CMO · Playbook · Advanced · Saves 80+ hours
Podcast Launch Playbook
Everything you need to launch and grow a B2B podcast - from concept development to production to audience building.
What's included
- Pre-Launch
- Podcast concept development
- Format selection guide
- Guest strategy framework
- Equipment and software guide
- Branding and naming
- Production
- Recording best practices
- Editing workflow
- Show notes template
- Episode publishing checklist
- Growth Strategy
- Launch plan
- Audience building tactics
- Guest leverage strategies
- Cross-promotion framework
Best used when
- Launching company podcast
- Building thought leadership platform
- Creating evergreen content
- Reaching new audiences
- Executive brand building
The template
The Template
PRE-LAUNCH: CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Podcast Concept Canvas
| Element | Decision |
|---|---|
| Show name | |
| Tagline | |
| Target audience | |
| Value proposition | Why will they listen? |
| Format | Interview / Solo / Co-host / Hybrid |
| Episode length | 20-30 min / 30-45 min / 60+ min |
| Release frequency | Weekly / Bi-weekly / Monthly |
| Tone | Conversational / Educational / Entertaining |
Format Selection Guide
| Format | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | Expertise showcase | Easy to produce | Dependent on host |
| Interview | Network building | Fresh perspectives | Guest coordination |
| Co-host | Chemistry, debate | Dynamic content | Scheduling 2 people |
| Panel | Multiple viewpoints | Rich discussion | Complex production |
Guest Strategy Framework
| Guest Tier | Description | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Industry celebrities | Warm intro only |
| Tier 2 | Respected practitioners | Cold + warm |
| Tier 3 | Rising voices | Cold outreach |
| Customers | Success stories | Direct ask |
Booking Cadence: Book 6-8 episodes ahead minimum
PRODUCTION
Recording Setup (Starter)
| Item | Recommendation | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone | USB condenser (Blue Yeti, AT2020) | $100-150 |
| Headphones | Closed-back (Sony MDR-7506) | $100 |
| Recording software | Riverside.fm, Zencastr, Zoom | $0-20/mo |
| Editing software | Descript, Audacity | $0-15/mo |
Episode Publishing Checklist
Pre-Recording:
- Guest confirmed
- Topic/questions prepared
- Tech check complete
Post-Recording:
- Audio edited
- Show notes written
- Episode title finalized
- Cover art created (if needed)
- Transcript generated
- Blog post version created
- Social clips cut
Publishing:
- Uploaded to host
- Published to directories
- Email to subscribers
- Social promotion scheduled
- Guest sent share assets
GROWTH STRATEGY
Launch Plan (First 8 Weeks)
| Week | Action |
|---|---|
| W-4 | Announce podcast coming |
| W-2 | Trailer episode |
| W0 | Launch with 3 episodes |
| W1-4 | Weekly episodes + heavy promotion |
| W5-8 | Weekly + guest cross-promotion |
Audience Building Tactics
| Tactic | Effort | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Guest cross-promotion | Low | High |
| Social clips | Low | Medium |
| Email newsletter | Low | Medium |
| Podcast guest swaps | Medium | High |
| YouTube upload | Medium | Medium |
| Paid promotion | High | Varies |
Podcast Metrics
| Metric | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Downloads per episode | Audience size |
| Completion rate | Content quality |
| Subscriber growth | Momentum |
| Reviews/ratings | Audience satisfaction |
| Guest-driven downloads | Guest leverage |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Podcast Launch Playbook?
Everything you need to launch and grow a B2B podcast - from concept development to production to audience building.
Who is the Podcast Launch Playbook for?
It is built for CMOs and their teams working on Content Strategy. The AI coach adapts it to your company, stage, and goals.
How long does the Podcast Launch Playbook take to use?
It saves roughly 80+ hours versus building from scratch. Our AI coach can tailor the playbook to your situation in minutes, then hand you a step-by-step plan.
Is the Podcast Launch Playbook free?
Yes. You can read the full playbook and start getting coached through it for free. Sign in to save your tailored version and track your next steps.
How does the AI coach help with the Podcast Launch Playbook?
The coach teaches you the framework, asks a few questions about your business, tailors the playbook to you, and gives you measurable next steps to execute.