Before the Launch with Brenna McGowan
Before the Launch with Brenna McGowan
Brenna McGowan
Before the Launch is your go-to shortcut for what to say and do — and how to warm up your audience — so they’re already nodding “yes” before you ever pitch a thing.If you're tired of guessing what content actually moves the needle, this podcast pulls back the curtain on what really works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to generating demand before the cart opens.Each short, unfiltered episode gives you the messaging, content strategy, and buyer psychology insight you need to make your next launch feel less like a scramble—and more like a sell-out.Because launch success doesn’t start with a sales page.It starts way before the launch.
Stop Wasting Money on the Wrong Things
What should your next business investment be? In this episode, I’m breaking down how to decide what to invest in next without falling into the cycle of buying things that don’t actually move your business forward.We’re getting real about what actually drives growth –  and what just keeps you busy.In this episode, we cover:The difference between needing information vs. needing implementationWhy your personality matters when choosing how to investThe question that will instantly reveal if your business is on trackWhat “stay close to the money” actually looks like in practiceThe hidden cost of waiting and figuring things out on your ownIf you’ve been second-guessing your next move (or wondering why your investments haven’t paid off), this episode is for you! And if you want your next launch to increase in revenue, pre-sell seats, call in better-fit clients, and take the stress and pressure off your next launch-…you need a plan that builds demand before you sell.That’s exactly what we do inside the Pre-Launch Plan Program.Get more info here: https://brennamcgowan.co/ppp/Your Next Steps:Want to plan your next launch in seconds? Grab my free AI Launch Calendar🔹 Let’s work together! Book a strategy call🔹 Join the Behind the Launch Facebook Group🔹 Connect on InstagramThanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please help us share it by:⭐Hit the “follow” button! This keeps you in the loop, and you’ll be the first to get notified when the next episode drops!
Mar 24
14 min
The Pre-Launch Strategy That Generated $300K in Two Months
In this episode, I chat with Paddy Johnson the founder of Network—a membership for mid-career visual artists—to talk about what happened when she added a pre-launch strategy to her marketing.At the time, Paddy’s business was facing a serious slowdown. Revenue had dropped by nearly 50%, launches weren’t performing the same way they once had, and buyer hesitancy was showing up everywhere.But after implementing a structured pre-launch strategy, something surprising happened: people started replying to her emails, engagement skyrocketed, and her Black Friday launch produced record-breaking results.Here’s what we unpack in this conversation.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why strong copy isn’t the same thing as strong pre-launch strategyThe difference between nurture content and true pre-launch contentHow audience research revealed Paddy’s most important customer problemsWhy pre-launch emails generated far more engagement than her normal emailsHow a two-month launch period generated $300K in revenueAnd if you want to know how you can rock the pre-launch during your next launch, join me for The New Launch Model for 2026: 3 Pre-Launch Moves that Build Demand, Pre-sell, and Take the Pressure Off of Cart Week.Your Next Steps:Want to plan your next launch in seconds? Grab my free AI Launch Calendar🔹 Let’s work together! Book a strategy call🔹 Join the Behind the Launch Facebook Group🔹 Connect on InstagramThanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please help us share it by:⭐Hit the “follow” button! This keeps you in the loop, and you’ll be the first to get notified when the next episode drops!
Mar 17
36 min
The Pre-Launch Strategy That Doubled Conversions
In this episode, I’m joined by Tess Masters, author of The Blender Girl cookbooks and founder of the Skinny 60 program.We talk about messaging, pre-launch planning, and the surprising mindset shifts that helped her double webinar conversions and create her best launch in 4 years while spending less on ads! In this episode we cover:The most important part of your next launch The power of a pre-launch (and why skipping it hurts your results)How voice-of-customer research changes your messagingThe mindset shift that makes selling feel natural instead of awkwardWhy Tess feels like pre-launch was a game-changer during her last launchAnd if you want to know how you can rock the pre-launch during your next launch, join me for The New Launch Model for 2026: 3 Pre-Launch Moves that Build Demand, Pre-sell, and Take the Pressure Off of Cart Week. Your Next Steps:Want to plan your next launch in seconds? Grab my free AI Launch Calendar🔹 Let’s work together! Book a strategy call🔹 Join the Behind the Launch Facebook Group🔹 Connect on InstagramThanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please help us share it by:⭐Hit the “follow” button! This keeps you in the loop, and you’ll be the first to get notified when the next episode drops!
