As we continue getting back to the basics of podcasting, on today’s Podcast Insider we explore the value of -- and offer tips for -- show notes. We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team. Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett Show notes describe your podcast: They are a quick synopsis of what your episode covers. Posted with your episode on your website, they show up in podcast apps (that is if you don’t change the app summary). Include relevant links: They should offer access to the resources mentioned in the show and expand on the topics you’ve discussed. A good place for a plug: The notes can also include info on upcoming episodes, events, merch, etc. An SEO savior: Most podcasters leave a lot to be desired when including additional information or sources they mention in their episodes. Yet, you can show up in search results for your topic when you use keywords appropriately, write enough (word count) and properly title your episode. Use templates; save time: We use templates for our podcast show notes to save us time each episode. We’ve even created show notepads for fans of pen and paper. Apps handle HTML and links differently, but most often utilize links nowadays, making it easy for listeners. Get help: If you’re unfamiliar with or uncomfortable writing, there are resources to help — whether on a regular basis or the first few times. Virtual assistants, launch partners (such as Pro-Production) and similar features are a great way to get a feel for what you want for your show. Including show notes summarizes your content, allows listeners to get the most out of your episode, benefits any ads/sponsorships you have and, overall, brings your audience back to wherever you’d like them to visit. Show notes are something you must do each episode to advance your show. Although sometimes cumbersome, if you to use them to the best of their ability, it does get easier and offers a great ROI of your time. ________________ Show notes are the description of your episode, posted on your website and shown in podcast apps (that is if you don’t change the app summary). They contain relevant links and information to the episode, upcoming episodes, events, merch, etc. We’ve been using them for our show every episode since the beginning back in 2008 or so. Show notes can be an SEO savior for podcasters. To be frank, most podcasters don’t do show notes justice and leave a lot to be desired with the additional information or sources they’re mentioning. Show notes are a really great way to gain new listeners overall but also for specific episodes. You can show up in search results for your topic when you use keywords appropriately, write enough (word count) and properly title your episode. We use a template for our show notes and it saves us time each and every episode. We’ve even created show notepads for those that are fans of pen and paper. Apps handle HTML and links differently, but most often utilize links nowadays making it easy for listeners. Regularly using show notes assists listeners get the most out of your content, is great and useful for any ads/sponsorships you have, and overall bringing your audience back to wherever you’d like them to visit. If you’re unfamiliar with or uncomfortable writing, this is also something that someone can help you with - whether that is on a regular basis or just the first few times. Virtual assistants, launch partners, etc. are a great way to get a feel for what you want for your show. You have to do show notes each episode if you want to use them to the best of their ability, and it gets easier. Highly recommended that you use a template and or format so that you’re not overwhelmed each time. For more information visit these links.