🎙️ Why Launches Matter
Let’s be real — launching a podcast isn’t just about hitting “publish.” It’s about making a statement. A strong launch builds momentum, attracts loyal listeners from day one, and sets the tone for your brand’s voice and authority. Think of it like opening night on Broadway: you want the lights bright, the seats full, and the audience buzzing. A rushed or half-hearted launch can bury even the most brilliant content. But a strategic, well-timed rollout? That turns passive listeners into raving fans.
The good news? You don’t need months. You just need 30 focused days.
Here’s your battle-tested, week-by-week podcast launch plan — complete with actionable checklists — to go from idea to “live” with confidence.
🗓️ WEEK 1: CONCEPT & PREP
Lay the foundation. Nail your niche. Build your brand.
This week is all about clarity. Who are you speaking to? What problem are you solving? What makes your show different? Nail this, and everything else flows.
✅ ACTION CHECKLIST — WEEK 1
🔹 Day 1-2: Define Your Podcast Concept
- Choose your niche (e.g., “Productivity for Remote Entrepreneurs”)
- Write your show’s mission statement: “This podcast helps [audience] achieve [outcome] by [unique approach].”
- Decide on format: Interview? Solo? Co-hosted? Narrative?
- Pick episode length and release cadence (e.g., 30 mins, weekly on Tuesdays)
🔹 Day 3: Name & Branding
- Brainstorm 5–10 podcast name ideas (check domain & social handles)
- Secure your name across platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Instagram, etc.)
- Design simple cover art (use Canva or hire a designer on Fiverr)
- Write a compelling show description (under 200 words)
🔹 Day 4: Tech Setup
- Choose a hosting platform (Buzzsprout, Captivate, Podbean, etc.)
- Buy a decent mic (e.g., Blue Yeti, Shure MV7, or Rode PodMic)
- Download free editing software (Audacity or GarageBand)
- Set up a quiet recording space (blankets, pillows = cheap soundproofing!)
🔹 Day 5: Plan Your First 3 Episodes
- Outline Episode 1: Intro + your story + what listeners can expect
- Outline Episode 2: Deep dive into your core topic
- Outline Episode 3: Interview or actionable tips episode
- Script intros/outros (keep them consistent!)
🔹 Day 6-7: Build Your Launch Assets
- Create a simple website or landing page (use Carrd, Linktree, or WordPress)
- Set up email capture (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Beehiiv)
- Draft social media bios + graphics for Instagram/Twitter/LinkedIn
- Write 5 email subject lines to tease your launch
💡 Pro Tip: Record a trailer episode this week to build hype. Keep it under 90 seconds!
🎧 WEEK 2: RECORD & EDIT
Capture your voice. Polish your sound. Build your library.
Time to turn ideas into episodes. Don’t overthink it — done is better than perfect. Your goal: record and edit Episodes 1, 2, and 3 (plus your trailer).
✅ ACTION CHECKLIST — WEEK 2
🔹 Day 8-9: Record Episode 1 + Trailer
- Do 2-3 takes if needed — energy matters more than perfection
- Record in WAV format for best quality
- Save files clearly: “EP01_Intro_v2.wav”
🔹 Day 10-11: Edit & Polish
- Remove long pauses, ums, mouth noises
- Add intro/outro music (use Epidemic Sound or YouTube Audio Library)
- Normalize audio levels (target -16 LUFS for podcasts)
- Export as MP3 (128kbps or 192kbps stereo)
🔹 Day 12-13: Record & Edit Episodes 2 & 3
- Batch record to save time
- Use the same editing workflow for consistency
- Add chapter markers if your host supports them (great for listener UX!)
🔹 Day 14: Quality Check & Backup
- Listen to all episodes on phone, laptop, and car speakers
- Ask a friend for feedback (clarity, pacing, energy)
- Save final files + project files to cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Upload all 3 episodes + trailer to your hosting platform (but DON’T publish yet!)
💡 Pro Tip: Create a “launch folder” with all assets — logos, bios, graphics, transcripts, schedule. You’ll thank yourself later.
📅 WEEK 3: PUBLISH & SCHEDULE
Set it and forget it. Automate your debut.
