What You Need to Launch a Podcast for Your Service-Based Business
Want to grow your coaching business? A podcast can help you reach a wider audience and showcase your expertise, but getting started can feel overwhelming. With so much conflicting advice online, it's easy to get lost in the details.
Instead, focus on building a strong foundation. You only need a simple trailer and a few episodes to get started. Let’s explore how to prepare for a confident podcast launch.
The power of a great podcast trailer
Your trailer is the most important piece of content you'll create for your podcast. It's your opportunity to introduce yourself, explain what your show is about, and give potential listeners a reason to subscribe before they've even heard a full episode. Think of it as the audio version of your website's "about" section—it tells people who you are, what problems you solve, and why they should care.
To be effective, your trailer should be no more than three minutes long. Keep it tight, focused, and human to hold their attention.
What to include in your podcast trailer
Your trailer doesn't need to be overly complex, but it should cover a few key points. Here’s what you should include:
Who you are: Start with a brief expert bio. You don't need to share every single credential. Just focus on what’s relevant to your listeners. For example, if you're a sales coach starting, mention your years of experience and what makes your perspective unique.
Pain points and payoffs: What problem does your show solve for your audience? Be specific. Instead of saying, "You'll learn how to improve your sales," try something like, "You'll learn how to overcome objections without feeling pushy."
The name of your show: Say it clearly and early.
When to expect new episodes: Will you release episodes weekly or biweekly? Let your listeners know so they can build your show into their schedule.
What type of episodes to expect: Will you be sharing advice in solo episodes, interviewing experts, or doing a mix of both? Give people an idea of the format.
Who you'll be featuring: You don't need to list specific guests yet, but give listeners an idea of the types of people they'll hear from. For instance, you could say, "I'll be talking with top-performing sales reps from leading tech companies."
Your show's pillars: What are the main topics you'll focus on? If you're a sales coach, your pillars might be lead generation and closing techniques. Name two to four core themes, so listeners understand what your show is about.
Your personality: This is your chance to make the trailer feel human. Don't read from a script like a robot. Talk as if you're explaining your podcast to a friend. Let your true voice shine. People subscribe to podcasts because they connect with the host.
Call to action: End with a clear call to action. Ask listeners to subscribe so they don't miss any new episodes and encourage them to share the show with a friend.
Launch with three full episodes
When you launch, have three full episodes ready to go. Why three? Because it gives new listeners enough content to binge and really decide if your show is for them.
If someone stumbles upon your podcast and only finds a trailer and a single episode, they might listen and subscribe, but they could just as easily forget about you by the time your next episode comes out. Having three episodes available from day one creates momentum. It gives them a chance to get hooked on your style and content.
Your first three episodes should act as a showcase for your podcast's range. If you plan on doing a mix of solo episodes and interviews, make sure you include at least one of each. If you're sticking to a single format, choose three distinct topics that highlight your core pillars.
And remember: don’t obsess over making these episodes perfect. They need to be valuable, but they don’t need to be flawless. Your podcast will evolve and improve with every new recording. The most important thing is to start delivering value and be consistent.
Get your podcast out into the world
Launching a podcast doesn't have to be overwhelming. Record a three-minute trailer that introduces who you are and what your show is about. Create three solid episodes that give listeners a taste of what to expect. Then hit publish and start building an audience that trusts you and wants to work with you.
If you're ready to launch a podcast but need help with your strategy, content pillars, or how to turn listeners into clients, book a free strategy call. Let's create a plan that gets your voice out there and brings in the right people.