What are Podcast Show Notes and Why Should You Write Them?

Many podcasters do not consider podcast show notes an important part of publishing their episodes. It is not hard to see why—after all podcasts are an audible commodity. What then are the benefits of spending time creating written content?

  • Show notes are a detailed explanation of what was discussed on the podcast episode.
  • Show notes help reinforce an episode’s message complementing audio content with visual content.
  • Show notes are an opportunity for guests to share resources that entice listeners to visit their website or social media accounts.
  • Show notes are a means of attracting and educating new listeners.
  • Show notes that you prepare save the host valuable time and effort.

What should be included in show notes?

  • A quick summary – Start your show notes with a summary of the episode. Make it brief and enticing. In no more than 100 words use a provocative statement, a thought-provoking question or spicy quote from the podcast.
  • Your biography – Create a unique biography that stands out from the crowd. Offer two different biographies to the host. One should be a short form and the other a full-length biography. The host decides which one to use.
  • Your website URL – You may have several websites. For podcast show notes only include one or two links.
  • Links to social media – Limit your social media sites to standard ones like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. If you do not use one of those, include sites such as Instagram or YouTube. These links build your credibility.
  • A free resource – Always offer a free download of a resource you have created. Listeners need to sign up for your newsletter or blog to download the resource. The idea is to enable you to keep in touch with those podcast listeners.
  • Images and visuals – Offer several headshots, and let the host decide which one to use. Include an image of your most recent book or other product if you have one.
  • Contact information – Your website should include your contact information, but you may also want to add it in your show notes.
  • A contest – Offer the host books or other products as giveaways for a contest that randomly chooses the winners.

Your podcast show notes can make or break your success as a guest. Your goals are to save the host time, promote yourself in the best light and entice listeners to visit your website to learn more about you.

Podcast show notes don’t have to be hard. Use the content you create for the podcast as the basis for your notes. The benefits far outweigh the effort so don’t skip this step.

Your target audience consists of the people and businesses that are most likely to need and want what you have to sell.  Before you create a marketing plan for your business, it is critical that you define your target audience and create an ideal client profile so you can attract this audience with your marketing. Once you have identified your target audience and ideal clients you will find it so much easier to design your marketing plan around their identity and their needs.

Some of the questions you may want to ask when defining your ideal client are listed below. Not all questions will be applicable to your ideal client, so pick and choose the questions based on your needs.

  • What is his or her age?
  • What is his or her gender?
  • Where do they live?
  • What is his or her income?
  • What is his or her educational level?
  • Is this person involved in any organized sport?
  • Does this person own a business?
  • In what industry is his or her business?
  • What is his or her annual revenue?
  • How long have they been in business?
  • What problems does this person have?
  • How can you solve these problems?
  • Has this person worked with someone like you before?
  • Where can you find him or her?
  • What podcasts does this person listen to?
  • Does this person belong to any organization such as a trade association or volunteer group?

Once you have answered the questions and created the ideal client profile, then you incorporate this information into your website and other marketing materials. You’ll waste less time looking for clients, and when you find them, they will be more likely to hire you. Ideal clients will inspire you, make you feel confident, pay you what you’re worth, praise you, and refer other clients to you without being asked.

Another way of defining your ideal client is to look at past and present clients. Which of these clients did you enjoy working with the most? Pull those client files and list their characteristics based on the questions above.

Perhaps the most important benefit of this process is that you will be empowered to fire clients who drive you to distraction, and you will not waste time trying to get an unsuitable client to sign a contract with you! You deserve to work with clients who bring out the best in you—so don’t be shy, and get started on finding your ideal client!

© 2023, Davis Virtual Assistance. Please do not reprint without permission.  Bonnie offers podcast booking services and a training package for those that want to book themselves on podcasts. You can contact Bonnie at bonnie@davisvirtualassistance.com.