7 ways to combat podfade and podcasting burnout

If you want your podcast to go the distance and be a long-term success, you need to beware podfade and podcasting burnout. These two phenomena can result in a show that either gradually or suddenly stops releasing episodes.

The reality is that most podcasts will ultimately fail, with a 2018 estimate putting the number of inactive podcasts at a whopping 75% of the overall number.

Even podcasts that start strong can fall prey to podfade and podcasting burnout. In fact, industry experts say that most podcasts “podfade” by their seventh episode.

If you don’t want to share the same fate, you need to make sure you have covered all bases.

Here are our tips to combat podfade and podcasting burnout:

1. Be prepared

You need to be sure your idea for a podcast is going to hold your interest and that of your listeners long-term. That means you need to thoroughly research your subject matter beforehand and ensure that your idea is strong enough to go the distance.

Is there enough to say about your topic to keep going beyond a few episodes? Are there enough experts in the field to draw on or invite as guests?

Do a few practice runs to brush up on your skills and to ensure you know what the creation and promotion of each episode entails. Check out these 5 podcast tools that will make your life easier.

2. Be realistic

Success takes hard work, and the same is true of the world of podcasting. Don’t underestimate the work you are going to have to put in to get your show off the ground and then cement its position in the lives of your listeners.

Chances are there will be long hours involved in creating your podcast and building an audience, particularly in the beginning. Will that put you off?

Be honest with yourself.

3. Play with the format

If you’re using the same format time and time again, chances are you need a change as well as your listeners.

If you’re used to having a guest, don’t stress if you can’t find on. Instead, go it alone. Consider adding a co-host or a regular contributor to take some of the pressure off you in terms of coming up with ideas.

Another idea is to create a series of shows on a particular topic. Focusing on a specific area in this way will give you a little more license to get creative, invite interesting experts on board and come up with some great content.

4. Keep things fresh

Once you have decided on a format, it can be tempting to stick to it week in and week out. But while many people like routine, lots of others find it tedious.

Changing little aspects of the show is another way to keep it fresh and to keep yourself and your listeners engaged. Simple things like opening with a different greeting or switching the music can make a big difference.

Break up your episode with a music break, or even just tell a joke to mix things up.

5. Set some goals

What is it you’re trying to achieve with your podcast? It can be easy to lose your motivation if you’re unclear on your main objective when you’re setting out.

Sitting down and clearly defining your “why” can be a great way to refocus yourself and generate some positive energy around what you’re doing.

Looking back to see where you started and how far you’ve come is another great exercise, helping you to celebrate your successes and see what you could improve.

6. Have some time out

Sometimes, taking a break is an essential part of the creative process. Schedule a few re-runs of your show and go off to do whatever you need to do to come back to it fresh and ready to go.

Chances are your listeners won’t have heard all your shows anyway, so this is actually a great way to get more of your episodes heard by a larger audience.

It will also ensure you don’t fall victim to the all-too-common phenomenon that is podcasting burnout.

7. Get a few episodes ready in advance

If you have a solid queue of podcasts that are ready to go, you can use one at short notice giving you some time out, or the opportunity to take a on a bigger, more time-consuming project.

Doing this will help remove that element of stress that comes with deadlines and will allow you to breathe while ensuring you are producing the best content possible.