Mar 10
25 min
The Difference Between Pre-Launch & Launch Content
What’s the actual difference between your everyday marketing, the content you should be creating before a launch, and your actual launch content. In this episode, I break down the three phases of marketing — regular marketing, consideration (pre-launch), and launch — and why skipping the middle stage is the reason so many launches underperform and don’t reach goals. Inside this episode, I share:The 3 distinct marketing phases and how they work togetherWhy educational content doesn’t belong in pre-launchWhat “silent seller posts” are — and how to use themThe biggest mistake course creators make during launchHow to build anticipation without fake hypeIf selling and launching feels heavier than it should, this episode will show you why.Listen now.Your Next Steps:Want to plan your next launch in seconds? Grab my free AI Launch Calendar🔹 Let’s work together! Book a strategy call🔹 Join the Behind the Launch Facebook Group🔹 Connect on InstagramThanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please help us share it by:⭐Hit the “follow” button! This keeps you in the loop, and you’ll be the first to get notified when the next episode drops!
Mar 3
18 min
[PART 3] Summits: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
When should you launch after hosting a summit or big list-building event?In this episode, I’m breaking down how I think about launch timing — and why I don’t sell directly off the back of my summit. I walk you through the phases of launching (including what I call the “pre-pre-launch” phase) and how to decide what makes sense for your audience.Because just because you can launch right away doesn’t always mean you should.In this episode, I share:The difference between list-building events and true pre-launch eventsWhy buyer awareness matters more than speedMy exact timeline from summit to launch How to adjust your launch timing based on today’s trust environmentWhy only a small percentage of your audience is ready to buy right nowIf you’ve ever wondered whether you’re launching too soon after a list build — or waiting too long — this one’s for you.Listen now.And if you want to stay up to date on all the current launch trends, grab The 2026 Launch Report. Your Next Steps:Want to plan your next launch in seconds? Grab my free AI Launch Calendar🔹 Let’s work together! Book a strategy call🔹 Join the Behind the Launch Facebook Group🔹 Connect on InstagramThanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please help us share it by:⭐Hit the “follow” button! This keeps you in the loop, and you’ll be the first to get notified when the next episode drops!
Feb 24
9 min
[PART 2] The Good, Bad & Ugly of Online Summits
I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to host a summit.In this episode, I’m sharing the parts I love (hello, list growth and collaboration energy) and the parts I don’t love (spoiler: it’s a lot of work). If you’ve ever wondered whether a summit is worth it—or you’re romanticizing the idea a little bit—this episode will give you the full picture.Here’s what we’re diving into:Why summits can grow your email list fastThe behind-the-scenes workload no one talks aboutWhy I now use speaker applications sometimes (and what changed)The truth about “nagging” speakersHow much time you really need to plan oneWhy giving back through this event matters to meIf you’re considering hosting a summit, this is your honest pros-and-cons breakdown.Listen now.Your Next Steps:Want to plan your next launch in seconds? Grab my free AI Launch Calendar🔹 Let’s work together! Book a strategy call🔹 Join the Behind the Launch Facebook Group🔹 Connect on InstagramThanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please help us share it by:⭐Hit the “follow” button! This keeps you in the loop, and you’ll be the first to get notified when the next episode drops!
Feb 17
15 min
Summits: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
I get asked all the time about summits. “Should I host one?”“Should it be video or audio” “Are they still even worth it?” In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on Behind the Launch, my audio-first Voxer summit, and giving you the real talk on why I created it, what I did differently, and what I learned the hard way.This is part one of a two-part deep dive where I break down what works, what I’d never do again, and the strategic (and accidental) decisions that made all the difference.Here's what you'll hear:The wild idea that launched Behind the Launch — and why it workedWhy I ditched video and embraced a “lazy” audio solutionHow to structure your summit around your business goalsThree things you must decide before planning a summitThe sneaky-smart move I made without realizing it🎧 Listen now to start shaping your own summit or online event idea!Your Next Steps:Want to plan your next launch in seconds? Grab my free AI Launch Calendar🔹 Let’s work together! Book a strategy call🔹 Join the Behind the Launch Facebook Group🔹 Connect on InstagramThanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please help us share it by:⭐Hit the “follow” button! This keeps you in the loop, and you’ll be the first to get notified when the next episode drops!
