When it comes to starting a new project, I think so many people underestimate and undervalue their launch. Oftentimes, if you put in a little bit of extra effort in the right spot, you’ll be rewarded with a lot of extra momentum and have a great chance of attracting more of your ideal audience!
In 2017, I launched The Bearded Tog podcast, which aims to help creative entrepreneurs explore what it takes to run a successful business while achieving their personal and business goals. We’ve hit the top 25 on the iTunes Business chart multiple times and have thousands of downloads, and I know the launch helped us achieve those things.
1. Have multiple episodes recorded & ready
This is a tip I got from a fellow podcaster before I launched The Bearded Tog podcast, and I’m so thankful I learned this. We live in a binge society: if there’s something we love on Netflix, we’re watching all of it ASAP! (Stranger Things, am I right?)
That’s why you want to make sure that you have a few episodes for people to listen to and check out when you launch. It’s kind of like when a store opens—we expect there to be lots of products in the store, not just one.
That way, when a person subscribes, instead of getting just one episode, they’ll get a bunch! Depending on the content, someone may listen to episodes out of order (maybe they’re interested in a particular guest or topic), which helps you learn what listeners like.
I recommend having 3-6 episodes available at launch. It’s a decent amount that lets listeners dive into your content and get excited that they’re hearing things “first.” Also, be sure to have a few episodes scheduled to come out after your launch, whether that means daily or weekly. If you’re a weekly show, I recommend 2-4 episodes so you can always be ahead of schedule.
2. Squad up!
This is a key tip I love doing ANY time I launch something big. Whether it’s a blog, new product or a podcast launch, make sure you have people in your corner to support you!
Mention to your friends and social media followers that you’re launching something you’re really excited about, and you’d love if you had some people to help you. It’s free and only takes a minute or so.
Then, individually email friends and family to let them know what you’re launching and what you’d love their help with. For podcasts, make sure you ask that they:
- Subscribe
- Leave a review
- Share on social media
Don’t copy and paste the emails, either—take an hour or longer and make these messages personal. You’ll get a lot of no-replies, but you’ll also get some solid support this way.
3. Ask guests to share
This one is simple, but if you have guests on your podcast, be sure to thank them and let them know when the podcast will launch. Ask if they’d like to share it, and maybe give them a graphic to include in a newsletter or posts on their own social media accounts.
#ProTip: After a month or so, let your guests know how their episode is doing. I have a few guests that have the most-listened episodes on my podcast and it makes their day when they find out!
4. Do a giveaway
There are so many of you who are amazing at giveaways, so this should be a no-brainer.
When your podcast launches, run a giveaway on social media with a cool prize. It doesn’t have to be something that costs you money—it’s a mentoring session or a guest spot on the podcast.
Ask people to screenshot your podcast in their Apple Podcast app and tag your social media handle. Keep track of those who enter and after a week, randomly choose a winner.
There are so many ways to make sure your podcast launch is successful, but these ones are free, and anyone can add them to their workflow.
No matter what you launch, implement these tips and you’ll be closer to hitting your goals!
