Let's dip into search optimization

[craigconstantine]

It’s time to start searching…

When podcast listeners want to discover a new show, 50% start directly inside listening apps like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And once there, 70% use the search bar to find content.

~ from https://www.ausha.co/blog/climbing-the-charts-inside-bbc-studios-podcast-search-optimization-strategy-with-ausha/.

I was thinking, what’s the word or phrase that if people searched (in their podcast app) I want my show to be at the top? …for Little Box of Quotes I’m thinking “daily quote”. So I tried it…

Little Box of Quotes is in the results list, it’s just one or two flicks down the list. *sad trombone*

So I’m trying a change. The show description was…

A long long time ago I began collecting inspirational quotes and aphorisms. I kept them on the first version of my web site, where they were displayed randomly. But as time went on, I realized I wanted them where I would see them. Eventually I copied the fledgeling collection onto 3×5 cards and put them in a small box. As I find new ones, I add cards. Countless times I’ve pulled another card and found it eerily appropriate to the challenges of the day. Countless times I’ve returned to my desk and felt inspired upon rediscovering an old card’s whispered counsel. Countless times, just as I was about to throw in the towel, I was saved by an echo from the little box on my desk.

Which I now think it too clever, and doesn’t really say precisely what’s in the tin. (I like my cans of tuna fish labeled, “tuna.”) So I’m changing it to the below which is more in line with the pitch on the front of the Little Box of Quotes site, and I’ll try to search again in a few days…

A daily quote. Simple. — No nonsense, no noise, no hooks, no ads. Just one quote each day. (The quotes are also available as an equally simply daily email from littleboxofquotes.com )

What are you going to try searching for? …and how’d that work out?

ɕ

[AnnieP (Annie Parnell)]

Well done Craig!
AnnieP

[tracyhazzard]

@craigconstantine Bravo! Updating your show description is one of the most underutilized ways to get more listeners. When we fix someone’s Show Description it boosts listenership 15-20% within 30 days. There are 4000 characters available - use them ALL! Beyond the first 3 sentences, make it SEO-friendly, but NOT in a keyword cramming-way. SEO in the podcast app is internet 1.0 search so you should use all the variations of the main topic or problem your show solves from the perspective the person will be searching. This is NOT Google SEO. This is Human SEO. Humans type less than they would speak, type the main words they are looking for, but in a layperson way. So, we found that the best way to create this description is to first record it. Here is the free (no sign-in required) guide: https://podcastersunited.org/tips/how-to-write-the-perfect-podcast-description/
Be sure to check out the additional links at the bottom of that page for SEO do’s and don’ts and for how to handle co-host names.

Keyword Research Tip - if you don’t know what your keywords should be, read/listen/watch this: Dominate Podcast Discovery With Unconventional Long-Tail FKW Topic Research

Last Tip (today) - the next most powerful thing to tackle is your episode titles. Those are the only other searchable items you can control. Stop trying to make your show Hollywood - treat them like blog titles and you can be found even more.