In this episode, I share what’s involved in the podcast episode production process: from having an idea to appearing in listeners’ ears.
As in previous episodes, I talk through my own adventures and the current podcasting landscape and share some insights to hopefully help you through your adventures.
First, Facebook continues to play strong in audio, with an “audio hub”, which includes not just podcasts, but also “rooms”. This is one space to look out for, thinking about different ways in which us audio people can find new audiences.
Much of this is still only relevant to the US, and to mobile apps, but worth keeping an eye out on.
Thanks to HotPodNews and others for keeping us informed.
Audio continues to be strong, and it looks like podcast listening is back up to pre-pandemic levels.
Another recent piece that’s important to us, not as much regarding information but because it raises some important questions: Spotify is breaking podcasts.
Even though as indie podcasters, we’re unlikely (never say never!) to be poached by Spotify, it’s important to consider whether at any point we should go exclusive with only one platform, and when we should offer podcasts behind some kind of paywall.
Of course, podcasters have been providing episodes privately through Patreon and other ways for ages, but we have to understand also how this affects the wider podcasting space. There is also a parallel with the indie author industry, where writers make a decision between being exclusive to Kindle Unlimited, and not publishing more widely, vs not being part of that membership programme, through which they could make some royalties. (By the way, you can find the ebook Plan Your Podcast on all online bookshops and libraries.)
12.24 mins
My own adventures
Thinking of restructuring 21st Century Work Life: there are loads more podcasts now and these episodes are loooong. Shorter episodes do better and My Pocket Psych is proof of this, as the new shorter episodes are getting more listens than our previous one. The same happens with 21st Century Work Life, the 30 minute ones get loads of downloads.
Also general shows about leadership also have content about online collaboration and leading remote teams. So I’m thinking about how to make the show work more for the business – I know, a bit late, isn’t it, after more than 284 episodes! But I love doing the show so much that I’ve gone for enjoyment over ROI!
Every now and then, it’s worth reviewing your content strategy to change with the times – general context and podcasting.
Adventures in Podcasting – I launched into the podcast, ignoring my plan which is around 2 years old!.Quite pleased because original plan didn’t include all these industry updates – but the space was smaller when I made that plan. I quite like the structure that has emerged with industry news, personal update and the “how to” section. I’m not sure this would have worked a couple of years ago.
The plan was also to interview others, for the book, and so I’ll start that around episode 20. I’ll start with my friends!
20.06 mins
The “helpful section”: a quick overview of the podcast episode creation process
In a nutshell:
Preparation
– Decide on the topic/angle of the episode.
– Prepare an outline or a script.
– Schedule the recording.
Content Creation
– Record the audio.
– Edit the audio. (Chop out any unwanted bits; move around sequences.)
File Creation
– Stitch the different audio parts together.
– “Polish” the audio and make it podcast ready (I mention Auphonic).
– Create mp3 file.
Publishing and Consolidation
– Publish your file through your podcast media host. (If you sign up for Buzzsprout, use this link to support this show. Thanks!)
– Create show notes (however short). (If you’re looking for a website host, this site is hosted on Bluehost, and that is my affiliate link.)
– Create audiogram, share on social, etc. (optional)
I’ll cover each stage in detail over the next four episodes.
For now, you can download this pdf, I hope it helps, let me know!
If what you need is to plan your podcast (as in your show), grab my book Plan Your Podcast, or sign up to this 10-part mailing sequence which will guide you through the whole process.
If you find the blog useful, and are looking for media hosting and web hosting, consider using my affiliate links to Buzzsprout and Bluehost.