Episode 52 - Implementing project-based pricing for podcast services - The Deliverables Difference, Transforming Your Podcast Business

For podcast editing and support businesses, setting clear deliverables is essential to ensure client satisfaction, manage expectations, and streamline workflows. Here's a detailed breakdown of how to approach each aspect:

• Edited Episodes: Specify the level of editing included—basic edits (removing filler words and long pauses), advanced edits (adding music, sound effects, or mastering), or full production (narrative structuring and storytelling enhancements). For example, clarify whether you will clean up audio quality, balance levels, and remove background noise.
• Show Notes: Outline the scope of show notes creation. Will you provide a brief summary, timestamps, key takeaways, or links to resources mentioned in the episode?
• Promotional Materials: Define whether deliverables include audiograms, social media graphics, or teaser clips for platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
• File Formats: State the formats you’ll deliver (e.g., MP3 for distribution, WAV for archival purposes) and whether you’ll provide transcripts for accessibility.

• Audio Quality: Set benchmarks for audio quality such as loudness normalization standards (e.g., -16 LUFS for podcasts) to ensure consistency across episodes17.
• Editing Standards: Detail what constitutes a "clean edit," such as removing all filler words versus leaving some in to maintain conversational flow.
• Turnaround Time: Define how quickly clients can expect deliverables after receiving raw files. For instance, a standard timeline might be 3–5 business days for a 60-minute episode.
• Consistency: Ensure that all episodes adhere to the same branding elements, such as intro/outro sequences and background music.

• Revision Policy: Clearly state how many rounds of revisions are included in your pricing. For example, offer one round of minor edits (e.g., cutting additional content or adjusting volume levels) without extra charge.
• Timeframe for Revisions: Establish deadlines for clients to request revisions (e.g., within 7 days of delivery).
• Scope of Revisions: Specify what revisions entail—minor adjustments versus significant re-edits—and communicate additional costs for extensive changes.
• Client Feedback Process: Use tools like Descript or time-stamped notes to make it easier for clients to request specific edits7.

• Milestones:Raw audio submission deadline from the client.
• Delivery date for the first cut of the edited episode.
• Deadlines for receiving client feedback and finalizing edits.
• Batch Production: If working on multiple episodes at once, outline staggered delivery dates to keep production on track.
• Communication Schedule: Set regular check-ins with clients to update them on progress or address any concerns.

1. Use Written Agreements: Document all deliverables in a contract or service agreement to avoid misunderstandings.
2. Provide Examples: Share samples of your work to illustrate what clients can expect in terms of editing quality and...

Episode 51 - Implementing project-based pricing for podcast services - Pricing Secrets, How Successful Podcast Editors Really Make Money

1. Sum up all overhead costs for a specific period (e.g., monthly)
2. Determine the total labor hours for the same period
3. Divide total overhead by total labor hours to get the overhead allocation rate

For example, if your monthly overhead is $10,000 and your team works 1,120 hours:

$10,000 / 1,120 hours = $8.90 per hour overhead rate

1. Software subscriptions: Audio editing software like Adobe Audition or Logic Pro, typically ranging from $20 to $50 per month
2. Equipment depreciation: Factor in the cost of microphones ($100-$800), audio interfaces ($50-$300), and computers ($0-$1,200) over their useful life
3. Studio space: If renting, costs can range from $500 to $3,000 monthly depending on location and size

1. Marketing: Budget $300 to $3,000 monthly for social media advertising and promotion1.
2. Administrative tasks: Include costs for project management tools and client communication platforms.
3. Professional development: Allocate funds for courses, workshops, or conferences to stay updated with industry trends.

1. Determine the estimated hours for a podcast editing project.
2. Multiply the hours by your overhead allocation rate.
3. Add this amount to your direct costs and desired profit margin.

For instance, if a podcast episode takes 10 hours to edit:

10 hours x $8.90/hour = $89 in overhead costs to factor into your pricing.Remember, for podcast editing businesses, overhead percentages can vary. A typical range might be 15-25% of your total costs

Regularly review and adjust your overhead calculations to ensure accurate pricing and maintain profitability in the dynamic podcast industry.

