Whether I am hosting my Masterclass on how to launch a podcast or helping a client start their podcast, one of the most frequently asked questions I get is, “How often should I publish on my podcast?” And the answer is: well, it depends. Let me explain.
The first thing to remember is that consistency is the most important aspect of podcasting. So, you should ask yourself, “How often can I publish on my podcast to stay consistent?” That number will look different for everyone because everyone’s schedule is different. Usually, when people think of publishing on a podcast, they believe they need to publish once a week. But realistically speaking, that can be a lot for a new podcaster.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Your Podcast Schedule
Publishing an episode isn’t just about recording and scheduling. There is a whole podcast cycle to podcasting. First, you research and gather information, plan and outline your episode, record, edit, create graphics, write show notes, schedule your episode, publish, market, and repeat. You should consider how long each of these steps will take you to complete to understand better how often you can publish.
Another factor to consider is your current schedule. Do you have a full-time job or multiple jobs? Are you a full-time entrepreneur? Do you have kids? Are you married? Are you in school? You should look at your current schedule and see how you’ll make time for the behind-the-scenes work it takes to run a podcast.
When teaching folks about starting a podcast, I tell them that if an episode is 30 minutes long, it will probably take double the time to edit. However, this is just the beginning. Once you get the hang of editing, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for, and you can get it down to a 1:1 ratio, meaning, if an episode is 30 minutes long, you can edit it in 30 minutes.
You can try these tips to save time editing your podcast!
One last thing to keep in mind when you’re starting a podcast is that it may take you a few times to record your first few episodes, and that’s okay. Because this is a learning curve for you as this is something new, give yourself grace.
Popular Podcast Publishing Schedules
As stated above, when people think of podcasting, they usually think of a weekly podcast, but that may not be sustainable in the beginning. A bi-weekly publishing schedule can help with more in-depth content and it can give you a break in between episodes. If you decide on this schedule, you’ll release episodes twice a month. And I don’t recommend a monthly schedule unless your podcast is heavily researched – like a true crime podcast where you gather all the evidence as you release the episodes. The one example I can think of is the podcast Swindled.
So How Often Should I Publish on My Podcast?
To answer that question, do what works best for you and your schedule. One of my clients opted to release episodes biweekly for three months and would take a break and repeat. In reality, she decided to do six episodes each season.
You can do more episodes per season if you’d like because one of the best things about podcasting is the flexibility you have with your show. One of the benefits of having a seasonal show is the breaks you can take throughout the year so you don’t burn out. And while you’re on break, people can binge-listen to the current episodes you have out until you release new ones.
When I started my podcast, I published it every other Tuesday, so it was published biweekly. This schedule worked best for me until I got into the flow of my show. Plus, I had a lot of other projects going on at the same time, so it gave me a break in between episodes. I recently changed my schedule to weekly, but in order for the weekly schedule to work for me, I had to step away from other projects.
Tips for Maintaining Consistency
- Plan your episodes ahead of time.
- Batch record if you can
- Be flexible
- Organize your episodes
I have a digital podcast planner to help you plan and outline your episodes, write show notes, and organize your podcast flow from the beginning! Organization is a major key for consistency.
The podcast planner includes:
Episode Format Outline: Structure your episodes for a smooth and engaging flow.
Episode Notes: Keep track of key points and details for each episode.
Shownotes Outline: Create clear and concise summaries for your audience.
Weekly Planner with a Checklist: Plan your weekly tasks and stay on track.
Monthly Planner with a Checklist: Set and achieve your monthly podcasting goals.
Guest Form Intake: Streamline your guest booking process with ease.
Conclusion
Remember that what may work for another podcaster may not work for you. I’ve seen podcasters disapprove of biweekly or seasonal schedules because they say that podcasters don’t come back after their breaks. However, I firmly believe one must do what works best for oneself to stay consistent.
One of the biggest mistakes new podcasters make is overcommitting to podcasting and burning out very early. We want consistency, we want good quality content, and we want longevity. Podcasting success will all be possible with setting up your podcast correctly, organization, and having a plan!
If you need any help with your podcast, schedule a consultation call with me!
With Love, Heidy
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