So you’ve recorded an amazing podcast, but you’re not sure how to end it. No worries—I do, and I’m gonna explain how in this guide.
A podcast outro is like the cherry on top of a beautiful sundae. It won’t make the podcast by itself, no, but it will leave a great impression on listeners as you finish.
Most importantly, a good outro encourages them to return. So without further ado, let’s learn how to make a great one:
Essential Elements of a Great Outro
First, let’s discuss all the key elements of a great outro. These don’t necessarily have to occur in any particular order.
Thank your guests
No matter how long or short, your podcast is, make sure to thank your guests for coming on. This is just good manners, and it’s a nice way to show your appreciation, so they’re encouraged to return.
Summarize the main points of the conversation
If you had any particularly interesting conversation points, make sure to summarize them briefly.
Summaries help listeners remember what they learned from the podcast and give them a quick way to determine whether the podcast is worth going back and re-listening to.
Thank your listeners
This one’s a no-brainer.
Be sure to thank your listeners for tuning in and give them a hearty shout-out. This encourages them to share the podcast with their friends and also makes them feel appreciated.
Mention show notes
Be sure to mention your show notes in your outro.
This lets listeners know where they can go to find a written version of the podcast, links to any articles or products you discussed, and other interesting resources.
Some people may want to come back to what you’ve said, but not listen to the entire podcast to find it again. Show notes are crucial!
Give a call-to-action (CTA)
If you want listeners to do something after hearing your podcast, now’s the time to tell them. This could be anything from visiting your website to subscribing to your email list for a free deliverable.
Just make sure it’s something you can actually deliver on.
Leave your contact information
In case listeners want to get in touch with you, leave your contact information at the end of the podcast
This could be your website, your social media handles, or your email address. You can also encourage listeners to leave a review on iTunes or Spotify—positive reviews help you rank higher and attract new listeners.
Sign Off
Finally, sign off with a quick goodbye and some final words.
Your outro could be anything from a simple “Thanks for listening!” to something more creative, like a tagline or inside joke that will resonate with your audience.
Play your outro music
Now for the fun part: outro music!
Your outro music should be light and upbeat so it doesn’t weigh down the listener as they finish the podcast. It should also be short—10-15 seconds is perfect.
Outro Examples
Now that we’ve gone over all the key elements let’s put them into action with a few examples.
Example 1
“So that’s it for this episode. I want to give a big thanks to my guests, Jane and John, for coming on and sharing their insights. You can find Jane on Twitter at @thejanedoe and John at @thejohndoe.
If you want to learn more about the topics we discussed, be sure to check out the show notes on my website. And finally, thanks to all of you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on iTunes or Spotify. It really helps us out.
Until next time!”
Outro music plays
Example 2
“So that’s a wrap for this episode. Thank you to my guests, Jane and John, for coming on and sharing their insights. You can find Jane on Twitter at @thejanedoe and John
The show notes for this episode are available on my website, and if you want to learn more about the topics we discussed, be sure to check them out.
Thanks to all of you for listening, and if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on iTunes or Spotify. It really helps us out.
CTA: If you’re interested in learning more about the exciting world of [topic], be sure to check out my new book, [title], available now on Amazon.
That’s all for now. Until next time!”
Outro music plays
Example 3
“Thank you so much for joining me for another episode of the [your podcast name] podcast. This has been [guest name], and my name is [your name].
It’s been really great having you on the show today. [ summarize key points of conversation ]. If you want to learn more about [guest], you can find them at [website or social media handle].
Before we go, I want to thank you again for listening, and if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on iTunes or Spotify. It really helps us out.
Until next time, I’m [your name], and this is the [your podcast name] podcast.”
Outro music plays
Best Mixing Software for Podcast Outros
Now that you know how to make a great outro, you need the right tools to make it sound its best.
Here are some of my favorite mixing software programs for podcast outros (and intros!):
Adobe Audition
This program is my personal favorite for mixing audio. It’s easy to use and has a ton of features, so you can really get creative with your outros.
Logic Pro X
Logic Pro X is a great option for Mac users. It has a similar interface to Adobe Audition, so it’s easy to use, and it also has a ton of features.
Pro Tools
Pro Tools is another great option for Mac and PC users. It’s a bit more expensive than the other options, but it’s been around for a long time, so it’s a trusted program with a lot of features.
Audacity
Audacity is a great free option for those on a budget. It doesn’t have as many features as the paid options, but it’s still a great program for mixing audio.
Signing Off!
Writing a great outro is essential to closing your podcast on a high note and keeping your listeners engaged. But it’s not as difficult as it may seem.
Just remember to keep it short, sweet, and to the point, and you’ll be sure to leave your listeners wanting more.
Have any questions about writing a great outro for your podcast? Let me know in the comments!