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https://podcasteditingandsupport.com/

Our new home for this podcast - Captivate.fm

We are proud affiliates of Captivate.fm, our recommendations are based on our knowledge and experience with them and their services - using this link will earn us a commission at no extra cost to you

https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=zwmxowy

Episode 50 - Implementing project-based pricing for podcast services - Pricing Strategies That Transform Podcast Businesses

Estimating time investment for podcast editing and support businesses requires a detailed approach. Here's an expanded breakdown:Break down the project into specific tasks and estimate the time required for each:

• Script writing: Budget around 40 hours for research and writing per episode
• Audio recording: Allocate approximately 15 hours for recording voice talent
• Audio editing: Plan for about 20 hours per episode to edit individual tracks, add music, and combine elements
• Deep editing: Allow 1-4 hours depending on the podcast length
• Normal editing: Estimate 0.5-1 hour for basic edits
• Intro/outro creation: Set aside 1-3 hours

Use historical data from similar projects to inform your estimates:

• Track time spent on previous projects using timers or software tools1.
• Apply formulas to convert time measurements. For example, if it takes 10 minutes to edit one minute of audio, multiply that by the episode length
• Consider that industry standard for well-made podcasts is about 3 hours of editing per hour of content, plus an hour for converting and saving

Include time for client communication, revisions, and project management:

• Add 5-10 hours plus 1-3 hours per episode for overall project management
• Factor in time for client meetings, feedback sessions, and implementing revisions.
• Include time for file management, backups, and quality control checks.

Remember that this time estimate is a baseline, not the final price determinant:

• Consider the complexity of the project, such as the number of episodes and additional services needed
• Factor in the quality of source audio - poor quality may require more editing time
• Adjust estimates based on the desired level of polish and detail

For a typical podcast episode, the total time investment can range from 80 hours (two weeks) for writing, recording, and editing4 to 10-14 hours per finished hour of audio for more complex productions

However, these estimates can vary significantly based on the specific requirements of each project and the efficiency of your workflow.

___

https://podcasteditingandsupport.com/

Our new home for this podcast - Captivate.fm

We are proud affiliates of Captivate.fm, our recommendations are based on our knowledge and experience with them and their services - using this link will earn us a commission at no extra cost to you

https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=zwmxowy

Episode 49 - Implementing project-based pricing for podcast services - Your Expertise as a Competitive Advantage

When considering your expertise as a podcast editor and support person, it's crucial to thoroughly evaluate and articulate your unique value proposition. Here's an expanded look at how to assess and leverage your expertise:

• Evaluate your unique skills and experience in podcast production:Audio editing proficiency: Assess your skills in software like Adobe Audition, Audacity, or Pro Tools
• Narrative structuring: Consider your ability to arrange content for optimal flow and engagement
• Sound design: Evaluate your expertise in incorporating music, sound effects, and transitions
• Technical troubleshooting: Assess your capability to resolve audio issues like background noise or inconsistent levels

Factor in your track record of successful podcasts and industry reputation:

• Portfolio diversity: Highlight experience across various podcast genres and formats
• Client testimonials: Compile feedback from previous clients to demonstrate your impact
• Industry recognition: Note any awards, features, or speaking engagements related to podcast editing.
• Quantifiable results: Track metrics like increased listenership or improved ratings for podcasts you've edited

Consider any specialized knowledge or techniques you bring to the project:

• Niche expertise: Highlight any specialized knowledge in particular industries or topics5.
• Innovative editing techniques: Showcase unique approaches you've developed for enhancing podcast quality.
• Workflow optimization: Emphasize any proprietary systems you've created for efficient editing
• Additional services: Consider skills in areas like show notes creation, transcription, or content repurposing

Assess the value you can provide in terms of improving the client's podcast quality and reach:

• Quality enhancement: Demonstrate how your editing can elevate the overall listening experience
• Audience growth strategies: Offer insights on improving podcast discoverability and engagement
• Brand consistency: Highlight your ability to maintain a consistent sound and style across episodes
• Time-saving: Emphasize how your expertise allows podcast creators to focus on content creation

___

https://podcasteditingandsupport.com/

Our new home for this podcast - Captivate.fm

We are proud affiliates of Captivate.fm, our recommendations are based on our knowledge and experience with them and their services - using this link will earn us a commission at no extra cost to you

https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=zwmxowy

Episode 48 - Don't Build Your Podcast Service Business Solely on the Power of SEO and Google - You Might Be Behind the Curve

I found this great clip from Gary Vaynerchuk speaking to a crowd of creators and business owners around the new world of A.I. Search in comparison to traditional Google keyword search that is still being taught and propped up as the gold standard on how to be found online - but what if Google has become as accurate and popular as the telephone yellow pages? If we want to grow our business as podcast editors and support people we need to embrace the new way that people approach search - a wall of keywords stuffed into a heading, title or above the fold on a website means very little in the world of A.I. Search

I for one have found myself in this exact spot - I use https://www.perplexity.ai/ over Google now - it has basically replaced Google as my go to source for search - why? Well, like most things today, Google and social media for the most part is a pay to play space - you need to kiss the ring and pony up the money to be found these days - but with A.I. Search, we are in an entirely different space.

