What is a Podcast Manager

If you are a podcaster, you know how much time and energy goes into each episode, especially if you are consistently putting them out. First, you have to research your topic, record it, edit audio, create show notes, social media, promotion, guest management if applicable, and more. There are many hours behind even just one 30-minute podcast episode.

Many shows try and tackle all of the work on their own but it's becoming more and more common to hire out and outsource. Some use podcast editors or even just a general virtual assistant for assistance but many use Podcast Managers to get the job done. 

Definition of a Podcast Manager

We have discussed this a little bit in a blog on the history of podcast management, which you can read here. But the formal definition of a podcast manager according to Rock Productions, which I like their definition best is, “A podcast manager helps to keep your podcast organized and on track with your vision.”

And like before, I would take that even further and say not only do they keep your show organized and vision in check, but they help tackle the tasks on the back end that support the production process (editing, show notes, guest management, etc.) 

When you hire a podcast manager, you are getting someone who specializes in podcasting vs a general VA who may know how but it’s not their main expertise. 

What a Podcast Manager Can Do

So, as I mentioned above podcast managers will help take care of your backend production for each episode. These tasks can include... 

• Podcast Launch

  • They can help strategize and streamline your new show's launch. (e.g. Golden Goose Creative's is about a 4-6 week launch process) 

  • The tasks in the launch can include helping create your show in a podcast host, submitting it to directories, and getting your intro, outro, and music set up. Editing and production of the first few episodes and trailer

• Regular Podcast Management (these tasks happen for every episode)

  • Editing the audio

    • This could be tasks such as editing out verbal + non-verbal pauses

    • reducing background noise

    • Adding Intro, Outro, Music, and Ads

  • Adding ID3 Tags

    • If you don't know what this is, basically it's just a metadata container to help store the audio's information. Podcasts use this to make sure information is displayed correctly. 

  • Uploading to host with an episode summary/description

    • A smaller description then shows notes. This is what lives within the directories when you are listening to the episode and may want to grab the resources mentioned. 

  • Show Notes

    • This is usually an overall summary of the episode. They include talking points, show who the guest is and how to connect with them, and include any resources that are relevant to that episode. Add your show notes link within your episode description.

  • Social media graphics and audiograms

    • Create a few audiograms and social graphics to share for each episode and across your different social media channels. 

  • Monthly Stats and Analytics

    • Keep track and monitor your podcast statistics as things may need to be adjusted over time. Plus, it's nice to see what your audience may want to see more (and less) of!

  • Guest Management

    • Researching, reaching out, and managing your guests. There can be emails, questionnaires, documents, social graphics, and more that need to be shared or communicated between you and your guests and potential guests. 

Between all these tasks for each episode and even some unique tasks that your show may have specifically, there are a lot of things that go into every episode. The turnaround is continuous and a podcast manager can help take some of the weight off your shoulders so you are able to focus on hosting your show. 

How a Podcast Manager Can Help Your Podcast Today!

So, how exactly can a podcast manager help you today? You can decide to outsource to them, you can delegate any tasks that are bogging you down (if not all, the ones you want)! to your new podcast manager. 

However, where do you find one? We here at Golden Goose Creative offer Podcast launch and monthly management services. We have multiple different package options and would love to chat more about how we can tailor to your specific podcast show needs. Learn more about our services here or if you are ready to invest now, contact us here. 

Conclusion

Podcast managers can be hugely beneficial to your podcast and getting your time back. For many podcasters, podcasting isn't your full-time job, you still have businesses and families that also need your time and attention.

Having a podcast manager can help take the many backend hours of production off your hands so you are able to focus on the important things while your podcast is still getting ready consistently on autopilot. Good luck with your podcast's continued success! 

Aleea

This blog post was updated on November 28th, 2023