Feb 10
15 min
Launching in 2026? This Is No Longer Optional
In this episode, I’m sharing a major realization that’s reshaping how I (and my clients) approach launches in 2026.And that’s getting people in the room with you.From real-time coaching to live connection, there’s no better way to build trust in this skeptical buyer climate. I’ll walk you through what this can look like (spoiler: it doesn’t need to be complicated or perfectly scripted) and how you can apply it to your next launch.What you’ll learn:The #1 non-negotiable for pre-launches in 2026Why “being seen or heard” is no longer enoughHow real-time interactions boost conversionsSimple ideas for launch events (even if you hate webinars)What my most successful clients are doing differently in 2026And if you want to see what’s really working in launches right now, don’t miss Behind the Launch—20+ expert interviews packed with strategies, insights, and swipe files. VIP upgrade = $37 and supports charity!Listen now!Your Next Steps:Want to plan your next launch in seconds? Grab my free AI Launch Calendar🔹 Let’s work together! Book a strategy call🔹 Join the Behind the Launch Facebook Group🔹 Connect on InstagramThanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please help us share it by:⭐Hit the “follow” button! This keeps you in the loop, and you’ll be the first to get notified when the next episode drops!
Feb 3
6 min
Launch Predictions Part Two
This week, we’re breaking down more launch trends for online businesses, and the great news is that “simplicity” is a common theme! The people getting the best results right now aren’t the ones adding more funnel steps, more platforms, or more emails. So what are they doing?In this episode, we’re unpacking:The “simpler than you think” launch setups that are converting right now (and why the extra bells + whistles aren’t helping)Where sales are actually hiding after you launch — and the follow-up most people skipThe pre-selling moves that build momentum before cart open (so you’re not relying on last-minute urgency)How to use AI in a way that sounds like you (and doesn’t make your copy, content, and launch feel soulless)The trust-builder more people are using instead of a traditional “pitch”Want to hear the real behind-the-scenes strategies?Grab your free ticket to Behind the Launch, happening February 2-6, to discover what’s working with launches NOW! 🎟️ Get your free ticket here: https://behindthelaunch.co/Bonus (because I love a good deal):Get 3 months free of Hello Audio with code LAUNCH (valid through February 9).👉 https://buy.stripe.com/00gcO28yV5jg0Ny4gn?prefilled_promo_code=LAUNCHAnd if you want to try the segmentation tool I mentioned in this episode, here’s the link to RightMessage:👉 https://rightmessage.com/?fp_ref=brenna13Your Next Steps:Want to plan your next launch in seconds? Grab my free AI Launch Calendar🔹 Let’s work together! Book a strategy call🔹 Join the Behind the Launch Facebook Group🔹 Connect on InstagramThanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please help us share it by:⭐Hit the “follow” button! This keeps you in the loop, and you’ll be the first to get notified when the next episode drops!
Jan 27
16 min
My 2026 Launch Predictions (Part 1)
My 2026 Launch Predictions (Part 1)In this episode, I’m sharing my top 5 launch predictions for 2026 based on 20+ behind-the-scenes conversations I recorded for Behind the Launch.This is Part 1 — and it’s basically a shortcut to what I think you should tweak before your next launch so you’re not relying on outdated strategies (or random marketing advice from 2020).In this episode, I’m breaking down:The launch strategy everyone keeps declaring “dead”… that’s still convertingThe one thing I kept hearing in debrief after debrief that explains why some launches pop and others stallWhat buyers need from you before they’ll believe the offer is for themThe tiny shift that turns “interested” people into “I’m in” peopleThe easiest place to pull messaging that sounds like your audience wrote it for youThe most useful kind of launch data (and no, it’s not clicks)Want more behind-the-scenes?Grab your free ticket to Behind the Launch from February 2-6 to discover what’s working NOW with launches! 🎟️ Get your free ticket to Behind the Launch → www.behindthelaunch.coWant to try Hello Audio?Use my affiliate link to get 3 months free with the code launch: Start here. Your Next Steps:Want to plan your next launch in seconds? Grab my free AI Launch Calendar🔹 Let’s work together! Book a strategy call🔹 Join the Behind the Launch Facebook Group🔹 Connect on InstagramThanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please help us share it by:⭐Hit the “follow” button! This keeps you in the loop, and you’ll be the first to get notified when the next episode drops!
Jan 20
14 min
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