I’ve been a podcast manager for a few years now and I LOVE it! I get to listen to podcasts in my PJs anywhere in the world while cuddling my pup. In this blog post, I explain how to become a podcast manager, what podcaster managers do, and the skills you need to succeed.
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How to become a podcast manager
The podcast industry is booming. Podcasting has become one of the most popular forms of content in recent years. As the demand for podcasts grows, so does the demand for podcast managers.
So, how do you become a podcast manager? There are a few ways to get started in this exciting field. You can take a podcast management course, get an internship with an established podcast manager, or DIY your learning experience.
No matter how you choose to get started, if you’re passionate about podcasts and have the drive to succeed, then a career in podcast management could be for you!
My story – How I became a podcast manager
My journey began when I found The Live Free Podcast with Micala Quinn. After two months of listening, I bought her Overwhelmed to Overbooked course and launched my business as a blogging virtual assistant.
While working as a blog manager, one of my clients asked me if I wanted to work on a podcast for a friend. I thought it might be fun, so I began working as a podcast virtual assistant or podcast VA. My role was helping behind the scenes with writing podcast episode descriptions, adding the audio to the hosting platform, and making social media graphics and captions.
The Podcast Manager Program
When I decided to offer podcast management services, I set to learn everything I could about the medium. But DIYing your own podcast manager business is a lot of work. You have to learn to perform the services, price your offers, find clients, create welcome packets, and so much more.
After a while of figuring things out on my own, it quickly became clear that if I wanted to make a career out of this, I needed to enroll in a course. That’s when I decided to enroll in Lauren Wrighton’s Podcast Manager Program. It was the best decision ever.
In the Podcast Manager Program, I got the training to confidently offer new services. I got my first client using what I learned in the course in less than 2 weeks.
The best and most unexpected bonus was the Facebook community that came with the program. Whenever I have a question or need support, I’ve got a wonderful team of colleagues ready to cheer me on and help me problem solve. Plus, there are weekly coaching calls.
If you’re thinking about becoming a podcast manager, I highly recommend the Podcast Manager Program. But you can also learn a lot on your own. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about how to become a successful podcast manager or producer.
What does a podcast manager do and how to build your role
Podcast managers help with the business and technical side of things so the podcast host can focus on creating amazing content. They go by many names: podcast producer, podcast virtual assistant, podcast editor, podcast strategist, and probably some more that I forgot. Each title describes slightly different responsibilities, but there is some overlap.
Here are some common tasks that podcast managers do for their clients.
- Creating a schedule
- Finding keywords and developing show topics
- Podcast guest management – researching, booking, and coordinating guests
- Helping the host prepare for podcast interviews
- Setting up equipment
- Writing scripts, outlines, episode descriptions, show notes, blogs, and emails
- Recording/editing intro and outro segments
- Adding music
- Editing audio files
- Uploading episodes to podcast hosting platforms (Libsyn, Buzzsprout)
- Getting the show on apple podcast and other platforms
- Promoting the show through podcast marketing
- Making social media graphics
- Posting to social media
- Analyzing podcast data
- Managing sponsorships
- Pitching the host to be on other shows
As you can see, there are a lot of different tasks that a podcast manager can do. You can start with just a few of these tasks and add more as you get comfortable. That’s what I did! As I gained experience and got more comfortable with each task, I added more to my list of services.
How does a typical workday look for you?
Honestly, there is no “typical” day for me. Every day is different, which I love. I might spend one day working on show notes and the next day posting graphics or uploading episodes to my client’s hosting service.
I typically start my day by checking my email and Trello boards. Then I prioritize my tasks for the day and get to work. I batch similar tasks together, so I can get into a flow state more easily.
What types of clients or shows hire podcast managers or producers?
The podcast industry is huge! With 2 million podcasts worldwide, there are shows for every niche imaginable. There are plenty of shows that need podcast managers. I’ve worked with entrepreneurs, coaches, educators, consultants, and more.
The main thing clients have in common is that they want to grow their business with podcasting but don’t have the time or energy to do it all themselves. They understand the value of outsourcing and are willing to invest in themselves and their business.
Some clients need a little help and only want someone to upload episodes for them. Others may require more help, like developing show topics or booking guests. The wonderful thing about running your own business is that you choose your clients. As a podcast manager, you pick and choose which tasks you want to do and which ones you don’t.
What skills are needed to become a podcast manager?
The skills you need will depend on the services you offer, but some basic skills that all podcast managers should have are:
Organization
You’ll need to be organized to keep track of all the different moving parts of a podcast. This includes creating and maintaining schedules, booking guests, recording interviews, and more. Many podcast managers use Trello, ClickUp, or other project management software for this.
