Episode 59 - How Podcast Editors Get Paid - Key Considerations When Setting Rates

Proper pricing ensures sustainability for podcast editors while providing clarity and value to clients. Whether charging per episode, hourly, or via monthly retainers, aligning pricing models with client needs and editor capabilities is key to building a successful business.

Monthly Retainers

• Overview: Clients pay a recurring monthly fee for ongoing editing services.
• Benefits:
• Predictable revenue and workload for editors.
• Stronger client relationships due to consistent collaboration.
• Higher customer retention and increased opportunities for upselling services

1. Payment Timing Options

• Upfront payment: Ensures commitment and avoids chasing payments later
• Post-production invoicing: Preferred by some editors who value being paid for completed work

1. Calculate expenses: Factor in software subscriptions, equipment costs, and personal/business expenses
2. Research market rates: Understand pricing trends based on experience level (e.g., $50–$200/hour for experienced editors)
3. Define value: Highlight expertise, certifications, and portfolio samples to justify premium rates

Call to Action: Are you a podcast editor or thinking about hiring one? Share your experiences with different pricing models or ask questions about setting rates! Let’s continue the conversation about making podcast editing work for everyone involved!

Resources for more detail:

https://saspod.com/blog/post/podcast-editor-costs-and-rates-freelancers

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Episode 58 - Consider This When Deciding Who to Hire and Where They Live When Looking For Podcast Editing and Support Services

Episode Summary

In this episode, we explore the growing trend of favoring local podcast editing and support services over global outsourcing. With many countries refocusing on building business within their own borders, we delve into the benefits of hiring locally and how this approach aligns with community-building and economic growth. Whether you're a podcaster looking for editing support or a business owner considering outsourcing options, this episode provides valuable insights into why local might be the better choice.

Key Discussion Points

1. Personalized Service and Better Communication

• Local editors offer face-to-face collaboration opportunities, ensuring clear communication and alignment with your creative vision1.
• Faster response times due to proximity reduce delays compared to global outsourcing

1. Understanding Local Culture and Trends

• Local professionals are attuned to cultural nuances, helping tailor content to resonate with your audience
• This is especially beneficial for region-specific podcasts or businesses targeting local markets

1. Supporting Local Economies

• Hiring locally contributes to community growth by creating jobs and fostering economic activity
• It sends a positive message about supporting local businesses, enhancing your brand reputation

1. Networking Opportunities

• Collaborating with local professionals opens doors to connections within the local podcasting community, including potential guests and promotional partnerships1.

1. Consistent Quality and Reliability

• Building long-term relationships with local editors ensures dependable service and consistent quality tailored to your needs

1. Challenges of Global Outsourcing

• While global outsourcing offers cost savings and access to diverse talent, it often comes with challenges like time zone differences, cultural barriers, and reduced control over operations
• For podcasters focused on close collaboration and cultural alignment, these drawbacks can outweigh the benefits.

Why This Matters Now

As countries prioritize local business development post-economic shifts, hiring locally aligns with broader societal goals of strengthening communities. For podcasters, this approach not only enhances content quality but also supports the creative ecosystem in their region.

Call to Action

Are you considering hiring podcast editing or support services? Tune in to learn how going local can benefit your podcast while contributing to your community. Share your thoughts with us on social media or leave a review!

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Episode 57 - Pricing Your Services as a Podcast Editor and Support - focus on customers who have the means and willingness to invest in high-quality content

In this episode, we discuss strategies for pricing podcast editing and support services, focusing on attracting customers who value high-quality content and are willing to invest in it. With insights into industry standards, pricing models, and factors affecting rates, this episode is a must-listen for podcast editors aiming to position themselves for premium clientele.

Choosing the Right Pricing Model

• Hourly Rates: Suitable for variable projects; transparency ensures trust with clients.
• Per-Episode Rates: Ideal for consistent workflows; simplifies budgeting for clients
• Package Deals: Encourages recurring business and provides predictable income

Industry Pricing Standards

• Freelance editors charge $50–$200 per hour for experienced professionals
• Per-episode rates range from $80–$349 depending on the level of service provided
• Advanced editing or production companies may charge $750+ per episode for comprehensive services

Source material for more information

https://callforcontent.com/how-much-to-charge-for-podcast-editing/

https://bulletin.bigpodcast.com/how-podcast-editors-get-paid

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Episode 56 - Roger Heathers - Sustain Podcast Editing, The Musical Approach to Podcast Editing, Tips for Editors to Support Podcasters

Roger joins as our very first guest on the Podcast Editing and Support Show - Roger has moved from listener to guest! So glad to have him here! We blend our love for music and our love for podcast editing into a conversation geared towards you and your podcast journey!

