Have you ever wondered how podcasters get so much done and seem to continue producing one season (or episode) after another consistently? Let’s get you into the know.
The secret is…batch recording.
Not sure what I mean by batching? Let’s compare batching to baking brownies. A baker doesn’t make only one chocolate brownie. The baker makes a whole batch. Depending on the size of the baking pan, this could equal a dozen yummy brownies or if using more than one baking pan, the batch could equal two dozen ooey-gooey delicious brownies. Yum, brownies!
Batch recording is recording multiple episodes, one after the other. When you’ve finished, you are handing-off multiple audio tracks to your audio producer or team.
If you’ve planned an eight-episode season, you may be able to complete the recordings in a single day or schedule all the recordings in a single week. To get started, block off a morning or an entire day to record—depending on how much time you may need and how long each episode may be.
You’ll find yourself getting into the recording groove and when you’re in the zone, stay in the zone. Your productivity and energy level will soar! This is where the batching magic happens. (No extra pixie dust needed.)
Three Reasons Batch Recording is Smart:
#1: Avoids the last-minute scramble.
Say you have a guest booked on a Tuesday and their episode is supposed to air on the following Monday. The night before their recording, the guest cancels. Uh-oh, you don’t have a fill-in. Now you have to scramble to either find a new guest, record a solo episode, or skip the cycle which can have a negative impact with your audience. When you’ve batched, your audio producer has things in queue and it’s much easier to reschedule the guest later in the season but still deliver an episode on time to your listeners.
Hint: Even if you batch record, things happen. If you ever find yourself without an episode and no time to record a solo, it is acceptable to air a past episode as a “Listener Favorite.” Take a moment to record a short intro to the episode stating briefly that you are taking a break this week and you’re sharing a listener favorite.
#2: Frees up your time!
Yes, batch recording takes some organization, calendar management, and energy to do but if you are able to record 3-8 episodes in a two-to-three-week period, you just cleared up your calendar for the next 3-8 weeks! This effort will come in handy during times your business/personal life are extra full and busy. Batch recording sets you up for success in the weeks to come. Batching actually gives you time back to do more of the things you love or spend time with those you enjoy.
#3: It Helps the Editing/Production Process.
When you are able to upload and share your batch recorded content with your editor more than a week ahead of airing, your production team can carefully and thoughtfully produce your episodes for you. This also allows you and your social media team to plan promos for your episodes in advance.
I’m a big fan of reviewing my processes to include batching wherever it makes the most sense. I encourage you to give batching a try. Send me note to tell me where you’re batching and how it’s going for you.