Podcast Promotion Checklist: 30 Actions That Actually Drive Growth

Podcast promotion checklist

Most podcast promotion feels like throwing darts blindfolded. Post on Instagram, tweet about your episode, email a few people, and hope something works.

That’s not promotion—that’s hope disguised as strategy.

Real podcast promotion is systematic. It’s a series of specific actions, executed consistently, that compound over time to build sustainable audience growth. Not viral moments or lucky breaks. Just proven tactics that create predictable results.

At Purple Wave Creative, we’ve distilled podcast promotion down to 30 essential actions that actually move the needle. This podcast promotion checklist represents the exact steps our most successful podcasters follow to build engaged audiences that turn into business opportunities.

Use this as your roadmap to systematic growth. Check off each action as you complete it, and watch your audience grow predictably rather than randomly.

How to Use This Podcast Promotion Checklist

The Three-Phase Approach

This isn’t a “do everything at once” list. It’s a prioritized system based on impact and implementation difficulty.

Phase 1: Foundation (Actions 1-10)
Essential infrastructure that every serious podcast needs before promoting anything.

Phase 2: Growth (Actions 11-20)
Strategies that accelerate audience building once your foundation is solid.

Phase 3: Scale (Actions 21-30)
Advanced tactics for established shows ready to multiply their reach.

Complete each phase before moving to the next. Scattered effort across all 30 actions produces worse results than focused execution of 10.

Tracking Your Success

For each action, note:

  • ✅ Completion status (Done/In Progress/Not Started)
  • 📊 Results achieved (specific metrics when applicable)
  • 📅 Date completed (for accountability and review)
  • 🔄 Frequency (one-time setup vs. ongoing maintenance)

Phase 1: Foundation (Actions 1-10)

These actions create the infrastructure for all future promotion efforts.

1. ✅ Write Compelling Show Notes for Every Episode

Why it matters: Show notes are your primary SEO tool and help new listeners navigate your content.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Create 300-500 word episode summaries that sell the value
  • [ ] Include specific timestamps for major topics discussed
  • [ ] Add clickable links to all resources mentioned
  • [ ] Use target keywords naturally throughout the content
  • [ ] End with clear calls-to-action for engagement

Success metric: Show notes published within 24 hours of episode release
Frequency: Every episode

2. ✅ Optimize Your Podcast Directory Listings

Why it matters: Apple Podcasts and Spotify drive 60%+ of podcast discovery.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Write keyword-rich podcast description (under 4,000 characters)
  • [ ] Choose the most relevant category and subcategory
  • [ ] Create compelling episode titles with search keywords
  • [ ] Design professional podcast artwork (3000x3000px minimum)
  • [ ] Craft engaging episode descriptions under 255 characters

Success metric: Podcast appears in top 50 for relevant category searches
Frequency: One-time setup, quarterly review

3. ✅ Submit to All Major Podcast Platforms

Why it matters: Maximum distribution increases discovery opportunities.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Apple Podcasts (primary priority)
  • [ ] Spotify (growing audience)
  • [ ] Google Podcasts (search integration)
  • [ ] Stitcher (commuter audience)
  • [ ] Overcast (engaged listeners)
  • [ ] Pocket Casts (international reach)

Success metric: Listed on all platforms within 72 hours of submission
Frequency: One-time setup for new shows

4. ✅ Create Dedicated Social Media Profiles

Why it matters: Social media drives 25-30% of new podcast discovery.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Set up dedicated podcast accounts (not personal)
  • [ ] Use consistent branding across all platforms
  • [ ] Write compelling bio with clear value proposition
  • [ ] Pin posts that introduce new followers to your best content
  • [ ] Include podcast links in bio and contact information

Success metric: Professional presence on 2-3 primary platforms
Frequency: One-time setup, ongoing content creation

5. ✅ Build a Basic Podcast Website

Why it matters: A website gives you complete control over the listener experience.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Set up domain name that matches your podcast name
  • [ ] Install podcast-friendly website platform
  • [ ] Create homepage with embedded audio player
  • [ ] Add individual pages for recent episodes
  • [ ] Include email signup form with valuable lead magnet

Success metric: Professional website with working audio player
Frequency: One-time setup, weekly episode updates

6. ✅ Start an Email Newsletter

Why it matters: Email subscribers are 3x more likely to become devoted fans.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Choose email marketing platform (ConvertKit, Mailchimp, etc.)
  • [ ] Create welcome email sequence for new subscribers
  • [ ] Design weekly newsletter template
  • [ ] Add email signup forms to website and social media
  • [ ] Create valuable lead magnet to encourage signups

Success metric: Email list growing by 10+ subscribers per week
Frequency: Weekly newsletter, ongoing list building

