If you could go back in time and restart your podcast, what would you do differently? It’s a question I get a lot. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the five things that I would do if I was starting my podcast today, that I didn’t do back then.
Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.
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Why Your Podcast Launch Strategy Matters
Most podcasters focus on what to launch, but not how to launch. If I could rewind, I’d build a better runway with a multi-week marketing plan, collaborators, launch buzz, and awareness campaigns. Your audience can’t support what they don’t know exists.
Build Buzz Early
Rather than surprise-launching, I’d create anticipation through social media teasers, email campaigns, and collaborations. A warm audience is more likely to become loyal listeners.
Use a Launch Team
Having supporters help share and promote your launch gives your show a boost from day one. Don’t underestimate how much people want to help—they just need direction.
Make Your Content Style Stand Out
Podcasting has evolved. A standard interview or solo format isn’t enough to make you stand out. I’d explore narrative styles, creative compilations, and dynamic audio formats that keep listeners engaged and help you repurpose content for social media.
Get Creative With Structure
Narration over clips, compilation episodes, even recording on location—anything that makes your show different helps you build brand recognition.
Think Beyond Talking Heads
What can you do that no one else is doing? Your content doesn’t need to be radically different, but it does need to feel like you.
Prep for Quality, Not Perfection
Back then, I scripted every episode word-for-word. It sounded robotic. Now, I prefer richer prep—research, examples, and ideas—but a looser delivery that allows room for spontaneous insight. That shift has transformed my content.
Scripting vs. Outlining
Scripting may feel safe, but it can hold you back. Outlining lets your personality shine through while keeping the episode structured.
Prep With Flexibility
Spend time thinking through examples, references, and ideas—then allow for flow in the moment.
Start Advertising Early
I was hesitant to invest in podcast advertising early on, but I wish I had. Advertising on podcast players has been one of my favorite ways to reach a new, right audience—people who are already listening to shows like mine.
Budget-Friendly Platforms Exist
You don’t need a huge budget to get started. Look for affordable placements on podcast apps or niche directories.
Focus on Connection
Advertising helps you build real relationships. When people discover your show through listening, they’re more likely to stick around.
Build a Community Funnel From Day One
Community isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a growth tool. I’d create a listener community from day one, with a free entry point and a path to a paid offering. Not everyone wants to DM you, but they do want to feel connected.
Make Opt-ins Meaningful
Tie your lead magnets to community invites. A free Facebook or Circle group can be the entry point to deeper conversations.
Grow From Free to Paid
Once your free space is active, it becomes the perfect foundation to grow a paid community or membership. And that makes your podcast sustainable.
Your podcast is more than a show—it’s a brand asset. These are the five things I would absolutely do differently if I launched today, but they aren’t the only options. You don’t need to do everything at once, but knowing what to prioritize can save you time, money, and burnout.
Find It Quickly:
Build out a launch marketing plan (1:10)
Create a unique content style (3:15)
Put more prep time in before hitting record (5:54)
Invest in advertising to expand my reach (8:07)
Build a community funnel from day one (10:39)
Mentioned in this Episode:
VIP Podcast Launch: gaffincreative.com/podcast-launch
Episode 177 What Podcasting Can Do For Your Business: gaffincreative.com/177-what-podcasting-can-do-for-your-business
Episode 168 Steal Our Podcast Growth Framework: gaffincreative.com/168-steal-our-podcast-growth-framework
Episode 148 Should Podcast Hosts Invest In Advertising For Their Podcast: gaffincreative.com/should-podcast-hosts-invest-in-advertising-for-their-podcast
