In this episode of The Future of Podcasting, I (Dave Jackson) sit down with co-host Daniel J. Lewis to talk all about the podcast funding tag and new ways podcasters can get value for the value they provide. We dig into the mindset a lot of podcasters have about monetization, why it can feel awkward to ask for funding, and how the funding tag makes it simple and (dare I say) fun to encourage support from your listeners.

Future Proof Your Branding

Daniel and I chat about the importance of branding your funding link to your own show, rather than sending people to something like patreon.com/yourshow, and we share examples like my own page, askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome, and Daniel’s theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback. I explain why having these branded links gives you control, future proofs your funding page, and lets you move between services if something better comes along.

You Can Link to Anything

We also talk through ideas for what your funding tag could actually link to—it doesn’t have to be a traditional donation page. Get creative! It could be a volunteer page, a merch store, or even a way for someone to send you cookies. Daniel points out that the funding tag is just a link, and it doesn’t even have to be about money. It all comes back to building a page that fits your show and your brand.

Other highlights include:

• Tips for making your funding call-to-action less awkward and more value-focused
• How I use dynamic pre-rolls to thank supporters and give them a quick shoutout
• The importance of reinforcing your brand in your URLs and CTAs
• Why convenience is crucial for getting support, and the direction podcast tech is heading for seamless giving

Want to check out more about the funding tag? Daniel recommends visiting podcasting 2.0's tag documentation (the transcript references "podcasting. two. tags funding" as a quick link; the actual URL is https://podcasting2.org/docs/guides/how-to-use-the-funding-tag).

Companies, tools, and URLs mentioned in this episode:

• Patreon
• PayPal
• Buy Me a Coffee
• Glow (no longer)
• Supercast
• Podpage
• Teepublic
• Redbubble
• Sticker Mule
• WordPress plugins: GiveWP, Formidable Forms, Gravity Forms, Ninja Forms, Easy Digital Downloads, WooCommerce
• Radiolab (as a show example)
• Congressional Dish with Jen Briney

Examples of branded funding/support URLs: