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Everyone likes to make a good first impression, and your podcast show description is your audience’s first impression of your show. Therefore, it needs to be informative, enticing, and concise. (No pressure, right?) If you’re unsure how to write a show description that hooks your listeners from the first word, we’ve got you covered!
We will walk you through three simple steps to writing a clear and compelling show description for your podcast.
What is a Podcast Show Description?
A podcast description is just what it sounds like – a summary of your show. It tells your audience what to expect from your show and compels your potential listener to press play.
Posted in your Podcast RSS feed for all the platforms — think Apple, Spotify, Stitcher etc. — a good show description can be the difference between someone tuning in or continuing to scroll past your show. We’ve been told not to judge a book by its cover, but how about judging it on the summary?
According to a 2020 survey from The Podcast Host, most potential listeners judge a show on the description first and foremost. Show and episode descriptions were the two most significant factors determining if someone listened to a podcast for the first time.
Three Steps to Create a Compelling Show Description
1. Connect with Your Audience
A compelling show description connects with your audience from the start. Ask yourself, what does my target listener want? Why are they seeking out this podcast? How can you tap into their interest, values, or problems? You want to relate to them and make them feel like you understand them!
Examples:
“Do you want to care for yourself but struggle to find the time and motivation?”
“With everything going on with the economy, it feels like you need a finance degree to know what to do with your money.”
“Think you’re the only person in the world who can quote the entire Dawson’s Creek catalog? Think again!”
2. Introduce Your Show and Establish Credibility
It’s essential to be clear and concise when you introduce your show. Let your listeners know what they can expect from the show and why you’re the person to deliver the information. Introduce your hosts, format, and cadence. Take the time to establish why your audience should listen to what you have to say. The tone of your show description should match the tone of your show. If you’re playful, serious, technical, etc., reflect that in your summary of your show.
Examples:
“Each week, join seasoned fitness guru, nutritionist, and mom, Janice, for her time and sanity-saving tips!”
“Join financial experts Peter and Melinda for quick daily check-in as they cut through the fancy jargon in the news and provide you with the expertise you need.”
“Visit Capeside, MA, with superfans Ginny and Kyle as they dissect, discuss, and take a weekly dive deep into the world of Dawson’s Creek episode by episode.”
3. Tell Them Why To Listen
Finally, outline what your listeners will get by tuning in. Take some time to conclude your show description, and include relevant keywords your target audience might be searching for. This is your final impression, so leave them with a reason to press play and hit subscribe.
Examples:
“Recipes, workouts, self-care, and beyond, these conversations will help you discover how to live a well-balanced life you enjoy.”
“It’s time to make your money work for you and learn how to save, invest, and spend like a pro.”
“Seriously, these two love Dawson’s Creek more than Pacey loves Joey. You don’t want to miss out!”
So now, let’s put it into practice by putting it all together!
Show Description Example 1:
Do you want to take care of yourself but struggle to find the time and motivation? Each week join seasoned fitness guru, nutritionist, and mom, Janice, for her time and sanity-saving tips! Recipes, workouts, self-care, and beyond, these conversations will help you discover how to live a well-balanced life you enjoy.
Show Description Example 2:
With everything going on with the economy, it feels like you need a finance degree to know what to do with your money. Join financial experts Peter and Melinda for quick daily check-in as they cut through the fancy jargon in the news and provide you with the expertise you need. It’s time to make your money work for you and learn how to save, invest, and spend like a pro.
Show Description Example 3:
Think you’re the only person in the world who can quote the entire Dawson’s Creek catalog? Think again! Every week visit Capeside, MA, with hosts Ginny and Kyle as they dissect, discuss, and dive deep into the world of Dawson’s Creek episode by episode. Seriously, these two love Dawson’s Creek more than Pacey loves Joey. You don’t want to miss out!
Creating a compelling show description that depicts the tone and value of your show isn’t complicated once you understand the basic elements. It’s as easy as 1-2-3!
Now go out there and connect with listeners!
Writing a show description is only one step in launching your show. If you’re ready, our team of podcast experts provides white-glove service and support to get your podcast off the ground. We’ve successfully launched podcasts for NYT Bestselling authors, Fortune 500 companies and everyone in between. Seriously, everyone.
Schedule a free consultation today!
Keywords: podcast show description, podcast episodes, podcast audience, podcast hosts
Before you go! Download our Complete Podcast Starter Kit.
It includes:
✅ Podcircle’s Essential Equipment Guide
✅ The Ultimate Podcast Launch Checklist
✅ Content Calendar Template formatted for Google Sheets
✅ Remote Interview Preparation Pack
✅ 8 Tips to Improve Your Interviews
✅ Three Steps to Writing a Compelling Podcast Show Description
