Publishing great podcast content isn’t enough if no one can find it.
With millions of shows on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, discoverability has become one of the biggest challenges for creators.
Fortunately, the solution lies in something both simple and powerful: Podcast SEO.
At Command Your Brand, we help industry experts and entrepreneurs grow influence through strategic podcasting—and SEO plays a vital role in that process.
By optimizing your episode titles, show descriptions, and metadata with relevant keywords, you increase your chances of being found by the right listeners at the right time.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why podcast SEO matters in today’s competitive landscape
- How to write search-friendly titles and descriptions
- Where to place keywords for maximum impact
- Real-world examples of effective podcast SEO in action
What Is Podcast SEO (And Why Does It Matter)?
Podcast SEO is the process of optimizing your content so it ranks better in podcast platform search results and search engines like Google.
SEO helps people discover your show when they search for topics you talk about—even if they’ve never heard of you.
Effective SEO does three things:
- Improves visibility across platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and Google
- Increases organic discovery from people searching for specific topics or experts
- Drives long-term growth by making your podcast findable months or years after publication
If your content isn’t optimized, you’re leaving discoverability—and growth—on the table.
How Podcast Platforms Use Keywords
Each major podcast platform has its own search algorithm, but they generally pull from similar data points:
- Episode title
- Show title
- Episode description
- Show description
- Author/host name
- Tags and categories (if available)
- Transcripts (increasingly indexed by platforms like Spotify and YouTube)
Google also indexes podcast episodes, especially when they’re embedded on a website or published with detailed show notes.
That means your titles, summaries, and metadata double as content for search engines.
How to Write SEO-Friendly Episode Titles
Your title is your first impression—and your most important piece of metadata.
Here’s how to write titles that rank:
1. Lead with Keywords
Use relevant search terms at the beginning of your title. Think like your audience: What would they search for to find this content?
Instead of:
“Chatting with Dr. Ava Matthews”
Try:
“Hormone Health for Women Over 40 with Dr. Ava Matthews”
2. Be Clear, Not Clever
Avoid vague or creative episode titles that don’t communicate content. Clarity always beats cleverness when it comes to search.
Bad: “The Silent Killer”
Better: “How Chronic Inflammation Impacts Energy and Weight Gain”
3. Use Numbers and Phrases That Boost Clicks
Include list formats or outcomes to increase click-through rates:
- “5 Ways to Launch a Profitable Coaching Business”
- “How to Write a Book in 30 Days”
4. Stay Under 60 Characters
Most platforms truncate titles after 60–70 characters, so make the first words count.
How to Optimize Your Episode Descriptions
Episode descriptions (also known as show notes) are a goldmine for SEO.
They help algorithms understand your content and give listeners a reason to tune in.
1. Include Target Keywords Naturally
Identify 1–2 primary keywords per episode and weave them naturally into the first two sentences.
Example:
“If you’re struggling to grow your email list, this episode breaks down five proven lead generation strategies for online coaches.”
2. Summarize Key Takeaways
Write a concise summary that answers:
- What is this episode about?
- Who is it for?
- What will the listener gain?
3. Add Guest Names + Credentials
Include your guest’s full name, job title, or recognizable credentials. People often search for experts by name.
Example:
“Today’s guest is Lisa Tan, a bestselling author and business strategist who has helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs scale their brands.”
4. Use Bullet Points or Time Stamps
Make your descriptions scannable.
Add timestamps or bullet points for topics covered.
This improves the user experience and helps search engines index more detailed content.
Where Else to Place Keywords
In addition to titles and descriptions, include keywords in the following areas:
- Show Title and Subtitle: e.g., The Wellness Blueprint: Functional Health for Busy Women
- Podcast Website Pages: Each episode should have its own SEO-optimized page.
- Transcripts: Uploading transcripts improves accessibility and boosts long-tail keyword indexing.
- YouTube Descriptions: If you’re publishing on YouTube, treat the video description like blog SEO.
- Image Alt Text: Optimize episode artwork when embedding on your site.
Real-World Examples of Podcast SEO Done Right
1. “Marketing School” by Neil Patel and Eric Siu
Each episode title uses ultra-specific keywords like:
- “How to Get Your First 1,000 Email Subscribers”
- “The Right Way to Advertise on TikTok”
Their show descriptions recap key takeaways and repeat keywords in different variations.
2. “Online Marketing Made Easy” by Amy Porterfield
Amy writes clear, benefit-driven titles and includes comprehensive descriptions that mention her guest’s expertise and what the audience will learn.
Her show consistently ranks for search terms like “online course creation” and “email list building.”
Tools to Help with Podcast SEO
Here are some tools that can help you research and apply SEO to your podcast:
- Google Keyword Planner: For identifying keyword demand
- AnswerThePublic: To discover phrasing and topic ideas
- Podkite or Chartable: Track keyword rankings on Apple and Spotify
- Yoast SEO (WordPress): Optimize episode blog pages
- Descript / Otter.ai: Create transcripts and searchable episode content
Make Your Podcast Discoverable by Design
Podcast SEO isn’t about gaming the system—it’s about making sure your valuable content reaches the right audience.
When you take time to optimize your titles, descriptions, and metadata, you:
- Increase your chances of ranking on podcast platforms and Google
- Attract listeners who are actively searching for your topics
- Build a more discoverable, sustainable podcast brand
At Command Your Brand, we believe in creating shows that not only sound great—but get found by the people who need them most.
Want expert help crafting podcast titles and descriptions that drive real growth?
At Command Your Brand, we help entrepreneurs and industry leaders build high-impact podcast strategies from the ground up.
Schedule your free strategy call to learn how we can help optimize your show for discoverability and success.
