Dialed Studios

Launching a podcast is straightforward if you have a checklist. Without one, you'll miss critical steps and your launch will feel chaotic.

This is the complete checklist. Every step. In order. Nothing missing. Use this whether you're solo or co-hosting, audio-only or video, recording at home or in a studio.

Phase 1: Pre-Launch (Weeks 1-2)

Define Your Concept

[ ] Write your show description (2-3 sentences explaining what the podcast is about)
[ ] Choose your format: solo commentary, co-hosted, interview-based, narrative, other
[ ] Decide on episode length: 15-30 min, 30-45 min, 45-60 min, 60+ min
[ ] Decide on frequency: weekly, bi-weekly, daily, monthly
[ ] Create a content mission statement: why this podcast exists and what value it provides
[ ] Name your podcast (check availability on all platforms first)
[ ] Choose your primary platform: Apple first, then Spotify, then others
[ ] Identify your target listener: who is this for? What problem does it solve for them?

Guest List (If Interview-Based)

[ ] Create a target guest list (at least 10 names for first season)
[ ] Research guest contact info (email, LinkedIn, Twitter)
[ ] Draft your guest pitch: why they should be on the show
[ ] Plan your first three guests (these should be strong/credible/interesting)
[ ] Set up a guest booking calendar or system (Calendly, Notion, spreadsheet)

Branding

[ ] Create podcast cover art (3000x3000px minimum, JPG or PNG format)
[ ] Verify cover art includes show name and is readable at thumbnail size
[ ] Create a logo lockup (show name + icon)
[ ] Choose a color palette for promotion (3-4 colors max)
[ ] Decide on visual style for clips, social posts, and graphics
[ ] Create templates for quote graphics, episode art, social posts in Canva
[ ] Write an extended show description (200-300 words, highlight value prop)

Recording Plan

[ ] Decide on recording location: home office, studio, coworking space
[ ] Test your recording equipment/software beforehand
[ ] Create a recording schedule: when will you record episodes?
[ ] Plan your first month: how many episodes before launch?
[ ] Set up your recording software (Riverside, Zencastr, OBS, Audacity, etc.)
[ ] Record a test episode and listen to it critically
[ ] Adjust mic placement, room setup, or equipment based on test
[ ] Create a recording checklist to use for every session

Podcast Hosting Setup

[ ] Choose a podcast host (Buzzsprout, Transistor, Podbean, Anchor)
[ ] Sign up for account and verify email
[ ] Create your podcast profile with title, description, cover art
[ ] Set up RSS feed (host will generate this automatically)
[ ] Configure podcast settings: language, explicit content?, category
[ ] Set up episode numbering system (Season 1 Episode 1 format)
[ ] Add your email and contact info to host dashboard

Phase 2: Production Setup (Weeks 2-3)

Recording Infrastructure

[ ] Set up quiet recording space: close windows, silence phone notifications
[ ] Position microphone 6-8 inches from mouth
[ ] Do a sound check: record 60 seconds, listen back for quality
[ ] Test your headphones for monitoring
[ ] Create a recording template/script if interview-based (intro, questions, outro)
[ ] Set up backup recording system (always record locally + cloud backup)
[ ] Test file export format: MP3, 128 kbps bitrate, mono or stereo?

First Episode Recording

[ ] Record episode 1 (establish your format, test your flow)
[ ] Record at minimum 3-5 episodes before launch (buffer stock)
[ ] Get feedback on rough cuts from 1-2 trusted listeners
[ ] Note any issues: audio quality, pacing, content clarity
[ ] Make adjustments to format based on feedback

Audio Editing Workflow

[ ] Choose audio editing software: Descript, Adobe Audition, Reaper, Audacity
[ ] Learn the basics: trim, normalize, EQ, compression (if needed)
[ ] Create an editing template/workflow to use for every episode
[ ] Edit your first 3 episodes and listen critically
[ ] Establish quality standards: noise floor, volume levels, EQ curve
[ ] Create intro/outro music or jingles (royalty-free: Epidemic Sound, Artlist)
[ ] Export final episodes in correct format for your host

Transcription and Show Notes

[ ] Choose transcription service: Descript, Rev, Otter.ai, Airtable
[ ] Transcribe your first 3 episodes
[ ] Create a show notes template: episode title, description, guest bio (if applicable), timestamps, links
[ ] Write detailed show notes for each episode (improves SEO and accessibility)
[ ] Add any guest links, resources mentioned, book recommendations to show notes

Phase 3: Platform Submission (Week 3)

Podcast Directory Submission

[ ] Submit to Apple Podcasts (requires Apple Podcaster account)
[ ] Submit to Spotify (uses your RSS feed, automatic)
[ ] Submit to Google Podcasts (uses your RSS feed, automatic)
[ ] Submit to Amazon Music / Audible (uses your RSS feed)
[ ] Submit to YouTube Music (upload episodes + submit feed)
[ ] Submit to Podcast Addict, Podcast Index, Pocket Casts (uses RSS)
[ ] Verify submission across all platforms (takes 24-48 hours typically)
[ ] Add your podcast URL to your website and email signature
[ ] Create a landing page for your podcast on your website

