Your First 10 Episodes: What to Plan and What to Avoid

By 8555 Studios

Launching a podcast is an exciting move, but the first 10 episodes are critical. They set the tone for your brand, help you understand your workflow, and are the first impression for new listeners. Many creators start strong but lose momentum or direction early on. At 8555 Studios, we've helped dozens of creators develop strong foundations for their shows—and it starts with being intentional from episode one.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what you should plan carefully, and what you should avoid in those crucial early episodes.

What to Plan:

1. Define Your Podcast Identity
Before you hit record, know your “why.” What’s your podcast about, who is it for, and what do you want listeners to walk away with? This clarity will guide every decision—from tone to guests to branding.

2. Create an Episode Roadmap
Map out the first 10 episodes with a clear progression. These should introduce your core topics, showcase your expertise or personality, and highlight what makes your show different. Include a mix of solo episodes, interviews, and educational or storytelling formats depending on your niche.

3. Record a Trailer or Episode Zero
Think of this as your elevator pitch. A short introduction (2–5 minutes) that explains what the podcast is about and why people should listen. This sets expectations and can serve as your podcast preview on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

4. Batch Record at Least 3 Episodes Before Launch
Having a few episodes ready at launch builds momentum and gives new listeners a reason to stay. It also gives you time to troubleshoot audio issues and polish your editing process without feeling rushed.

5. Plan Consistency Into Your Schedule
Whether it's weekly, biweekly, or monthly—set a realistic cadence and stick to it. Consistency builds trust and keeps audiences coming back. Use scheduling tools or a production calendar to stay on track.

What to Avoid:

1. Don’t Wing It Without an Outline
Improvisation can be great, but structure matters. Without an outline or bullet-point script, episodes tend to ramble, lose focus, or miss key points. A rough structure will keep you clear and confident.

2. Don’t Overload with Guests Early On
Guests can add value, but your audience needs to connect with you first. Your voice, your story, and your perspective are what build loyalty. Balance guest episodes with solo content in the beginning.

3. Avoid Overthinking the Gear
It’s easy to get stuck obsessing over the perfect mic or camera. Start with reliable, affordable gear and upgrade as you grow. Clear content beats high-end equipment every time.

4. Don’t Launch Without a Marketing Plan
A great podcast that no one hears won’t succeed. Before you publish, map out how you’ll promote your episodes—on social media, through your network, in newsletters, or via collaborations.

5. Don’t Wait for Perfection
Too many creators delay launching because they want everything to be perfect. Your first few episodes will always be a learning curve. Focus on starting, learning, and improving as you go.

Final Thoughts

Your first 10 episodes are more than just content—they’re the launchpad for your brand, your voice, and your podcasting journey. Planning ahead, staying consistent, and avoiding common pitfalls can make the difference between burnout and long-term success.

At 8555 Studios, we specialize in helping creators not just start, but scale. If you're ready to record or need help crafting your first season, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Book your first session or studio tour with us today. Let’s build your podcast from the ground up—together.