How to Launch Your Podcast & Get Your First 100 Listeners (Without a Huge Audience!)

Think you need a massive audience to launch your podcast? Think again.

In this episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, I’m walking you through how to go from zero to your first 100 listeners—without fancy tech, expensive ads, or a giant following. Whether you're in the idea stage or gearing up to launch, this one’s your official permission slip to start, imperfectly and intentionally.

We’ll dig into everything from creating a compelling name and irresistible hook, to choosing your must-have tech, building pre-launch buzz, and optimizing your show for searchability. Plus, I’m sharing my favorite growth tactics that have worked time and time again (even if you're just starting from scratch).

If you're dreaming about your launch but stuck on the “how,” this episode will give you the strategy and motivation to finally go for it.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

Crafting a Magnetic Concept – Your name, hook, and niche matter more than you think. Learn how to attract the right listeners by solving a specific problem for a specific person.

Simplifying Your Setup – Tech overwhelm is real, but you don’t need it all. Get the essential tools and know when to skip video (yes, you have permission).

Planning Your First 3–5 Episodes – Backlog = momentum. Why batching a few episodes before launch helps you stay consistent and avoid the weekly panic.

Launching With Intention – Use your existing network, social media, and behind-the-scenes content to build hype before your show drops.

Growing Your Audience (Without Ads) – From guesting on other shows to smart giveaways and strategic cross-promotions, discover the simplest ways to expand your reach.

Optimizing for Search – Why your podcast title and episode names might be sabotaging your growth—and how to fix them fast.

Consistency Over Perfection – Learn how to adopt a long-game mindset that keeps you creating (even when no one’s watching… yet).

Learn about:

• 00:00 Introduction: Launching a Podcast with Zero Audience
• 01:00 Laying the Foundation for a Strong Launch
• 02:42 Essential Tech and Setup Tips
• 04:21 Creating a Production Schedule
• 04:45 Building Hype Before Launch
• 07:58 Growth Tactics for Your First 100 Listeners
• 10:46 The Mindset of a Growing Podcaster
• 11:52 Conclusion and Next Steps

JOIN THE VAULT: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault-1001

FREE RESOURCES:

• Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact
• Podcast Success Blueprint: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-blueprint
• Discord Community: https://discord.gg/2cdzVg7Y

MORE RESOURCES:

• Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo
• Podcast Growth Lab: https://voltproductions.co/podcast-growth-lab 

Connect with Simona here:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini
• Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/
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• Website: www.voltproductions.co 
• Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast