How to Get Advertisers for Your Photography Podcast (And Maybe Even Aliens)
Have you lately launched a photography podcast only to discover that your mother and aunt Mildred are the only listeners? While their support is endearing (and maybe unavoidable), it is unlikely to put bread on the table. So, how can you turn your fledgling podcast into a beacon for marketers, like to a porch light on a sunny evening attracting moths? Or, for that matter, a powerful radio telescope blasting messages into space in the hopes of contacting extraterrestrial life?
It's straightforward. No, not really. everything's as complicated as an IKEA furniture assembly manual, but don't worry, I'll simplify everything for you. Here's how to make your podcast so enticing that it may even entice E.T.
1. Sharpen your skills (no alien pun intended)
Your podcast must be worth advertising on before you can begin attracting sponsors. You could think, "Well, duh!" But bear with me. Aunt Mildred may like your speeches on aperture settings, but are they interesting to the rest of the photography-obsessed world?
Make your podcast as polished as the lens of a Hasselblad H6D-400C (a camera so expensive that you may have to sell your kidney). Keep up with the current photography trends and discuss issues that your audience will find interesting. No one wants to hear about your next-door neighbor Bob's collection of ancient film canisters, unless one of them is haunted.
2. Get to Know Your Audience (And Perhaps Their Pets)
Knowing your audience as well as your camera's settings is essential for attracting sponsors. And if you don't know how to use your camera yet, then starting a photography podcast isn't the greatest idea.
Take a poll of your audience. Discover their demographics, hobbies, and favorite morning cereal. Advertisers want to know if your audience is similar to their target market. If your target audience is mostly golden retrievers who have mistakenly trodden on their owners' phones, you may have a difficult time getting marketers to join you.
3. Expand your audience (if necessary, use fertilizer)
You should grow your podcast after you have a good one and know who your audience is. Sure, you could wait for a viral burst of fame, but we all remember how well that worked for 1980s hair metal bands.
Consider appearing as a guest on other photography podcasts, collaborating on blog posts, and sharing your work on photographic forums. If all else fails, rely on your mesmerizing voice and subliminal messaging. I'm joking. Please do not do so. That is against the law.
4. Make your podcast ad-friendly (wear mascara and a nice suit)
Advertisers like a podcast that is simple to promote. So, provide a clear space for advertisements in your podcast format, and make sure your material is appropriate for children. You may need to tone it down if you drop expletives as often as you drop your lens cap.
Remember to make things simple for them. Don't have them sit through a half-hour of technical jargon about ISO, shutter speed, and the rule of thirds before they get to the commercial break. Consider stopping for an interstellar ad space if you're drawing extraterrestrial marketers from the faraway Gliese 581g.
5. Begin Pitching (Without a Baseball)
After you've completed all of the necessary preparations, it's time to begin pitching your podcast to prospective sponsors. This may not be as comfy as wearing a cactus onesie, but it is an important aspect of the game.
process
Identify companies that are compatible with your content, values, and target audience. Create a pitch that will have them saying "take my money!" before they've finished reading it. But there's no need to worry.
6. Be Consistent (Like That Pesky Neighbor Cat)
Once you have advertising, you must retain them. Maintain the quality of your podcast, continue to provide interesting material, and make sure your ad spots are effective. If your podcast loses pace, your sponsors may decide that spray-on shoes or self-tying shoelaces are a better investment.
Attracting advertisers to your photography podcast may seem to be a journey to Mars, but with the appropriate measures, businesses will be knocking on your door before you can say "cheese." And who knows, you may even draw the notice of aliens. Just keep in mind that if aliens approach you, they should be interested in photography. We do not want interplanetary conflict over the Rule of Thirds.
