Episode 237 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast | Courtney Elmer

Featured Guest: Shawn Shewchuk
With a successful track record of delivering results to over 12,500 clients, over 7,000 media appearances and numerous accolades, Shawn is considered the “Go-To” for those entrepreneurs and high achievers and leaders that are driven to achieve more and collapse time frames.

2:13 - Why Podcasters Need to Think Like a CEO
5:40 - The Unexpected Reason Why Your Podcast Isn't Growing
7:58 - How to Identify and Eliminate Time-Wasting Activities
11:18 - 5 Signs You're Spending Too Much Time on the Wrong Things
13:43 - A Simple Framework for Making Better Podcast Decisions

Podcast Editing: Is it Worth Your Time?

“Should I do my own podcast editing?”

If only I could make a dollar every time I get asked this question, I’d be sipping a white negroni on my private island overlooking the Mediterranean. I’m kidding. Well okay, maybe only a teensy part of me is kidding. Because this is a question that pops up ALL THE TIME in my DMs, on sales calls, and probably in your head right now.

And (I say this as someone who’s still working on being okay with the fact that perfection doesn’t exist) —I get it. Your podcast means a lot to you, and you want it to sound polished like you know what you’re doing. Besides, who knows your vision better than you? It’s easier and quicker to edit yourself instead of trying to train someone to edit it exactly how you want it done.

Or is it? Because each minute you spend on podcast editing is a minute not spent on strategizing your podcast’s growth, creating new content, or building relationships that could open new doors for your business.

If you’re a coach, consultant, or online business owner and your numero uno goal with your podcast is to drive more leads to your business, then driving revenue in your business IS (and must always be) your priority. If you were already making the revenue you wanted to be making, would you even need to be podcasting? (Of course not. You’d be hanging out with me living your best life on my private island in the Mediterranean.)

Which brings us back to the main question: if you are podcasting as a means to grow your business then it probably means you aren’t making the money you want to make yet. So your top priority is to drive more revenue. And if that’s where your focus needs to be, should you really be sweating over podcast editing tasks like audio cuts, transitions, and fades?

I can’t answer that question for you. But I did you one better and asked 2x bestselling productivity author Shawn Shewchuk to help you figure out where you should be spending your time on your podcast so that you can grow your show — and your business.

So, what are the high-leverage activities you should be focusing on? 

From Technician to Visionary

Shawn breaks down why we often fall into what he calls "the technician’s trap." He explains how your actions are often influenced by deep-seated paradigms — habits you’ve picked up from others over the years. But if you’re ready to scale, you need to shift from doing everything yourself (the technician’s trap) to thinking like a visionary.

Yep, that means stepping back and taking an honest, hard look at which tasks are really worth your time.

Shawn puts it like this: "You can't manage time. You get all there is, but you can manage the activities in the time that you're fortunate enough to be blessed with," And he doesn’t stop there. "Make a list of what you shouldn't be doing," Shawn advises. “If you find yourself holding onto tasks that could be easily delegated, you’re not using your time as effectively as you could be.”

This isn’t about being too good for certain tasks — it’s about making the conscious choice to direct your energy towards actions that drive your business's growth, not keep you where you already are. And if you’re knee-deep in podcast editing tasks, think about what bigger, bolder moves you could be making instead. Are there partnerships, strategies, or innovations you’re missing out on while you’re busy trimming silence from your latest episode? Probably.

The Cost of Doing It Yourself

One common reason many podcasters hesitate to hire an editor is the belief that "it's cheaper to do it myself" or "I don't have the money to hire an editor." While it may seem like a smart financial decision to handle the editing yourself, is saving money on podcast editing really saving you money in the long run, or is it costing you more in terms of growth and opportunity? Think about it this way:

Every hour you spend on podcast editing is an hour you’re not spending on creating compelling content that turns listeners into clients and strategizing ways to grow your show.

The real cost isn’t just in dollars; it’s in missed opportunities and the potential revenue you're losing by not focusing on higher-leverage activities.

By outsourcing your podcast editing, you're not just buying back your time; you're investing in the quality and professionalism of your show, which can attract more listeners and, ultimately, more revenue. If having a top podcast is your goal, the question isn’t whether you can afford to hire an editor, but whether you can afford not to.

The Unexpected Reason Why Your Podcast Isn't Growing

Now, you might be nodding along, thinking, "Sure, delegate the small stuff, focus on the big wins—got it." But are you doing it?

Are the things on your to-do list today really moving the needle, or are they just making you feel good about yourself because you’re busy?

Growth doesn't come from taking action. Growth comes from letting go of the actions that aren't serving your greater vision.

That massive to-do list you're working through might make you feel productive, but we both know the truth: busy work is a master of disguise. It makes you think you’re being productive when really it’s stealing away your time — time that could be spent on strategic planning, valuable partnerships, or developing new revenue streams for your business.

Eliminate Low-Value Tasks

So, how do you differentiate between high-impact actions and just ‘staying busy’? Ask yourself this: "If I could only accomplish one thing today that would truly move my business forward, what would it be?" If the tasks on your to-do list don’t align with your answer, you’ve got some letting go to do.

So, Should You Do Your Own Podcast Editing?

Remember, every minute counts, and how you choose to spend yours will define the success of your podcast — and your business. So, think like the top-tier CEO you are or aspire to be: should you edit your own podcast?

Deciding whether to edit your own podcast is just one of the many choices you'll face as a business owner. By evaluating your time, identifying low-value tasks, prioritizing high-leverage activities, trusting your instincts, and keeping your greater vision in mind at all times, you'll be well on your way to making the best decisions for your business and your podcast.

Optimizing your time by delegating low-impact tasks and focusing on what really grows your business isn’t just about working smarter—it’s about transforming into the visionary leader your podcast—and your business—need.

Ready to free up more time and still grow your podcast? Follow Insider Secrets to a Top Podcast on your favorite podcast app so you can learn how to create a bingeworthy show that turns listeners into clients.

Are you a coach, consultant, or expert ready to launch a podcast or rank your existing show into the Top 100? We’re here to help. Book a free strategy call to chat with our team and find out if you’re a fit for PodLaunch.

Next Up: Renowned podcaster and communications expert Brandon Lucero shares four powerful techniques to keep your listeners engaged through the end of every episode. Learn how speaking your listener's language can transform your podcast from just another show into a must-listen experience that listeners rave about.