The Ultimate Guide to Podcast Launch Plans

Many new podcasters are so ecstatic to start a podcast that they forget one of the key strategies for success - a launch plan. Launch plans keep you on track to obtaining your goals; they help dedicated listeners find your show, allowing you to plan ahead. In this post, we will cover the importance of having a launch plan, what to include in your launch plan, and some essential questions to ask before you pick up a microphone and start your show. 

What is the purpose of a launch plan, and why do I need one?

A launch plan will serve as your roadmap for the promotion and start of your show. Think about it this way: if you take off on a road trip and aimlessly drive around with no GPS and no destination, you will get lost, be confused, and dislike the process of finding your way home. If you are anything like us, you prefer clarity over confusion. You like to know your next right step, know it well, and then execute it. The launch plan will allow you to identify your actions and help you to get to the final destination - the launch of your very own podcast. 

What should be included in a podcast launch plan? 

Determine Your Why 

Before you ever pick up a mic, you should have a definite idea of the purpose behind your podcast. In other words, you will want to know who you plan to serve, how you plan to serve them, and what exactly it is that you want your listeners to take away from your show. To determine your why, ask yourself things like…

• Why do I want to start a podcast? 
• How will my show benefit my listeners? 
• What value will my show bring? 
• Who will I serve?
• What is the demographic of my audience? (age, sex, background, likes, dislikes, struggles, etc.)

You will want to remember that your podcast is not about you. It's about the people that you are serving. Before you pick up a mic, have a plan to help the people God places in front of you faithfully. 

Determine Your Podcast Name 

There are so many options out there when it comes to naming a show. As a podcast host, you will want to ensure that your name is keyword searchable. That is, listeners who come to a search engine with a question will leave with their question answered after listening to the content on your show. Pick a name relevant to the content you plan on sharing and one that will resonate with your audience. 

Consider Your Format 

Once you have decided on a podcast name, the next step is to determine the format you prefer. There are typically two types of shows: an interview show and a solo show. If you enjoy conversing with others, networking, and rich conversation, an interview show may be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you can carry a monologue well, a solo show may be a perfect fit. 

Do not fret too much about this step. It can always be changed later if you feel that the format you have chosen initially is not ideal for you and your audience. 

Record & Edit Your Episodes

After you have decided what kind of show you would like to host, you can begin contacting guests, scheduling and recording interviews, and editing and producing your show. You will want to ensure that you have a bank of at least three high-quality episodes before informing the public about the launch of your show. This allows listeners to continue listening and get a feel for how your show will run in the future. 

Get Listed in Directories 

When your episodes are recorded and edited, you will then want to list them in podcasting directories so that your audience can enjoy them. 

Some common podcasting directories that we recommend looking in to are…

• Apple 
• Spotify
• Stitcher 
• Google Podcasts
• Pandora
• I Heart Radio

This is not an exhaustive list, but it will certainly offer you an excellent place to start. Perhaps, this is the most important step. If your podcast is not in directories, it can not be found.

Inform Your People 

After you have done the hard work of producing your first few episodes and have been accepted into directories, it's time to let the world know about the work that you have been doing. Promote your show on your blog, social media, other's podcasts, magazines, word of mouth, or any other avenue that you can think of. The more you inform others of your message, the more likely they will be to listen. Happy podcasting! 

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