We all make mistakes. As podcasters, producers, writers, and hosts, we play many roles, so it’s understandable that tasks can slip our minds or we can underestimate how long something takes. But thankfully some of these blunders can be easily avoided! So we made a quick list of eleven mistakes podcasters make all the time, and how you can correct them.

Happy podcasting!

Mistake #1 - Not tracking your hours

You should have a general idea how long it takes you to do certain types of tasks. Make sure you use a timer app, like Toggl, to track your hours when you work on projects. This way, next time a client asks you for a quote, you’re able to base it off a number that ensures you’ll be fairly compensated for your time and effort.

Mistake #2 - Underestimating the scope of a project

Which brings me to the next point… if you know you can’t turn around a polished podcast series in an unrealistic timeline, don’t promise that. Save yourself the stress; if someone is asking for the impossible, it’s a chance to have a conversation about your working style and how long the work typically takes. If a client keeps pressing you to move mountains and is asking for something unreasonable, it might be time to reconsider the relationship.

Mistake #3 - Underestimating the time it will take to make revisions

Be upfront with your clients when they ask for a “quick revision” to be ready by tomorrow morning and you know that it’s just not possible. Advocate yourself and let them know that you can do it within a specific (reasonable) time period.

Mistake #4 - Mixing for your own headphones only

You’ve just finished mixing a beautiful podcast in your super nice, noise cancelling headphones. Yay! But before you export your mixdown, remember that people listen to your show through all types of things: laptop speakers, car stereo systems, dollar store earphones, or commonly, tinny iPhone speakers. Adjust accordingly!

Mistake #5 - Forgetting to factor in hidden fees

Someone has got to pay for RSS, web hosting, logos, landing pages, and more! You want to make sure that you can accurately quote potential clients on all the hidden podcast fees. Go through your credit card statements to jog your memory on past production expenses.

Mistake #6 - Your podcast is too long

Kill your darlings, babe! We know you don’t want to. But chances are your podcast is too long to be actually engaging for listeners. Your guest says a ton of life changing stuff? It’s your job as an editor to make that info sing, and only include the best bits. Yes, you’ll leave some tape on the cutting room floor, but that’s alright. You could always use the information as a jump off point for other projects, or maybe it sparked a cool idea. Bottom line is that listeners won’t miss it and podcasts don’t need to be over two hours long.

Mistake #7 - Forgetting to double check your audio input settings

Make sure you always check that your audio input settings are correct before you hit record! Do a test, make sure it’s drawing audio from the correct source, and make sure all your guests’ levels are peaking gently when they speak. You’ll thank yourself later.

Mistake #8 - Forgetting about your ‘editing’ self

Have your own back and try to help out Future You by silencing your notifications and asking your guests to do the same. Same goes for wearing headphones — guests, hosts, and producers alike. And for goodness sakes, explain the importance of mic technique! It makes you sound more professional. Actually, high quality audio makes you sound smarter. Adding that article to our toolkit to send to our future guests, for sure.

Mistake #9 - Forgetting to brief your guests

Don’t allow your guests to show up totally unprepared for a recording. You need to look out for them so they can be ready. The best practice is to send an email or document with tips and tricks so you can have the best possible recording, interview, and editing experience. Send info about the podcast format, what to expect during the interview, outline your audience and listenership, recommendations for equipment and video setup, and a phone number to call if all else fails. Your guests will appreciate it and so will Future You!

Mistake #10 - Failing to pre-interview your guests

Any time we’re doing a narrative podcast, we pre-interview guests. We do this for Playing with Marbles, No Little Plans, Stories from the Field, and the Growth Effect! Here’s why: People are multi-faceted and complex… and busy as heck! We like to pre-interview our guests so that they feel comfortable and prepared when it comes to recording day. Pre-interviews give you a chance to see what a guest can say on the topic, put them at ease, build a rapport, and explain to them what to expect for the real thing.

Mistake #11 - Forgetting your audience

Sometimes it’s best for the host to “play dumb” and ask questions on the audience’s behalf. Saying something like: “in case our audience doesn’t know what this means” actually alienates the listener and makes them feel excluded from the conversation. Instead, try something like “maybe you can explain to me…” which is sure to inform the listener and include them.

That’s the list. Have you made any of these mistakes? We want to hear from you! Hit us up on Instagram or leave us a comment below.

11 Mistakes Podcasters Make All the Time