Advertise on podcast: Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin - Podcast about Podcasting for Podcasters

Is it possible for small podcasters to make money off of their podcast? Yes! But in today’s episode, I’m breaking down why the traditional ways of media sponsorship don’t work for smaller podcasts. Instead, I’m sharing the anti-CPM approach that has created success for podcasters and their sponsors alike. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly: Where CPM came from (1:58) Why CPM doesn’t work today (3:14) Why CPM isn’t for independent podcasters (4:38) The better model (6:29) For the sponsors listening (11:04) Connect with Haylee: Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Website: gaffincreative.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the Podcast Launch Kit, and why am I rebuilding it? Today’s episode is a behind-the-scenes look into my decision to completely re-record my course for launching your podcast. I’m sharing the history of the course, why a simple refresh wasn’t enough, plus what’s changed this time around. If you’ve been thinking about launching a podcast, listen in to this episode and be sure to add your name to the waitlist today. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly: Where this course has been (1:13) Why a refresh wasn’t enough (9:01) What’s actually changing (13:02) Mentioned in this Episode: Podcast Launch Kit: gaffincreative.com/podcast-launch-kit Connect with Haylee: Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Website: gaffincreative.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With dozens of tools available to create your podcast, which ones should you choose? In today’s episode, I’m sharing the current platform stack we use at Gaffin Creative, plus what we recommend to our clients. I’m covering our choices for recording, hosting, editing, and audio cleanup.  Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  Recording (2:49) Hosting (4:36) Editing (6:58) Audio Cleanup (9:53) Mentioned in this Episode: Podcast Launch Kit: gaffincreative.com/podcast-launch-kit Riverside: use code GAFFIN15 for 15% off at checkout: creators.riverside.fm/ClockingIn Acast: acast.com/en Logic Pro: apple.com/logic-pro Descript: descript.com Buzzsprout: buzzsprout.com Auphonic: auphonic.com Connect with Haylee: Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Website: gaffincreative.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve seen a lot of change in the podcasting industry over the last decade. For business owners especially, these changes have created greater opportunities for your podcast to support your business. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the most significant changes from the past decade, plus what it means for your podcast in 2026 and beyond.  Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  The gear and barrier to entry (2:48) From “content” to “asset” (7:05) Discovery has completely flipped (11:02) The rise of AI (14:29) What hasn’t changed (19:14) Mentioned in this Episode: Podcast Launch Kit: gaffincreative.com/podcast-launch-kit Podcasting for Business: gaffincreative.com/coaching Podcasting Gear List: gaffincreative.com/podcast-gear-list-for-clocking-in-with-haylee-gaffin Episode 170: Why I’m Not Scared of AI as a Podcast Producer:  gaffincreative.com/170-why-im-not-scared-of-ai-as-a-podcast-producer Episode 124: An Introduction to Private Podcasts: gaffincreative.com/124-an-introduction-to-private-podcasts Connect with Haylee: Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboard Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Website: gaffincreative.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I don’t want to guess what you want from this show—I want to hear it directly from you. While attending the Empowered Podcasting Conference, I had a realization: I don’t actually know who all of you are. I might know the listeners who DM me on Instagram, respond to an episode, or regularly share feedback, but there are so many of you listening quietly behind the scenes. And if I’m going to make this show as useful and relevant as possible, I want to change that. So, I created a quick listener survey that should take about five minutes to complete. I want to know who you are, how you fit into the podcast industry, what you love about the show, what you’d like more (or less!) of, and which episodes have really stuck with you. Take the Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbfDpAbG9o8yZ53mm-gXSVDNzUvtZply2UGhfo2T_ddxmRlA/viewform?usp=header Review the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/6PdpRpc5xVU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you know if your podcast is actually helping your business? There are a handful of signs that tell me almost immediately whether a podcast is supporting the business behind it, or just simply existing as another task alongside it. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the 7 signs that your podcast is out of alignment with your business.  Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  Your podcast feels like another marketing task instead of an asset (1:28) Your episodes don’t support your current business goals (3:03) Someone could binge your show and still have no idea how to work with you (5:10) Your content attracts listeners, but not your ideal client (6:56) Your calls to action don’t match the journey you’re trying to create (8:14) You’re measuring success with the wrong scoreboard (9:16) You’re making podcast decisions before business decisions (11:04) Mentioned in this Episode: Podcasting for Business: gaffincreative.com/coaching Connect with Haylee: Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Website: gaffincreative.