How to Use Keywords in Episode Show Notes: A Beginner Step by Step Guide 

Podcast SEO: Keywords in Episode Show Notes to Rank for More Podcasts, Attract More Listeners and Improve Your Podcast Rankings

When you think of podcast SEO, what comes to mind are usually podcast titles and descriptions (of which we widely spoke in our blog post Optimize Podcast Titles & Descriptions: Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide).

Unfortunately, not many podcasters know how important SEO is in episode show notes and the huge potential there. 

Placing the the right keywords in your show notes can truly boost your podcast visibility on search engines & podcast directories, so that the new listeners can easily discover you. 

If you're new to SEO & keywords do not panic! This guide explains step by step how to optimize episode show notes correctly. 

And if you're a true beginner, you might want to check out our tutorial on how to implement your SEO strategy and rank #1 on the podcast charts in just a few easy steps.

How to Use Keywords in Episode Show Notes

Using the right keywords in show notes is crucial to achieve success and make you podcast visible on the podcast platforms. Here is how to do it:

Step 1: Know What Words Are Important

Keywords are what people go to Google, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify looking for to discover content. Say your podcast is around fitness; your audience might look behind for:

• "best workouts for weight loss"

• "how to stay motivated to exercise"

If these keywords naturally appear within your episode show notes, then your podcast gets higher search rank and is more heard.

Step 2: Research Relevant Keywords

You can't just insert keywords into your show notes, you need the right keywords. Here's how to find them:

• Google Autocomplete – Half-type a subject in Google (e.g., "best morning."), and then see what suggests itself.

• Browse Podcast Directory – Look at similar shows in Apple Podcasts or Spotify, pay attention to the words they’re using in their title and description. 

• Use Free SEO Tools – Sites like Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic, or Google Keyword Planner help you discover the most popular search terms for your podcast subject. Or use Semrush or AhRefs, they are both worth a monthly subscription if you really want to master your SEO strategy.

• Check Competitors – Pay attention to how other podcaster organizes their show notes and picking the relevant keywords. 

Step 3: Tactically Place Keywords in Your Show Notes 

Now that you know what keywords are the best, it’s time to add the keywords tactically. Here's where to place them:

Episode Title

Use your main keyword in your title, but organically.

Example:

• Bad: "Fitness Podcast Episode 34" (Too generic)

• Good: "10-Minute Morning Workouts for Weight Loss (No Equipment Needed!)"

Introduction Paragraph

Your introductory paragraph needs to have the main keyword and let us know what the episode is about.

Example:

• "In this episode, we're going to talk about the top morning exercises to lose weight that you can do at home even if you have limited time."

Summary or Bullet Points

Make use of keywords in summarizing the key takeaways from the episode.

Example:

• How to lose weight using morning workout sessions

• Best home workouts that don't need any equipment

• How to maintain consistency with home workouts

Call-to-Action (CTA)

Make listeners subscribe, share, or visit your site. Use related keywords naturally in the process.

Example:

• "Want more home workout and weight loss tips? Subscribe to our podcast and visit our website for free fitness guides!"

Step 4: Avoid Keyword Stuffing

Keywords are needed, but don't overuse them. Overloading your show notes with too many keywords may make them sound robotic and can even hurt your rankings.

Poor Example:

• "In this episode, we discuss weight loss workouts. The weight loss workouts which we possess here are the best weight loss workouts. If weight loss workouts are your passion, then you will enjoy these weight loss workouts!"

Better Example:

• "Can’t find time to workout? We will take you through some quick, no-equipment, calorie-burning exercises."

Step 5: Optimize Links and Hashtags

Include Links – If you have a blog, website, or social media page, link to them with appropriate anchor text.

Example:

• "For the full article on simple exercises for beginners, check out our blog post here."

Include Hashtags (for Social Media Optimization) – If your show notes are on social media, include relevant hashtags like:

•  #WeightLossTips #MorningWorkout #NoEquipmentExercises

Step 6: Test and Refine Over Time

SEO is a time-consuming process, it's not a magic that happens overnight. Keep an eye on how your podcast is performing with:

• Podcast Analytics – Check which episodes are most listened to and engaged with.

• Google Search Console – Track how your podcast is performing for certain keywords.

• Experiment with Different Keywords – If one keyword isn't getting traffic, try variations.

Final Thoughts

Adding keywords to your podcast episode show notes is a simple and effective way of attracting more listeners. 

When you find relevant keywords and add them naturally to your show notes, you'll get more noticed and your script will not appear spammy.

Start optimizing your show notes now, and watch your podcast flourish!

There’s much more you should know about how to boost your podcast ranking and hit the top of the Charts:

Ultimate Guide to Podcast Cover Art That Stands Out

Podcast demographics: how to understand and use them

How to Boost Your Podcast's Engagement Rate

The Best Strategies to Get Your Podcast Discovered

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Author's note

Have you ever imagined turning your content into a podcast but thought you didn’t have the time or tools to make it happen? Enter PodcastAI, the revolutionary AI-powered software that transforms your blog posts, newsletters, and even news articles into podcast episodes—using your own voice. 

It takes care of the entire process, from writing episodes to creating show notes, cover art, and transcripts. 

But there’s more—PodcastAI publishes your podcast on platforms like Apple and Spotify, creates promotional clips for social media, and even provides a dedicated website for your show. 

Whether you’re a solo content creator or a marketing agency, PodcastAI makes it easier than ever to engage your audience and expand your brand without the typical time investment.