Shownotes are a preview or an overview of your podcast episode for your listener that you upload to the hosting platform alongside the audio file and episode graphics. They can include information about the episode, guests, and links to resources
Like the commercial for a business or a trailer for a show or movie, they help the listener understand the point, the purpose & what to expect. It’s a quick summary of the content of your episode where you touch on the theme, offer insight about your guest & you give a quick access point to the content covered that you want your listener to have exposure to.
Now you might be thinking, “isn’t that what a description is”? Well, yes. But, also, no. A description is an overview of the episode, but shownotes are much more. While you are required by most hosting platforms to provide a description to post your episode, shownotes are something you have to decide to do. They are a little more involved than a simplified description, but they are strategic & they offer tremendous value to both you & your listener.
They are a way of offering more than just a word-bite about the content, but rather they become a platform for engaging your followers.
Shownotes are a way that you can boost the overall impact of your podcast both in the eyes of the current listener but also to prospective listeners who haven’t found you yet.
5 reasons you should write podcast shownotes:
1. Engage Your Audience
2. Summarizes the Episode
3. Boost your Credibility
4. Cross-Promote Your Brand
5. Improve SEO (On Podcast Apps and Your Website)