If you are new: This is your cheat sheet for “I recorded something, now what?” Work top to bottom—do not skip hosting and RSS before begging for reviews.
Minimum viable launch
- Week 1: create show in host, upload trailer or episode 1, copy RSS URL.
- Week 2: submit Apple + Spotify; fix any validation errors.
- Week 3: write show notes + share link with 10 friends who will actually listen.
- Week 4: publish on schedule; reply to every early comment or DM.
Launches fail from sequencing, not lack of talent. Treat the four weeks before episode 1 like a product release.
Week −4 to −3
Finalize feed, artwork, trailer audio. Set up website pages and email capture. Draft directory submissions.
Week −2
Submit Apple/Spotify; expect review time. Warm your list with behind-the-scenes clips. Prep press kit: one-sheet, cover art, host bios.
Week −1
Verify feeds validate; test players on iOS and Android. Schedule social teases. Confirm episode 1 file and show notes are queued.
Launch week
Drop episode 1 on the promised day. Ask friends for honest reviews after they listened—never fake reviews. Reply to early comments to train engagement.
Binge drops
Releasing many episodes at once can help fiction or learning arcs; for news commentary it may confuse RSS freshness. Choose deliberately.