![Podcast Producer: use SEO so everyone can find you on internet [SEO checklist]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-seo-checklist-2_c10a0a6f-afa9-4e84-90c5-ea4c30386e3e.png?v=1715867388&width=1100)
SEO isn't just for tech giants and e-commerce sites—it's a powerful tool that the top podcast producers use strategically to grow their audience.
We understand that you're busy creating compelling content and the thought of optimizing your podcast's online presence might feel like an added burden.
But here's the thing: you don't need to be an SEO expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few simple steps can significantly improve your online visibility and attract more listeners to your podcast.
To assist you, we have created a free SEO checklist - and for a comprehensive action plan, please check out our pack of marketing tactics and strategies for podcast producers.
Get the SEO checklist made for podcast producers
The best podcast producers rank first on Google. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
What is SEO for podcast producers exactly?
Simply put, SEO is all about making your podcast’s website more attractive to search engines like Google.
When someone searches for "best true crime podcast" or "top business podcasts," SEO helps your podcast show up in the results. The goal is to get your website higher up on the search results page so more people can find and listen to your podcast.
Why is SEO Important for Podcasts?
SEO is incredibly important for podcasts, and here’s why:
- Increased Online Visibility:
The higher your website ranks on search engines, the more people will see it. This means more potential listeners discovering your podcast online, especially when they're looking for new shows to follow.
- Higher Rankings on Search Engines:
Most people don’t look past the first page of search results. By optimizing your site, you can climb those rankings and beat out the competition. Imagine someone searching for "best tech podcasts" and finding your show right at the top!
- Attracting More Targeted Listeners:
SEO isn't just about getting anyone to your site—it's about getting the right people. Local SEO helps ensure that when someone nearby searches for a podcast in your niche, your show pops up. This means more engaged listeners and a growing audience.
Key Components of SEO
Now, let’s break down the main parts of SEO specifically for your podcast:
On-Page SEO
This involves making sure the content on your website is optimized. It includes things like:
- Keywords:
Using the words and phrases people are searching for in your titles, descriptions, and content. For example, if you produce a health podcast, make sure you use phrases like "best health podcast" or "wellness tips podcast" on your site.
- Content Quality:
Providing useful, engaging, and fresh content about your podcast. Share your episode summaries, guest bios, upcoming topics, and behind-the-scenes stories.
- Meta Tags:
Using meta titles and descriptions that are relevant and appealing to searchers. For instance, a meta description for your homepage could be "Tune into [Your Podcast Name], the top-rated podcast for [Your Niche] in [Your Town]."
Off-Page SEO
This focuses on actions taken outside your website to impact your rankings:
- Backlinks:
Getting other reputable websites to link to your site, which signals to search engines that your site is trustworthy and relevant. This could be from podcast directories, guest blogs, or industry news sites.
- Social Media:
Being active on social media with your podcast’s page can drive traffic to your site and improve your online presence. Share your latest episodes, listener reviews, and special announcements to engage with your audience.
Technical SEO
This ensures your website meets the technical requirements of search engines:
- Site Speed:
Making sure your website loads quickly. No one likes to wait, especially listeners eager to dive into your latest episode!
- Mobile-Friendliness:
Ensuring your site looks and works well on mobile devices. Many people search for and listen to podcasts on their phones while on the go.
- Secure Website (HTTPS):
Having a secure website that users (and search engines) can trust. This is especially important if you have a subscription or donation system.
Some podcast producers make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best podcast producers in the world. Replicate them now!
Which keywords should you target for your podcast production service?
Podcast producers, like you, must target specific keywords in SEO because it helps your podcast appear in search results when potential listeners look for the type of content or topics you cover. This increases the chances that people will find and subscribe to your podcast.
For example, if you specialize in true crime stories, targeting keywords like "best true crime podcast" or "true crime podcast near me" helps attract listeners searching for those terms. This makes it easier for people interested in true crime to find your podcast online.
Here are some keyword ideas for you. If you want a more developed strategy with actionable steps, go check out our strategy pack for podcast producers.