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's one thing to talk about what strategic podcast decisions look like in theory. It's another thing entirely to watch someone actually make them—and see the results play out in real numbers, real sponsorships, and a real business. That's exactly what happened with Ali Haney, host of the Brand & Market podcast and a Podcasting for Business alumna. Over the last year, Ali went from a podcast pulling in 25 to 30 downloads per episode to one that's landed a paying sponsor, far more than doubled its download average, and become a genuine lead generator for her business. This is a look at how she got there—and what it reveals about what strategic podcasting actually requires. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  Before the program (5:53) Making real connections with listeners (13:16) The impact of niching down and choosing her ideal audience (15:00) The value of entertaining, fun episodes (16:55) Rebuilding the content strategy (19:05) Podcast search optimization and keyword strategy (22:01) The first podcast sponsorship opportunity (26:31)  Running podcast ADs (30:03) Ali’s biggest podcast challenge before and after the program (35:16) The biggest mindset shift (35:53) Ali’s proudest accomplishment (37:08) Mentioned in this Episode: Podcasting for Business: gaffincreative.com/coaching Connect with Ali: Website: brandandmarket.co Instagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co Connect with Haylee: Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Website: gaffincreative.com Review the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/SdnQn6zH2Tj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If your podcast disappeared tomorrow, would your business feel it? Or would it just be one less thing on your to-do list? That question gets at the heart of what separates a podcast that's content from a podcast that's a business asset. If your show isn't intentionally connected to how you attract, nurture, and convert your audience, it's not really functioning as part of your business—it's just something you're creating alongside it. This is a continuation of a bigger idea: your business strategy should drive your podcast, not the other way around. That's the philosophy. Join me in today's episode to hear all about the behind the scenes of podcasting for business. Our program for podcasters looking to leverage their show to drive more revenue in their business.  Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  It didn’t start with podcasting (3:06) The coaching conversations (4:24) Something starts to shift (6:11) The strategy became personal (7:40) The data told a bigger story (10:43) The transformation I was most excited about (12:27) It’s your turn (14:50) Mentioned in this Episode: Podcasting for Business: gaffincreative.com/coaching 224: Your Business Strategy Should Be Driving Your Podcast—Not the Other Way Around: gaffincreative.com/224-your-business-strategy-should-be-driving-your-podcast-not-the-other-way-around Connect with Haylee: Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Website: gaffincreative.com Review the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/qBYFQQXzg7e Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When was the last time you made a business decision before you made a podcast decision? In today’s episode, I’m talking about how your podcast should support your business - not the other way around. Plus, how I’ve seen clarity in business help my coaching clients make better decisions for their podcasts.  Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  What I’ve learned in the first official round of Podcasting for Business (3:22) The mistake I see most podcasters making (5:40) 3 questions to help create aligned content (8:23) Why I’m sharing this now (9:58) Mentioned in this Episode: Podcasting for Business: gaffincreative.com/coaching Connect with Haylee: Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Website: gaffincreative.com Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/RP5zipeApb6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the thing you're known for is actually limiting the impact you're meant to make? For a long time, I believed my business was about podcast production. And while podcasting will always be at the heart of what I do, I've realized something much bigger: I've never just been helping people launch podcasts—I've been helping them build authority. In this episode, I'm sharing the mindset shift that's been reshaping my business and why I've stopped thinking of podcasting as the destination. Instead, I now see it as one of the most powerful tools business owners can use to become more visible, more trusted, and more profitable. If you've ever felt boxed in by the reputation you've built or worried about evolving your messaging because people expect you to stay the same, this conversation is for you. In this episode, I share:Why being known for one thing can unintentionally limit your growth.The difference between the service you provide and the transformation you actually create.How to confidently evolve your business without abandoning the work that built your reputation. Whether you're a podcaster, coach, creative, or service provider, I hope this episode gives you permission to embrace the next season of your business with clarity and confidence. