Plan a podcast pilot, test recording and artwork, validate the RSS feed, and check the released episode with a reusable launch checklist.
Write who the show serves, the question the pilot answers and what the listener should take away. Choose a format that fits that question. Draft an outline with segment purposes, guest needs and an ending. Record actual preparation, recording and editing time during the pilot before promising a release schedule.
Record a short sample using your intended room, microphone, software and guest connection. Listen with headphones for clipping, echo, background noise and differences between speakers. Change one setup choice at a time and repeat the sample. Keep an untouched original and confirm you can reopen the recording project.
Count a representative script passage and time your own delivery. Enter that effective words-per-minute rate to plan the spoken portion. Record and edit the complete pilot, preserving the intended meaning. Listen through the exported file, including transitions and ending, and record the actual finished duration.
Create clear show artwork, an episode title and notes with useful links. Preview notes if your host accepts Markdown, then inspect them in the host because formatting support can differ. For Apple RSS submission, include the required feed tags, artwork and at least one episode. Resolve the host or directory validator’s errors before scheduling release.
Submit to the directories you choose and follow each service’s current process. On Apple, technical validation and review precede availability; confirm the show is actually listed before announcing a working link. Test playback, episode order, artwork and notes in a listening app. Put the verified show URL in a QR code if useful, then scan it on another device.
Count words in a draft script consistently before timing a representative read.
Estimate the script portion using your entered effective speaking rate; rehearse the full episode separately.
Preview draft Markdown notes, then check the actual host rendering.
Generate a QR code for the verified public show page and test its destination.
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An RSS submission needs required tags, artwork and at least one episode. The feed must be publicly reachable; episodes need unique media URLs and stable GUIDs. Use the host’s validation support.
Apple specifies 3000 × 3000 pixels, with RSS covers accepted from 1400 × 1400 through 3000 × 3000. Export JPG or PNG with a solid background and no alpha channel.
Submission includes rights, availability and transcript settings. Resolve validation issues and allow for review; this guide does not promise a review turnaround.
Use your pilot measurements as planning inputs.
| Record | What to keep |
|---|---|
| Workload | Preparation, recording and editing time separately |
| Runtime | Script rate assumption and actual finished duration |
| Distribution | Feed validation result and tested listing URLs |
| Next episode | One improvement and a feasible recording date |
Keep estimates beside actual time spent so the next episode plan reflects your process.
A page you maintain can hold current listening links. Test it before printing a QR code.