Pre-Launch Promotion Setup

[ ] Create social media posts announcing the launch (5-7 posts minimum)
[ ] Schedule posts to go live on launch day and throughout launch week
[ ] Create an email to send to your existing list (announce + link)
[ ] Create a landing page or Linktree for podcast links (all platforms in one place)
[ ] Prepare any pre-launch "coming soon" graphics for social
[ ] Reach out to 5-10 potential guests or collaborators to cross-promote

Press Kit Creation

[ ] Write a one-paragraph podcast description for media
[ ] Create a high-res cover art file for press use
[ ] Write your host bio (150-200 words)
[ ] Compile guest credentials/bios (for future promotion)
[ ] Create a simple one-page press kit (PDF) with all above
[ ] Post press kit on your website or make it downloadable

Phase 4: Content & SEO Prep (Week 3)

Blog and SEO

[ ] Create a blog post for episode 1 (1200-1500 words with keywords)
[ ] Include show notes, transcript, video embed (if applicable)
[ ] Add internal links to your other content and services
[ ] Optimize for your target keyword: use in title, meta description, first 100 words
[ ] Create a blog archive page listing all podcast episodes
[ ] Set up XML sitemap to include podcast RSS feed (SEO)

Video Clips (If Recording Video)

[ ] Extract 3-5 short clips (30-90 seconds each) from episode 1
[ ] Add captions to each clip (essential for mobile/social)
[ ] Create thumbnail images for each clip
[ ] Export clips in formats optimized for each platform (square for Instagram, etc.)

Audiogram Creation

[ ] Pull 2-3 strongest quotes or moments from episode 1
[ ] Create audiograms using Descript, Headliner, or Riverside
[ ] Prepare audiogram files for social media posting

Phase 5: First Episodes Finalization (Week 4)

Quality Check

[ ] Listen to episode 1 start-to-finish: Does it hook? Does it deliver?
[ ] Listen to episode 2: Is there variation? Is the pacing right?
[ ] Listen to episode 3: Do your guests feel natural? Is the energy good?
[ ] Check for audio issues: pops, hums, level jumps, echo
[ ] Verify intro/outro music levels (not louder than voice)
[ ] Ensure episode titles are clear, descriptive, and keyword-optimized
[ ] Verify guest names are spelled correctly in show notes and credits

File Management

[ ] Create folder structure: organize raw files, edited files, final exports
[ ] Back up all files to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, or podcast host backup)
[ ] Create a naming convention: use consistent file names for easy tracking
[ ] Verify all episodes are uploaded to your podcast host and visible in dashboard

Guest Coordination (If Applicable)

[ ] Send thank-you message to first 3 guests with air date
[ ] Share clip opportunities with guests (they're more likely to promote)
[ ] Provide guests with direct links to their episode on all platforms
[ ] Create a guest checklist: asset requests, promotion window, follow-up timing

Phase 6: Launch Week (Week 5)

Launch Day Preparation

[ ] Verify all episodes are live on Apple, Spotify, Google (check 24 hours before)
[ ] Do a final test: can you find your podcast on each platform?
[ ] Confirm all links in show notes are working
[ ] Test your website podcast page loads correctly
[ ] Prepare 7 social posts to schedule throughout launch week
[ ] Prepare 1-2 emails to send to your list
[ ] Have your co-host or team ready to help promote
[ ] Set up analytics: enable tracking on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google

Launch Day Activities

[ ] Post episode 1 to all social platforms simultaneously (or stagger across day)
[ ] Send launch email to existing list
[ ] Reach out directly to 10-20 people and ask them to listen/review
[ ] Post behind-the-scenes launch content (recording day, setup, etc.)
[ ] Respond to any comments or DMs immediately
[ ] Monitor analytics: track where listeners are coming from

Launch Week Continuation

[ ] Release episode 2 on day 2-3 of launch week
[ ] Post 1 social reminder per day that week
[ ] Reach out to initial listeners: ask for Apple review
[ ] Share episode 1 in any relevant communities (Slack, LinkedIn, Reddit)
[ ] Ask guests to share their episodes
[ ] Follow up with any press/media contacts who might feature you

Review & Ratings

[ ] Ask listeners to leave a review on Apple Podcasts (do this weekly for first month)
[ ] Provide direct link to Apple review page in all promotion
[ ] Respond to all reviews (shows appreciation, signals active show)
[ ] Monitor ratings and feedback: what are people saying?

