Podcast Seasoning

Several big-time podcasts release episodes in "seasons." Should you?

Ask this: Are your "seasons" thematically consistent? Are you telling a story arc over the course of those episodes? Or are you just doing a few episodes and then taking a break? Because if it's the latter, and I suspect most of you are in that category, don't call those "seasons." You're not CBS or Netflix. Honestly, calling Netflix shows "seasons" is stretching it when there can be YEARS between seasons, but episodic television doesn't have a better alternative phrase.

Neither does podcasting, but it doesn't need one. If each "season" of your podcast is a self-enclosed story or theme, sure, call 'em seasons. If not, don't.

Wait, so, should you take those between-"seasons" breaks? If you need to, sure. But remember that consistency in posting makes a world of difference in getting and keeping an audience. If you must break up your show into flights of episodes, just make sure you maintain connection with your followers -- social media helps -- and let them know when you're back with more.

Got a question about podcasting? Go ahead, send it to psimon@allaccess.com or tweet it at @pmsimon. That's what I'm here for.