This is where you prep for a smooth, stress-free launch. Schedule everything so launch day feels like a celebration — not a scramble.
✅ ACTION CHECKLIST — WEEK 3
🔹 Day 15: Finalize Metadata
- Add episode titles, descriptions, and keywords for SEO
- Upload custom images per episode (optional but recommended)
- Add your website + email to show notes
🔹 Day 16: Submit to Directories
- Submit to Apple Podcasts (can take 3–5 days to approve)
- Submit to Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio
- Claim your show on Podchaser and Listen Notes
🔹 Day 17: Schedule Episodes
- Schedule Episode 1 (and trailer) to go live on Launch Day
- Schedule Episodes 2 & 3 to auto-publish weekly after that
- Double-check time zones — set to midnight in your audience’s region
🔹 Day 18: Build Your Launch Email Sequence
- Draft 3 emails: Teaser (7 days out), Countdown (2 days out), Launch Day (GO LIVE!)
- Include links, graphics, and a clear CTA (“Listen Now + Leave a Review!”)
- Set up automation in your email tool
🔹 Day 19-20: Prep Social Content
- Create 5–7 social posts per platform (quote cards, behind-the-scenes, countdowns)
- Design Reels/TikToks teasing your topic or recording setup
- Schedule posts using Buffer, Later, or Meta Business Suite
- Draft DM scripts to send to friends/family asking for support
🔹 Day 21: Test Everything
- Click every link. Test every CTA.
- Ensure your website form works.
- Confirm scheduled posts and emails are queued.
- Take a breath. You’re 70% there.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a “Subscribe” button to your website and link to your favorite platform. Make it stupid easy for people to listen.
🚀 WEEK 4: PROMOTE & LAUNCH
Go live. Rally your tribe. Celebrate your win.
This is showtime. Your content is ready. Your systems are set. Now, turn up the volume and let the world hear you.
✅ ACTION CHECKLIST — WEEK 4
🔹 Day 22-24: Pre-Launch Buzz
- Email your list: “My podcast drops in 5 days — be the first to hear it!”
- Post daily countdowns on social media
- Share behind-the-scenes clips (mic setup, editing screen, coffee-fueled writing)
- Tag 5–10 friends/colleagues and ask them to share on launch day
🔹 Day 25-26: Outreach & Collaboration
- DM 3 podcasters in your niche — offer to cross-promote
- Submit to 2–3 podcast newsletters or roundups
- Ask 5 loyal friends to leave honest Apple Podcast reviews on Day 1
- Join 2 Facebook or Reddit groups and share (where allowed!)
🔹 Day 27: Launch Day Prep
- Write your Launch Day social post (include link + graphic + excitement!)
- Prep 3 variations for different platforms
- Set phone reminders to post at optimal times
- Prepare a “thank you” graphic for early listeners
🔹 Day 28: LAUNCH DAY 🎉
- Hit publish (if not auto-scheduled)
- Post across all platforms + stories + Reels
- Send Launch Email #3
- Respond to every comment, DM, and review
- Share listener screenshots (with permission!)
- CELEBRATE — you did it!
🔹 Day 29-30: Momentum & Review
- Send a “thank you” email to your list with episode 1 link
- Post “What should I cover next?” poll on Instagram
- Review analytics: downloads, sources, listener locations
- Note what worked — and what to tweak for Episode 4
💡 Pro Tip: On Day 30, schedule your next 2 episodes. Momentum is everything.
🌟 You Did It — Now Keep Going
Launching a podcast in 30 days isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional, consistent, and courageous enough to hit publish.
Stick to this timeline. Trust the process. Your voice matters — and there are people waiting to hear it.
Miss a day? No problem. Just hop back in. The only true failure is not starting.
Now go make some noise.
🎧 Your mic is hot. Your audience is listening.
Welcome to the podcasting world — you belong here.
—
P.S. Tag me on social when you launch — I’ll be cheering you on! #PodcastIn30Days #PodcastLaunchPlan
✅ BONUS: Downloadable 30-Day Checklist
(Pro tip: Print it. Tape it to your wall. Cross off each win.)
Ready. Set. Launch. 🚀
Your 30-day countdown starts… NOW.