| Keyword | Competitiveness Level | Tips and Initiatives |
|---|---|---|
| Best [Podcast Genre] podcast | High | Optimize your podcast website with high-quality episode descriptions, gather listener reviews, list on popular podcast directories, and use genre-specific SEO strategies. |
| Top [Topic] podcasts | Medium | Create blog posts or pages on your website highlighting your best episodes, use keywords naturally in content, and engage with podcast bloggers and influencers. |
| Podcast with good storytelling | Medium | Use engaging imagery and descriptions of your podcast's storytelling style, gather positive listener reviews, and ensure your podcast is listed on Google Podcasts. |
| Best podcast for [Audience Type] | Medium | Feature specific audience types prominently on your website (e.g., true crime enthusiasts, history buffs), use targeted SEO tactics, and promote episodes on social media. |
| [Your Genre] podcast in [Your City] | High | Highlight unique aspects of your podcast genre, create SEO-friendly content about your episodes, and engage with the local podcast community online. |
| Top-rated [Podcast Genre] podcast | High | Encourage satisfied listeners to leave positive reviews, optimize your podcast website for mobile, and ensure accurate information on podcast directories. |
| Affordable podcast production services | Low | Highlight affordable production options and packages on your website, use keywords related to value, and promote deals on social media. |
| Where to find [Podcast Genre] podcasts | Medium | Use local SEO strategies, create content around popular episodes, and ensure your website is optimized for mobile users searching nearby. |
| Popular [Podcast Genre] podcasts | Medium | Use social media to share popular episodes, engage with local influencers, and gather listener testimonials to build credibility. |
| Best [Podcast Genre] podcast for families | Low | Create family-friendly content, highlight episodes suitable for families on your website, and host family-themed podcast events to generate buzz. |
What really matters when you do SEO for a podcast producer
Actually, we think that SEO often follows the 80/20 rule, meaning that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. For podcast producers, like you, this means it's crucial to focus on the right strategies to maximize impact without feeling overwhelmed.
| Action / Initiative | Why It Matters / How It Helps Grow Your Audience |
|---|---|
| Optimize Podcast Directory Listings | Ensures your podcast appears in relevant search results, provides essential information (description, categories, episodes), and collects reviews to build trust. |
| Gather and Respond to Listener Reviews | Positive reviews build credibility and trust. Responding to reviews shows you value listener feedback, encouraging more people to subscribe. |
| Create High-Quality Show Notes with Targeted Keywords | Helps your podcast rank higher in search results for relevant queries, attracting listeners looking for specific topics or genres. |
| Optimize for Local SEO | Ensures your podcast shows up in local searches (e.g., "podcasts near me"), driving local listener engagement and potential collaborations. |
| Ensure Website is Mobile-Friendly | Most users search for podcasts on their phones. A mobile-friendly site provides a better user experience, leading to higher engagement and subscriptions. |
| Use High-Quality Cover Art and Episode Images | Attractive visuals entice potential listeners, showcasing your podcast's professionalism and appeal, which can significantly influence their decision to listen. |
| Include Transcripts with Keywords | Allows search engines to index your episodes, helping you appear in searches for specific topics, and makes it easy for listeners to find what you offer. |
| List Your Podcast on Multiple Directories | Increases your online presence and backlinks, improving your search engine ranking and making it easier for listeners to find you. |
| Engage with Podcast Influencers and Guests | Generates buzz and word-of-mouth, reaching a wider audience and attracting listeners who trust these voices. |
| Promote Special Episodes and Series | Creates a sense of urgency and excitement, encouraging potential listeners to tune in for unique content. |
| Utilize Social Media to Share Updates and Engage with Listeners | Builds a community around your podcast, keeps listeners informed about new episodes, and drives traffic to your website. |
| Ensure Accurate and Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) Information Across All Platforms | Prevents confusion, helps search engines trust your podcast information, and improves your local SEO ranking. |
| Offer Easy Subscription Options | Makes it convenient for listeners to subscribe, leading to increased audience growth and engagement. |
| Create Blog Posts About Your Episodes and Topics | Attracts visitors to your site through informative and engaging content, improving SEO and showcasing what makes your podcast unique. |
Copy the tactics of the best podcast producers in the world!
There are podcast producers that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
What is always useless when you do SEO for a podcast producer
We have studied a lot of podcast producers when we built our strategy pack and we saw a lot of SEO-related initiatives that don't help attract new listeners. We explain here why they might be a waste of time or even counterproductive.
| Action / Initiative | Why It Doesn't Matter / How It Doesn't Help Bring New Listeners |
|---|---|
| Using meta keyword tags | Search engines no longer use meta keyword tags to rank pages, so focusing on them doesn't improve SEO for your podcast. |
| Keyword stuffing in episode descriptions | Overusing keywords in episode descriptions makes them hard to read and can be penalized by search engines, turning away potential listeners. |
| Paying for backlinks from unrelated websites | Backlinks from non-podcast related or low-quality websites don't improve your SEO and can even hurt your ranking if considered spammy by search engines. |
| Using exact match domains like bestpodcastintown.com | Having an exact match domain has minimal impact on SEO and can appear spammy, especially if it doesn't reflect your brand well. |
| Creating multiple pages for the same episode | Duplicate content confuses search engines and can dilute your SEO efforts. Focus on one high-quality page for each unique episode or topic. |
| Using Flash for episode or subscription pages | Flash is outdated, not supported by many devices, and negatively impacts SEO. Modern alternatives like HTML5 should be used instead. |
| Focusing only on desktop optimization | Many listeners search for podcasts on mobile devices. Ignoring mobile optimization leads to poor user experience and lower search rankings. |
| Using automated link-building tools | These tools often create low-quality or spammy links that can be penalized by search engines, hurting your podcast's SEO efforts. |
| Ignoring structured data for episodes | Structured data helps search engines understand your episodes better. Ignoring it means missing out on potential SEO benefits like rich snippets. |
| Not updating your episode list regularly | Outdated episode information can frustrate listeners and harm your SEO. Regular updates keep content relevant and maintain search rankings. |
| Using irrelevant stock photos on your site | Low-quality or irrelevant images can negatively impact user experience and SEO. Use high-quality photos related to your podcast and its themes. |
| Over-optimizing anchor text in links | Using exact match keywords for every link appears unnatural and can be penalized by search engines. Use varied, natural anchor text instead. |
| Ignoring page load speed for your website | Slow-loading pages frustrate users and can lead to higher bounce rates, negatively impacting your podcast's SEO. Ensure your site loads quickly. |
| Using too many ads above the fold on your homepage | Too many ads at the top of the page can be off-putting for users and may be penalized by search engines, impacting your SEO negatively. |
Should you pay someone for the SEO of your podcast production service?
