What’s the #1 thing new listeners look at when considering whether to listen to your podcast or not?

No, not your cover.

Not the episode title.

Not even your show notes.

And not even the guests you have on the show…

Surprisingly, it’s your show description.

It's the #1 thing new listeners look at when considering a new show to listen to (podcasthost.com).

YES.

Your show description.

You know that thing you wrote when you first launched and haven’t optimized since then…?

YUP, turns out that’s statistically the #1 thing new listeners look at when considering a new podcast to listen to.

Seriously.

But here is the thing, most podcasters have no clue that it’s their billboard…

It’s the main thing that will either attract or repel more new listeners.

The sad thing is after auditing 100s of podcast show descriptions, I can tell you, that most are repelling more new listeners…than attracting.

And yours might be.

Now I don’t know about you, but show description? Well that sounds boring. But if we are trying to be a pro and turn more strangers into listeners we have to give it attention.

So in this episode, me and Taig, my co-host for this show, geek out and spill all the beans on:

• Why can't you afford not to revamp your current show description if you want to attract new listeners
• Our 5 part framework is to write a killer show description that instantly turns strangers into active listeners of your podcast
• A psychological trick you can use to get more strangers to take action and engage with your show right away

And that’s exactly what you’ll discover after listening to this episode.

So if you’re ready to visit an old friend you haven’t seen for a while (your podcast description)…

To give her or him a makeover so you can start attracting more of the listeners you want to reach…

I suggest you grab some popcorn, a pen, and paper, and your full attention and enjoy the show ;) 

Scroll up and click play.

Show Description Checklist:

1. Start with a Hook Question: Open your description with a question that resonates with your target audience. It should address a pain point, desired outcome, or a specific thing your audience cares about. This grabs attention and immediately signals to the reader that they're in the right place.

2. Clarify Who the Show is For: Expand on the hook by painting a clear picture of your ideal listener. Use one to two sentences to describe the situation or mindset of your audience, making the content relatable.

3. List the Benefits: Clearly outline what listeners will gain from your podcast. Mention three specific benefits or transformations they can expect by tuning in.

4. Share a Mini Story: In one or two sentences, share the genesis of your podcast. This personal touch adds relatability and credibility.

5. Describe the Format: Give practical details about your podcast. Mention the frequency of episodes, their length, and the format (solo, interviews, etc.). This section should also highlight your unique selling point (USP).

6. Incentivize with a Call to Action: Finally, direct potential listeners to a specific, fan-favorite episode. This focused call to action, coupled with the promise of value (incentive), encourages immediate engagement.

New episodes every Monday, Wednesday & Friday morning.

More From Get More Listeners:

Grab your FREE personalized audit + a copy of our bestseller Podcast Marketing.

Book a 30-minute discovery call for the Get More Listeners Academy

View client results & case studies

Looking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free here

Email [email protected] to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.

This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy. You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.

If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.