30-Day Prelaunch — 500 Listeners Launch Week

Quick answer: Apple Podcasts and Spotify feature new podcasts in New & Noteworthy only in the first two weeks. You need 500+ downloads in the first 48 hours to crack the section. A 30-day prelaunch is built to manufacture exactly that mass.

Week 1: Foundation

• Landing page with waitlist (Carrd / Substack)
• 3 social accounts: Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
• 60-second trailer clip
• Book 3 heavy-hitter guests for weeks 1-3

Week 2: Audience Building

• Daily LinkedIn post — behind the scenes
• 3 reels per week
• Personal outreach to 50 people
• Newsletter swap with 2 newsletters

Week 3: Pre-Roll Buzz

• Get interviewed on 3 other podcasts
• Strong guest blog in the niche
• Show the first episodes (titles + dates)
• 10 beta listeners for feedback

Week 4: Launch Week

• Episode 0 (trailer) Sunday
• Episodes 1, 2, 3 Tuesday
• Email to entire waitlist
• LinkedIn post with backstory
• Ask 20 close people for rating + review on Apple