I did an episode of my How To Podcast Series where I talk in more depth about the battle of SEO and GEO - you can hear that epiosde by clicking here!

https://youtu.be/UITIYnAAEyo

AI search is changing how we look for information online. Instead of typing keywords into Google, we'll be able to ask questions in normal language and get more detailed answers. This is going to shake things up for websites and businesses trying to be found online.

Here's what's likely to happen:

• Fewer people will use traditional search engines for simple questions.
• Websites might get less traffic from search engines.
• High-quality, helpful content will become even more important.
• Search results will be more personalized for each user.

If you're a content creator or business owner, here's what you can do:

• Create really good, in-depth content that answers people's questions.
• Write in a way that sounds natural, like you're answering someone's question.
• Make your information clear and easy to understand.
• Show that you're an expert in your field.
• Organize your content in a way that fits how AI might present information.
• Keep learning about new AI technologies and be ready to change your approach.

By doing these things, you'll have a better chance of your content being seen and used by AI search engines, helping you stay visible online as technology changes.

___

https://podcasteditingandsupport.com/

Our new home for this podcast - Captivate.fm

We are proud affiliates of Captivate.fm, our recommendations are based on our knowledge and experience with them and their services - using this link will earn us a commission at no extra cost to you

https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=zwmxowy

Episode 47 - Implementing project-based pricing for podcast services - Assessing The Project Scope

Implementing project-based pricing for podcast services requires a strategic approach. Here's an expanded guide on how to effectively implement this pricing model:

When it comes to podcast editing and support businesses, conducting thorough client interviews and defining project scope are crucial steps. Here's an expanded look at these aspects

1. Understand the podcast's genre and target audience
2. Discuss the client's vision for their podcast's sound and style
3. Inquire about specific editing needs (e.g., removing filler words, adding music)
4. Ask about the desired episode length and release frequency
5. Explore any additional services needed (e.g., show notes, transcription, artwork)

1. Specify the number of episodes to be edited per month
2. Clarify the turnaround time for each edited episode
3. Outline the level of editing required (basic cleanup vs. heavy editing)
4. Determine if the client needs help with recording setup or technique
5. Decide on the file formats for raw audio and final deliverables

1. Problem: Identify the client's main challenges (e.g., lack of time, technical skills)
2. Objectives: Define measurable goals (e.g., improve audio quality, reduce editing time)
3. Deliverables: List specific items (e.g., edited audio files, show notes, promotional clips)
4. Timeline: Establish a production schedule aligned with the podcast's release dates
5. Quality standards: Set benchmarks for audio quality and consistency

1. Number of episodes: Factor in regular episodes and any special series or seasons
2. Editing requirements: Assess the need for noise reduction, EQ, compression, etc.
3. Multi-track editing: Determine if separate tracks for hosts, guests, or music are involved
4. Additional services: Consider complexity added by transcription, show notes, or social media assets
5. Client feedback rounds: Plan for potential revisions and approval processes

By thoroughly addressing these aspects, podcast editing businesses can create clear project scopes that set expectations and lead to successful collaborations with clients

___

https://podcasteditingandsupport.com/

Our new home for this podcast - Captivate.fm

We are proud affiliates of Captivate.fm, our recommendations are based on our knowledge and experience with them and their services - using this link will earn us a commission at no extra cost to you

https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=zwmxowy

Episode 46 - Podcast Planner Mini-Series Part 5 - Post-Recording Mastery - A Comprehensive Guide for Podcast Editors and Virtual Assistants

As a podcast editor or virtual assistant, your role in the post-recording phase is crucial for delivering a polished, professional product. This guide will help you refine your skills and provide exceptional service to your podcast host clients.

1. Editing the Main Content

Best Practices:

Develop a Consistent Workflow: Create a step-by-step process for each edit.

Use Markers: During initial listen-through, mark areas needing attention.

Maintain Natural Flow: Edit out mistakes and long pauses while preserving the conversation's natural rhythm.

Create Templates: Develop project templates in your editing software for efficiency.

Advanced Techniques:

Vocal Enhancement: Use EQ and compression to improve voice quality.

Noise Reduction: Apply noise reduction plugins to remove background noise.

Pacing Adjustment: Use time-stretching to subtly adjust pacing without altering pitch.

Guiding Your Client:

Provide feedback on recording quality and suggest improvements.

Discuss their preferences for editing style (e.g., minimal vs. heavy editing).

Educate them on the impact of good recording practices on the editing process.

2. Adding Intro, Outro, and Background Music

Best Practices:

Consistent Branding: Ensure intro and outro align with the podcast's brand.

Music Library: Maintain a library of royalty-free music for various moods and segments.

Volume Balancing: Carefully balance music volume against speech.

Advanced Techniques:

Dynamic Ducking: Implement automatic volume reduction of music during speech.

Custom Transitions: Create unique transition sounds for different segments.

