How do I know when it is time to outsource podcast production?

Launching and sustaining a podcast takes planning, equipment, visual and audio branding, production and distribution. This list doesn't include monetization and audience development which can come with their own set of challenges.

Podcasting can feel like its own full time job. And if you decide to take it on, you’ll have to conceptualize, record, distribute and market it all on your own; on top of managing your business.

Seeking the help of podcast production agencies can support you with some or all the work. With experts in sound design, content creation and marketing dedicated to your podcast, you have a better chance at successfully growing your show and your business.

But still, this is a big commitment, especially if you have a limited budget. If you’re not sure you’re ready to delegate yet, try doing a self-evaluation. Unpack all that it takes to run a podcast, then align this with your skill set – your schedule, strengths, and weaknesses. Given your responsibilities now, can you do all these tasks on your own? If not all, which tasks can you outsource?

There are three things to consider when deciding whether to launch and maintain a podcast yourself or outsource a part - or all - of the items to a professional podcasting company.

Experience - How much do you know about the technology piece of podcasting? Do you have experience in audio production or editing? Great sounding audio is the most important area to invest your resources. A podcast can have great content but people will stop listening if it hurts to listen to it

Time - How much time do you have to devote to it? There are a lot of details that go into recording, editing, uploading, marketing and distributing a podcast. The more time you have, the less you need to outsource.

Budget - What is your podcast budget? A larger budget lends itself to being able to buy the highest quality equipment and professional support. If you have a smaller budget, prioritize the items you need most and budget accordingly. You can always upgrade your equipment and outsource your production and marketing expenses once it's affordable. Do not let a small or no budget stop you from getting started.

Here are some thought starters to guide you:

Start by investing in the best quality equipment and Audio you can afford. 

Good sounding audio is where you want to invest the most. Even the best sound engineers can not fix bad audio. Your podcast is a reflection of your brand. If your audio has too much background noise or echo, you might come across as unprofessional and inexperienced which may be a reflection on how you do business in other areas.

Agencies can guide you on best practices to record, source your specific equipment needs, and even set it up in your home or office so you won’t have to go to a studio. Some agencies offer virtual recording sessions with engineers so you and your guest are guaranteed to have the best quality recording out of the gate. If you record on your own, simply send the audio to them. They can refine it, mix it with a professional voice over and a licensed music bed to further enhance your audio brand.

Grow Your Show with the Right Marketing Support

To help you navigate marketing, agencies have teams of experienced writers, designers, and social media managers who can manage all the critical steps – from strategy, content creation, to distribution; ensuring you build a community of continuously engaged listeners. They will do all the heavy lifting for you and you can focus on creating great content.

How do people find my podcast?

Having a strong content repurposing strategy will go a long way in reaching more listeners. First, define your marketing strategy and the platforms to use (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, your own website, etc), and the content you need to create (videos, audiograms, images, show notes, blogs). A podcast production and marketing agency can support you in creating all the content and guide you in the best way to reach all the platforms where your audience can find you. They can significantly reduce the overwhelm associated with the execution of your strategy. This is a great solution when you need an extra set of hands to help you grow your show.

The most important thing to consider when evaluating your needs to outsource your podcast production and marketing is researching the reliability and credibility of the company you choose. Start where you are with a budget that works for you and choose an agency that aligns with your core values and believes in the success of your podcast. This will create a successful relationship for both of you where your podcast can grow and thrive.