10 Days to Your First 100 Downloads

I’ve spent the last five years working alongside podcasters, and one thing always stands out: they want their voices to be heard.

That’s often why we start podcasting in the first place. We have something to share, and we hope it connects with the right people. But, getting from that first idea to actually growing an audience isn’t always that easy.

There are plenty of resources out there to help you grow your podcast, but when you’re launching, it can be hard to know what really applies to you. That’s why I put together this 10 day plan based on what I’ve seen work for thousands of Buzzsprout podcasters.

It’s a mix of strategies that creators have tested across every niche, paired with real metrics you can track inside your hosting platform. Whether you’re starting your first podcast or your fifteenth, these steps are designed to give your show the best possible start.

Why 100 Downloads?

I launched my podcast, Buzzsprout Weekly, in May 2024. Like most new podcasters, I wanted it to have a strong start, but I wasn’t sure what that really meant. To set a realistic goal, I turned to the data.

Edison Research’s The Infinite Dial 2024 showed me that consistent, early promotion is one of the strongest predictors of long-term growth. I also learned that directories like Apple Podcasts give new shows a short window of extra visibility, which makes those first few days especially important.

Buzzsprout’s own listener data gave me a benchmark I could work toward: podcasts that reach 100 downloads in their first week are already in the top 25% of shows on the platform. Hitting that number shows clear momentum and can even signal to podcast directory algorithms that your podcast is worth highlighting.

For me, “100 downloads in 10 days” became the milestone. If you’re setting the same goal, here are the exact steps I followed to get there.

Day 0: Setting the Stage

Before the countdown begins, it’s important to get your own podcast ready for new listeners.

You will want to start by publishing your first episode and then getting listed in podcast directories. This gives podcast listeners access to your podcast and something to listen to when they find it.

• Write your episode title: Keep it short, descriptive, and keyword-friendly. Avoid vague titles and try to lead with the listener benefit. For example, “How I Landed My First 10 Clients” is clearer than “Episode 1: Welcome.”
  
• Create your cover art: Make it eye-catching, even at small thumbnail sizes. Use contrasting colors and readable text for visibility in podcast apps. If you’re having trouble with content creation, we have some templates to help.
  
• Write your show notes: Summarize your episode in 2–3 sentences. Link to resources, your landing page, and other relevant content. If you're stuck, we have templates for show notes, too.
  
• Consider a trailer episode: Record a 1–2 minute teaser to introduce your voice, style, and purpose. Trailers count toward your number of downloads and help with early discoverability in podcast apps.
  
• Submit your RSS feed: Use your hosting platform, like Buzzsprout, to submit to Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes), Spotify, and YouTube Music before launch. This is where listeners will be able to find your podcast episodes and it ensures you can start promoting from Day 1.

Days 1–3: The Core Launch

The first three days are about getting your podcast seen and heard everywhere you can. Think of it like a spark: you’re trying to build enough momentum that it catches and keeps going.

Step 1: Activate your inner circle

If there are people in your life who are willing to promote your show, today is the day to reach out and invite them to be part of your launch team. Think of this group as your inner circle of friends, family, or coworkers who can help you get the word out.

Give your launch team simple, daily tasks so they feel like they’re on the journey with you. One day they might listen to your first episode and share their feedback. The next day they can post about it on social media or forward the link to a friend. These small actions, done consistently, can create a ripple effect that expands your reach far beyond your own network.

When you share links, make it as easy as possible for people to listen. Point them directly to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so it only takes one click to press play. The fewer steps between your post and their ears, the more likely they are to actually listen.

And don’t underestimate personal outreach. A quick text or DM works better than a mass email because it feels genuine.

Alex Sanfilippo, cofounder of PodMatch and host of Podcasting Made Simple, recommends:

“Text your friends and family, ask them to check it out and to share it with one person they know who would enjoy it, while asking that one person to do the same. This simple chain can spread farther than you’d think.”

The goal is to cast a wide net and keep building momentum. After all, people can’t listen to something they don’t know exists.

Step 2: Share with intention on social media

Post on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn, and make sure your message speaks directly to the audience you want to reach. Try to write something that connects your episode to a problem or goal your listeners care about. This gives them a reason to listen!

Here’s an example you could use:

“Thinking about starting a side hustle? In my first episode, I share the exact steps I took before making my first sale.”

Why does this matter? Social media is one of the biggest ways people discover new podcasts. About 17% of podcast listeners in the U.S. say they’ve found a podcast through posts on social platforms. That means every share has the potential to reach new listeners.

And don’t underestimate the power of mixing public posts with private outreach. Sending a quick DM, alongside your social posts, taps into both trust and visibility. That combination can drive significantly more downloads than relying on just one channel.

By the end of day 3, you want to aim for 30-35 downloads. If you're not there yet, keep going!

Days 4–6: Expanding Beyond Your Circle

Once your friends and peers know about your show, it’s time to start reaching people outside your circle. Days 4–6 are all about finding listeners who already care about your topic and digging into content marketing.

Step 1: Join niche communities

Begin by joining communities where your audience already spends time. This could be Facebook groups, Reddit threads, Slack channels, or industry forums. Don’t just drop a link and run, lead with something helpful or interesting from your episode and share the full link for anyone who wants more. When people see you contributing value, they’re much more likely to check out your show.

Step 2: Repurpose your best moments

Next, take your best moments and turn them into short, shareable clips. A 20–30 second highlight with captions works great on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or LinkedIn. End each clip with a simple call to action like: “Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any podcast directory.”

