If you're launching a podcast, or you’ve already started, there’s one major mistake that I see almost every beginner make. And it could be stopping you from getting listeners and growing your show!

Today, I’m sharing the #1 podcasting mistake beginners make AND how to fix it, so you can launch your podcast the right way and avoid common pitfalls!

The biggest mistake I see new podcasters make is not having a launch plan.

They just record an episode, upload it, and hope people will listen. 

But podcasting doesn’t work like that! Without a strategy, your show can get lost in the noise, and you’ll struggle to grow your audience.

Why this is a problem:

Your audience doesn’t know your podcast is coming, so they’re not excited to listen.

You’re not building momentum, which means fewer downloads at launch.

Apple Podcasts prioritizes podcasts that get traction quickly, so without a plan, you could miss your chance to rank, and the best part about ranking is being able to be found by new listeners. 

Think of the top 200 on apple podcasts like Google's first page. 

The higher up your show is the easier it will be to be found by new listeners

So I’m going to show you exactly how to launch your podcast the right way.

If you want listeners from day one, you need to market your podcast BEFORE it launches.

Here’s what to do:

• Announce your podcast at least 4 weeks before launch

• Tease your first episodes on Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok

• Build an email list of people excited to listen on day one

• Ask your audience to help pick episode topics or your cover art to make them feel involved

Think of it like a movie premiere. 

The best shows don’t drop out of nowhere, they build hype so people can’t wait to listen!

Another mistake? Launching with just one episode.

So, how does this hurt your growth?

New listeners can’t binge multiple episodes, which lowers your playtime.

Apple Podcasts prioritizes shows with strong early engagement, meaning downloads, subscribers, and listening time.

People don’t get enough value from just one episode to hit subscribe.

The Fix: Drop 3-5 episodes on launch day. 

This gives new listeners more to explore, leading to higher downloads and better retention! 

Inside my Podcast Launch Simplified course we talk about this and we go over your first 3 episode strategy

Once your podcast is live, you need to get people engaging with it right away.

Apple Podcasts Ranking Factors:

• Number of new subscribers

• Total downloads

• Listener retention (how long they stay engaged)
  

How to get more reviews & subscribers:

• Ask in your episodes: “If you’re enjoying this, hit subscribe & leave a review!”

• Post an Instagram Story tutorial showing how to leave a review

• Run a podcast launch giveaway, so for ex: “Leave a review and you’ll be entered to win a free coaching session!”

Want to skyrocket your podcast’s visibility at launch? 

Create a Launch Team!

What’s a Launch Team? It’s a small group of friends, followers, or clients who will:

• Download and subscribe to your podcast on launch day

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

• Share your show on social media
  

How to set this up:

Ask 10-20 engaged followers to join.

Offer early access to a bonus episode or private Q&A.

Send them a simple Launch Day Checklist with what to do!

Even a small launch team can give your podcast the traction it needs to start strong and rank higher.

So, if you want to launch your podcast the right way and avoid the #1 beginner mistake, here’s what to do:

1. Market your podcast BEFORE launch to build excitement

2. Drop multiple episodes on launch day so listeners can binge

3. Ask for reviews & subscriptions to boost visibility 

4. Create a launch team to maximize engagement 
   

And if you’re serious about launching your podcast the right way, Podcast Launch Simplified is officially open for enrollment! You can learn more here at this link - podcastlaunchsimplified.com/yes

This program gives you a step-by-step roadmap to go from overwhelmed to launching a chart-topping podcast with confidence.

Want to hear my full discussion on this?

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