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Have you ever found yourself scrambling to get a recording done the day before your episode is due? No judgment here, I promise! It happens to almost every podcaster at some point, and I’ve seen it regularly with our own clients over the years.
This episode isn’t about being stuck for ideas or staring at the microphone not knowing what to say. I did a whole episode on that already (Episode 12). This one is about the workflow and scheduling side of things. The cycle of always feeling one step behind, and three things you can do to finally get ahead.
You can try them in order and see what works for your situation. So let’s jump in…
- Batch Your Episodes
Batching means blocking off dedicated time to record multiple episodes in one sitting, or at least across a couple of days close together, like I usually do. You’re already set up, you’re already warmed up and in the zone, and you use that momentum rather than packing up and starting from scratch the following week.
Yes there’s a bit of upfront work involved in putting together your ideas or a loose script for a couple of episodes at once. But I look at it as short-term pain for long-term gain. If you’re a bi-weekly show like mine, batching two episodes in a dedicated day means you’ve got a full month of content done. This can definitely change how the whole week feels, and how you’re feeling about your podcast!
One tip specifically for guest shows: always have a solo topic picked out and ready to go. Guest cancellations happen (especially during the summer!), and if you have a backup topic ready with a few key points jotted down, you can still record something that day instead of falling behind.
One of our clients, David Kincade of Winning the Public Purse, recently had a situation where his guest cancelled late and he was able to pivot by recording a solo episode he had on his mind, and his episode released on its regular morning. Crisis averted!Â
I talked about batching with Megan from fitDEGREE in Episode 13, and she and Nick are always a week or two ahead on their show and their workflow is really dialed in. I think that episode is worth a listen if you want to hear how they do it.Â
Sub-point under batching: temporarily simplify your format. If you normally do guest interviews, swap one for a shorter solo episode. It’s faster to record, faster to edit, and buys you breathing room without changing your publishing schedule. You can go back to your regular format once you’re ahead. It’s your show and there are no rules.
- Outsource
If batching alone isn’t getting you there, it might be time to get some help with the parts of your podcast that eat the most time. That might mean hiring a podcast editor, even temporarily, so you can focus on just recording. It could mean getting someone to handle your show notes or social posts. Even offloading one piece of the workflow can make a meaningful difference.
Note: this is what we love to do and if you need help, you can book a chat with me at https://calendly.com/mattpodassist to discuss your needs.Â
And outsourcing doesn’t have to be podcast-related! Having a spouse take over the errands for an afternoon, hiring someone for a couple of hours of cleaning, anything that clears you a dedicated hour to sit down and record. That counts, and you can use that extra time to focus on your show.
- Reduce Your Frequency
If batching and outsourcing aren’t realistic right now, don’t be afraid to simply pull back on how often you publish. Weekly to bi-weekly. Bi-weekly to monthly. Or even seasonal is perfectly fine! We have clients who run a set number of episodes per year and take time away from publishing to focus on other areas of their business. None of that is failure. It’s smart, sustainable podcasting.
A slower show that keeps going will always beat a faster show that burns out and disappears. The goal is to still be podcasting a year from now.
Do you have a tip that could help other podcasters with this issue? I’d love to hear it! You can find me on Facebook, LinkedIn, or send a note to matt@podassist.com.
Remember, it’s YOUR show and there are NO RULES!
Ready to launch your podcast in as little as TWO weeks, stress-free? Or need help with your current show? Book a no-obligation call with me at https://calendly.com/mattpodassist.
LINKS:
13: Client Feature: Strategies for Running a Podcast Like Clockwork with Megan from fitDEGREEÂ Â
12: Break Glass in Case of Emergency: My Go-To Strategy for Solo Hosts That Are Stuck