7. ✅ Develop Episode Templates and Workflows

Why it matters: Consistent structure makes promotion planning easier.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Create episode outline template for consistent structure
  • [ ] Develop show notes template for faster writing
  • [ ] Design social media post templates for each episode
  • [ ] Build workflow checklist for episode production to promotion
  • [ ] Set up content calendar for planning promotional activities

Success metric: Episodes published on consistent schedule
Frequency: Template creation (one-time), workflow use (ongoing)

8. ✅ Create Professional Podcast Media Kit

Why it matters: Media kits make it easy for others to promote and feature your show.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Write compelling one-page podcast description
  • [ ] Include key statistics (downloads, audience demographics)
  • [ ] Add high-quality host photos and podcast artwork
  • [ ] Provide sample interview questions for guests
  • [ ] Include contact information and booking details

Success metric: Professional media kit ready for opportunities
Frequency: Create once, update quarterly

9. ✅ Set Up Podcast Analytics and Tracking

Why it matters: You can’t improve what you don’t measure.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Install Google Analytics on podcast website
  • [ ] Set up UTM tracking for social media links
  • [ ] Monitor download numbers from hosting platform
  • [ ] Track email newsletter growth and engagement
  • [ ] Create monthly reporting dashboard

Success metric: Clear view of audience growth and engagement patterns
Frequency: Setup once, review monthly

10. ✅ Plan Your First 10 Episodes in Advance

Why it matters: Consistent content creation enables consistent promotion.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Brainstorm 20+ episode ideas related to your niche
  • [ ] Research target keywords for each episode topic
  • [ ] Plan mix of solo episodes, interviews, and special formats
  • [ ] Schedule recording sessions and guest interviews
  • [ ] Create promotional calendar for each episode

Success metric: 10 episodes planned with clear promotional strategy
Frequency: Quarterly planning sessions

Phase 2: Growth (Actions 11-20)

These strategies accelerate audience building once your foundation is solid.

11. ✅ Launch Strategic Guest Outreach Program

Why it matters: Great guests bring their audiences and expertise to your show.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Identify 50 potential guests in your niche
  • [ ] Research their content and recent projects
  • [ ] Craft personalized outreach emails (not templates)
  • [ ] Offer specific value exchange, not just exposure
  • [ ] Follow up professionally but not persistently

Success metric: 20% positive response rate on outreach emails
Frequency: Ongoing, 5-10 outreach emails per week

12. ✅ Create Weekly Social Media Content Strategy

Why it matters: Consistent, valuable social content builds audience between episodes.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Plan 5-7 posts per week across chosen platforms
  • [ ] Mix episode promotion (30%) with value-first content (70%)
  • [ ] Create quote graphics from episode highlights
  • [ ] Share behind-the-scenes content from recording
  • [ ] Engage authentically with comments and other creators

Success metric: 15% engagement rate on social media posts
Frequency: Daily posting, weekly content planning

13. ✅ Develop Partnership and Cross-Promotion Strategy

Why it matters: Strategic partnerships multiply your reach without paid advertising.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Identify 10 complementary podcasts in your space
  • [ ] Propose guest swap arrangements with relevant shows
  • [ ] Create affiliate partnerships with service providers you use
  • [ ] Join podcasting communities and groups in your niche
  • [ ] Offer to be guest on others’ podcasts regularly

Success metric: 2-3 active partnerships driving measurable traffic
Frequency: Monthly outreach, ongoing relationship building

14. ✅ Optimize Content for Search Engine Discovery

Why it matters: SEO drives long-term, passive audience growth.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Research keywords your target audience searches for
  • [ ] Optimize episode titles for search intent
  • [ ] Create blog posts expanding on episode topics
  • [ ] Build internal links between related episodes
  • [ ] Encourage listener reviews mentioning specific topics

Success metric: 20% of new listeners discover via search
Frequency: Ongoing optimization with each episode

15. ✅ Create Valuable Lead Magnets for List Building

Why it matters: Specific offers convert visitors into subscribers better than generic signups.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Develop episode-specific resources (worksheets, templates)
  • [ ] Create comprehensive guides expanding on popular topics
  • [ ] Offer exclusive bonus content for email subscribers
  • [ ] Design compelling landing pages for each lead magnet
  • [ ] A/B test different offers to see what converts best

Success metric: 5-10% conversion rate from website visitors to email subscribers
Frequency: New lead magnet monthly, ongoing optimization

16. ✅ Launch Listener Engagement Initiatives

Why it matters: Engaged listeners become advocates who promote your show organically.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Ask specific questions to encourage listener responses
  • [ ] Feature listener emails and voicemails in episodes
  • [ ] Create polls and surveys about future content
  • [ ] Start a private Facebook group or Discord for listeners
  • [ ] Host occasional live Q&A sessions

Success metric: 5% of listeners actively engage with prompts
Frequency: Ongoing engagement efforts

