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Curious about what goes into an episode of this show? Well, today’s episode is all about unlocking the secrets behind creating a standout podcast episode!
We’re diving into the step-by-step process of crafting an episode that not only shares information but also keeps your audience hooked from start to finish.
I’m breaking down everything from setting clear goals to the nitty-gritty of recording, editing, and promoting. And here’s the real kicker: I’m also going to cover three common mistakes that new podcasters often make—mistakes that can trip you up and make the process feel overwhelming.
But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through how to avoid these pitfalls and streamline your workflow, so you can focus on creating amazing content and growing your show.
Real quick before we dive in: if you want to launch your own podcast, grab a seat for my free training on Podcasting 101: How to Start, Record, and Profit from Your Show! In this masterclass, you’ll learn how to start, record, and launch your podcast in just THREE easy steps, so save your seat here.
Now, are you ready to turn your podcasting dreams into reality? Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Idea Generation and Topic Selection
It all starts with a solid idea, right? But here’s the thing—not just any idea will do!
One of the biggest mistakes new podcasters make is choosing topics that don’t resonate with their audience. I get it, you’re excited and full of ideas, but if they don’t connect with your listeners, your content won’t have the impact you’re hoping for.
Common Mistake #1: Not Matching Topics to Audience Needs
When you skip the crucial step of matching your topics to what your audience actually wants, you risk losing their interest. The solution? Always start with a clear goal in mind, and make sure it’s aligned with your listeners’ needs.
For me, I use brand pillars to guide the topics I cover. These pillars represent key themes that consistently show up in my content, and they give my audience a reason to tune in, even if they’re particularly interested in just one pillar.
I also collect feedback from my community—whether it’s through metrics, social media engagement, or the questions they’re asking—and that data shapes my content.
So if you’re not sure what to talk about, ask your audience! Then, look at your podcast metrics to see which episodes are performing well and lean into those topics.
Step 2: Setting a Goal for Each Episode
Once I have a topic in mind, I set a clear goal for the episode. This goal guides me in crafting a focused, valuable conversation that speaks directly to my audience’s needs.
I like to think of goals in terms of SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. And I always ask myself, “What’s the next logical step someone should take after tuning in?”
Common Mistake #2: Lack of Clear Objectives
Without a goal, your episode can feel unfocused, and your message might get lost. Before you hit record, ask yourself:
- What’s the end result for this episode?
- What do I want my listeners to do or feel after they finish listening?
The clearer you are, the more value you’ll provide.
Step 3: Outlining and Prepping the Episode
Here’s where the magic happens—outlining the episode. Some podcasters like to “wing it,” but I’ve found that having an outline keeps the content organized and ensures I hit all the important points.
Your outline doesn’t have to be super detailed. It can be as simple as a few bullet points, or as complete as a script.
One of the reasons I love outlines is that they double as prep for other assets. I write my outlines in a way that they can be repurposed for show notes, social media content, email newsletters, and more. It’s all about working smarter, not harder!
Common Mistake #3: Skipping the Outline Process
Skipping the outline often leads to disorganized episodes with too many off-topic tangents. If you want to deliver a clean, focused episode, the outline is your best friend.
Step 4: Recording the Episode
Now that you’ve got your topic, goal, and outline ready, it’s time to hit record! One thing I’ve learned is that you don’t need the perfect environment to record a great podcast. Sure, I now have a dedicated space where I can sit down, flip a switch, and start recording, but it wasn’t always that way.
I’ve recorded in some pretty interesting places over the years—my car, a cousin’s apartment, a closet, and even while on vacation. Don’t overthink it! Just make sure you have a quiet space, your energy is up, and your mic is ready to go.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to podcasting and feeling overwhelmed by the tech side, I walk through three easy microphone recommendations in my free training, Podcasting 101: How to Start, Record, and Profit from Your Show. Check it out for all my tech setup tips!
Step 5: Naming the Episode
Did you know 80% of people will read your episode title, but only 20% will actually click through and listen? That’s why your episode title matters so much! A compelling title can be the difference between someone scrolling past or hitting play.
When crafting a title, I aim to be specific, actionable, and a little bit intriguing. For example, a title like, “The Most Powerful Pivot You Can Make Right Now” grabs attention because it speaks directly to the listener and creates curiosity.
Also, don’t forget to think about searchability. Podcast platforms act like search engines, so including relevant keywords in your titles can boost discoverability by up to 50%, according to Buzzsprout.
Step 6: Editing and Creating Social Media Graphics
Once the recording is done, the work doesn’t stop there. Editing the episode is crucial to keeping things tight and focused, but don’t over-edit to the point where you lose the natural flow of conversation.
I keep my episode goal in mind while editing to ensure I’m highlighting the key points that deliver the most value.
Next, it’s time to create promotional assets. Social media is a huge part of my podcast promotion strategy, so I make sure I have a plan to share the episode across platforms. Every episode gets a carousel post, Instagram stories, a YouTube video for guest interviews, and an Instagram Reel later in the week to keep the momentum going.
Step 7: Publishing and Promoting the Episode
Once everything is edited and ready to go, it’s time to hit publish! But don’t forget that promotion is just as important as the content itself. I align my promotion plan with the episode’s goal, making sure the message and key takeaways are front and center in all my social posts.
Here’s a typical breakdown of my promotion strategy:
- Carousel post the day the episode launches
- Instagram stories the day it launches
- YouTube video for guest interviews
- Instagram Reel later that week to reach more listeners
If you’re curious how my team and I create all of the marketing assets for the show, check out this blog post: 5 Must-Have Podcast Tools I Can’t Live Without!
Ready to Start Your Own Podcast?
There you have it—my full process for planning, recording, and promoting each episode of The Goal Digger Podcast!
Whether you’re a newbie or you’ve been podcasting for a while, I hope these tips help you create a more streamlined workflow and focus on delivering valuable content for your listeners.
And hey, if you’re ready to turn your podcasting dreams into reality, don’t forget to save your free seat in my Podcasting 101 Masterclass. In just three steps, I’ll show you exactly how to start, record, and profit from your show. See you there!
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