What’s the Best Way for a Small Podcast to Make Money?

What’s the Best Way for a Small Podcast to Make Money?

Author: Alitu via The Podcast Host December 1, 2025 Duration: 51:55

What if monetising a podcast was simpler than the usual laundry list of tactics suggests? A new model called the Three As breaks earning potential into three clear paths: 

  • Audience, which includes supporter perks and light ads
  • Authority, which covers coaching, courses, and specialist services
  • Assets, which includes books, products, and affiliate income

The aim is to choose the route that fits your show’s size and purpose rather than copy the strategies used by giants.

Elsewhere, recent Independent Podcaster survey results show creators splitting into two broad groups. Audio-first shows follow flexible production routines, while video-led podcasts often feel the pressure of weekly uploads from platforms like YouTube. These differences show up in formats, production time, and a growing worry that video’s rise could narrow the types of stories podcasters feel able to make.

There is also a look at the event season ahead and how to get more from it. The focus is on going in with clear intentions, using the space to meet potential guests, and treating each venue as a chance to make connections rather than sit through panels all day.

The episode ends with practical studio advice. Creating depth behind you, shaping your light, and mixing fixed and angled shots can all lift your visuals without expensive gear. A bit of planning and a thoughtful layout often matter more than the camera you use.

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host


If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the technical side of starting a show or wondered how to turn your passion into a sustainable project, PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting is made for you. Hosts Colin and Matthew, with their three decades of shared experience, act as practical guides through the entire process. They move beyond theory, offering actionable advice you can use immediately. You'll hear detailed discussions on specific skills, from something as fundamental as selecting your first microphone to more advanced strategies like leveraging live events for community growth. The conversation also tackles the business and marketing realities, exploring how to effectively expand your audience and create revenue from your work. What sets this podcast apart is its balance of deep-dive tutorials on single topics and illuminating interviews with creators who share their own real-world successes and lessons learned. It’s a resource that recognises podcasting as both a creative outlet and a serious venture, providing the grounded, no-fluff guidance needed to refine your sound and build something that lasts. Tune in weekly for a dose of clarity and direction for your own audio journey.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting
Podcast Episodes
Our Episode Titles Are Better Than Yours - Here’s Why [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:07
A great podcast episode title isn’t just catchy—it grabs attention, boosts discoverability, and sets clear expectations for your audience. On this episode, we break down best practices, including ideal character length a…
Podcast Launch Hype Is a Distraction—Focus on This Instead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:14
It’s understandable why so much misleading advice exists around “the podcast launch”. After all, we’re used to the launch life cycles of products, films, albums, and books.After a few days or weeks, it becomes pretty cle…
Why You Don't Need to Spend More Than $50 on Podcast Gear! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:49
There are more mics, interfaces, mixers, and digital recorders than there are stars in the sky. In this episode, we delve into the cost of podcast equipment in 2025 and give options, examples, and recommendations for eve…
Why We Quit Our Podcasts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:54
If you've launched a lot of podcasts, you're likely also someone who's quit a lot of them - and that isn't a bad thing. Some shows and topics have natural life cycles, and whether we lose enthusiasm or just feel we've sa…
How Much Could I Earn From Podcast Sponsorship as an Indie Creator? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:31
We'll often say that podcast sponsorship isn't the only way to monetize a podcast, and for many creators, it likely isn't "the best". But all forms of podcast sponsorship aren't equal, and it's entirely possible that it…
16 Podcasting Myths Dispelled (+ Remote Recording Tools Tested!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:07
A bit of a dual-purpose episode this week. We're going to run through (and dispel) 16 common podcasting myths and test out eight different call recording platforms in the process.We recorded segments with Squadcast, Rive…
Everything You Need to Know About Making a Podcast Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:21
An effective podcast trailer can help you win over potential new listeners, giving them a flavour of your show. They can easily be played on other podcasts, which can also help you grow your audience. So... how do you ma…
Why Your CTAs Flop (& How to Fix Them!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:30
A Call to Action is when you ask your audience to do something. For example:share the podcast episode with a friend,review the show on Apple Podcasts or Podchaservisit the podcast’s website, crowdfunding page, or social…