Maximizing Your Podcast Backlog: How to Strategically Use Your Old Content

Do you ever find yourself asking if there’s more you can do with your podcast content? If you’re like me, you might not be the type to go back and dig around in things you created a few years ago—unless there’s a specific reason. I mean, who really wants to listen to every podcast episode they’ve ever made, watch old YouTube videos, or read ancient emails? Probably not many of us! However, there’s a treasure trove of value in your podcast backlog that you might be overlooking.

I want to talk about how you can strategically use the hard work you’ve already put into your episodes. This applies whether you’ve been podcasting for years or you’re just getting started. It’s time to think about your content in a new way—one that makes your life easier in the months and years to come. So let’s get right to it!

How Long Have You Been Podcasting?

Before we dive into the strategies, let me ask you this: How long have you been podcasting? Whether it’s been two months or two years, you have a wealth of content that can be leveraged. Think of your podcast as a long-form piece of content that can be referred back to repeatedly.

Your episodes, whether they’re 15 minutes or an hour and a half long, are a goldmine of information you can use in various ways. I want you to start thinking about your content beyond just the one-time publish and forget model. Instead, consider how you can get the most mileage out of each episode.

What is a Podcast Backlog?

Your podcast backlog consists of all the episodes you’ve published to date. If you’ve been podcasting for at least a few months, you have a backlog you can work with. Even if you’re brand new, listen up because this strategy will become invaluable as your podcast grows.

My Content Journey: From Podcast to YouTube

Let me share an example from my own content journey and how I repurpose my podcast episodes for my YouTube channel. When I first started, I made the mistake of simply uploading audio files to YouTube with just a static image. It was a learning experience and didn’t resonate well with my audience.

But as I became more serious about YouTube, I realized that certain podcast content needed a visual component. For instance, tutorials on how to edit a podcast or use Buzzsprout required more than just audio explanations. So, I went back to my podcast backlog and identified episodes that performed well. I then created spin-off content specifically tailored for YouTube.

This approach allowed me to align my podcast calendar with my YouTube calendar, creating a cohesive content strategy that served both platforms.

What are the Most Popular Episodes?

One of the first steps in leveraging your backlog is identifying your most popular episodes. These are the ones you should consider expanding upon or repurposing. Look at your analytics to determine which episodes have the most downloads, engagements, or social media shares.

You can start by asking yourself:

• What episodes got the most attention?
• Which ones sparked conversations or questions from your audience?

This data will help you understand what your audience is interested in and what content resonates with them.

How Can I Get More Mileage Out of This?

Think of your podcast backlog as an opportunity to get more mileage out of your hard work. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Make a Database

Create a searchable database of all your episodes with clickable links. This can be an excellent resource for your audience, allowing them to easily find topics they’re interested in. You can offer this database as a freebie or lead magnet, helping you grow your email list while providing value.

2. Create Curated Playlists

Develop curated playlists around specific topics. For example, if you have several episodes on podcasting equipment, create a playlist and share it with your audience. This strategy encourages listeners to engage with multiple episodes, increasing your overall downloads and engagement.

3. Repurpose Content on Another Platform

Use your existing content as a foundation for new material on different platforms. For example, turn a popular podcast episode into a blog post, an infographic, or a video. This approach not only extends the reach of your content but also caters to different audience preferences.

4. Link Back to Old Episodes

Mention and link to older episodes in your current show notes. This practice enhances your SEO by creating a web of interconnected content on your site, making it more likely that your episodes will appear in search engine results.

5. Ask Your Audience for Feedback

Engage with your audience to understand why certain episodes were successful. This feedback can guide your future content strategy and help you create more of what your listeners love.

Don’t Be a One-Hit Wonder

Remember, the goal is not to have a one-hit-wonder episode but to continually create valuable content that resonates with your audience. By strategically using your backlog, you ensure that your podcast remains a relevant and growing resource.

Conclusion

Your podcast backlog is a treasure trove waiting to be tapped into. By understanding your audience’s needs and strategically repurposing your content, you can extend the life of your episodes and continually provide value.

For more detailed strategies and examples, check out the show notes at KrystalProffitt.com/episode247. If you’re new here, welcome to the community! Be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for more insightful episodes.

Remember, keep it up. We all have to start somewhere.