Bonus: Generate Podcast Revenue with Brand Partnership: Your 4-Step Process with Emily Holland
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I’m so glad you’re here because today, I’m diving into a highly requested topic—how to land brand partnerships and turn your podcast into a profitable platform.
If you’ve ever wondered:
Can I make money from my podcast, even if I don’t have millions of downloads?
How do I find the right brands to work with?
What’s the best way to pitch and negotiate deals?
Then this episode is for you. My guest, Emily Holland, co-owner of Wild Poppy Creative, is breaking down the exact steps to secure brand deals that align with your podcast and business goals.
Emily is a brand partnership strategist who helps podcasters monetize through long-term sponsorships, brand collaborations, and creative content partnerships. Today, she’s sharing her proven four-part framework for finding, pitching, and managing high-value podcast sponsorships—even if you’re just starting out.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why brand partnerships are more than just sponsorships
How to start monetizing even with a small audience
The four-step process for landing brand deals
How to create a brand partnership dream list
What to say when pitching brands
How to structure a winning media kit
How much you can realistically make from podcast partnerships
Why Brand Partnerships Are More Than Just Sponsorships
When most podcasters think of monetization, they think of traditional sponsorships—a brand pays you to read a scripted ad during your show. But according to Emily, that’s just one small piece of the puzzle.
The real opportunity lies in brand partnerships, which can include:
✔ Affiliate marketing – Earning commission on products you recommend.
✔ Custom content creation – Creating unique campaigns for brands.
✔ Multi-platform partnerships – Integrating brands across your podcast, email list, and social media.
✔ Long-term collaborations – Working with a brand over months, not just for one ad.
“I don’t think of them as sponsorships—I think of them as brand partnerships because the best deals are built on relationships, not just transactions.”
How to Start Monetizing Even with a Small Audience
Many podcasters assume they need millions of downloads before they can land partnerships. Not true!
Brands care about:
Niche, engaged audiences – A small but highly targeted audience is more valuable than broad reach.
Multi-platform exposure – Can they appear on your email list, social media, or blog?
Brand alignment – Do their products naturally fit your podcast topic and audience?
Emily has helped podcasters with as little as 3,000 downloads per episode secure lucrative brand deals.
If you have a dedicated audience that trusts you, you can start monetizing sooner than you think.
The Four-Step Process for Landing Brand Deals
Emily’s four-part brand partnership framework breaks down the exact process to land deals:
Step 1: Get Your Foundations in Place (aka "Get Your Sh*t Together)
Identify your ideal brand partners based on audience interests.
Organize your podcast production & content strategy so you’re ready for sponsors.
Create a media kit showcasing your audience, reach, and value proposition.
Step 2: Perfect Your Pitch ("Pitch Please")
Use Emily’s “Sandwich Method” to craft brand-focused outreach emails.
Avoid generic pitches—make it customized & relevant.
Build relationships with brand marketers, not just PR reps.
Step 3: Onboard & Deliver Like a Pro
Negotiate win-win deals that benefit you, the brand, and your audience.
Clearly define deliverables (ad reads, social posts, emails, etc.).
Make it easy for brands to work with you by setting clear expectations.
Step 4: Manage & Renew Partnerships
Track performance so you can prove ROI to brands.
Stay in regular communication and provide feedback reports.
Offer renewal incentives to keep sponsors coming back.
“It’s way easier to keep a great brand partner than to find a new one. Delivering great results is key.”
How to Create a Brand Partnership Dream List
Not all brands are the right fit for your podcast. Emily recommends creating a dream list of companies that align with your audience.
How to Build Your Dream Brand List:
Start with brands you already use & love.
Think about your audience’s lifestyle—what do they buy?
Include non-traditional brands that match your listeners’ interests.
“You don’t have to work with the same sponsors everyone else does. Get creative—what would truly excite your listeners?”
What to Say When Pitching Brands
The worst thing you can do when pitching is sending generic cold emails. Instead, use Emily’s Sandwich Method:
Top Slice (Brand-Focused Opening) – Reference something specific about their brand, campaign, or mission.
Middle (Why You & Your Podcast) – Explain why your audience is the perfect fit for their product.
Bottom Slice (Call to Action) – Invite them to discuss their marketing goals and how you can support them.
Example Email:
“Hey [Brand Name], I’ve been a loyal [product] user for years, and I love how your brand prioritizes [key value]. My podcast audience of [niche] is highly engaged, and I’d love to explore ways we can work together. Are you open to a quick call next week to discuss potential collaborations?”
This personalized approach makes brands want to say yes.
How Much You Can Realistically Make from Podcast Partnerships
Brand partnership revenue can vary widely, but even small-to-mid-sized podcasters can generate:
$500–$5,000 per episode for niche sponsorships.
$10,000+ per month with multiple brand deals.
Six-figure partnerships for long-term collaborations.
If structured correctly, podcast sponsorships can fund your entire show (or even become your full-time income).
Your Next Steps
Want to start landing brand deals for your podcast?
📩 Download Emily’s Free Private Podcast on Brand Partnerships → WildPoppyCreativeCo.com/privatepodcast
🎙 Get Weekly Podcast Growth Insights → PodcastMarketingHub.com/subscribe
🔗 Work with Emily & Wild Poppy Creative → WildPoppyCreativeCo.com
Final Thoughts
Brand partnerships aren’t just about making money—they’re about creating aligned, valuable relationships that support both your podcast and your audience.
If you’ve been waiting for permission to monetize, consider this your green light.
Pick one small step from today’s episode and start reaching out. Your next brand deal is closer than you think!
#PodcastMonetization #PodcastGrowth #BrandPartnerships #OnlineMarketing #HowToGrowYourPodcast
Let’s Connect!
Share your favorite trend from this episode or ask questions by DMing me on Instagram at @thepodcastmarketinghub.
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