Content Batching: what is it and what are its benefits?
A successful podcast can be explained by many things: phenomenal content, good/ethical research, consistency, lastingness, among others. Creating a new episode week after week can feel overwhelming for some but there are some processes that really help when you’re just starting into the podcast world.
We’ve discussed the benefits of creating a content strategy before, but on this article, we’re delving into why Batching is an effective content creation strategy, its pros and cons, and how you can use this technique to grow your podcast.
What is this Batching thing?
Batching my friend, is the art of creating something in series. This is a wildly popular strategy used by content creators all over the internet to maximize their time as it allows for a lot of content to be created in a single day/week. Content can be created in a single day but scheduled to go out throughout the week or the month.
Here at The Podcast Space, we’re avid users of batching, specifically on Mondays, as we set the strategy for the week, and for the rest of the days, we work on clients’ podcasts. We consider batching highly effective, structured and an almost bulletproof way to avoid the week-to-week drag.
Pros and Cons of Batching
As much as we are strong advocates for Batching, we feel like we need to delve into the pros and cons before we discuss how to use it for your advantage.
Advantages of Batching:
It’s structured and can follow a pattern
Works for professionals with busy careers
More strategic content creation
Considers the bigger picture
Frees the rest of the week/month for other activities
Laser-focused creativity
Removes the pressure to create and release content frequently
Disadvantages:
It doesn’t always work when combining people’s calendars
Mentally intense
Working for long blocks of time
Time sensitive and can be affected by current events
How to use Batching for your Podcast’s advantage
Here are 10 reasons why Batching is a good content strategy method for podcasters:
I always say: think about 10 episodes that you would do related to the topic that you want to podcast about. If you can’t think of 10 topics or guests, well my friend, then you have a problem. With batching, you can plan up to a full half a year and not have to worry about running out of inspiration.
You’ll take podcasting more seriously as you are committing to longer periods of time for it.
It shows you how your release schedule will look like and help you plan beforehand, which is extremely helpful when trying to combine two person’s calendars.
If you’re always on the road or have multiple plates spinning, you can save a full day to record, edit, or schedule episodes and not have to worry about moving meetings around.
By using batching, you’re able to see which topics you’ve covered, what you need to address, and that provides a more strategic content release in the long run. It also helps if you create a template or a few to follow.
Just putting content out there isn’t the answer for a successful podcast - you need structure and time to evaluate what is your best-performing content to decide if it’s worth your while carrying on creating content in bulk that has no ears tuning in.
You can allow yourself to ‘unplug’ from the podcast by having more free time doing other activities. Use that time wisely to recharge, but also to find inspiration in the world around you.
Start a conversation with your audience and let them know you want to hear their feedback. You can record extra episodes that you can include in your calendar if a guest dropped out, changed their mind, or if the interview’s audio went caput. (Trust me here, it happens more often than you would think)
The more you podcast, the better host you’ll become. By using batching, you’ll be putting more hours of focused work into your podcast, which in turn, will sharpen your skills as a speaker, interviewer or subject expert.
You’ll become more intentional with your time.
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