Early Days
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The Basics​
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The first 2-4 weeks after launch are key.
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When your podcast first launches you have a great opportunity to gain momentum and give your podcast a springboard from which to grow.
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Launch with momentum.​
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Having a selection of episodes available from day one can create habitual listening in a short space of time.​
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Utilise trailers.​
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Having a trailer uploaded before the first episodes go live is a great technique for preparing your podcast for subscriptions and also making that first listener click more accessible.​
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How Can I Improve?
Step 1​
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Create a trailer for your podcast. Contact me for some guidance on this but usually this will be a short recording by the podcast host (around 1-2 minutes usually) outlining the key features of the podcast and what listeners can expect from the show.
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Step 2​
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Upload the trailer episode to all platforms before you start uploading episodes. Having the trailer available first provides two functions.
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1. It teases the audience and creates a sense of occasion around launch.
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2. It allows you to ensure the podcast is available on all of your desired platforms before you commit to a full "launch".
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Step 3​
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Launch your podcast with a selection of episodes, not just one. Having one episode available gives listeners nowhere to go, whereas if there are a few ready to listen to this can create habitual listening. I recommend launching with 3-5 episodes initially.​
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Step 4​
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Finally, and arguably most importantly, do a massive push for reviews in the first two weeks. Pick a platform to focus your reviews on (Apple Podcasts is usually best), and ask friends and family to leave you a five star review.
If you can get around twenty reviews in the first two weeks of launch you stand a good chance of getting in the "New & Noteworthy" section of Apple Podcasts. This will give you an initial kickstart to your listenership.
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Step 5​
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After the initial launch period, message two people every day asking them to leave your podcast a five star review.
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Don't Forget...​
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The first 2-4 weeks are very important for a podcast launch;
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A trailer is a very powerful promo tool;
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Do a big push for reviews initially, and continue the push after launch.