WHAT’S THIS EPISODE ABOUT?
Podcast Descriptions Vs. Podcast Show Notes
Did you know there are actually 3 different types of descriptions when it comes to podcasts? Well, there are actually 2 different types of descriptions and then show notes. But we’ll get into those in a sec.
I just want to first clarify that what someone else calls show notes, I may refer to as episode descriptions. And what someone refers to as a podcast description, I refer to as episode descriptions.
I know it’s a whole thing, but there are going to be visual examples of all of these on in the show notes for this episode at KrystalProffitt.com/episode89 so be sure to head over there if at any time something isn’t clear.
The last thing I want to mention before we get into the meat of the episode is that keywords are sooo incredibly important throughout the whole process of your podcast. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but Keywords Everywhere is a great FREE tool that you can use to help you with SEO and keywords for your podcast and I recommend using it when you’re deciding on all of your descriptions and show notes.
Okay, now let’s get into the differences between all of these things so we’re all on the same page!
Podcast Descriptions
A Podcast Description is the information you add to your hosting site when you first set up your podcast. If you need more information about hosting sites, then check out the interview I did with the head of content – Travis – at BuzzSprout which is my hosting site. We went into all of the details you need to know about what a hosting site does and all of that good stuff.
But the podcast description is what shows up on all of the platforms you listen to podcasts.
So if you were to look up this podcast right now on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, or any other platform, you’d see my podcast description. But I’ll do you one better…I’m going to read it to you!
The Proffitt Podcast Description is:
Hi, I’m Krystal – your host of The Proffitt Podcast. Have you ever found yourself asking, “What equipment do I need to start a podcast? What is the best way to launch? How can I get more downloads? What does it take to market a podcast?”
Then you’re in the right place, my friend.
Entrepreneurs dream of creating deeper connections with their audience, but they’re totally overwhelmed with the thought of podcasting. On this podcast, I strip down the process and take all of the overwhelm away.
With my 3-Step approach (Start, Launch, and Market), I deliver content to help you take action and create a podcast your audience craves. I’ve worked with online business owners wanting to have a better marketing strategy, just like you, to individuals not even sure what a podcast is.
The motto around here is, “We all have to start somewhere.”
Join us every Tuesday and Thursday for new episodes on how you can Start, Launch, and Market your own podcast.
So what do you say in your podcast description?
- WHAT your podcast is about
- WHO your podcast is for
- WHEN you publish new episodes
- WHAT value you offer
If we go back and break down my podcast description, then it would be:
- WHAT your podcast is about
- How to start, launch, and market your podcast
- WHO your podcast is for
- This podcast is for entrepreneurs, and I call out entrepreneurs within the podcast description
- WHEN you publish new episodes
- I said in there that new episodes come out every Tuesday & Thursday
- WHAT value you offer
- Again, I’m offering entrepreneurs value by answering their questions about how to start, launch, and market a podcast
Podcast Episode Descriptions
Your podcast episode descriptions are what some people to refer to as show notes, but not me. These are describing the content that’s in your episode, but it doesn’t give as much detail as to show notes.
These are the high-level summary of what’s going on in your podcast, but it’s not EVERYTHING that’s happening.
For those of you wondering, “How long can these descriptions be?” I know within BuzzSprout you’re limited to 4,000 characters for your episode descriptions. That’s because Apple Podcasts only allows for 4,000 characters as well. (Though I’ve never found myself getting too close to the limit.)
Again, keywords are so important when you’re writing up these episode descriptions for your podcast. Especially since Google started indexing podcast episodes! (Which is amazing news for all of us podcasters!)
So do your keyword research for your podcast episode descriptions!
I know I was resistant to it for a long time, but I’m telling you…it works!
And I always write these up after I’ve created the episode and it’s uploaded in my hosting site. This is actually one of the very last things I do before I publish an episode because I know what the content is about and how I want to explain it to my audience.
PRO TIP:
If you take the time to create amazing episode descriptions, then you have the exact copy you need to create teaser content on social media.
If you didn’t already know this is how I do this, I’m about to blow your mind! I copy the exact words from my podcast episode descriptions I upload into BuzzSprout and use that to promote my episodes on social media!
Yup, I hope I just blew your mind!
So you don’t need to wrack your brain trying to figure out, “What am I going to say on social media to promote this episode?” You’ve already done the work. Now, just copy it, throw some emojis in there, and promote it on your fave platforms!
View in BuzzSprout
Facebook Post
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Podcast Show Notes
Show notes are the mack-daddy of podcast descriptions. But I want to make something very clear…
Show notes are NOT just a transcription of your podcast episodes!
This is where listeners can go to get more detailed info about what you’re sharing, visit your website and interact with you, or grab your free and even paid resources you’re offering.
And what I love about show notes is how fancy they are and how easy they are to create!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Krystal, you say they’re easy to create, but they look like a ton of work!”
I get it.
I felt the exact same way.
And I honestly thought about not having show notes at all and stopping at the podcast episodes descriptions.
But I’ve got another great life hack for you today!
Pro Tip:
Create AMAZING outlines for your episodes while you’re recording and then turn that into your show notes! Boom…You’re welcome!
I’ll share what I’m talking about in the show notes for this episode, but I’m telling you…if you put in the time upfront to create an awesome podcast outline, show notes are a piece of cake!
All you’re doing is formatting your thoughts on the page, drafting up what you’d like to say, and then repurposing that content for your website.
Not only is this good for SEO and Google indexing, but it’s also a great way for your listeners to take that next step with your podcast.
Maybe you offer more resources on your site.
Maybe you can schedule coaching calls with your audience.
Maybe you can send them to additional sources of value that’ll make them know, like, and trust you even more.
But I believe at the very least, have simple show notes on your website.
Outline for Episode Show Notes
RECAP: Podcast Descriptions Vs. Podcast Show Notes
- Podcast Descriptions
- Episode Descriptions
- Show Notes
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
- KeywordsEverywhere.com
- Proffitt Podcast Online Community Facebook Group
- Podcast YouTube Channel
- Resource Library
- 5-Day Podcast Bootcamp