Well, let's be transparent. Here’s the thing: SEO can get pretty complex, and having some support can really make a difference. Imagine trying to juggle producing your podcast, managing your team, engaging with your audience, and then on top of that, diving into the world of search engine optimization. It’s a lot, right?
Having someone handle your SEO means you can focus on what you do best—creating amazing podcast content. SEO experts know the ins and outs of getting your podcast website to rank higher on search engines. They stay updated on the latest trends and algorithms, which means your site will be optimized correctly and consistently. This can lead to more people discovering your podcast online, and ultimately, more listeners tuning in.
- But here’s the kicker: there are a lot of low-hanging fruits in SEO that you can tackle on your own, even if you don’t know much about it.
You will find a lot of low-hanging fruits that cost nothing, are quick to implement, and will make your podcast’s website much more visible in strategy pack for podcast producers.
Simple actions like optimizing your podcast's metadata, ensuring your website is mobile-friendly, and using relevant keywords can significantly improve your online presence. These tasks don't require deep technical knowledge but can make a big impact.
So, should you increase the marketing budget of your podcast and pay someone to manage your SEO? If you can do it, it’s a worthwhile investment. But don't underestimate what you can achieve on your own. Start with the basics, see the results, and then decide if you need more specialized help.
Make your podcast production service more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best podcast producers in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Useful tools podcast producers can use for their SEO
Here are some essential tools that our team has collected and listed, to help you enhance your podcast's online presence and SEO.
| Tool | How It's Useful |
|---|---|
| Google My Business | Ensures your podcast appears in local search results and Google Maps, provides essential information (hours, contact details, episodes), and collects listener reviews. |
| SEMrush | Helps identify the best keywords for your podcast, analyze competitors, and track your search rankings. Provides insights to improve your content and visibility. |
| Yext | Manages your podcast's listings across multiple directories, ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information to boost local SEO. |
| Google Search Console | Monitors your podcast website's performance, identifies issues, and provides data on search traffic and keywords to optimize your SEO strategy. |
| Yelp | Collects listener reviews and ratings, which improve your podcast's online reputation and visibility in local search results. |
| BrightLocal | Offers tools for local SEO audits, citation building, and review management, helping your podcast improve its local search presence. |
| Moz | Provides keyword research, link building, and site audit tools to enhance your podcast's SEO efforts and improve search engine rankings. |
| Ahrefs | Analyzes your podcast's backlink profile, identifies top-performing content, and tracks keyword rankings to boost your SEO strategy. |
| Screaming Frog SEO Spider | Crawls your podcast's website to identify technical SEO issues, such as broken links and duplicate content, helping improve site health and rankings. |
| AnswerThePublic | Generates content ideas by showing what people are searching for related to your podcast, helping you create relevant and engaging episodes and blog posts. |
| Canva | Helps create visually appealing social media posts and graphics for your website, which can improve user engagement and indirectly boost SEO. |
| Hotjar | Provides insights into user behavior on your podcast's website through heatmaps and session recordings, helping you optimize user experience and reduce bounce rates. |
Copy the SEO tactics of the best podcast producers
We understand why many podcast producers might shy away from SEO and marketing.
Producing a podcast is already a full-time job, and the concept of SEO can seem vague and foreign. The terminology can be confusing, and it often feels like marketing is a luxury only big corporations can afford.
Plus, there's the constant worry about costs and whether any marketing efforts will actually pay off. We get that you prefer to focus on immediate, tangible improvements to your podcast rather than dive into something that seems complicated and uncertain. No need to deteriorate your podcast’s budget here.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically for podcast producers like you.
Our pack is designed to address all these concerns head-on. It includes easy-to-follow guides that break down SEO and marketing into simple steps, so you don't need to be a tech expert to understand. We offer cost-effective strategies that fit within tight budgets, and our step-by-step plans ensure that you can implement a good marketing strategy for your podcast without feeling overwhelmed.
Plus, we've included real-life examples and tips that have worked for other small podcast producers, so you can see the tangible benefits before you even start.
Our goal is to make marketing accessible and practical, helping your podcast thrive without adding extra stress to your already busy life.
Your podcast production service could make more money!
Most podcast producers don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
