Creating a podcast is an art, but so is crafting the show notes.

Show notes aren’t just for show and are often an overlooked aspect of podcasts. They are a valuable resource for listeners to dive even deeper into your podcast. Did we mention they can also help you to boost discoverability, increase engagement and provide lasting value to your podcast?

In this handy blog post, we’re going to cover every little thing you need to know about podcasts show notes, including what they are, why they matter, some of the different types/formats and how to write them.

So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!

What Are Show Notes? 📝

Think of show notes as your podcast’s personal assistant, providing a concise breakdown of each episode’s key points. They offer a snapshot of what was discussed, helping the audience to get a sense of the episode without needing to listen to it entirely. . Show notes can be found within podcast apps (like Apple Podcasts or Spotify), under the episode details.

Why Do Show Notes Matter? 🤷‍♀️

Podcast’s show notes matter because they help to provide concise summaries of each episode, highlighting key topics and helping new listeners decide whether your podcast aligns with their interests. Here are a few other reasons why show notes are so important:

SEO Magic 🪄

Search engines can’t exactly hear your podcast, but they can read your show notes! Including relevant and searchable keywords within your podcast show notes makes your podcast easier to find and helps you appeal to and attract the right audience. Keywords act as the signposts that guide potential listeners to your show. When you include terms and phrases that align with the topics you discuss, you're making it easier for search engines to understand what your podcast is all about. This means when someone searches for content related to those keywords, your podcast is more likely to pop up in their search results.

Accessibility ✅

Not everyone has the time to listen to a whole episode, and may just want the summarised version. Show notes allow people to get the gist of the episode without sacrificing their whole lunch break. This accessibility can help to broaden your audience by accommodating to varied consumption preferences. This approach not only meets varied consumption needs but also opens the door to attracting a wider and more diverse audience

Easy Resource Hub 😌

Podcast listeners appreciate having easy and direct access to resources, and show notes are the ideal spot to provide them. By linking to books, articles, or websites, you make it simple for your audience to explore the material you discussed, enhancing their overall experience and engagement with your podcast. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference, helping your listeners follow up on interesting topics and deepening their connection with your content.

Strengthens Your Brand 💪

Well-written and consistent show notes aren’t just a nice touch—they’re a reflection of your podcast’s quality and professionalism. They show that you’re not just phoning it in but genuinely invested in providing value to your listeners. Think of them as the cherry on top that makes your podcast look polished and puts a spotlight on your attention to detail.

Show Note Styles 🕶️

Now we have you convinced of their importance, lets talk styles! The style of your show notes can depend on your podcast and its specific audience. Here are a few popular styles:

Simple Bullet Points ⚫️

This format is quick, easy and straight to the point. It covers the essentials without overwhelming the reader with too much information. Think of it as the fast food version of show notes. It’s perfect for casual, conversational podcast where all that is needed is quick rundown.

Example:

Welcome to the Flamingo Podcast, where we dive into fun and interesting facts about the magic creatures that are Flamingo’s! This weeks episode includes:

• What is a Flamingo’s favourite food?

• Interview with Ferdinand The Flamingo

• 5 fun facts about a Flamingo’s diet

• Book recommendation: Fussy Flamingo by Shelley Vaughan James

Detailed Summary ✍️

Think you’ve got more to say? A detailed summary format dives much deeper into the topics covered within the episode. This gives the listener a better sense of both the flow and specific content. This format is perfect for podcasts with rich content or interviews where the listener may prefer/benefit from more context.

Example:

Welcome to the Flamingo Podcast, where we dive into fun and interesting facts about the magic creatures that are Flamingo’s! In this episode, we chat with Dr. Jane Doe about the fascinating world of flamingos and the challenges they face in their natural habitats. We cover her personal experiences studying these unique birds, expert insights into their behaviour, and her top tips for understanding their social dynamics. We also dive into why their feeding habits are key to their striking pink colour and discuss conservation efforts to protect flamingo populations around the world.

Timestamps ⏰

The timestamp format is for when you want to provide a more detailed glossary of your podcast episode. By providing time stamps in your show notes, this allows the listener to skip to the part of the episode they’re most interested in, saving time and frustration. This format is perfect for long episodes or podcasts with different segements.

