Podcast Launch Checklist: Final Steps Before You Go Live
Your Podcast Is Ready — Now Let’s Launch It Right
You’ve done the hard part. You’ve brainstormed, branded, recorded, edited, and prepped your first few episodes.
This is where the show goes live. But before you hit “publish,” let’s make sure all systems are go.
Use this streamlined checklist to launch with clarity—not chaos.
Key Takeaways
If your episodes are recorded, edited, and ready—this checklist helps you launch cleanly and confidently.
A strong launch includes publishing strategy, promo planning, and final platform checks.
Launching isn’t just uploading—it’s positioning your podcast for growth from day one.
Includes two free checklists: one for launch, and one to use before every recording.
Final Podcast Launch Checklist
1. Upload and Schedule Your Launch Episodes
✅ Upload 1–3 episodes to your podcast host (Buzzsprout, Podbean, etc.)
✅ Set launch-day release times (or publish manually)
✅ Confirm RSS feed is updating and valid
Releasing multiple episodes builds early momentum and gives new listeners something to binge.
2. Finalize Your Launch-Day Promo Plan
✅ Write captions for social media posts
✅ Create or schedule promotional graphics and audiograms
✅ Notify any guests and provide them with shareable materials
✅ Send a “launch is live!” email to your list
If you have the option, include direct links to your show on Spotify, Apple, etc.—don’t just say “link in bio.”
3. Spot-Check Your Show on Streaming Platforms
✅ Open your podcast in Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music
✅ Check that cover art, description, and episode titles display correctly
✅ Click each episode and verify audio plays without issues
✅ Test it on desktop and mobile
If something’s off, adjust it at the host level—your RSS feed will update the platforms automatically.
4. Plan What’s Coming Next
✅ Have 1–2 future episodes “banked” and ready to edit/publish
✅ Outline what your next 2–4 weeks of content will look like
✅ Schedule your next production session to avoid losing momentum
Consistency beats perfection. Having your next steps planned gives you room to breathe.
5. Prep Your Episode Workflow Template
✅ Create a repeatable checklist for every episode (record → edit → publish → promote)
✅ Use it to track production, deadlines, and assets
✅ Keep a folder system in Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. to stay organized
We’ve created a free editable workflow template—grab it below.
6. Set Clear Goals for Launch Week
✅ Do you want a certain number of downloads?
✅ Are you trying to grow an email list?
✅ Do you want reviews from friends and early listeners?
Knowing your goals helps you measure what success looks like—even at launch.
Grab Your Free Launch Toolkit
To help you stay on track, we’ve created two printable guides:
Podcast Launch Checklist — this post, simplified into a one-page PDF
Before You Hit Record Checklist — a quick reminder of what to check before every episode you create
Get both instantly when you subscribe to the HoneyPod mailing list.
Final Thoughts
You’ve done the work—now it’s time to press publish.
Launching your podcast isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, sharing your voice, and setting yourself up to be consistent, clear, and connected with your audience from the very beginning.
Trust your preparation. Trust your message.
And if you ever feel stuck? You’ve got HoneyPod in your corner.
Coming Up Next in the HoneyPod Podcast Launch Series:
In our next post, we’ll explore how to stay consistent without burning out—and how to keep your podcast going after the launch buzz wears off.
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