Titles and show notes are important to the success of your podcast. You may have a strong production planning process, a flawless recording session, and high-quality editing and mixing, but without a solid title and engaging show notes, your podcast’s reach will be seriously impacted.
In this article, we’ll outline a step-by-step process that will help you create effective show notes to support discoverability and audience growth. If you’d like expert support as you market your podcast, reach out to our team – we’ve helped shows of all shapes and sizes flourish.
Target Audience and Search Engine Optimization
Before drafting an episode title or show notes, start by creating a list of keywords. Keywords are vital for search engine optimization (SEO), which makes it easier for new listeners to discover your podcast.
Every podcast app has a slightly different search engine; simply put, they search different parts of your podcast for data.
For example, the metadata Apple Podcasts uses for search results includes show name, author name (or channel), and episode title. Spotify and YouTube, on the other hand, also search your show notes, otherwise known as episode descriptions.
What does that mean for your publishing process? TLDR; if you don’t include keywords in your show name, episode title, show notes, or author name, then your podcast won’t appear in search results for major podcast apps.
If you’re having trouble determining your list of keywords, think of listeners who haven’t found your podcast yet and ask yourself the following:
- What terms would they be searching for?
- What questions do they seek answers to?
- How can you help them find answers?
Create a lengthy list. While you will only need one or two keywords for your title and a few keywords in your show notes, having options can help you hone in on your message. Again, think of what terms you would want listeners to search for.
Podcast Episode Titles (with Examples)
Your podcast episode title can be any length. We encourage our clients to limit their titles to 6-8 words, but a 10-word episode title can work as long as it is engaging.
Titles should pique the listener’s interest, providing hope that they can gain something from your show. That “something” should be part of the title. If your episode is a how-to, list, comparison, review, or case study, then the title basically writes itself.
For example, Tips for a Stress-free Disney Vacation or How to Find 15 Minutes to Meditate Every Day clearly indicate what the episode will cover.
If your title does not write itself (which might be why you’re here), try to find something impactful within your episode. You can often spark curiosity by asking a question.
Here’s an example: Is Your Phone Rotting Your Brain?
You’ve probably already seen titles that start with “What” or “Why” that read like catchy article headlines. We’ve listed a few ideas below:
- Why Red Meat is Actually Good for You
- What No One Tells You About Yard Sales
Is there an insider tip you’re sharing? Do you plan to fix a problem? Listeners love secrets, advice, and results-oriented titles.
- Inside the New Generation of Toilets
- Secrets of Toilet Repair to Save Your Wallet
- Another Clogged Toilet? Try This One Thing!
- Conquer Home Plumbing in Only 2 Hours
If the episode is a monologue, create your title around the most valuable part of the episode, something you can pull from. Be relatable about your journey or experience.
- How I Saved Hundreds on Car Insurance
- The Unexpected Journey: Fixing My Roof
If your episode is an interview, what’s a memorable story you talked about? Is there a statement you pulled for social media or the cold open that stayed with you? Is this a book or blog promotion? If you interview someone whose Substack is about protecting national parks, then the title could be about the guest or their writing.
- The Guardian of National Parks
Or if we use “What”/”Why” here:
- What the Government Won’t Tell You About National Parks
- Why Our National Parks Are Under Threat
The key to titles is to create intrigue and interest, so if reading your title makes you want to learn more, then you’re in good shape.
Writing Effective Podcast Show Notes
Show notes (otherwise known as episode descriptions) are the text you find alongside audio content of an episode. SEO and keywords are important here as well. Again, think about what words your audience will be searching for when looking for a podcast. Show notes also include details such as guest and company names, book titles, and other topics that can draw listeners.
We should start by saying that AI tools for writing podcast show notes have come a long way in recent years. While our guide will help you create show notes manually, you may want to explore some generative options.
So, where is the best place to start with show notes? You need to tell listeners about the theme of your episode, as well as why and how they would benefit from listening. Ask yourself “How can you convey the problem that you’re trying to solve, and why should listeners care?”
This is where you should mention anything that is too long for a title, like relevant resources, calls to action, and even websites, social media handles, contact information, and upcoming episode or event information. Additionally, any trigger warnings could be written here — especially if you’re covering a sensitive topic.
How to Get a Listener’s Attention
Show notes should start with a hook, whether an intriguing question directed at the listener or a fact or statement that pulls them in, similar to a show’s cold open.
- Does America waste too much time and money on plumbers?
- This week, we’re welcoming John Smith, activist, professor, and author of ‘Why Our National Parks Are Toast.’
- On November 18, 2019, three men gathered outside City Hall in Detroit. They were about to commit an unfathomable crime.
Show note length is unimportant; some podcasts have show notes that are four sentences and others that are four paragraphs. And if show notes credit cast and crew and include social handles and websites, they can get fairly lengthy.
That said, you might get your point across in only four sentences, and you don’t want to just toss in extra keywords just for SEO. Keep your writing interesting and to the point.
Compare your episode title and show notes with other shows that have similar themes. Search with your keywords and see what kinds of shows come up.
Looking for extra feedback? Share your title and show notes to friends, family, and colleagues! Include several options for the title if you have them, and ask for feedback. Be open-minded for criticism, and have fun publishing your podcast.
Have questions? Interested in working with The Podglomerate to help grow your audience and improve your podcast marketing strategy? Email us to learn more about our services.
