Podcast Production and Editing Requirements Form

Please remove this client intake form insights section before publishing.

Let's break down the client intake form section by section, highlighting the key insights and strategic importance of each part:

1. Podcast Overview

Purpose: Establishes the foundation of the project.

• Podcast Name/Status: Determines if it’s a new show (requiring branding) or an existing one (needing optimization).
• Theme/Topic & Audience: Guides content strategy and tone (e.g., a B2B podcast will differ from a casual storytelling show).
• Goals: Aligns services with client objectives (e.g., editing for lead gen may include strong CTAs).

Key Insight: A vague theme or audience can lead to misaligned production choices. This section forces clarity early on.

2. Production Services Needed (Modular Selection)

Purpose: Lets clients customize their package without overwhelm.

A. Pre-Production

• Critical for new podcasts to define structure, branding, and workflow.
• Guest Booking: Reveals if the client needs outreach help (a major time-saver).

B. Recording

• Remote vs. in-person impacts pricing and equipment needs.
• Live Streaming: Indicates if video sync or multitrack editing is required.

C. Post-Production

• Audio Editing: Filler word removal vs. full mastering affects pricing tiers.
• Transcriptions/Audiograms: Often overlooked but key for accessibility and marketing.

D. Distribution & Marketing

• Clients may not realize they need SEO or hosting setup until prompted here.

Key Insight: Clients often underestimate pre- and post-production work. This section educates while gathering needs.

3. Technical & Creative Preferences

Purpose: Avoids revisions by setting expectations upfront.

• Length & Schedule: A weekly 60-min show requires more resources than a bi-weekly 30-min one.
• Branding Assets: Missing logos/fonts delay artwork creation.
• Tone & Music: A "professional" tone may require tighter editing than "conversational."

Key Insight: A client wanting "high-energy" editing may need more sound design, impacting time/cost.

4. Client Expectations & Requirements (Most Critical Section)

Purpose: Uncovers hidden expectations that could derail the project.

1. Top 3 Priorities:
   Example: If "sound quality" is #1, invest time in noise reduction; if "engagement" leads, focus on pacing and hooks.
2. Podcast Examples:
   Reveals preferences (e.g., "We like Huberman Lab’s depth but want SmartLess’s humor").
3. Biggest Concern:
   Common answers: "We sound unprofessional" (needs editing) or "No one listens" (needs marketing).
4. Technical Requirements:
   Video podcasts need 16:9 edits; some clients demand separate guest tracks.
5. Turnaround Time:
   A 24-hour edit requires rush fees or limits revision rounds.
6. Feedback Responsibility:
   Avoids chaos by designating a single point of contact.

Key Insight: Clients who can’t articulate priorities often demand endless revisions. This section mitigates scope creep.

5. Budget & Timeline

• Purpose: Filters unrealistic expectations early.
• Budget Ranges: A $500.00 budget won’t cover video editing + audiograms.
• Launch Date: Rushed timelines may require additional resources (and costs).

Key Insight: Clients who skip this section often expect premium work at low-cost rates—address this before contracting.

Why This Form Works

1. Education: Clients discover services they didn’t know they needed (e.g., audiograms for social promotion).
2. Efficiency: Prevents back-and-forth emails by capturing all details upfront.
3. Accountability: Documents client preferences to avoid "This isn’t what I wanted" disputes later.

Pro Tip: Add a disclaimer (e.g., "Rush fees apply for <72-hour turnarounds") to manage expectations.