From Zero to Launch: A Founder's Guide to Starting a Business Podcast

From Zero to Launch: A Founder's Guide to Starting a Business Podcast

This article is based on a video from Raw Startup, please find a link to the video at the bottom of this article.

Starting a podcast to grow your business can feel overwhelming at first. After launching Founders Weekly and reaching thousands of downloads in just 12 weeks, I've learned valuable lessons about turning a podcast into a powerful business growth tool. Here's the truth that nobody tells you: The first 100 episodes are mostly about learning and building foundations. Success doesn't come from having the best equipment or the biggest network - it comes from consistency during the initial flat-growth period.

The 8-Step Framework for Podcast Success

1. Find Your "Why"

This is intentionally listed first but understood last - your "why" needs to be strong enough to carry you through the inevitable challenges of podcasting:

  • Technical difficulties and learning curves
  • Low initial numbers and slow growth
  • Self-doubt and comparison to established shows
  • Time constraints and production challenges

Your fundamental purpose will keep you going during the flat-line growth period that almost every podcast experiences at the start.

2. Make Four Critical Decisions

Guests vs. Solo Format

Guest podcasts aren't necessarily easier - they just present different challenges. Instead of content preparation, you'll spend time on coordination and outreach. Choose based on your networking preferences and content style rather than perceived difficulty.

Remote vs. In-Person

While in-person recordings often have better energy, remote recording offers unparalleled scalability. It allows you to access guests worldwide and maintains flexibility in scheduling that's crucial for consistency.

Video vs. Audio-Only

Video has become the new standard, not because you need to be on camera, but because it provides more content opportunities through YouTube, shorts, and clips. The extra work pays off in reach and engagement.

Publishing Frequency

Weekly episodes are optimal for growth, but consistency matters more than frequency. Choose a schedule you can maintain long-term, even if it means starting monthly.

3. Create a 12-Week Plan

Break your podcast launch into manageable segments rather than getting overwhelmed by an endless task list. Your initial plan should cover:

  • Equipment setup and testing
  • Content strategy development
  • First episode outline
  • Basic marketing approach
  • Learning and improvement goals

Stay flexible enough to adapt as you gain experience.

4. Essential Equipment Setup

Start with the basics and upgrade as needed:

  • USB microphone (Shure MV7 Plus recommended, ~$300) or Basic headphones you already own
  • Recording software (Riverside $15/month or Zencastr free tier)
  • Distribution platform (Spotify for Creators free or Buzzsprout $12/month)
  • Quiet recording space

Remember: Content quality matters more than perfect audio in the beginning.

5. Record Your First Episode

Accept that your first episode won't be perfect - that's a good thing, as it means you'll improve. Focus on:

  • Delivering valuable content
  • Getting comfortable with the format
  • Learning from the experience
  • Starting before you feel ready

6. Launch Strategy

Rather than banking several episodes, release them one at a time initially. This approach allows you to:

  • Learn from each episode
  • Apply feedback quickly
  • Adjust your style and format
  • Build confidence gradually

Share widely but manage expectations for early response. Focus on feedback from your target audience rather than just friends and family.

7. Optimization Phase

Once you're launched, focus on continuous improvement:

  • Analyze metrics weekly, not obsessively
  • Improve one aspect with each new episode
  • Experiment with content formats
  • Cross-promote on other podcasts
  • Build your promotional system

8. Maintain Momentum

The final and most crucial step is maintaining momentum. Commit to at least 10 episodes initially, but recognize that seeing significant results might take a full year. Keep revisiting your "why" during challenging periods.

Tools for Success

Essential Software

  • Recording: Riverside or Zencastr
  • Distribution: Spotify for Creators or Buzzsprout
  • Basic video editing for clips
  • Simple planning tools (spreadsheet is fine)

Content Creation Tips

Create a simple system for:

  • Episode preparation
  • Recording schedule
  • Basic editing workflow
  • Content distribution
  • Audience engagement

Measuring Success

In your first year, focus on:

  • Consistency in production
  • Quality improvement
  • Audience engagement
  • Network growth
  • Business impact (leads, partnerships, opportunities)

Conclusion

Starting a podcast can be a powerful tool for business growth, but success requires commitment beyond the initial excitement. Focus on sustainability over perfection, and let your strong "why" guide you through the inevitable challenges.

Remember: Every successful podcast started with someone nervous hitting the record button for the first time. The key is to start, learn, and keep going.


Listen to the full Raw Startup video here: