Podcast Launch Kit: Checklist, Budget & Workbook

A podcast launch checklist template, launch budget spreadsheet, and show planning workbook to plan, set up, and launch a new podcast in about 30 days. For Excel, Google Sheets, Word, and PDF. Enter your launch day and the 41-task checklist dates itself; enter your own prices and the budget projects 12 months of costs. It doesn't promise downloads or income; it puts the decisions in order.

What's inside

• Show Planning Workbook (Word / Google Docs): concept, audience, positioning, format, name and tagline brainstorm, episode length and cadence, cover art brief, trailer plan, and goals you can actually control.

• Episode outline templates: interview, solo, and co-host formats, a planning sheet for your first 3 launch episodes, and a 60-90 second trailer script.

• Equipment & Launch Budget (Excel / Google Sheets): Starter / Mid / Pro item lists by generic category. You enter your own prices, then see one-time, monthly, and annual costs, a 12-month projection, and budget vs actual. The placeholder figures are round numbers for layout only, not market prices, and no brands are endorsed.

• Guest invitation scripts for a brand-new show, including honest replies to "How big is your audience?", plus follow-ups and a confirmation email.

• Launch checklist (Excel / Google Sheets + printable PDF): 41 tasks from Day -30 to Day +30 with owner, due dates calculated from your launch day, status, and overdue flags. It covers hosting, your RSS feed, directory submissions (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, written as generic steps), launch day, and the first 30 days of promotion.

• A completed FICTIONAL example (Small Batch Studio, a made-up pottery-studio podcast) filled in across the workbook, outlines, budget, and checklist.

• Start Here guide with a suggested 30-day timeline, plus a license and changelog.

Who it's for: solo creators, small businesses, and brands starting a new podcast who want a clear plan and a realistic budget before they buy anything.

What it isn't: it's not a course, a hosting service, or a guarantee. It doesn't promise downloads, rankings, or income; most new shows grow slowly, and the workbook helps you set goals you control. Platform requirements change, so the checklist tells you to check each directory's current rules before submitting. Need a full weekly guest pipeline? The Guest Booking System is the companion kit for that.

Formats: .docx, .xlsx, .pdf. Works in Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Docs and Sheets, and LibreOffice. No macros.

Refunds: these are instant digital downloads, so all sales are final and we don't offer refunds. If a file is broken, missing, or won't open, email info@thecigarguys.com and we'll fix or replace it.

License: for use in your own business and client work. No resale or redistribution. Questions: info@thecigarguys.com

Ready to sell ads later? The Podcast Sponsorship Kit helps you price and pitch sponsors.