77. 10 Pros and Cons of Podcast Seasons for Business Owners, Plus Why I’m Pivoting My Own Podcast
Can podcast seasons boost your business?
Or do you start from scratch every time a new season releases?
Or maybe you're wondering if podcast seasons must be incredibly well-produced and costly, and if it would be better to stick to episodic, less structured content.
Well, in this episode, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of choosing podcast seasons over episodic formats. And why, as we hit episode 77 of The Podcast Space, I am transitioning from an episodic podcast to seasons.
Misconceptions About Podcast Seasons
Before we dive into the pros and cons, let's clear up some misconceptions. You might have thought about it or heard about it, and I want to make sure we start with a clean slate.
Starting with Zero Listeners:
A common misconception is that launching a new season means starting with zero listeners. That’s absolutely not true. While you need to launch a season differently than episodic content, it doesn’t mean you're starting from scratch.
Recording All at Once:
Many think podcast seasons need to be recorded in one week, especially if using a studio. This isn’t true either. You can record episodes weekly, monthly, or using any schedule that suits you.
Getting Bored with the Format:
Especially relevant for neurodivergent people, the idea that you’ll get bored with a fixed format is false. Podcast seasons can be flexible and diversified with proper strategy.
Setting an Unchangeable Cadence:
Some believe the podcast’s publishing cadence is set in stone once established. Not so! Communicate changes to your listeners, as I’m doing now with my switch to seasonal episodes.
Downloads Stop with Episode Release:
There’s a fear your downloads will stop if you aren’t releasing new episodes. However, with effective marketing and strategy, your podcast can continue to grow even between seasons.
Feeding Marketing Channels:
It’s a lie that you can’t feed your marketing channels without constant new content. Pre-existing content can still be leveraged for newsletters and social media.
Season Length Requirements:
There’s no fixed number of episodes for a season. Whether it's 10, 20, or even 77 episodes, it's up to how you want to structure your content.
Cons of Podcast Seasons for Business Owners
Now, let's dive into what you should be aware of:
Parkinson's Law:
Work expands to fill the time available. Without a return date, you may struggle to pick up the podcast again post-season.
Overwhelm from Launch Pressure:
Launching a season can be overwhelming. Without a clear plan, recording, scheduling guests, and creating show notes can become daunting tasks.
Inability to Tap Newsworthy Content:
Seasonal releases might miss out on timely, trending topics. This could make it harder to leverage current events or timely subjects, especially if you’re trying to repurpose content later on.
Lack of Clear Strategy:
Without a content strategy, seasons can feel disjointed and unfocused. Listeners need to understand what to expect, otherwise, you risk losing their interest.
Guest Scheduling Constraints:
Scheduling guests can become more challenging if your seasons are pre-planned and tightly scheduled.
Pros of Podcast Seasons for Business Owners
Now, let’s talk about why you should consider adopting a seasonal format:
Align with Business Goals:
Seasons allow alignment with business objectives, product launches, or personal schedules. This ensures your podcast supports your business strategy effectively.
Break Unhealthy Habits:
A seasonal break helps in reassessing and improving podcast processes and strategies, making the show more effective and aligned with your goals.
Test New Concepts:
Seasons offer the flexibility to experiment with new ideas and formats without committing to rebranding the entire podcast.
Curate Listener Experience:
Limited episodes in a season mean you can be more selective and strategic about your content, enhancing the overall quality and relevance for your audience.
Simplify Onboarding and Processes:
If you’re hiring a new team or introducing new processes, a seasonal hiatus provides the necessary time to ensure everything transitions smoothly without the stress of constant publishing.
Why I’m Transitioning to Podcast Seasons
Finally, the “why” behind my transition:
Big Business Shifts:
I have significant projects coming up requiring considerable thinking and planning time. Seasonal breaks will allow me to align podcast content with these new directions.
Need for Realignment:
I require a strategy that better integrates my podcast with my overall business and marketing goals to serve both my audience and my business effectively.
Desire for Data:
I want to gather precise data on how well seasonal podcasting works and share those insights with you, my audience, to help with your own podcasting journeys.
The Value of Flexibility and Re-Evaluation
To highlight the benefits of this approach, I want to share a success story from one of my clients, Hetal Bahman, who hosts the Global Health Pursuit podcast.
Transcript from Hetal Bahman
"My name is Hetal Baman and I host the Global Health Pursuit podcast.
Working with Ana has been invaluable. Initially, I burned out from trying to keep up with a weekly release schedule while juggling a full-time job. With Ana’s guidance, I transitioned to a seasonal format, which allowed me to focus on meaningful relationships and opportunities. Since then, I’ve secured two podcast sponsorships and an exciting opportunity to create content for a global health organization. This change has shifted my mindset to one of abundance and strategic planning."
Final Thoughts
So, whether adjusting your strategy makes sense for you or whether you need help weeding out what's overwhelming, I'm here to assist. Click the button below to learn more about my services and how I can help you grow your show.
As we end this season, you have two choices: replace this podcast with another knowing I’ll be back in September, or revisit the 77 episodes already available that cover a range of topics from podcast marketing to community engagement. Be sure to keep creating content that moves you forward, and I’ll see you either on the next episode or at the beginning of the new season in September 2024.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: Can Podcast Seasons Boost Your Business?
00:56 Misconceptions About Podcast Seasons
04:12 Cons of Podcast Seasons
07:43 Pros of Podcast Seasons
15:40 Why I'm Transitioning to a Seasonal Podcast
19:16 Listener Testimonial: Embracing Seasonal Podcasting
21:35 Conclusion and Next Steps
You can check out my friend Tina’s tape art here:
Additional Resources mentioned in the episode:
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Feeling stuck about your podcast’s growth? Do you have no idea where to start and want to partner up with a pro? Book a free discovery call or learn about what we do: https://thepodcastspace.com/services
Connect to Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/
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ABOUT THE HOST
Hi, I’m Ana Xavier, a multilingual award-winning podcast marketing and content strategist specialized in generating online visibility for women, multilingual, and minority impact-driven business owners.
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