A study by Pacific Content (2019) found that about 50% of podcasts stop after just three episodes.

Outsourcing your editing can make it way easier to keep your podcast going.

If you're not familiar with the process, don't worry—it’s simple!

Once your episode is recorded, just send your Riverside, Google Drive, or WeTransfer link to Sustain, and you'll receive a polished, mastered WAV file ready for upload to your hosting platform.

We’re happy to guide beginners through hosting and file transfer, too.

Hi, I'm Roger, a freelance podcast editor based in Devon, UK.

Since 2019, I’ve had the privilege of editing over 100 podcasts and more than 1,000 episodes.

I’ve also worked with leading companies in the podcasting community, including The Podcast Collective, The Podcast Doctors, and Claricast.

Roger's editing business for podcasters

https://sustainpodcastediting.com/

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Episode 55 - Offering Free Services to Clients to Begin Your Journey as a Podcast Editor and a Listener Voice Message from Roger

In this episode, we look into why offering free services to a select few clients can be a powerful strategy for new podcast editors and support businesses. We explore how this approach can help you build a strong foundation of referrals, testimonials, and real-world experience.

Key Points Discussed:

1. The importance of building credibility in the podcasting industry
2. How pro bono work can lead to paid opportunities
3. Strategies for selecting the right clients for free services
4. Setting clear expectations and boundaries with free clients
5. Leveraging your free work to attract paying clients

Tips for Success:

• Choose clients with potential for growth and networking opportunities
• Limit the number of free clients to avoid overextending yourself
• Deliver high-quality work to ensure positive testimonials
• Use your free work to build a diverse portfolio
• Create a clear transition plan from free to paid services

https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/podcast-growth-university/

Kevin's episode: #134 - Let’s Talk About Pricing

https://pod.link/1632461244/episode/cdadbbfa4bf0934e60ffc273c2ecc979

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Episode 54 - Benefits of Hiring a Host for Client-Focused Podcasts

Hiring a podcast host for a client-focused podcast is indeed a viable service offering for a podcast editing and support business. This service can provide numerous benefits for clients looking to leverage podcasting as a marketing tool. Here are some key advantages:

A professional host brings experience and skills to the podcast, ensuring high-quality content delivery. They can guide conversations effectively, ask insightful questions, and maintain audience engagement

By outsourcing the hosting role, clients can focus on their core business activities while still reaping the benefits of podcasting. This allows them to leverage the marketing potential of podcasts without investing significant time in production

A skilled host can help build brand recognition by consistently representing the client's values and message. This contributes to creating a strong brand identity through the podcast medium

Professional hosts are adept at creating engaging content, which can lead to higher listener retention and growth. They can help attract new clients and build a loyal audience

Experienced hosts often have connections in the industry, potentially leading to high-profile guests and expanded networking opportunities for the client

Offering podcast hosting services can be a valuable addition to a podcast editing and support business for several reasons:

1. Comprehensive Solution: It provides a more complete package to clients, covering all aspects of podcast production25.
2. Increased Revenue Streams: Adding hosting services can diversify income and potentially increase overall revenue for the business.
3. Client Retention: Offering a full-service solution, including hosting, can improve client satisfaction and retention rates.
4. Market Demand: As podcasting continues to grow as a marketing tool, there's an increasing demand for professional podcast services, including hosting6.
5. Synergy with Existing Services: Hosting services complement existing editing and support offerings, creating a more integrated and efficient production process

By incorporating podcast hosting into your service offerings, you can provide added value to clients while expanding your business model in the growing podcast industry.

