E92 - Ten Things to Include in Your Podcast Show Notes to Help You to be Found Online

When writing show notes for your podcast, there are several key elements and best practices to keep in mind. Show notes are a valuable tool for engaging your audience, providing additional information about your episodes, and improving your podcast's discoverability. Here are some essential elements and best practices for writing effective show notes:

1. Episode Summary: Begin with a concise summary or overview of the episode's content. This should be a brief, attention-grabbing description that entices listeners to engage with the episode.
2. Timestamps: Include timestamps for different segments or topics discussed during the episode. This allows listeners to easily navigate to specific sections they're interested in. Timestamps can be especially helpful for longer episodes or when covering multiple topics.
3. Guest Information: If you have guest speakers on your podcast, provide a short introduction or bio for each guest. Mention their expertise, achievements, or any relevant background information. This helps establish credibility and gives listeners context about the guests' contributions.
4. Resources and Links: Include any resources, articles, books, or websites mentioned in the episode. Hyperlink these resources whenever possible, making it easy for your audience to access them directly. This adds value to your show notes and enhances the learning experience for your listeners.
5. Call-to-Action (CTA): Include a clear call-to-action at the end of your show notes. This could be a request to subscribe to your podcast, leave a review, follow you on social media, or join a newsletter. A well-placed CTA can help you grow your audience and build a community around your podcast.
6. Keywords and SEO Optimization: Incorporate relevant keywords and phrases throughout your show notes. This can improve your podcast's search engine optimization (SEO) and increase its discoverability. Think about the words and phrases your target audience might use to search for content related to your episode.
7. Formatting and Readability: Make your show notes easy to read and scan. Use subheadings, bullet points, or numbered lists to break up the text and make it more digestible. Consider using bold or italic formatting to highlight important information. Keep the paragraphs concise and organized.
8. Branding and Consistency: Maintain consistency in your show notes' formatting and style to align with your podcast's brand. Use your podcast's logo, colors, or typography to create a cohesive visual experience. Consistency helps build brand recognition and reinforces your podcast's identity.
9. Episode Transcript: Consider providing a full or partial transcript of your episode alongside the show notes. Transcripts can make your content more accessible to those with hearing impairments, improve searchability, and provide an alternative way to consume the information. You can include the transcript directly in the show notes or provide it as a separate downloadable file.
10. Cross-Promotion and Related Episodes: If applicable, mention related episodes that cover similar topics or continue the discussion from previous episodes. This encourages listeners to explore more of your content and increases engagement. Additionally, use the show notes as an opportunity to promote other projects, events, or collaborations you're involved in.

Remember that show notes should be concise yet informative, providing enough detail to engage your audience without overwhelming them. By incorporating these key elements and best practices, you can create show notes that enhance the overall listening experience, increase engagement, and boost the visibility of your podcast.

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