The day is finally here—launch day! You've recorded the content, syndicated your podcast, developed your other assets. The last thing to do is to actually launch your podcast: it's go-time. You may be feeling both excited and stressed, hopeful that things will go as planned and the podcast will successfully launch. But how do you launch? You can't just put it out there on the internet, cross your fingers, and wait for people to download and listen. Recall Episode 1 of Podcast Marketing Radio—we discussed treating your podcast like a business, investing time, energy, and resources into it. The first step to do this is with your launch, carefully considering how you are going to go about it. Before getting into the launch strategies, we have a few tips for you. Prior to Podcast Marketing Radio, we launched two other podcasts; the first ranked in the top 200 on Apple Podcasts and another that hit the top 100. Needless to say, we made a few mistakes and learned some things along the way. So, we're here to share a few tips with you as you prepare for your own podcast launch. Then, we'll dive into three effective podcast launch strategies. Launch Tip #1: Record and organize before announcing the launch date You're excited, we know! But before you rush to publicize your launch date, make sure you are setting yourself up for success in advance. We recommend recording your initial launch content and getting all assets in place before you announce your podcast launch date to your audience. Even if you think you're giving enough lead time, say a few months, a first-time podcaster is inevitably going to have some kinks to work out. It's likely that you'll record and re-record as you get used to the sound of your own voice or the recording process. It's likely to take longer than you think. Developing assets such as your intro and outro, graphics, or promo materials can also take a long time. So, get these things in place before setting a date to launch. Unless you are one of the lucky few who seem to thrive under tight deadlines, budget adequate time to get out ahead of the inevitable challenges. Launch Tip #2: Give yourself two weeks for podcast syndication Syndication is a fancy word for getting your podcast out there. It allows Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, or other platforms to publish and make your podcast available for listeners. To syndicate your podcast, you need a podcast host. There are a few different options (listed below) and each of them will syndicate your podcast at the click of a button within their software. This isn't all that hard, but it can take time. Apple Podcasts can take a few hours or a few weeks to approve a new podcast. The last thing you want is to be late on your launch because Apple hasn't approved it yet! So, give yourself at least two weeks to go through the approval process. It's important to get that Apple approval, too, because it's the platform you can build your downloads, reviews, and rankings on. Launch Tip #3: Don't work on Launch Day Your podcast launch is important. You have put time, resources, and energy into creating it. Give your podcast the attention and celebration it deserves by clearing your work calendar on that day. Instead of the typical meetings, emails, and other daily tasks, take time to focus on your podcast. Instead, network and get the word out about the launch, connecting with listeners and supporters. And, above all, celebrate! Any new podcaster will do well to implement these tips as you prepare for launch day. Now the question becomes: how? How do I launch? There are three strategies you can choose from. Let's look at each one in-depth. "Tell Everyone" Launch Strategy If this one sounds simple, it's because it is. The "Tell Everyone" strategy requires you to tell everyone about your launch. It's an effective way of getting the word out there with no additional resources besides your time. Brainstorm a list of your colleagues, supporters, friends and
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