Writing Show Notes – A Comprehensive Guide for Podcasters: Day 13

Welcome to Day 13 of our 30-day podcast launch journey! Today, we’re diving into an often overlooked but crucial aspect of podcast production: writing show notes. While your audio content is the star of the show, well-crafted show notes can significantly enhance your podcast’s discoverability, accessibility, and overall value to your audience. Let’s explore why show notes matter and how to create them effectively.

What Are Show Notes?

Before we delve into the importance and creation of show notes, let’s define what they are:

Show notes are written summaries or descriptions that accompany each episode of your podcast. They typically include an overview of the episode’s content, key points discussed, timestamps for different segments, links to resources mentioned, and any other relevant information.

The Importance of Show Notes

You might be wondering why you should spend time crafting show notes when your primary content is audio. Here are several compelling reasons:

- ***Improved SEO*** : Search engines can't crawl audio content, but they can index your show notes. Well-written show notes can help your podcast appear in search results, increasing discoverability.
• Accessibility : Show notes make your content accessible to those who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as to those who prefer reading to listening.
• Episode Preview : Potential listeners can quickly scan your show notes to decide if an episode interests them, potentially increasing your listener base.
• Reference Material : Listeners can refer back to show notes to find specific information, links, or resources mentioned in your podcast without having to relisten to the entire episode.
• Content Repurposing : Good show notes can serve as a basis for blog posts, social media content, or other marketing materials.
• Engagement Boost : Including links, resources, and calls-to-action in your show notes can drive listener engagement beyond just listening to your podcast.
• Professionalism : Comprehensive show notes demonstrate your commitment to providing value to your audience, enhancing your podcast’s professional image.

Now that we understand why show notes are important, let’s look at how to create effective ones.

Elements of Effective Show Notes

While the exact content of your show notes may vary depending on your podcast’s style and subject matter, here are some key elements to consider including:

- ***Episode Title*** : A clear, descriptive title that accurately represents the episode's content.
• Episode Number : For easy reference and to help listeners track their progress through your series.
• Publication Date : To keep your content organized chronologically.
• Brief Description : A one or two-sentence overview of what the episode is about.
• Detailed Summary : A more in-depth description of the episode’s content, main topics, and key takeaways.
• Timestamps : Markers indicating when specific topics or segments begin in the episode.
• Guest Information : If applicable, include the name, title, and brief bio of any guests featured in the episode.
• Links and Resources : Any websites, books, articles, or other resources mentioned during the episode.
• Quotes : Notable or shareable quotes from the episode.
• Call-to-Action : Encourage listeners to subscribe, leave a review, or engage with your podcast in some way.
• Transcription : While not always necessary, a full transcription can be valuable for accessibility and SEO.

Tips for Writing Effective Show Notes

Now that we know what to include, here are some tips on how to write show notes that truly enhance your podcast:

- ***Be Concise Yet Informative*** : Provide enough detail to be useful, but keep it brief enough that readers can quickly scan the content.
• Use Formatting for Readability : Utilize headings, bullet points, and paragraph breaks to make your show notes easy to read and navigate.
• Optimize for SEO : Include relevant keywords naturally throughout your show notes, especially in the title and opening paragraph.
• Make it Scannable : Use bold text or subheadings to highlight key points or segment titles.
• Include Relevant Links : Make sure all links are working and lead to valuable, relevant content.
• Be Consistent : Develop a template or format for your show notes and stick to it across episodes for a professional look.
• Proofread : Ensure your show notes are free of spelling and grammatical errors.
• Use Engaging Language : Write in a style that matches your podcast’s tone and encourages readers to listen to the full episode.
• Include Visual Elements : Where appropriate, add images, charts, or other visual elements to enhance understanding and engagement.
• Update as Necessary : If information becomes outdated or links change, update your show notes to keep them current.

Examples of Effective Show Notes

Let’s look at a few examples of well-crafted show notes from popular podcasts:

- ***This American Life*** :
This podcast provides a clear episode description, act-by-act breakdown with timestamps, and links to related content. They also include a full transcript. Example: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/758/talking-while-black
• TED Radio Hour :
  Their show notes include a brief episode description, segments with timestamps, links to full TED talks referenced, and guest information. Example: https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/1174796558/how-were-doing
• Freakonomics Radio :
  They provide a detailed episode description, full transcript, and links to resources mentioned in the show. Example: https://freakonomics.com/podcast/why-do-we-really-follow-the-news-rebroadcast/

These examples demonstrate different approaches to show notes, each tailored to the specific needs of the podcast and its audience. Study show notes from podcasts in your niche to get ideas for your own.

Exercise: Writing Show Notes for Your First Episode

Now that we’ve covered the theory and looked at some examples, it’s time to put this knowledge into practice. Follow these steps to create show notes for your first episode:

- ***Listen to Your Episode*** : If you haven't already, listen to your first episode in full, taking notes as you go.
• Create an Outline : Based on your notes, create an outline of the main topics covered in your episode.
• Write a Brief Description : In one or two sentences, summarize what your episode is about.
• Develop a Detailed Summary : Expand on your brief description, highlighting key points and takeaways.
• Add Timestamps : Go through your episode again, noting the times when new topics or segments begin.
• Include Links and Resources : List any websites, books, or other resources mentioned in your episode.
• Insert a Call-to-Action : Encourage your audience to engage further with your podcast.
• Proofread and Format : Review your show notes for errors and format them for easy reading.

Here’s a template you can use:

[Episode Number]: [Episode Title]
[Publication Date]

[Brief Description]

In this episode of [Podcast Name], we explore [main topic]. [Guest name, if applicable] joins us to discuss [specific aspects of the topic]. We delve into [key points] and offer insights on [main takeaways].

Episode Highlights:
[Timestamp] - [Topic 1]
[Timestamp] - [Topic 2]
[Timestamp] - [Topic 3]

Key Takeaways:
1. [Takeaway 1]
2. [Takeaway 2]
3. [Takeaway 3]

Resources Mentioned:
- [Resource 1]: [Link]
- [Resource 2]: [Link]
- [Resource 3]: [Link]

Connect with us:
[Social Media Links]
[Website]

Don't forget to subscribe to [Podcast Name] on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review if you enjoyed this episode!

Conclusion

Writing effective show notes is an art that combines concise writing, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of your audience’s needs. While it may seem like extra work on top of producing your podcast, well-crafted show notes can significantly enhance your podcast’s reach, accessibility, and overall value to your listeners.

Remember, your show notes are often the first point of contact between your podcast and potential new listeners. They’re also a valuable resource for your existing audience. By investing time in creating comprehensive, engaging show notes, you’re not just supporting your current content—you’re building a robust, searchable archive that can continue to attract and serve listeners long after the episode has been published.

As you continue your podcasting journey, you’ll likely develop your own style and format for show notes that best serves your specific podcast and audience. The key is to be consistent, informative, and always focused on providing value to your listeners.

Happy writing, and we’ll see you tomorrow for Day 14 of our 30-day podcast launch challenge!