If you have a podcast, chances are you’re writing show notes for every episode. If not, there’s step one, start writing them. Show notes are a very underutilized weapon in the podcasting game in my opinion. You see too many podcasts with only 2 or 3 lines in them, and they don’t give you a proper explanation of everything covered in the show.
You should also be posting every single episode’s show notes on your website as a blog. If you want your podcast to be recognized and want more listeners, maybe writing better show notes is a good place to look. I’ve compiled 4 ways to write better show notes for your podcast, and why they will help get your show recognized.
Keywords
Keywords are words or short phrases that are related to the content you are trying to convey. So if you have an episode where you’re talking about the latest iPhone, make sure to mention that a few times in the show notes. This helps if someone is looking for something to listen to on the latest iPhone but doesn’t know exactly what.
They will do some research on the topic, and when they type in “podcast new iPhone” your podcast will be at the top of the chart! Just make sure to not overdo it with this one. If you cram too many keywords in it starts to sound like a robot and no one wants to read something written by a robot. Keywords are also valuable when publishing the podcast to your website. It gives your potential listeners another way to find your podcast, and puts you a step ahead of the competition.
Length
Like I mentioned in the opener, I think most people’s show notes are too short. If you want people to get something out of your show notes, and want more people to find your show, start writing more. It doesn’t have to be a 3 page essay, but make sure to put the effort in when writing them.
They should have a detailed explanation of what was talked about on the show, as well as going into more detail on stuff around your topics. You should aim to have at least 3 or 4 good sized paragraphs covering everything that was talked about in the show. Think of your show notes as an article that you’re writing, rather than a description of the episode.
Research
No matter what in your podcast, you should make sure to do your research, so you know what you’re talking about, and have the information to back it up. When it comes to writing your show notes, it doesn’t hurt to do just a little bit of extra research. What I mean is try writing around the topic that you’re talking about in the episode.
Let’s say your episode was about the history of the guitar, and in the episode you talk at length about how it got started and where it went. Maybe in the show notes start by talking about how many people play guitar and why it’s such a phenomenon. Try to add in some new information about the episode that wasn’t actually talked about in the episode. This will take a little extra effort, but I promise you, people will appreciate it and you will gain more loyal listeners because of it.
Links
If you have a podcast, you should have social media to go along with the show, in order to better promote it, and get in front of more people’s eyes. Also, you really should have a website once your podcast gets to a certain point. Why not leave those links in the show notes? It’s an easy thing to do and your goal is to make it as easy as possible for people to stay engaged with your content. You want there to be a solid circle built between all your stuff.
At the bottom of the show notes, leave links to EVERYTHING! Keep track of whatever you mention in the show, if you have a guest, link to their social media, you should be thinking of anything to keep listeners coming back to your show notes, because that will help your listenership.
If you made it this far, consider reaching out to me at matt@ieditpodcasts.com to chat about great and creative ways to improve your podcast, or if you would like some help with your entire podcasting process, including launching your show, consultations, editing, or just a more personal conversation!