Step 3: Cross-promote with peers

You can also grow quickly by cross-promoting with other podcasters. Reach out to peers in your niche and offer to swap shout-outs or feature each other’s links in your show notes. This is one of the fastest ways to tap into an existing audience that’s already interested in your topic. Even small collaborations can bring in new listeners.

Here’s a great example. A Buzzsprout podcaster shared on Reddit:

“I’m still new with my podcast, but exposure really has meant everything. I did a guest expert spot on ADHD for Smart Ass Women (a podcast with millions of downloads) and got a bunch of listeners after that.”

Step 4: Consider Local Promotion

While it can be tempting to always think big picture, sometimes it helps to think local.

Dave Jackson, founder of School of Podcasting, suggests thinking local for podcast promotion can help you find your audience:

"For my show for musicians, I used to burn CDs with a trailer on it and leave them in the lobby of Guitar Center. The CD read 'Free Music Marketing Tips' and I would go back week after week and replenish."

It was 2006, when CDs were everywhere, but the principle still applies today: go where your audience is and make it easy for them to discover you. There are a lot of ways you can get creative with your podcast marketing.

By Day 6, you should be seeing at least 60–65 downloads. If you’re not quite there, don’t get discouraged. Review your episode title, description, and posting strategy. Even small tweaks can make a big difference in SEO and visibility.

Days 7–9: Building Trust and Encouraging Action

The cool thing about podcasts is the opportunity to build a both a local community and connect with listeners all over the world. Podcast listeners are distinctly loyal, and once you build trust with your audience, they can become a powerful tool for podcast marketing.

On days 7-9 you’ll want to focus on encouraging action from your audience:

Step 1: Ask for ratings and reviews

Start by asking for ratings and reviews. A quick star rating in Apple Podcasts or a follow on Spotify can do more for your visibility than you might think. Remind your listeners that it only takes 30 seconds but helps your show get recommended to more people. Most listeners are happy to support you, they just need the reminder.

Step 2: Repurpose into written content

Next, repurpose your episodes into written content by turning your key points into blog posts, newsletters, or LinkedIn articles.

Whenever you publish something, embed your podcast player so people can hit play without leaving the page. Those plays count as downloads, and you’ll also reach people who prefer reading over listening.

When you're focusing on written content, look to add value. You are a unique voice on your podcast topic, and while it’s easy to feel like an imposter in the beginning, people do want to hear from you! Look for online forums, social posts, or communities where your podcast can add value and share your written content there with a link to your show.

A Buzzsprout podcasters on Reddit shared:

"After 20 episodes, I provided value in online discussions with other like-minded people. Eventually, I started answering with ‘Oh, that we covered on our podcast,’ and linked to the episode.”

Step 3: Follow up with your launch team

Don’t forget to follow up with your launch team. A short thank-you email with a direct link to your newest episode can go a long way.

Ask your launch team to forward it to one friend who might enjoy your show. Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful ways to grow, and emails make it easy for your listeners to share.

By the end of Day 9, you should see your audience starting to engage more actively by sharing, rating, and helping you grow.

Day 10: The Social Proof Boost

Congratulations, you made it to Day 10! Day 10 is all about celebrating your hard work. Launching a podcast takes effort, and hitting the 10 day mark is a milestone worth sharing.

Take a moment to post a behind-the-scenes recap or celebrate your milestone on social media. Share what you’ve learned over the past 10 days, and don’t be afraid to include your download numbers. You might even get a few more from sharing.

Tag your early supporters and make it easy for them to celebrate with you, too. You can even give them graphics or pre-written copy they can share, so the momentum continues.

By publicly acknowledging your progress, you not only reward yourself, but you also encourage your listeners and launch team to keep spreading the word.

Unique Strategies to Stand Out

After the first 10 days, you want to keep the momentum going! Try out these strategies to keep growing your podcast:

• Create a “Start Here” page: Feature your best episode, subscribe links, and a quick pitch for new listeners.
• Leverage influencer:. Reach out to micro-influencers with a personal message and relevant episode.
• Guest on other podcasts: Tap into established audiences by appearing on shows your listeners already follow. PodMatch is a great resource to get started.
• Optimize for search engines: Use descriptive keywords in your titles and show notes to appear in both podcast app and Google podcast searches.
• Offer a freebie: Include a downloadable checklist or PDF in your show notes.
• Go live: Host a Q&A about your episode on TikTok or Instagram to connect directly with listeners.

Tracking and Troubleshooting

During the first 10 days, use your hosting platform analytics to monitor downloads daily. Compare platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and see where your podcast listeners are coming from.

If you're using Buzzsprout, you can track the type of device your listeners are using to listen to your episode, what podcast directories they are using, and even their geographical location. This information can help you to tailor your content to your audience for higher engagement.

If growth stalls, you can always pivot. Try to:

• Refine your episode title for better search intent.
• Post your strongest clip on TikTok with niche-specific hashtags.
• Re-share your episode on LinkedIn with a fresh hook.

Beyond the First 100 Downloads

Reaching 100 downloads in 10 days is exciting, but it’s really just the start of your journey. Podcasting takes consistent effort, and growth doesn’t always happen overnight. The shows that last are the ones built on passion, curiosity, and a willingness to keep sharing your voice.

Keep creating episodes that excite you and providing value to your listeners. Over time, those little moments of connection add up and your podcast becomes something bigger than just numbers.