1300 Podcast Downloads

The first episode of the Software Engineering Unlocked podcast just passed with 1300 downloads the 1000 downloads mark. It's two weeks since release.

The second episode, that I released two days ago now passed the 500 downloads mark.

Overall, I'm happy with the results.

My main marketing strategy was to use my personal Twitter account to promote the episode.
I also used the the preparation time before the launch, to build up a small mailing list of around 100 people.

Shortly before the launch, I created the podcast's own Twitter handle, which I could grow to 660 followers right now. I do not tweet much there, but all tweets are focused on the podcast.

I used the Headliner App to make small snippets of the podcast that give a sneak peek. After releasing an episode, I share those with the Twitter followers. I really like to make them, and they are well received. Have a look here to get an idea.

In the weeks before the release, I started to build a mailing list, which I could grow to 100 people by now. There was no incentive for people to jump on the mailing list other than being informed when the show is released. I mainly used it as I did not have any other way yet (no Twitter, and no podcast feed) for people to follow. After being on iTunes etc. it did not grow much, but that's mainly because I redirect people now to follow the RSS feed. I plan to experiment with sharing the behind the scenes information on making and growing this podcast with the mailing-list subscribers.
I plan to invest quite some time to grow this list in the future, but for now I focus on getting people to know the podcast.

Yesterday, I started to promote a Facebook page and an Instagram account that I made or converted for the podcast and to reach out to my personal network. I'm not a huge FB or Instagram fan, so this won't be my number one priority. My priority is to focus on Twitter for now.

Finally, I submitted my podcast episode to PodHunt - a new website from a fellow indie hacker.

So, that's what I do so far in terms of promoting and marketing my podcast. I keep you updated on what I learn of what works and what doesn't for promoting this podcast.

If you have ideas how to increase my reach, please let me know!