Layered Soundscapes: Combine multiple audio elements for rich, immersive intros/outros.

Guiding Your Client:

Suggest regular updates to intro/outro to keep the podcast fresh.

Discuss music choices that reflect the podcast's tone and target audience.

Explain copyright considerations for music usage.

3. Inserting Ad Spots or Sponsorship Messages

Best Practices:

Seamless Integration: Insert ads smoothly without disrupting listener experience.

Consistent Placement: Develop a consistent structure for ad placement across episodes.

Version Control: Create versions with and without ads for future flexibility.

Advanced Techniques:

Dynamic Ad Insertion: Prepare episodes for dynamic ad insertion if applicable.

Custom Transitions: Create unique transition effects for entering/exiting ad segments.

Host-Read vs. Pre-Recorded: Adapt editing style based on ad type.

Guiding Your Client:

Advise on optimal ad placement within episodes.

Suggest strategies for natural ad integration into content.

Provide templates for host-read ads to ensure consistency.

4. Quality Check

Comprehensive Review Process:

Full Listen-Through: Listen to the entire episode as a listener would.

Technical Review: Check for consistent audio levels, appropriate fades, and smooth transitions.

Content Review: Ensure all required segments are present and in the correct order.

Metadata Check: Verify episode title, description, and show notes are accurate and complete.

Advanced Quality Control:

Loudness Normalization: Ensure the episode meets industry-standard loudness levels (e.g., -16 LUFS for podcasts).

Stereo Balance: Check for proper stereo image and mono compatibility.

Frequency Analysis: Use spectrum analyzers to identify and address any frequency issues.

Guiding Your Client:

Establish a feedback loop for continuous improvement.

Provide a quality checklist for...

Episode 45 - Podcast Planner Mini-Series Part 4 - Mastering the Recording Process - A Comprehensive Guide for Podcast Editors and Virtual Assistants

The Recording Process: A Guide for Podcast Editors and Virtual Assistants

As a podcast editor or virtual assistant, your role is crucial in ensuring the highest quality output for your podcast host clients. Understanding the intricacies of the recording process will enable you to better guide and support your clients, resulting in professional-grade episodes. Here's an expanded look at the recording process, tailored for those working behind the scenes:

1. Recording Intro and Outro Separately

Why It's Important:

Allows for consistency across episodes

Enables easy updates without re-recording entire episodes

Provides flexibility in episode structure

Best Practices:

Maintain a Library: Keep a collection of various intros and outros for different episode types or seasons.

Version Control: Use clear naming conventions (e.g., "Intro_v2_March2025") for easy management.

Quality Check: Regularly review these elements to ensure they remain relevant and on-brand.

Guiding Your Client:

Encourage recording multiple versions to have options

Suggest updating intros/outros periodically to keep content fresh

Advise on maintaining consistent energy levels in these segments

2. Recording Main Content

Best Practices:

Segmentation: Recommend breaking long recordings into manageable segments for easier editing.

Time Tracking: Use timestamps or markers for important points, making editing more efficient.

Backup Recording: Always have a secondary recording device as a failsafe.

Guiding Your Client:

Provide a pre-recording checklist (hydration, vocal warm-ups, etc.)

Advise on optimal recording environments (quiet space, proper acoustics)

Encourage consistent pacing and energy throughout the recording

3. Interviewing: Ensuring Clear Audio for Both Host and Guest

Technical Considerations:

Separate Tracks: Always record host and guest on separate audio tracks when possible.

Local Recording: For remote interviews, use software that allows local recording on each end (e.g., Zencastr, Riverside.fm).

Backup Audio: If the guest is recording locally, request they also record a backup audio on their phone.

Best Practices:

Pre-Interview Tech Check: Schedule a brief call to test audio quality and troubleshoot any issues.

Guest Prep: Provide guests with a recording checklist (headphones, microphone placement, quiet environment).

Monitoring: During the interview, actively listen for any audio issues that may need addressing in post-production.

Guiding Your Client:

Create a guest prep document with technical requirements and best practices.

Advise on interview techniques that result in better audio (e.g., allowing pauses, avoiding interruptions).

Suggest using visual cues in video calls to communicate without interrupting the audio.

Additional Considerations for Editors and VAs:

File Management:

Establish a clear file naming convention and folder structure.

Set up a secure cloud storage system for easy file sharing with your client.

Quality Control:

Develop a post-recording checklist to ensure all necessary elements are captured.

Implement a system for flagging potential issues for discussion with your client.

Continuous Improvement:Regularly review episodes for areas of improvement in the recording process.

Stay updated on new recording technologies and techniques to suggest to your clients.

Communication:

Establish clear channels for quick communication during recording sessions.

Provide constructive feedback to your client on their recording...