Example:

Welcome to the Flamingo Podcast, where we dive into fun and interesting facts about the magic creatures that are Flamingo’s! Topics covered in this weeks episode are:

[00:00] Introduction and background on Flamingos
[05:45] Dr. Jane Doe’s journey studying Flamingos
[12:30] Fascinating facts about Flamingo behaviour and social dynamics
[25:00] Conservation efforts and wrap-up

Guest-Focused Show Notes 🧍

Guest-focused show notes highlight information about the guest, including their biography and contributions. This is great for an interview style podcast or a podcast that focuses solely on the guest and their story.

Example:

Guest Bio: Dr. Emily Johnson is a renowned expert in flamingo behavior with over 20 years of experience in avian studies.

In This Episode:

• Dr. Johnson’s Contributions: Discover Dr. Johnson’s groundbreaking research on flamingo social structures and migration patterns.

• Career Highlights: Learn about her career and major achievements in the study of flamingos.

Guest Links:

• Dr. Johnson’s Website

• Her Latest Book on Flamingo Behavior

• Follow Dr. Johnson on Twitter for fascinating facts and updates about flamingos

Additional Elements to Enrich Your Show Notes 😍

The main body of your podcast show notes is crucial, but there are also other key elements you can add to truly maximise their impact.

Call To Action 📞

A call to action is your chance to connect with listeners and invite them to stay engaged. Encourage them to hit that subscribe/follow button, leave a glowing review, and follow you on social media.

You could say something like: “Loved today’s episode? Hit subscribe to keep the good times rolling! If you enjoyed it, drop us a review on Apple Podcasts and let’s chat on Twitter. Your feedback helps us make each episode better!”

Call For Contributions 🤲

A call for contributions invites listeners to become part of your show, making them feel involved and valued. Let them know how they can contribute to future episodes and share their own experiences.

For example: “Got a story about flamingo’s? Send it our way at hello@podcast.com—your story might just be featured in an upcoming episode!”

Sponsorship Information ℹ️

Episode sponsor information helps support your show while giving listeners valuable deals. Share details about the sponsor, their offerings, and any special discounts.

For instance: “This episode is sponsored by Flamingo Solutions inc. Check out their latest software and use code FLAMINGO20 for a 20% discount. Thanks to Flamingo Solutions for supporting the show!”

Links 🔗

Links to resources mentioned in the episode provide listeners with further reading and exploration. Include URLs for studies, articles, books, tools, websites, and social media accounts.

For example: “Get your feathers ruffled with Dr. Carter’s latest research paper on Flamingo’s here [link]. Follow us on Twitter [link] and visit our website [link] for more updates!”

Additional Tips ➕

Looking for more ways to elevate your show notes? Here are some extra tips to help you make the most of this important element of your podcast!

Keep it Organised 🧹

A tidy, well-organised set of show notes makes it a breeze for listeners to find what they need and enjoy a smoother reading experience. Clear headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs keep things neat and accessible. With a layout that’s easy to navigate, your audience can quickly find their way through your notes, making their podcast experience even better.

Consistency is Key 🔑

Consistency is key to a polished look and a familiar experience for your listeners. By sticking to a standard format for your show notes—using the same headings, links, and styling—you create a professional appearance that makes it easier for your audience to navigate and engage with each episode.

Proofread Carefully 📖

Errors or typos in your show notes can undermine your podcast’s professionalism and confuse your listeners. Make sure to proofread your notes thoroughly before publishing, and if possible, have a second set of eyes review them to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Update For Accuracy 👍

Keeping your show notes up-to-date ensures all information stays accurate and relevant, especially if there are corrections or new resources after the episode airs. Regularly review and update your notes to add fresh content and fix any errors, keeping everything sharp and reliable for your audience.

Wrapping it Up 🙌

We hope this blog post has been a valuable guide in helping you create standout show notes. With these tips and tricks, you’re all set to craft notes that not only elevate your podcast but also engage your listeners and boost your SEO. Remember, there’s not really a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to create show notes, as long as they work for you and your podcast.

If you’re ready to take things to the next level but could use a hand, we’ve got your back! At Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio, our experienced flock are trained in crafting top-notch show notes that shine. We’ve written show notes for many happy clients and know exactly how to make your content stand out. Let us handle the nitty-gritty so you can focus on what you love—creating great content!

Get in touch at: hello@flamingoheights.co.uk