This is how often you should release a podcast…

This is the first in a series of Vic’s Podcasting Tips to help you make an awesome podcast – the Vic in question is our founder Vic Elizabeth Turnbull.

Instead of asking ‘How often should I release a podcast episode?’, the first question is one to ask yourself, and that is ‘How much time do I have?’.

The frequency of your podcast episodes will depend on how much time you have in your life to fit it in, along with everything else that you’ve got going on – especially if podcasting is not your full-time job. 

A podcast is a commitment and you want to do it well right? Consider how much time it will take you; like your  pre-production bits, to write your scripts, research content and guests (if you’re having them), booking those guests, then recording and then editing…not to mention promoting it.

Jeez, I feel like I need a lay down just talking about all that!

Sure, a weekly podcast release seems like a great idea to start with, but after week six – will you still feel the same?

What are your reasons for wanting a (insert your ideal frequency) podcast?

It might be that frequency doesn’t actually matter! If audience building is a reason here, it might prove more detrimental for you to have a more regular podcast – as you won’t have the time to properly market each episode.

Urgh Catch 22.

But what about my listeners!

Won’t they want me in their ears every week? How do you know, have you asked them? If they love your content, I’m sure they’ll wait. Odds are that if they’re your fans, they won’t mind that your podcast isn’t landing on their lap weekly. 

Podcast Release Frequency tips

How about you start off by releasing episodes monthly or every two weeks to sound out (mind the pun) how long it takes you. Your podcast episodes can then get more regular if you feel that you can handle the workload. This way around can be better for your listener, than starting off more regular and then tailing off. Try to be consistent though and if you do decide to change the frequency, do inform your listeners. They’re the main dudes here right?

One way to manage your time is to work in series’s (aka seasons), this way you can prepare a bank of episodes that you can release regularly. This way you can also dedicate time to marketing each episode, rather than chasing your tail. 

In all this, planning is key. 

Start by mapping out how long you think the podcasting process will take you. Use some project planning techniques like a gantt chart or sketch it out on paper. Then be realistic with yourself.

If you have your heart set on a weekly or even daily podcast and just don’t have the time to do all of the bits yourself consider getting some help, like a team member, a buddy or a podcast production company to help you. Like here at MIC Media, we support podcasters from doing the whole production to bits of it, like sorting out your editing. 

I bet you’re reading this thinking ‘she bloody hates weekly podcasts’ – I don’t! What I do hate is bloody good podcasts and podcast hosts stopping production because of them burning out (aka pod burn). Look, I’m talking from experience here, I’ve been there. I’ve also seen loads of other people struggle with unrealistic schedules – that they’ve set for themselves!

So, when you’re thinking about how often you should release episodes, consider yourself not what you ‘should’ do!

Looking for podcast training for yourself members, team or group? Contact MIC here, let’s have a chat about your coaching or workshops wants and ideas!