Source material:

https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/podcasting-for-business

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Episode 53 - Implementing project-based pricing for podcast services - Podcast Pricing Mastery, Turn Your Audio Skills into a Profitable Business

Additional considerations for podcast editing and support businesses:

1. Focus on client outcomes: Emphasize the impact of professional editing on listener engagement and podcast growth.
2. Highlight expertise: Showcase your knowledge of podcast trends, audio quality standards, and industry best practices.
3. Quantify results: Provide case studies or testimonials demonstrating improved download numbers or audience retention rates.
4. Offer consultation services: Include strategy sessions to help clients improve their overall podcast quality and reach.

1. Basic package: Include essential editing services like noise reduction, leveling, and basic mixing, starting at around $50-$75 per episode
2. Standard package: Add services like content editing, music integration, and show notes, priced between $75-$150 per episode
3. Premium package: Offer comprehensive services including advanced audio processing, transcript creation, and marketing support, ranging from $150-$350 per episode3
4. Custom enterprise solutions: Tailor high-end packages for businesses and organizations, potentially priced at $449+ per episode

1. Track time spent on each task: Use tools to monitor editing, mixing, and administrative time.
2. Monitor software and equipment costs: Account for depreciation and upgrades of audio editing tools.
3. Analyze profitability per client: Identify which projects and clients are most profitable.
4. Set benchmarks: Establish efficiency goals to improve profitability over time.

1. Stay informed on market rates: Research competitor pricing annually, with current rates ranging from $30-$200 per hour for experienced editors
2. Adjust for inflation: Increase rates to account for rising costs of living and business expenses.
3. Reassess value proposition: Regularly update your skills and services to justify higher rates.
4. Client feedback: Use client surveys to gauge satisfaction and willingness to pay for additional services.

By implementing these strategies, podcast editing businesses can create a pricing structure that reflects the true value of their services. This approach not only leads to more profitable relationships but also allows for the delivery of high-quality, impactful podcast productions that benefit both the editor and the client in the long term.

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Episode 52 - Implementing project-based pricing for podcast services - The Deliverables Difference, Transforming Your Podcast Business

For podcast editing and support businesses, setting clear deliverables is essential to ensure client satisfaction, manage expectations, and streamline workflows. Here's a detailed breakdown of how to approach each aspect:

• Edited Episodes: Specify the level of editing included—basic edits (removing filler words and long pauses), advanced edits (adding music, sound effects, or mastering), or full production (narrative structuring and storytelling enhancements). For example, clarify whether you will clean up audio quality, balance levels, and remove background noise.
• Show Notes: Outline the scope of show notes creation. Will you provide a brief summary, timestamps, key takeaways, or links to resources mentioned in the episode?
• Promotional Materials: Define whether deliverables include audiograms, social media graphics, or teaser clips for platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
• File Formats: State the formats you’ll deliver (e.g., MP3 for distribution, WAV for archival purposes) and whether you’ll provide transcripts for accessibility.

• Audio Quality: Set benchmarks for audio quality such as loudness normalization standards (e.g., -16 LUFS for podcasts) to ensure consistency across episodes17.
• Editing Standards: Detail what constitutes a "clean edit," such as removing all filler words versus leaving some in to maintain conversational flow.
• Turnaround Time: Define how quickly clients can expect deliverables after receiving raw files. For instance, a standard timeline might be 3–5 business days for a 60-minute episode.
• Consistency: Ensure that all episodes adhere to the same branding elements, such as intro/outro sequences and background music.

• Revision Policy: Clearly state how many rounds of revisions are included in your pricing. For example, offer one round of minor edits (e.g., cutting additional content or adjusting volume levels) without extra charge.
• Timeframe for Revisions: Establish deadlines for clients to request revisions (e.g., within 7 days of delivery).
• Scope of Revisions: Specify what revisions entail—minor adjustments versus significant re-edits—and communicate additional costs for extensive changes.
• Client Feedback Process: Use tools like Descript or time-stamped notes to make it easier for clients to request specific edits7.

• Milestones:Raw audio submission deadline from the client.
• Delivery date for the first cut of the edited episode.
• Deadlines for receiving client feedback and finalizing edits.
• Batch Production: If working on multiple episodes at once, outline staggered delivery dates to keep production on track.
• Communication Schedule: Set regular check-ins with clients to update them on progress or address any concerns.

1. Use Written Agreements: Document all deliverables in a contract or service agreement to avoid misunderstandings.
2. Provide Examples: Share samples of your work to illustrate what clients can expect in terms of editing quality and...