Podcast Launch Breakdown
If you have decided to launch a podcast, you may be feeling motivated and ready to get started right now.
We get it!
Podcasting is an incredible way to share your ideas and grow your audience, but it also comes with a learning curve that can feel overwhelming. You might find yourself stuck, unsure of where to begin, and putting it off - especially with the overwhelming sense of tasks that need to get done.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you! Keep reading for a quick breakdown of how to launch your podcast and finally get the ball rolling.
Step 1: Define Your Podcast Concept
Before hitting record, you’ll need to figure out what your podcast is all about.
Start by considering:
Whether you’ll focus on a specific niche or keep it broader
Who your target audience is
What format best suits you (interviews, solo episodes, storytelling, etc)
Once you’ve nailed down these key pieces, it’s time to consider your podcast’s name and branding if you haven’t already.
Need more guidance? Check out this blog for a deeper dive into defining your podcast concept and target audience.
Step 2: Plan Your First Episodes
Once you’ve defined your podcast concept, it’s time to outline and plan your first episodes. This includes:
Deciding on the length
Determining how often you'll release episodes
Creating a basic script or episode structure to follow
Outline at least three episodes and a trailer to start with
Drafting scripts for your intro, outro, and any ads (if applicable)
Having a solid plan makes recording much smoother, allowing you to batch-record multiple episodes while you’re in the zone.
Need help planning your episodes? Check out this blog post for help!
Step 3: Get the Right Equipment
Now it’s time to set yourself up with the right gear for recording and editing. Here’s what you’ll need:
A computer (or phone), microphone, and headphones
Recording and editing software
Soundproofing materials if needed for better audio quality
Looking for more recommendations? Check out these resources:
Step 4: Record and Edit Your Episodes
Now that you have the right equipment, it’s time to start recording! Then, you’ll move into post-production. Here’s what to focus on:
Recording your intro, outro, and any ads
Creating a compelling trailer
Recording your main episodes
Editing, compiling, and adding music in post-production
Here is a great blog for additional tips for setting up recording, and here is a great resource for getting started with editing.
Step 5: Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform
With your episodes ready, it’s time to set up your podcast for launching. Here’s what you need to do:
Choose a podcast hosting platform that fits your needs
Set up your podcast hosting account + RSS feed
If you plan to use analytics tools, set them up now
Upload your trailer (but hold off on full episodes just yet!)
Step 6: Submit Your Podcast to Directories
Then, once you’ve got your host set up, you’ll need to submit your podcast to podcast directories so listeners can find it. This includes:
Submitting your show to platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Here’s a full list of directories.
Step 7: Promote and Launch
You did it! You’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to share your podcast with the world. The final thing you’ll want to do to launch and promote your podcast is…
Create a promotion strategy to attract listeners and reviews
Start building excitement at least two weeks before the launch
Use social media, email lists, and teaser clips to generate buzz
Upload your launch episodes on release day
Announce your launch and keep promoting!
This quick breakdown covers everything you need to launch your podcast. The most important thing? Just start! You'll learn, adjust, and improve as you go.
Your voice deserves to be heard
And shared, not hidden in the dark any longer. Here’s a recap of the key steps:
Define your podcast concept
Plan your episodes
Get the right equipment
Record and edit
Choose a hosting platform
Submit to podcast directories
Promote and launch!
Now go for it! Your message matters, and the world is waiting to hear it. You’ll figure it out along the way, making adjustments and only getting better as you go.
Looking for a more in-depth launch walkthrough? Check out our full podcast launch deep dive here.
Or need hands-on help? Send us a message, and let’s get your podcast launched!