Phase 7: Post-Launch (Weeks 6+)

Consistency and Publishing

[ ] Establish your publishing schedule and stick to it religiously
[ ] Record episodes 4-8 (maintain a 2-week buffer minimum)
[ ] Publish episodes on a consistent day/time each week
[ ] Create show notes and blog posts for every episode
[ ] Set up calendar reminders for recording, editing, publishing

Audience Growth

[ ] Create content clips from every episode (minimum 3 clips per episode)
[ ] Share clips on social media 2-3 times per episode cycle
[ ] Engage with your audience in comments and DMs
[ ] Analyze which episodes/topics drive the most listens
[ ] Double down on topics/formats that work
[ ] Respond to listener feedback and questions in future episodes

Guest Sourcing (If Interview-Based)

[ ] Maintain a pipeline of 15-20 potential guests at all times
[ ] Reach out to guests 4-6 weeks before desired air date
[ ] Schedule guests in batches: record 4-6 interviews in one day if possible
[ ] Create a guest relationship system: track contacts, air dates, thank-yous
[ ] Ask guests for podcast recommendations and cross-promotion

Analytics Monitoring

[ ] Check stats weekly: downloads, top episodes, listener geography, sources
[ ] Set baseline metrics: what's a good listen count for you?
[ ] Track which episodes/topics resonate most
[ ] Monitor which platforms drive the most traffic
[ ] Check which social posts drive clicks to podcast
[ ] Adjust content strategy based on what's working

Email and List Building

[ ] Create a call-to-action in every episode: sign up for mailing list, free resource
[ ] Set up email sequence for new podcast subscribers (3-5 emails)
[ ] Include podcast link in all your business emails and signatures
[ ] Survey your podcast audience: what do they want to hear more of?

Community Building

[ ] Join relevant podcasting communities (Slack groups, Facebook groups, Reddit)
[ ] Engage authentically: comment on other podcasts, share relevant content
[ ] Pitch yourself as a guest on other podcasts in your niche
[ ] Collaborate with other podcasters: cross-promote episodes, do guest swaps
[ ] Consider starting your own community (Discord, Slack, Mighty Networks)

Repurposing Content

[ ] Extract blog posts from your best episodes (500-1500 words each)
[ ] Create LinkedIn articles highlighting key insights
[ ] Pull quotes for email nurture sequences
[ ] Create video clips and short-form content for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram
[ ] Build a searchable archive of all episodes on your website

Month 2-3: Optimization and Growth

Listen Back and Learn

[ ] After 4-6 episodes, listen to your first one again
[ ] Note what's improved: audio quality, pacing, guest chemistry
[ ] Note what's still missing or needs work
[ ] Make intentional adjustments for episodes 7+

Paid Promotion (Optional)

[ ] Run a small budget test: $100-200 in social ads for top episodes
[ ] Test different audiences: job titles, interests, demographics
[ ] Track which audiences respond to your content
[ ] Scale what works, pause what doesn't

Guest Promotion

[ ] Ask guests to share episodes on their platforms
[ ] Provide sharable clips and graphics to make it easy
[ ] Tag guests in social promotion (they're likely to amplify)
[ ] Feature guests' wins/projects in show notes and promotion

Strategic Partnerships

[ ] Identify 3-5 complementary businesses or creators
[ ] Propose collaboration: guest swap, cross-promotion, bundle offer
[ ] Execute partnerships: guest appearance, newsletter feature, joint promotion

Month 4+: Long-Term Strategy

[ ] Assess: is the podcast delivering ROI? (leads, brand, audience, visibility?)
[ ] Decide: continue current format, evolve, or pause?
[ ] Plan season 2: themes, guest categories, content pillars
[ ] Consider: hiring production support or outsourcing if workload is heavy
[ ] Evaluate: which episodes perform best? Build season 2 around those themes

Bonus: Tools You'll Need

Function	Free Option	Paid Option
Recording	Audacity, OBS	Riverside, Zencastr, Adobe Audition
Podcast Hosting	Anchor, Buzzsprout	Transistor, Podbean, Captivate
Editing	Audacity	Descript, Adobe Audition, Reaper
Transcription	Google Docs Voice Typing	Descript, Rev, Otter.ai
Scheduling	Google Calendar, Notion	Later, Buffer, Sprout Social
Video Clips	CapCut	Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro
Graphics	Canva (free tier)	Canva Pro, Adobe Creative Suite
Email	Mailchimp	ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, HubSpot

The Real Timeline

Realistically:

Weeks 1-2: Concept, name, branding, guest list
Weeks 2-4: Record and edit first 3 episodes
Weeks 3-4: Submit to platforms, pre-launch promotion
Week 5: Launch
Week 6+: Publish consistently, grow audience, optimize

From start to launch is 5 weeks if you move fast. 6-8 weeks if you're deliberate and want quality.

The mistake people make is launching before they have content ready. Have at least 3 episodes recorded and edited before you go live. This gives you breathing room.

This checklist is your roadmap. Print it. Check things off. Share it with your team.

If any of these steps feels overwhelming or you don't want to handle the technical side, that's what Dialed Studios does. We handle recording, editing, and technical setup so you focus on ideas and guests. Schedule a tour to see how we work.

Ready to launch? Use this checklist. Stay organized. And check out our guides on content repurposing and audience growth to make sure your launch compounds into long-term momentum.

The Complete Podcast Launch Checklist (Nothing Missing)