17. ✅ Develop Strategic Content Repurposing System

Why it matters: One episode can become 10+ pieces of promotional content.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Extract 5-10 quotable moments from each episode
  • [ ] Create short video clips for social media platforms
  • [ ] Turn key insights into LinkedIn articles or blog posts
  • [ ] Design infographics from episode statistics or frameworks
  • [ ] Develop Twitter threads from episode main points

Success metric: Each episode generates 15+ pieces of promotional content
Frequency: Systematic repurposing for every episode

18. ✅ Build Strategic Relationships with Industry Influencers

Why it matters: Influencer mentions can introduce your podcast to thousands of new listeners.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Identify key influencers your target audience follows
  • [ ] Engage genuinely with their content before pitching
  • [ ] Offer valuable resources or insights to their audience
  • [ ] Propose collaboration that benefits their goals
  • [ ] Maintain relationships beyond single interactions

Success metric: 1-2 influencer mentions or collaborations per quarter
Frequency: Ongoing relationship building

19. ✅ Create Seasonal Content and Promotional Campaigns

Why it matters: Timely content gets more attention and sharing.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Plan content calendar around industry events and seasons
  • [ ] Create special series for holidays or awareness months
  • [ ] Develop year-end “best of” content from top episodes
  • [ ] Launch new year goal-setting content in January
  • [ ] Tie content to current events when relevant and appropriate

Success metric: Seasonal content performs 25%+ better than average
Frequency: Quarterly seasonal planning

20. ✅ Implement Advanced Email Marketing Sequences

Why it matters: Automated sequences turn subscribers into devoted listeners.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Create welcome sequence introducing new subscribers to best episodes
  • [ ] Develop nurture sequence sharing behind-the-scenes insights
  • [ ] Build re-engagement sequence for inactive subscribers
  • [ ] Design conversion sequence for business-related offers
  • [ ] Set up birthday and anniversary emails to build personal connection

Success metric: Email sequences convert 25%+ better than one-off sends
Frequency: Set up once, optimize quarterly

Phase 3: Scale (Actions 21-30)

Advanced tactics for established shows ready to multiply their reach.

21. ✅ Launch Podcast Advertising and Sponsorship Strategy

Why it matters: Strategic paid promotion and sponsorships can accelerate growth significantly.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Research podcast advertising networks (Spotify Ad Studio, Midroll)
  • [ ] Create compelling sponsorship packages for potential advertisers
  • [ ] Develop rate card based on download numbers and engagement
  • [ ] Pitch sponsorships to companies that serve your audience
  • [ ] Test small paid social media campaigns to identify effective audiences

Success metric: Sponsorship revenue covers production costs
Frequency: Monthly sponsor outreach, quarterly rate reviews

22. ✅ Create Premium Content and Membership Options

Why it matters: Premium offerings generate revenue while deepening listener relationships.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Survey audience about what premium content they’d value
  • [ ] Create bonus episodes or extended interviews for subscribers
  • [ ] Develop exclusive community access for paying members
  • [ ] Offer early access to episodes for premium subscribers
  • [ ] Design tiered membership options with different benefits

Success metric: 2-5% of listeners become paying members
Frequency: Monthly premium content creation

23. ✅ Develop Strategic Speaking and Conference Strategy

Why it matters: Speaking opportunities position you as an expert and introduce your podcast to new audiences.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Research conferences and events in your industry
  • [ ] Develop compelling speaker pitch highlighting podcast expertise
  • [ ] Create professional speaker one-sheet with podcast credentials
  • [ ] Apply to speak at 5-10 relevant events annually
  • [ ] Mention your podcast naturally during speaking engagements

Success metric: 2-3 speaking opportunities annually
Frequency: Quarterly conference research and applications

24. ✅ Launch Comprehensive SEO Content Marketing

Why it matters: Search traffic provides consistent, high-quality audience growth.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Research long-tail keywords your audience searches for
  • [ ] Create comprehensive blog posts targeting specific search terms
  • [ ] Develop topic clusters around your main podcast themes
  • [ ] Build backlinks through guest posting and partnerships
  • [ ] Optimize all content for featured snippets and voice search

Success metric: 30% of new website traffic comes from search
Frequency: Weekly blog posting, monthly SEO optimization

25. ✅ Create Advanced Social Media Advertising Campaigns

Why it matters: Targeted social advertising can cost-effectively reach ideal listeners.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Define specific audience segments for targeted advertising
  • [ ] Create compelling ad creative highlighting unique value proposition
  • [ ] Set up Facebook and Instagram ads targeting podcast listeners
  • [ ] Test LinkedIn ads if you serve business audiences
  • [ ] Develop retargeting campaigns for website visitors

Success metric: $2-5 cost per email subscriber from paid ads
Frequency: Monthly ad campaign optimization