Communication
You’ll need to communicate effectively with clients and guests. This includes writing emails, giving instructions, and providing specific feedback.
Technical skills
Depending on the services you offer, you’ll need different technical skills. To edit audio files, you need to know how to use audio editing software like Audacity. For creating social media graphics, you’ll need to know how to use Canva or Photoshop.
Research
Podcast managers do a lot of research! You’ll research guests, keywords, possible topics, and more.
Flexibility
Things will inevitably go wrong. Guests will cancel, recording equipment will malfunction, and life will happen. Being flexible and able to think on your feet will help you when things don’t go as planned.
How to develop your skills as a podcast producer
The fastest way to develop your skills as a podcast producer is to enroll in the Podcast Manager Program. This complete course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful podcast manager. It covers everything from finding clients and booking guests to editing audio files and more. Plus you’ll stay up to date about the podcasting industry with the weekly coaching calls and Facebook group.
You can also DIY your education by listening to podcasts, watching YouTube videos, reading blog posts, and attending webinars or conferences. I’ve learned a lot by doing this over the years.
The most important thing is to get started. The more experience you have, the better you’ll become at your craft. As you develop your skills, you can start offering more services to your clients and command higher rates.
What tech and equipment will you need?
The tech and equipment you’ll need will vary based on the services you offer, but there are some basics that every podcast manager should have:
A computer
You’ll need a computer to edit audio files, create social media graphics, upload episodes, and more. It should be powerful enough to handle audio editing software or any other software you use to produce shows.
Audio editing software
Podcast editing is an in-demand service. If you’re going to edit audio files, you’ll need editing software. Audacity is my personal favorite because it’s free and easy to use.
Headphones
Purchase a good pair of headphones to listen to audio files. I prefer over-ear headphones because they’re more comfortable, but earbuds will work in a pinch.
A quiet place to work
Whether you’re editing files or writing show notes, you’ll need a quiet place to work. If you have kids, this may mean working during naptime or after they’ve gone to bed.
How do I find podcast management work?
Finding work as a podcast virtual assistant or manager is similar to finding work as any other type of freelancer. Start by reaching out to your network of family and friends. You can also search job boards like Indeed or use a freelancing platform like Upwork for podcast jobs. I found my clients through FB groups, LinkedIn, job postings, cold pitching, and referrals.
In the beginning, I did a few testimonials projects to build my portfolio. If you’re just getting started, you can offer your services at a reduced rate to gain experience working with clients. Once you have a few happy clients, they can provide testimonials and act as referrals for future clients.
What are the benefits of becoming a podcast producer?
There are SOOOOO many benefits. Going from being a teacher to a business owner has been one of the best decisions ever. Here are a few of the benefits that come to mind:
Set your own schedule
As a podcast manager, I set my own schedule. I work when it’s convenient and take time off when I need it. This was a huge selling point for me when I switched from teaching.
Enjoy the work you do
I absolutely LOVE what I do. I get to work with amazing people and help them grow their businesses. Most days it doesn’t feel like work because I’m doing something I’m passionate about.
Make a difference
As a podcast manager, I help my clients make a difference in the world. On their shows, they share inspirational and educational content that helps their listeners grow and improve their lives. It’s an honor to be a part of that process.
How much can you make?
One of the other benefits of being a podcast manager is that you can earn good money. How much you make will depend on your experience, the services you offer, and your niche.
As a new podcast virtual assistant or manager, you can expect to earn $25-$50 per hour. As you gain more experience and add more services, you can charge $50-$100 per hour or more. You can even start a podcast agency and have people working for you.
Many podcast managers package their services as monthly retainers. This means the client pays a set amount each month for your services. With clients on a retainer, you can earn consistent monthly income.
Can you work from home or remotely?
Absolutely! That’s one of the best parts about being a podcast manager. You can work from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection and a computer.
I work from home and love it. It saves me time by not commuting, plus I have more time for my family. I can also cook and do my laundry in between client work.
Why being a podcast manager is perfect for introverts
One of the reasons I love being a podcast manager is that I don’t meet with my clients regularly. Typically I meet with them once to learn about their business and then there is a kick-off call. As an introvert, this was a huge selling point for me. For introverts who want to start their own business, becoming a podcast manager is a great option. You can work from home and don’t have to meet face to face with clients too often.
Conclusion – How to become a podcast manager
If you’re thinking about becoming a podcast manager, I highly recommend it! It’s an amazing business that allows you to work from anywhere, set your own hours, make a good income, and help others make a difference in the world.
Get started today by joining the Podcast Manager Program or listening to the Podcast Manager Show. If you have any questions, please send me an email at hello@ChristinaODonnell.com
