Did you know 90% of podcasters quit by their 3rd episode?
But you don't have be the statistic! The number one reason podcasters stop podcasting is because they haven't figured out how to simplify their podcast workflow.
And in this article, I'll teach you everything you need to know to establish a podcast production workflow that works for you.
Hi, I'm Jamie Kennedy, the executive podcast producer here at Brave Moon Podcasts. We help health, fitness and wellness brands with podcasts, podcast advertising campaigns and podcast guest appearances. Our full-service podcast production agency can can even help you manage your workflow.
So let's get into: how to make your podcast production workflow work for you. But wait...
Why do so many podcasters quit after only 3 episodes?
In the beginning, when your mojo is flowing and you're excited for your podcast to go live, all of the steps to create your podcast feel new and exciting.
But by the fourth week, you do start to question why you started in the first place. This is because the tasks start to feel cumbersome, and, just like any normal digital marketing medium, podcasts usually take time and consistency to build a listenership.
Giving up on your fourth week won't result in a successful podcast.
So how can we make every step of the podcasting workflow easy for you? Here are a few of the processes we've seen podcast clients do that work really well.
What is a podcast workflow?
A podcast workflow is a systematic process that involves planning, recording, editing, post-production, and publishing. It starts with topic selection and guest booking, followed by setting up recording equipment and conducting the interview.
The recorded audio is then edited to remove noise, adjust levels, and add music and sound effects. Once edited, the episode is finalized with an intro and outro, and metadata is added. The final step involves uploading the episode to a hosting platform and submitting it to major podcast directories.
By following a structured workflow, podcasters can ensure a smooth and efficient production process!
Outsource the most time-consuming podcast workflow tasks.
You may think you can't afford to outsource your least favorite tasks. But let me share something with you: your time is your most valuable asset.
How much is an hour of your time worth?
Because you don't get that hour back. Ever.
That's how valuable an hour of your time is.
Could that hour be worth $500 to you? $1,000?
Whatever amount it is, your time is priced a lot higher than you would spend to outsource your most time-consuming tasks.
In addition, if you outsource to an expert, like a podcast producer here at Brave Moon Podcasts, you're also receiving more bang for your buck than if you learned it and did it yourself, because you'll be:
Letting someone else write your SEO-savvy show notes.
Seeing how good an audio editor can finesse your episode.
Sitting back and relax as a marketing expert creates your video snippets for promotional material.
Create Your Own Podcast Workflow that Sets You Up for Success
Starting a podcast can be a bit of a 'fly by the seat of your pants' adventure, especially at the beginning.
Once you've launched your podcast, you'll have repetitive tasks that need to take place every single time you have a new episode.
So organizing your workflow can help you better understand every step you need to take to bring your podcast episodes to life.
6 Reasons to Implement a Podcast Workflow
Having a well-structured podcast workflow can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of your podcast production process. Here are six key reasons to implement a podcast workflow:
Consistency
A consistent workflow ensures that each episode follows a similar structure, improving the overall quality and listener experience.
Efficiency
By streamlining the production process, you can save time and effort, allowing you to produce more episodes in less time.
Quality Control
A clear workflow helps you maintain high-quality standards, from recording to editing and publishing.
Collaboration
If you have a team, a workflow can facilitate smooth collaboration and communication between team members.
Scalability
A well-defined workflow makes it easier to scale your podcast production as your audience grows.
Stress Reduction
A clear plan can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to focus on creating great content.
How to Create a Podcast Workflow
Now it's time to create your podcast workflow. It's a good idea to start by listing all the tasks you need to do for each episode. Here's a good rule of thumb to follow:
Research your episode topic and vet any expert guests to join you.
Schedule the interview(s) at least 2 weeks before your episode will be released. This allows time for post-production, as well as any hiccups that might come up.
Prepare for your podcast recording by coming up with questions, script or outline.
Do the recording and any intros, outros or promos.
Edit the episode, layering in music, intros, outros, etc.
Schedule the episode to be released.
Once the episode is released, email any guests and ask them to promote the episode.
Promote the episode.
Once you've established your full task list, it's important to schedule dates for each one. Count backwards from the release date so you know your deadline for each task.
And for that, there's programs that can help!
The Best Programs to Help with Simplifying Your Podcast Workflow
Trello: A Visual Workflow for Your Podcast Production
Trello is a popular project management tool that can be used to help organize your tasks and collaborate with any team members. It uses a visual board system, where you can create boards, lists and cards to represent different podcast episodes, tasks and research.
And here's a freebie for you! Get organized with the podcast workflow template we use for Trello daily. It's a game-changer to know where your podcast workflow is, every step of the way!
Google Drive: A Cloud Storage Solution for Optimal Podcast Storage
We recommend using Google Drive to keep everything stored. Google Drive is a cloud storage and file-sharing service offered by Google. It allows you to store and access your files from anywhere with an internet connection. You can use it to create, edit, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. It also offers a certain amount of free storage space, making it a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike.
Canva: A User-Friendly Graphic Design Tool to Promote Your Podcast
The most simple and effective design tool you can use is Canva. With a premium account (minimal budget required), you can set up a go-to brand palette you can use for every promotional asset you create for your podcast.
You can work with static and stills to capture every type of audience online. You can even create your podcast thumbnail! It's the easiest solution for your podcast's all-inclusive, professionally branded look.
Riverside: The Best Recording and Editing Tool for High-Quality Podcast Production
Riverside is a powerful remote recording and editing tool that empowers creators to produce high-quality audio and video content. It offers real-time collaboration, AI-powered noise reduction, and intuitive editing features, making it a popular choice for podcasters and YouTubers. Yes, you can add music!
By storing recordings in the cloud, Riverside simplifies the workflow and enables seamless collaboration between team members, regardless of their location.
I hope these tips help you build practical solutions into your current podcast workflow.
If you have any questions or want to chat with us today about how we can help, contact us to learn more!
Happy podcasting.
