Editing is where raw recordings transform into professional episodes. Listeners forgive minor imperfections, but sloppy editing signals lack of care.

Goals of Editing:

• Remove distractions: mistakes, long pauses, filler words.
• Balance audio: ensure voices are even in volume and tone.
• Add polish: music, transitions, and sound design where appropriate.

Editing Tools:

• Beginner-Friendly (Free): Audacity, GarageBand, Ocenaudio.
• AI-Assisted (Time-Savers): Descript (edit audio by editing text), Alitu (automated production).
• Professional Suites: Adobe Audition, Hindenburg PRO, Reaper.

Techniques:

• Normalize audio to consistent loudness (-16 LUFS for stereo, -19 LUFS for mono).
• Apply compression to even out volume differences.
• EQ: roll off low rumble below 80Hz; brighten vocals around 3–5kHz.
• Limit background noise gently; never over-process.

Exercise: Edit a 5-minute test recording. Remove filler words, normalize volume, and add intro/outro music. Export both WAV and MP3 versions.

Show notes are not just summaries—they are marketing tools. Transcripts improve accessibility and SEO.

Best Practices for Show Notes:

• Start with a compelling headline.
• Write a 2–3 paragraph summary highlighting episode value.
• List key topics covered with timestamps.
• Link to resources, guest websites, and your CTAs.

Transcripts:

• Provide accessibility for hearing-impaired listeners.
• Improve discoverability via search engines.
• Repurpose easily into blog posts, social captions, or e-books.

Tools:

• AI-based transcription: Otter.ai, PodManager’s built-in transcript tool, Descript.

Exercise: Write show notes for your first planned episode. Include title, summary, 3 key takeaways, and links to guest resources.

Your podcast distribution runs on one engine: the RSS feed.

What It Is:

• An XML file containing metadata (title, description, episodes).
• Generated by your podcast host.
• Automatically updates directories when new episodes are published.

Choosing a Hosting Platform:

• Free Options (entry-level, limited features): Spotify for Creators, Anchor (legacy).
• Paid Options (recommended for growth): Buzzsprout, Podbean, RSS.com, Captivate, Transistor.

Key Hosting Features to Compare:

• Unlimited storage and bandwidth.
• Analytics (IAB-certified).
• Automated transcription.
• Monetization options.
• Private feeds for members.

Exercise: Choose a host. Compare 3 platforms and list pros and cons based on features, cost, and scalability.

A host generates your RSS feed, but you must ensure your podcast is visible everywhere.

Major Directories:

• Apple Podcasts (manual submission required via Apple Podcasts Connect).
• Spotify (usually automatic with host).
• Google Podcasts (phasing into YouTube Music).
• Amazon Music / Audible.
• Stitcher (closing but legacy content exists).
• Smaller apps (Pocket Casts, Overcast, Podchaser).

Submission Process:

• Obtain RSS feed from your host.
• Submit to each platform manually where required.
• Wait for approval (Apple: 24–72 hrs, others: faster).
• Verify your show appears correctly.

Exercise: Create a distribution checklist. Ensure your podcast is listed on at least 5 major directories.

A weak launch kills momentum. A strong launch creates early buzz and chart potential.

Best Practices:

• Launch with at least 3 episodes.
• Prepare 5–10 more episodes in advance (to avoid burnout).
• Promote launch week aggressively:
• Social media teasers.
• Email newsletter announcements.
• Encourage friends and family to subscribe, download, and review.
• Submit press releases or guest blog posts in your niche.

Psychology of Launch:

• Early reviews and subscriptions boost rankings in directories.
• A burst of activity signals algorithms that your show is worth promoting.

Exercise: Write a launch plan with a timeline: teaser posts, episode release dates, email announcements, and follow-up promotions.

Podcast success is as much about reliability as quality.

Options:

• Weekly: Standard for growth.
• Bi-Weekly: Sustainable for solo creators.
• Seasonal: 8–12 episode runs with breaks.

Golden Rule: Whatever cadence you choose, stick to it. An irregular release schedule erodes trust.

Exercise: Decide your publishing cadence. Map 6 weeks of release dates in your calendar.