-----LinksLooking for a remote recording solution that handles both audio and video? You need Riverside.fm!Over 100K active podcasters trust BuzzsproutLooking to skip the sponsor messages? Premium, sponsor free options at:BuyMeACoffe.com/evoterraApple PodcastsSpotifyGot a podcasting service? Become a sponsor of Podcast Pontifications.Serious about podcasting? Join theShow moreActivity
