Do you have a podcast workflow? Maybe you do and don’t even realize it.
Photo: Emily Prokop
A podcast workflow is the order in which you put together a podcast episode from start to finish. It’s something new podcasters seem to overlook, whereas many seasoned podcasters go into their podcasting workflow without even realizing they do it, but would be lost without it.
Those not familiar with podcasting often think podcasting is just recording their voice and pressing publish is all there is to it.
But we know better, right podcasters?
You can’t make a casserole without a recipe right? Well your podcasting workflow is like your recipe. You may change your ingredients from time to time or the order in which you combine ingredients, but the base ingredients stay the same.
But when it comes to organizing your podcast production, writing down your workflow and creating a checklist for yourself for how to put together an episode will help you in the long run, especially if you plan on expanding your production team at some point, such as hiring an editor or production assistant.
One thing about podcasts is as they get bigger, the hosts/creators don’t have as much time for behind-the-scenes as they do in the beginning. They get busier and busier working on upcoming content or promoting their podcast. This is usually the point at which a solo podcaster ends up hiring assistance. Having a workflow already in place can help you identify which tasks you don’t like doing or don’t have time for so you can easily hand them off to your team.
You can use a system as simple as a checklist for yourself or there are plenty of project management software options to try, like Asana or ClickUp. Some podcasts may even find a more visual way of portraying their workflow, like a storyboard for example. My advice is to find what works for you and make sure it’s something you, your cohosts, and/or your team will all use.
Step 1, though, is sitting down and actually writing out all the steps you see yourself (or your team) accomplishing for a single episode.
When I created and produced The Story Behind, I used a bullet journal to keep track of where my episodes were in production. Every episode had the same flow: Research, Write, Record, Edit, Create Art, Write Show Notes, Publish, Promote. When I would finish with one of those tasks, I’d fill in the little box indicating what’s been done.
Some episodes were easier and quicker to research than others, and having this tracking process made it easy to determine which episodes were closer to being completed and which ones I needed to focus more on.
More information about bullet journaling can be found here. I went digital with most of my journaling and list-making so now I use either Google Sheets or a simple Google Doc for most of my projects
Want to get started creating your workflow? Here are some examples of podcast workflows:
Interview Podcast:
Pick topic, research, find guest, set up interview, record interview, write notes based on interview, create intro, record intro, send to editor with notes, edited podcast returns, add to show notes any links/articles mentioned, create episode artwork, publish episode, set up social media posts promoting episode, send follow-up email to guest with episode link and promotional materials, add episode link to weekly newsletter..
Storytelling Podcast:
Brainstorm episode, script episode, make list of clips and sound FX needed, record episode, edit episode, create show notes, tease upcoming episode on social media using preview clip, schedule podcast to be published, set reminder to promote podcast episode when it comes out.
Educational Podcast:
Come up with a topic, research and keep notes on sources, outline episode, review episode, record, edit episode, create show notes including links to sources and additional information, save as draft for cohost to review before signing off, publish once approved, add episode link to newsletter and post promotional information on social media channels.
Those are just a few ideas to get you started. These are pretty simplified versions, but hopefully you get the idea.
As you continue on your podcasting journey, you’re going to go through chapters of your life where you’re busier than others and maybe your podcast gets put to the wayside. Having a workflow can help you when you need to step away - it can be a way to hold your place so when you come back, you’re not starting from scratch in your organization.
What’s your podcast workflow? Tell me below 🙂
What to Read next:
Sign up for my newsletter for creative independent podcasters to receive monthly podcasting tips and updates!
Want to connect between posts? Follow me over on Instagram 🙂
Check out my latest podcasting blog post here
Check out my Podcasting Microphone and Setup and what gear I recommend for new podcasters
Looking for a podcast host? Use my Promo Code EMILY to get your first month of hosting free at Libsyn! (Code automatically applied when you click that link 😉)