Top 5 Traits To Look For In Your Podcast Producer
In a world of 3.2 million PLUS podcasts and counting, long gone are the days of ‘lone wolfing’ a chart-topping show, where fighting for top position meant a couple thousand downloads at best. In this age, where podcasting has exploded from a niche open source industry to a media juggernaut that stands to knock off talk radio in the next five years (you heard it here first), finding the right producer can significantly impact the success and quality of your show. As we’ve said before, listener experience is KEY to a successful show. And a skilled podcast producer wears multiple hats, blending creativity, technical expertise, and organizational prowess to bring your vision to life. Here are the top five traits to seek when selecting your podcast producer:
1. Project Management + Organization Skills
Podcast production demands meticulous planning and execution. A proficient producer excels in project management, juggling various tasks, timelines, and resources effectively. They skillfully coordinate recording schedules, guest bookings, and post-production workflows to ensure seamless episodes. Look for someone with a proven track record of managing multiple projects while maintaining a keen eye on detail.
2. Research Chops
A standout podcast often hinges on the depth and accuracy of its content. A producer with exceptional research skills can uncover compelling topics, vet credible sources, and gather valuable insights to enrich your podcast's narrative. They know how to delve into diverse subjects, ensuring your episodes resonate with authenticity and credibility. Don’t settle for someone who’s just going to ChatGPT your topic for surface-level ideas.
3. Audio Editing Ability
Read my lips: Listener. Experience. Is. KEY. to this next phase of development in the podcasting world. Seriously, do you like listening to show after show with ear-splitting plosives and awful background noise? Polished sound quality is fundamental in captivating an audience. A skilled producer brings strong audio editing abilities to the table, adeptly maneuvering through the various DAW softwares out there to eliminate background noise, adjust levels, and craft a professional-grade sonic experience. Your producer needs to transform raw recordings into captivating, immersive episodes that keep listeners engaged.
4. Strong Analytics And Reporting Skills
Where are your listeners coming from? Why are they here? What’s keeping them listening to you for an hour or more out of their day? These are questions a smart host will ask, because understanding your podcast's performance is crucial for growth. A competent producer should be well-versed in analytics tools, leveraging data to provide valuable insights into listener demographics, engagement metrics, and trends. This enables you (the host) to make informed decisions regarding content direction and audience targeting, and ultimately turbo-charges your success.
5. Strong Storytelling Ability
A compelling narrative lies at the heart of every successful podcast. A producer with strong storytelling prowess can structure episodes in a coherent, engaging manner. They understand pacing, tone, and the art of weaving narratives that captivate and resonate with your audience, ensuring each episode leaves a lasting impact.
BONUS: Experience in Your Vertical
While possessing the aforementioned traits is vital, expertise within your podcast's niche or industry is equally invaluable. A podcast producer who understands the nuances, trends, and audience preferences within your vertical brings a unique advantage. They comprehend the language, challenges, and intricacies specific to your field, allowing for tailored content creation that resonates deeply with your target audience.
By having experience in your vertical a producer will be well-positioned to coach you on nuanced insights, offer relevant perspectives, and suggest content angles that align precisely with your audience's interests (and that’s who we’re here to serve - the audience). Whether it's business, sports, a subcategory like wilderness, nonprofits, news and politics, or any other domain, a producer with vertical-specific knowledge can craft compelling stories that not only entertain but also educate and engage your listeners effectively.
Final Thoughts
Finding a podcast producer who encompasses these key traits can elevate your show to new heights. They serve as the backbone of your production, facilitating a seamless journey from concept to a captivating final product.
Remember, while seeking these traits, look for someone whose personality and style align with your podcast's ethos. Harmony fosters creativity and enhances the overall quality of your podcast.
