The Ultimate Checklist for Launching a Podcast

Written By Jules

Podcasting is one of the most powerful tools for building trust, community, and visibility around your brand. With over 464 million podcast listeners worldwide as of 2023 and 80% of listeners tuning in to most or all of an episode, podcasts offer a unique opportunity to connect deeply with your audience. But how do you launch one that stands out and truly reflects who you are?

This ultimate checklist is designed to help you do exactly that—walk through the foundational steps of launching a podcast with alignment, intention, and ease.

1. Define Your Concept

Before you hit record, you need clarity on your podcast’s mission.

Ask yourself:

  • What is your podcast about?

  • What niche or theme will you cover?

  • Who is your ideal listener?

  • What’s your unique point of view or edge?

How-to Tip: Think of your podcast like a conversation—what topic are you excited to dive into week after week? What stories do you feel called to share?

2. Choose Your Format & Structure

There are endless ways to format your show, so pick one that fits your lifestyle and energy.

Options include:

  • Solo episodes

  • Interviews with guests

  • Co-hosted conversations

  • Seasonal drops or consistent weekly content

  • Short-form (under 30 min) or long-form (45+ min)

How-to Tip: Map out your first 10 episodes with your chosen format in mind. This helps create consistency and flow.

3. Select Your Equipment

Good audio matters. Listeners will click away from poor sound quality, even if your content is gold.

Starter setup:

  • USB Microphone: Samson Q2U, Shure MV7, or Blue Yeti

  • Headphones (to monitor audio + avoid echo)

  • Pop filter (optional but great for clearer sound)

  • Recording platforms: Zoom, Riverside.fm, Zencastr

Pro Tip: Record in a small, quiet room with soft surfaces to minimize echo.

4. Design Your Visual Identity

First impressions matter. Your visual branding helps communicate your podcast’s vibe and purpose.

Creative elements to prep:

  • Podcast cover art (3000x3000 px for directories)

  • Show title + tagline

  • Audiogram/social templates

  • Branded colors + fonts

How-to Tip: Use Canva or hire a designer to bring your aesthetic to life. Think about what feeling you want your brand to evoke.

5. Prep Your Launch Episodes

Give your audience something to binge on launch day.

What to record:

  • Trailer/intro episode

  • 2–4 full-length episodes

  • Intro/outro voiceovers with music or transitions

  • Add CTAs (calls-to-action) for subscribing or sharing

How-to Tip: Keep your first episodes casual but clear. Focus on building trust and connection.

6. Set Up Your Hosting Platform

Your host distributes your episodes to major platforms like Apple and Spotify.

Steps:

  • Choose a host: Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Podbean, Captivate.fm

  • Upload your launch episodes

  • Write a compelling show description

  • Submit to directories: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google Podcasts

Data Insight: Most podcasters choose Buzzsprout or Libsyn for their ease of use and analytics.

7. Plan Your Launch Strategy

Don't just hit publish and hope for the best—create buzz!

Pre-launch ideas:

  • Tease content on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn

  • Email your list with behind-the-scenes updates

  • Ask early supporters to rate and review

  • Repurpose content into quote graphics, reels, audiograms, blog posts

Marketing Tip: Use a countdown or launch series to build anticipation.

8. Give Yourself Room to Evolve

Podcasting is a long game. Your first episode doesn’t have to be perfect.

Reminder:

  • Done is better than perfect

  • You will refine and evolve as you grow

  • Keep showing up—it gets easier

Mantra: Record → Launch → Learn → Improve

Bonus: Pre-Launch To-Do List

☐ Reserve your show name
☐ Buy a matching domain (optional)
☐ Create a lead magnet or freebie to grow your email list
☐ Draft outlines for your first 5–10 episodes
☐ Set podcast goals: monthly downloads, dream guests, top platforms

Timeline & Expectations: Your First 6 Months

Launching a podcast takes intention, planning, and a little bit of patience. Here's what you can realistically expect in your first six months:

Month 1–2: Prep & Planning
→ Define your concept + target audience
→ Choose your format + plan content
→ Order and test your equipment
→ Design your cover art and branding

Month 3: Content Creation
→ Record your trailer and first 3–5 episodes
→ Write show descriptions and intros/outros
→ Finalize your editing workflow (DIY or hire support)

Month 4: Tech Setup + Soft Launch
→ Choose a podcast host and upload episodes
→ Submit to directories (Apple, Spotify, etc.)
→ Test everything: links, audio quality, CTA flow

Month 5: Launch + Promote
→ Go live with at least 3 full episodes
→ Launch on social media and email
→ Ask for ratings, reviews, and shares

Month 6: Refine + Grow
→ Review analytics + listener feedback
→ Tweak content structure or promotion plan
→ Begin outreach for guest features or collabs

Goal by Month 6: Build momentum, create consistency, and develop confidence in your process.

Want this checklist as a downloadable PDF? Contact me and I’ll send it your way.

Need help bringing your podcast to life? DM me @scorpiorisingstudio or reach out at jules@julesthompson.com—let’s make magic.

Jules https://julesthompson.com
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