Episode 241 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast | Courtney Elmer

0:02 - Overcome the Fear of Sharing Your True Voice
0:54 - Social Media vs. Podcasting: Which is Better for Lead Generation?
2:39 - Avoiding Common Pitfalls on Your Podcast Launch Day
8:11 - Why Strategy is Key to Launching a Successful Podcast
12:11 - How Karen Broke into the Top 100 and Ranked #1 of All Podcasts on Launch Day

The Difference Between Hitting Publish vs. Launching a Podcast

You’d never spend a year or more writing a book, only to tell no one, hit “publish” on Amazon, and hope it becomes a bestseller, would you? Of course not. Yet, this is exactly how many people approach launching a podcast — posting episodes with no strategy and wondering why their show barely reaches 100 downloads per episode.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the key differences between hitting publish and launching a podcast so you can see what can happen when you have a strategic plan to get your show discovered by new listeners from day one.

If you’re ready to launch a podcast and reach a global audience of listeners eager to hear your message, read on.

Why Hitting Publish Isn't Enough

If great audio and quality content were all it took to land on the charts, then everyone with a decent mic and good advice would have a Top 100 podcast — and we both know that's not the case.

The good news? Getting your podcast on the charts isn’t as hard as you might think. But vague, general advice, like: “Publish a new episode every week,” or “Make sure you have great audio quality,” or “Give away your best stuff for free in every episode,” won’t get you there.

The key to getting on the charts when launching a podcast lies in understanding what triggers podcast app algorithms to promote your show.

Think of it this way: posting a video on TikTok that quickly racks up likes signals to TikTok that the content is popular. The platform then shows it to more people, creating a cycle of increasing visibility.

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as "going viral" on podcast platforms like Apple. Or is there? Because their algo's work pretty much the same way.

What this doesn't mean: You can't hack the Apple algo to get a million downloads. (Sorry.)

What this does mean: You can learn what triggers these algorithms and then optimize your podcast to increase your ranking potential when launching a podcast and beyond.

And the BEST time to do this? When launching a podcast so you can create early momentum for your show from day one.

How the Podcast Charts Work

Apple and other podcast platforms use several factors to determine a show’s popularity. These are, in order:

• Downloads
• Listens and play throughs (i.e., full episode plays)
• Follows
• Reviews
• Ratings

When a listener takes all these steps, that signals to the podcast apps, “Hey, pay attention to this show.” When hundreds of listeners take all these steps, that tells Apple and Spotify, “yo, let's get this guy in front of a crowd!” So if you don't want to holler just to be heard with every word, understanding how to trigger these signals is crucial for getting your podcast noticed.

There are many ways to do this and we cover these strategies extensively in PodLaunch, but one of the most effective is to follow a strategic plan for launching a podcast.

The Importance of a Well-Executed Podcast Launch

Most people skip the critical step of launching a podcast, believing that if their audio and content are good enough, growth will naturally follow. But if consistently recording and releasing quality episodes was enough, then every podcast with a $200 mic and great advice would top the charts. Instead, many hosts find themselves stalled after Episode 6, struggling to see any real growth.

But the real reason they aren’t seeing an ROI on their time isn’t because their show isn’t good enough or there’s too much competition — it’s because they don’t know how to stand out against it.

Launching a podcast successfully involves more than just hitting “publish.” It takes strategic planning, thoughtful execution, and overcoming the usual hurdles like self-doubt and imposter syndrome. It’s a well-planned launch strategy that can transform your podcast from just another show into a bingeworthy listening experience people rave about.

A Case Study: Karen Powell

Take Karen Powell’s experience as a prime example. "I wanted to do a podcast for many years," Karen shares. But when she finally launched a podcast, she didn’t just release episodes — she dominated. Her podcast quickly ranked in the Top 100 in over a dozen countries and even hit number one in all podcast categories in Namibia, where she lives.

"Being number one above major names like Joel Osteen and Jay Shetty was surreal!" - Karen Powell

Karen’s successful podcast launch didn’t stop at rankings — it translated into positive feedback and ongoing income. "People are thanking me for creating this content. I've already monetized my podcast, which was a pleasant surprise," she says.

Karen’s success underscores the importance of not going it alone. “PodLaunch guided me through every step,” she notes, highlighting the value of a structured, strategic approach to launching a podcast.

The First Eight Weeks

The first eight weeks after launching a podcast are crucial. You’re not just releasing episodes; you’re laying the groundwork for long-term success. The more engagement your show garners early on, the more likely it is to be recommended and featured by platforms.

This is because podcast platforms, much like social media algorithms, reward early activity. High downloads, listens, and reviews in these first few weeks can signal to platforms like Apple and Spotify that your show is worth promoting. This period is also an opportunity to refine your content strategy based on real-time data.

Launching a podcast isn’t just about hitting “publish” and hoping for the best. It requires thoughtful planning and strategic execution. By understanding how podcast algorithms work and leveraging a structured launch strategy, you can set your show up for success from the start. So, if you want a podcast that stands out, remember: a well-executed podcast launch is your key to long-term growth.

Ready to make your podcast unforgettable? Make sure to follow Insider Secrets to a Top Podcast on your favorite app and discover how to turn your show into a must-listen for your audience.

And if you’re a coach, consultant, expert, or online business owner who’s ready to launch a Top 100 podcast that turns listeners into leads, we’d love to help. Book a free strategy call to chat with our team and see if you’re a fit for PodLaunch.