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  You know me as “the podcast expert” (0:56) When your professional identity changes (6:01) Growth doesn't mean abandoning what you're known for (7:54) Mentioned in this Episode: Podcasting for Business: gaffincreative.com/coaching Connect with Haylee: Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Website: gaffincreative.com Review the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/27qYKFPPeDG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you still need to podcast when your business is at capacity? In today’s episode, I’m sharing why I think you should continue to podcast even when that is the case. Plus, why I’m still sitting down to record despite the fact that Gaffin Creative is currently operating on a waitlist. Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  Your Podcast Is Bigger Than This Month's Revenue (5:03) Most of Your Listeners Are A Long-Term Investment (7:24) What You Should Create When You Don't Need More Clients (10:26) What This Season Has Taught Me (13:56) Your Podcast Is Building Future Relationships (19:38) Mentioned in this Episode: Podcasting for Business: gaffincreative.com/coaching Connect with Haylee: Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Website: gaffincreative.com Review the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/xdLzej6NrMe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you think you could make the same impact in a five-minute podcast episode that you could in a 20-minute one? So many podcasters equate longer episodes with more value. But in today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can make an impact in just five minutes.  Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  What are summer shorties? (2:20) A few ways to structure them (3:03) Your summer shorties challenge (4:44) Mentioned in this Episode: Holistic Marketing Simplified with Molly Cahill: Summer Shorts: mollycahill.com/71-optimizing-your-instagram-bio Connect with Haylee: Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboard Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Website: gaffincreative.com Review the transcript: share.descript.com/view/OVORgS1CbJz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if I told you that one of the smartest things you can do for your podcast is publish less? I know, that sounds completely backwards. But in today’s episode, I’m sharing why it might just be the thing that helps your podcast. Plus, I’m sharing something that I think every podcaster needs a little more of… permission.  Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  You have permission to take a break (2:24) You have permission to publish less often (5:03) You have permission to repeat yourself (6:38) You have permission to change your format (9:13) You have permission to build your podcast around your life (10:28) The secret to a sustainable podcast (12:43) One final permission slip (15:38) Connect with Haylee: Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboard Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Website: gaffincreative.com Review the Transcript: share.descript.com/view/UWAFMKI7x0M Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A podcast is truly one of the most powerful business tools available. In today’s episode, I’m featuring my client Colie James and the Business-First Creatives Podcast, with an episode that dives into exactly how significant a podcast can be. Colie chats with marketing expert Polly Pollock about how podcasts and other types of long-form content are key to creating deep connections and driving real business growth.  This episode originally aired on episode 302 of the Business-First Creatives Podcast.  Today's episode is brought to you by Mic Check Society, our community for podcasters who are looking to take their podcast from good to great. Come join us for educational trainings, a private member's only community, and monthly calls! Get $10 off per month with code PODCAST at micchecksociety.com.  Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Mentioned in This Episode: Business-First Creatives Episode 302 with Polly Pollock: coliejames.com/your-marketing-isnt-converting-because-its-missing-one-on-one-connection-with-polly-pollock/ Business-First Creatives: coliejames.com/podcast Colie James on Instagram: instagram.com/coliejames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm a little late to celebrating 5 years of Clocking In, so in honor of 5 years, I’m sharing 5 things I wish more podcasters knew in 2026. These are the lessons I find myself repeating over and over again in client calls, podcast audits, strategy sessions, and other conversations with podcasters. And they might make a difference for your podcasting in 2026! Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  Stop building your podcast like someone else’s (1:36) There are very few universal rules in podcasting (5:00) Your guest interviews are only as good as your preparation (7:16) Nobody cares about your download numbers as much as you do (10:43) Stop stepping on your guest’s words (12:36) Mentioned in this Episode: Custom GPT: http://gaffincreative.com/guestresearch Connect with Haylee: Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboard Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Website: gaffincreative.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.