If you’re trying to run a podcast on your own, you know that the work is neverending.
Pre-show planning, post-show editing, and every step in between require tremendous investment. It’s no wonder many creators throw in the towel after a few months.
Having a podcast producer to help can be an invaluable asset in the production process. A producer can become the lifeblood of your show, ensuring that all aspects are completed on time and with quality.
But what does a podcast producer do?
It depends on the size and structure of each individual show. But for some, a producer is their secret weapon in creating consistent shows week after week.
In this article, we’ll walk through the role of a podcast producer and when you should consider hiring some help. We’ll teach you how to hire the right person for your needs, free up some time, and stay within budget. Let’s dive in!
What is a Podcast Producer?
The term producer sounds fancy. It sounds like something or someone that is only reserved for big-time shows. But you don’t need to have a professional production team to benefit from the expertise of a podcast producer.
In short, a podcast producer handles your show’s logistics and planning. They can help with pre-show research, booking guests, and sound engineering — whatever it takes to ensure your episode runs smoothly.
Essentially, their goal is to ensure that the best possible show is created with the least effort.
How Can a Podcast Producer Help You?
A podcast producer can be the missing link between your ideas and a successful show. They can help you with a variety of tasks, including:
Pre-show research: A producer will work with you to identify topics for upcoming episodes, guest speakers, and any needed research.
Show scheduling: Scheduling shows, creating show notes, and managing deadlines can all fall under the umbrella of a podcast producer’s responsibilities.
Sound engineering: A good producer knows how to make your sound levels sound great and mix music into your show so that it sounds professional.
Post-show editing: Many producers will handle post-show editing, such as noise reduction, compression, and even mixing.
If your show is audio and video, a producer can also be responsible for video editing, animations, promotional materials, and more. This can free up a lot of your time so that you can focus on other aspects of the podcast.
When to Hire a Podcast Producer?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your podcast workload, it’s time to consider hiring a producer. While the timing for adding a producer to your workflow is different for everyone, there are a few tell-tale signs you’re ready:
You procrastinate on getting episodes out on time.
You spend hours editing and rewriting your own copy.
You’re always trying to cram work into a small time window.
Your lack the bandwidth to produce quality content.
If any of these sound familiar, adding a producer could be a great solution.
Most podcasters don’t need a full-time producer. You can typically get by with hiring on an as-needed basis, which allows you to be more flexible with your budget.
You can find the perfect price point for your show when you pair an hourly rate with a custom set of services that fits your needs.
How Much Does A Podcast Producer Cost?
Regarding budgeting for a podcast producer, several factors come into play. The cost of hiring a producer typically depends on their years of experience, the services offered, and the frequency at which they plan to release content.
Generally, high-quality experts charge anywhere from $50 to $200/hr. Of course, you can find cheaper options. But remember that you get what you pay for; investing in quality is always better than quantity.
Therefore, crafting the right scope of work for your producer before starting work is crucial. Take an assessment of the tasks that take the most time but offer the lowest personal reward.
If you love pre-show research but detest handling the scheduling of your guests and “riding the faders” during recording, look for a producer with expertise in those areas.
Similarly, if you want post-production editing help, make sure you find someone with specific and relevant audio engineering experience.
Where to Find a Podcast Producer?
Finding a podcast producer can be tricky. Most producers are freelancers, so you’ll need to search the web for someone with the correct expertise and experience.
Online marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr have many experienced producers on their platforms — but searching through them all can be daunting. That’s why knowing the specific skills you need is essential to finding the right talent.
Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram are another great starting point. Many producers have social media accounts where they showcase their works and share their experiences. This can be a great way to get in contact with those who you think might be a good fit for your show.
Podcast networks, such as the Podcast Movement have Facebook Groups for creators. Asking other podcasters for their recommendations will save you some time in vetting prospects.
At the end of the day, finding a podcast producer is a process. It’s best to take some time to research and interview potential producers before you make your decision. This will ensure you find someone who can bring quality and professionalism to your show.
The Benefits of Working with A Podcast Producer
Hiring a podcast producer can be a huge time-saver.
Moreover, having someone in tune with your podcast’s goals and objectives can help you stay on track and avoid potential blind spots. When you’re in the weeds, they can be your voice of reason; when you’re in the clouds, they can be your ground-level support.
A podcast producer can be an important part of your team and help you expand your reach. With their help, you may even find that producing episodes becomes more enjoyable — and less time-consuming!
Having the Right Tools for Your Podcast Producer
Before you consider creating a team and hiring a podcast producer, ensure you have the tools to help them succeed.
Having access to a recording platform that caters to producers is a must. Boomcaster’s producer mode is the perfect solution for showrunners and producers alike.
The platform allows for seamless collaboration between the two, while the producer-mode dashboard makes it easy to manage episodes, scheduling, and guests. This is a great way to simplify your workflow so that you can focus on creating quality content with as little friction as possible!
Get started here and see (and hear) how Boomcaster can help you reach your goals.