26. ✅ Build Strategic Media and PR Relationships

Why it matters: Media coverage introduces your podcast to much larger audiences.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Research journalists and bloggers who cover your industry
  • [ ] Develop newsworthy angles related to your podcast topics
  • [ ] Create professional press kit with compelling story angles
  • [ ] Pitch story ideas tied to current events or trends
  • [ ] Offer expert commentary on breaking news in your field

Success metric: 1-2 media mentions quarterly
Frequency: Monthly media outreach

27. ✅ Launch Affiliate and Referral Programs

Why it matters: Incentivized sharing turns listeners into active promoters.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Create affiliate program for products/services you recommend
  • [ ] Develop listener referral program with meaningful rewards
  • [ ] Partner with complementary businesses for cross-promotion
  • [ ] Set up tracking systems for affiliate and referral attribution
  • [ ] Promote programs to most engaged listeners first

Success metric: 10% of new subscribers come through referrals
Frequency: Quarterly program optimization

28. ✅ Develop Advanced Analytics and Attribution

Why it matters: Understanding what works lets you double down on successful strategies.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Set up advanced Google Analytics with conversion tracking
  • [ ] Implement UTM tracking for all promotional campaigns
  • [ ] Create dashboard tracking business results from podcast
  • [ ] Survey new listeners about how they discovered your show
  • [ ] Track lifetime value of listeners who become customers

Success metric: Clear attribution for 80% of new business from podcast
Frequency: Monthly analytics review and optimization

29. ✅ Create Scalable Content Production Systems

Why it matters: Efficient systems free up time for high-impact promotional activities.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Hire or train team members for editing and production tasks
  • [ ] Develop standard operating procedures for all podcast processes
  • [ ] Create content batching workflows for efficient production
  • [ ] Implement project management systems for team coordination
  • [ ] Design quality control checklists for consistent output

Success metric: 50% reduction in time spent on production tasks
Frequency: Quarterly system optimization

30. ✅ Build Strategic Business Development Pipeline

Why it matters: Your podcast should generate measurable business opportunities.

Action steps:

  • [ ] Track consultation requests attributable to podcast discovery
  • [ ] Develop system for nurturing podcast-generated leads
  • [ ] Create clear pathways from listener to customer
  • [ ] Build partnerships with businesses serving your audience
  • [ ] Design case studies showing business impact of your podcast

Success metric: Podcast generates 25%+ of new business opportunities
Frequency: Monthly business development review

Monthly Promotion Review Process

Performance Analysis Questions

Every 30 days, evaluate:

  1. Which promotional activities drove the most engaged new listeners?
  2. What content generated the highest social media engagement?
  3. Which episodes performed best and why?
  4. What business opportunities emerged from podcast promotion?
  5. Where should you focus more effort next month?

Optimization Priority Matrix

High Impact, Low Effort: Do immediately
High Impact, High Effort: Plan and resource properly
Low Impact, Low Effort: Do if time permits
Low Impact, High Effort: Eliminate or delegate

Success Metrics Dashboard

Track these key indicators monthly:

  • New subscriber growth rate (target: 15-25% monthly)
  • Email list growth from podcast promotion (target: 20+ per week)
  • Social media engagement rate on podcast content (target: 10%+)
  • Website traffic from promotional activities (target: 25%+ monthly growth)
  • Business inquiries mentioning podcast discovery (track all)

Making Promotion Sustainable

The 80/20 Principle for Podcast Promotion

Focus 80% of your effort on the 20% of activities that drive the most results:

For most podcasters, this means:

  • Consistent, high-quality episode creation
  • Strategic guest booking and relationship building
  • Systematic email list building and nurturing
  • Authentic social media engagement (not just posting)
  • SEO-optimized content creation

Avoiding Promotion Burnout

Sustainable promotion practices:

  • Batch similar tasks (all social media content at once)
  • Automate repetitive processes (email sequences, social posting)
  • Focus on systems over individual tactics (workflows that scale)
  • Delegate tasks that don’t require your expertise (editing, graphic design)
  • Measure results to justify effort (eliminate activities that don’t work)

The Long-Term Perspective

Podcast promotion isn’t about going viral—it’s about building sustainable systems that create consistent growth over time.

Most successful podcasters see breakthrough results after 12-18 months of consistent promotion. The difference between shows that succeed and those that fail isn’t talent or luck—it’s systematic execution of proven promotional strategies.

Your podcast promotion checklist is your roadmap to that success. Check off each action, track your results, and adjust based on what works for your specific audience and goals.

Start with Phase 1. Master those 10 actions before moving to Phase 2. Scattered effort across all 30 actions produces worse results than focused execution of the fundamentals.

Ready to turn your podcast into a systematic audience-building machine? We help podcasters develop and execute comprehensive promotional strategies that create real business results. Contact Purple Wave Creative to discuss how we can help you implement this checklist and accelerate your podcast growth.

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