This 7 step process to streamlining your podcast workflow will have you from start to finish in no time.

2019 will be the year of launching a podcast.  That’s if you have not done it prior to next year.  I’m an active board member of the Pod Houston group started by a friend of mine.  It’s all the podcast help to get you started in a series of meetups in Houston, TX.

Even though I’ve yet to start my podcast, one thing I’ve learned is having a workflow process will keep you on track.  Similar to blogging or vlogging, workflow processes allow you to achieve your end goals of content creation.

I’m on my personal journey in the podcasting arena.  I finally figured out what I’ll be podcasting about.  In light of this, I’m starting to map out all my processes. This led me to create the perfect podcast workflow checklist. Download your podcast workflow checklist template at the end of this post.

Here Is the Detailed Seven Step Podcast Workflow Checklist

1. Plan

Planning is key to a smooth workflow.  First, choose a topic. What do you want to accomplish with this podcast?  What exactly will your audience gain from listening? When planning always keep the value you are providing in mind.  Second, collect your ideas. Jot down ideas regarding your topic. Who would you like to have as a guest that’s an expert speaker on the topic?  How can you create various content from this podcast episode? What quotes relate to your topic? What about statistics? It’s important to provide hard facts in your podcast to validate your points and opinions on the topic.  Then, schedule your podcast production. Schedule the time to create your podcast, edit, publish, and promote. Work on creating a definite and realistic timeline that you can stick too.

2. Prepare

Here is where you do the research on your topic.  Prepare your episode thoroughly. You become an expert on the topic.  Make sure to fact check all your research. Then check some more. Research the third party research available and check for validity.  Is the information skewed or bias. Will it be controversial when presented? Finally, review your source material.

In like manner, review your previous episodes feedback and audience questions.  Will your podcast episode answer previous audience questions. Remember its all about value.  Then outline your content and layout your interview questionnaire if you are having a guest. Use bullet points for your master points and subpoints. At this time, write out your script. This part is much like when I prepare for my youtube videos. I lay out my main points, and write out my script.

Draft your show notes.  Much like my youtube videos, drafting your show notes before your record your episode streamlines your podcast workflow.  This action also improves your presentation and reduces publishing times because you are more aware of the deliverables.

Again, gather your resources such as your music, graphic images, video cards, and even video set up if you are doing a hybrid podcast episode.  Equally important, in this step of the workflow, test and practice your transitions, interview questions, and sound equipment.

3. Produce

It’s time to hit record!  When pressing that button, keep your end goal in mind.  I can not stress enough that you are providing value. When producing speak clearly.  Be passionate. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and be authentic. Relatability keeps your audience tuned in.  As a matter of fact, don’t forget to add a call to action at the end.

4. Post Work

Now that you are done with all the dirty work comes the easy part of the podcast workflow. Your podcast editing workflow begins.  Edit your recording by checking for noise, and pops. Continue with editing your guest audio as well as transitions. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the equalizer, and finally add your music to your podcast editing workflow.  SEO optimization should not be forgotten at this point. In addition, add your relevant keywords to your notes, titles, audio, alt text in images and everywhere possible. Now export your file. Make sure it is the right size and its uploaded to the best hosting platforms.

5. Publish

As soon as you finish post work you are ready to promote your work.  Hit the publish button. Similarly to blogging or my youtube videos, share your podcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Quora, Pinterest, and text all your friends and family.  If you have subscribers you can schedule an episode newsletter or send out an email alert immediately after publishing.

6. Finalize

Without delay, check the website for broken links, and that your embedded media is working.  Furthermore, pin your feed. Ping or resync your feed on feed burner or a third party app so that your podcast is available immediately.

7. Promote

Last but not least, as aforementioned promote it!  Then promote it some more. Podcasts, much like youtube videos are evergreen.  Once you’ve promoted the heck out of it don’t forget to reshare and repromote it weekly and monthly.  You should be promoting your episodes several times within the first three days. Then promote once daily the following week.  Follow a weekly promotion schedule thereafter indefinitely.

Now that we have gone over a detailed podcast workflow make sure to download your podcast workflow template here.  Its a checklist companion to this post. If you are a beginner use this post and the workflow worksheet to help you smoothly produce a podcast episode.  If you are a seasoned podcaster use the podcast workflow worksheet as a checklist from planning to publishing.

Do you have a podcast?  Drop your link to your show in the comments.  I have yet to start mine.  However, I’ve got some great news!  I have officially secured web domain names, official theme, podcast name, podcast purpose/value, and I’m on the beginning stages of planning a birdseye view of topics and guest.  I can’t wait to share the launch news with you soon.  Are you new to podcasting? Let me know in the comments if this podcast workflow post is helping you get prepared! Don’t forget to download your podcast planning sheet.