This is a way to monetize your podcast that can also help build your community. Design unique, high-quality merchandise that resonates with your podcast’s theme and brand. There is a balance of the merchandise promoting your show broadly and also displaying niche catchphrases and content that will only be understood by your fans (they’ll feel like they are in a special club by buying your stuff). Set up an easy-to-use online store, integrating it with your podcast website and social media platforms.
Merchandise
Building community & promoting your podcast
Tips & Tricks
Podcasts are mostly unidirectional. Your loyal audience can know you, trust you, know your inside jokes and comment on your social media feeds, but that’s different than being friends in real life. Podcast merchandise is a way for fans to be identified as part of a group and can make them feel closer to the creator, subject or cause — and more loyal to the show.Once you set up a merch store it doesn’t require much maintenance. If you choose a print-on-demand model – where you work with a supplier of white-label products to customize them and sell on a per-order basis under your own brand and with your own designs – your revenue can grow with your audience without the need for extra work.Burning Question
Should I align my merchandise with my podcast’s topic? Yes. For example, if you run a sports podcast you can sell branded joggers or leggings. And if you run a pet-themed podcast you can sell bowls and leashes.Common Mistake
Just putting a logo on stuff. Your podcast artwork is recognizable to your audience, but they want more. Give them something that makes them feel like they’re part of a community.Links
- Article: How to Write a Podcast Business Plan (& Why You Should!)
- Tool: Make Your Own Podcast Merch
- Article: How to Monetize Your Podcast with Merchandise
TIPS from OUR Network
- Make sure to keep your customers happy with quality and good service.
- Common merch items: t-shirts, mugs, posters, stickers