135 Podcast Answer Man – Will Affiliate Advertising Increase Your Credibility?

Thanks so much Amanda! I consider it a true blessing to have you as a listener and especially as a Plus Member.

You're always a source of great encouragement!

Cliff

Awesome,

Thanks for the response. I am sure the people sponsoring NPR pay plenty of dollars, and they probably have deep pockets. It's been people like Audi, CSX, rather major companies. I'm sure it goes to pay for the bandwith. They're repackaging content that's already aired (with the exception of a few), so they don't have the labor costs involved. It's hard to track, however, who is going to buy an Audi because they heard it on a podcast. But I'm sure it's hard to track commercials on TV too.

I like their content so much that I can handle the ads and request for money. If I were iffy about it, it might be turn me off. But their content (like a certain Podcast Answer Man I know) is so top-notch, that I'm totally game for what it takes to pay the bills.

I kind of liken it to the plugs you give encouraging people to become plus members. I already am one, so you don't need to sell it to me. But because I like the content so much, I don't mind one bit listening to the plug.

Again, thanks for your excellent response.

I don't know.. I don't listen to any NPR podasts currently. I suppose it would depend on the amount of value and how annoying and or the length of the opening sponsorship message.

I say the answer lies in the decision of someone, such as yourself, who is the listener. How does it make YOU feel? Are you turned off by it? Would you feel a more passionate about their content if there weren't ads or begging for money?

I'm all for content producers making money from their content. Of course you know that.

The thing I'm certain of with NPR is that they are getting PAID to run those pre-roll ads. And well, if the income generated is enough to keep the lights on, and their audience will tolerate the ads, OR EVEN YET, support the sponsors by buying their products, then I say go for it. ;)

Cliff,

Interesting episode (even to just a listener and not a Podcast producer).

Anyway, what are you thoughts on the NPR model (begging a few times a year, plus getting regular sponsors). All of their podcasts have a little plug at the beginning from the sponsor.

Cheers,
Amanda

Thanks so much Amanda! I consider it a true blessing to have you as a listener and especially as a Plus Member.

You're always a source of great encouragement!

Cliff

Awesome,

Thanks for the response. I am sure the people sponsoring NPR pay plenty of dollars, and they probably have deep pockets. It's been people like Audi, CSX, rather major companies. I'm sure it goes to pay for the bandwith. They're repackaging content that's already aired (with the exception of a few), so they don't have the labor costs involved. It's hard to track, however, who is going to buy an Audi because they heard it on a podcast. But I'm sure it's hard to track commercials on TV too.

I like their content so much that I can handle the ads and request for money. If I were iffy about it, it might be turn me off. But their content (like a certain Podcast Answer Man I know) is so top-notch, that I'm totally game for what it takes to pay the bills.

I kind of liken it to the plugs you give encouraging people to become plus members. I already am one, so you don't need to sell it to me. But because I like the content so much, I don't mind one bit listening to the plug.

Again, thanks for your excellent response.

I don't know.. I don't listen to any NPR podasts currently. I suppose it would depend on the amount of value and how annoying and or the length of the opening sponsorship message.

I say the answer lies in the decision of someone, such as yourself, who is the listener. How does it make YOU feel? Are you turned off by it? Would you feel a more passionate about their content if there weren't ads or begging for money?

I'm all for content producers making money from their content. Of course you know that.

The thing I'm certain of with NPR is that they are getting PAID to run those pre-roll ads. And well, if the income generated is enough to keep the lights on, and their audience will tolerate the ads, OR EVEN YET, support the sponsors by buying their products, then I say go for it. ;)

Cliff,

Interesting episode (even to just a listener and not a Podcast producer).

Anyway, what are you thoughts on the NPR model (begging a few times a year, plus getting regular sponsors). All of their podcasts have a little plug at the beginning from the sponsor.

Cheers,
Amanda

Cliff, thanks for bringing up some different ways of looking at the whole Affiliate Marking business, and how it can impact, not only podcasters, but the possibility of harming our chances of getting paid sponsors or advertisers. Effective today, I will no longer verbally promote my Amazon store affiliate program during my podcasts, although I will still have the links available on my site. Thanks for opening my eyes to all the facets involved!

Also, your point about "calling in favors" from our audience, is something I will continue to keep in mind!

With appreciation,

Wayne

Cliff, thanks for bringing up some different ways of looking at the whole Affiliate Marking business, and how it can impact, not only podcasters, but the possibility of harming our chances of getting paid sponsors or advertisers. Effective today, I will no longer verbally promote my Amazon store affiliate program during my podcasts, although I will still have the links available on my site. Thanks for opening my eyes to all the facets involved!

Also, your point about "calling in favors" from our audience, is something I will continue to keep in mind!

With appreciation,

Wayne