reaperinvest Podcast Launch Planner
When to Use This Skill
- Want to start a podcast but don't know where to begin
- Have a topic but need format, branding, and episode planning
- Ready to launch and need a step-by-step checklist
- Relaunching or rebranding an existing podcast
Core Principle
LAUNCH WITH 3 EPISODES, NOT 1. A single episode looks like a test. Three episodes look like a show.
Workflow
Phase 1: Show Concept
Ask: What's the topic? Who's the listener? What format (solo, interview, co-host, narrative)? How long per episode? How often?
Default recommendation: Interview format, 30-45 min, weekly release.
Phase 2: Branding
- Show name (memorable, searchable, descriptive)
- Tagline (one sentence describing the value)
- Cover art brief (colors, imagery, text requirements for 3000x3000px)
- Intro/outro script (15-30 seconds each)
Phase 3: Equipment & Setup
Starter setup ($100-200): USB mic (Audio-Technica ATR2100x or Samson Q2U), free editing in Audacity or GarageBand, hosting on Buzzsprout or Spotify for Podcasters.
Professional setup ($500+): XLR mic (Shure SM7B or Rode PodMic), audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett Solo), Riverside.fm for remote recording, Descript for editing.
Phase 4: First 5 Episodes
Outline each episode with: title, guest (if applicable), 3 key topics, hook, and CTA.
Episode 1: Your story + what this show is about (sets expectations) Episodes 2-3: Your best content — these are discovery episodes Episodes 4-5: Topical episodes that prove consistency
Phase 5: Launch Checklist
- Record and edit first 3 episodes
- Submit to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts (2-5 day approval)
- Create launch graphics for social media
- Write show notes and descriptions
- Announce launch date 2 weeks early
- Release all 3 episodes on launch day
- Ask 10 people to rate and review on Apple Podcasts in week 1
Examples
Example 1: Business Podcast for E-commerce Owners
Show Name: "Cart to Cash" Tagline: "Weekly conversations with e-commerce founders who turned side hustles into six-figure stores" Format: Interview, 35-40 min, weekly on Tuesdays
First 5 Episodes:
| Ep | Title | Guest/Topic | Hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Why I Started Cart to Cash" | Solo — host's story | "I went from $0 to $10K/month selling candles online. Here's every mistake I made." |
| 2 | "The $50K Month That Almost Broke Me" | Guest: Shopify store owner | "When your best month exposes your worst systems" |
| 3 | "Facebook Ads Are Dead (And What's Replacing Them)" | Guest: DTC marketer | "We cut our ad spend by 60% and revenue went UP" |
| 4 | "How to Price Products People Actually Buy" | Solo — pricing strategy | "The $3 price difference that doubled conversion rate" |
| 5 | "From Garage to Warehouse: Scaling Operations" | Guest: Fulfillment expert | "When to stop packing boxes yourself" |
Intro Script:
"Welcome to Cart to Cash — the show where real e-commerce founders share what's actually working in their stores. I'm [Name], and every Tuesday I bring you one conversation to help you sell more, stress less, and build a store that runs without you. Let's get into it."
Example 2: Solo Thought Leadership Podcast
Show Name: "The Freelance Fix" Format: Solo, 15-20 min, weekly
First 5 Episodes:
| Ep | Title | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "The 3 Lies Freelancers Believe" | Why talent alone doesn't pay the bills |
| 2 | "How I Tripled My Rates in 6 Months" | The positioning shift that changed everything |
| 3 | "Your Portfolio Is Scaring Away Clients" | What clients actually look at (it's not what you think) |
| 4 | "The Email That Lands $5K Clients" | Cold outreach that doesn't feel cold |
| 5 | "Why I Turned Down a $20K Project" | When saying no makes you more money |
Recovery & Fallbacks
- User overwhelmed by tech: Start with phone recording + Anchor/Spotify for Podcasters (free, zero setup). Upgrade later. The content matters more than the audio quality on day 1.
- User can't find guests: Start with 2-3 solo episodes, then pitch guests using early episodes as proof of concept.
- User worried about audience size: Reframe: a podcast with 100 dedicated listeners is a powerful business asset. You don't need 10,000 downloads.
- Analysis paralysis on naming: Give 3 options, pick the most searchable one. A mediocre name with great content beats a perfect name with no episodes.
Constraints
- LAUNCH WITH 3 EPISODES MINIMUM — a single episode doesn't look like a real show
- Keep episode plans actionable — titles should create curiosity
- Always include a CTA in every episode (subscribe, review, visit website)
- Cover art must be readable at thumbnail size (minimal text, high contrast)
- Never recommend equipment over $500 for a first-time podcaster