Before anyone listens to one of your podcast episodes, they’ll check out the description and see what it’s actually about. If it’s interesting, they’ll listen to your podcast.
But if it’s a snoozefest? They’ll be outta there before you can say “bad description.”
So in this guide, I’ll teach you to write a podcast description that commands peoples’ interests and compels them to listen to your show. By the end, you’ll be a pro at description writing.
But first, some background:
What Exactly is a Podcast Description?
You may not fully understand what a description is and what it does, so I’ll explain.
A podcast description is a short paragraph that goes with each episode. It tells people what your show is about and why they should listen. Think of it as a commercial or a movie trailer—it’s your chance to make a good first impression on potential listeners.
For instance, here’s one of OneFootball’s podcast descriptions for its episodes:
Or, to give another example, “Join host Benjamin Glock, and our OneFootball editors, for the latest news and insights from the world of football in this episode of the OneFootball Podcast. Today’s show includes analysis from Michael Cox, Parteymania, and more.”
As you can see, the description is short, to the point, and tells you exactly what the show is about.
Why Are Podcast Descriptions Important?
Writing a good podcast description is important because it’s the first thing people see when they come across your episode.
If your description isn’t interesting, eye-catching, or informative, people won’t even think about giving your episode a chance.
How to Write a Killer Podcast Description
Now that you understand what’s at stake, we can get started.
1. Start With an Attention-Grabbing Hook
The goal of any good description is to grab people’s attention and compel them to give your podcast a chance. To do that, you need to write an attention-grabbing description.
Begin your description by introducing your show and its guests. Start by summarizing the topic of discussion and, if possible, include the names of the participants. This will give people an idea of the type of content they will get from your show.
For instance, let’s say you’re writing a description for a podcast about the latest game industry news. You could start by writing something like:
“Join hosts Josh and John and our panel of game industry insiders as they discuss the hottest topics in the industry. On this episode, we talk about the latest developments in console gaming, mobile gaming, and the future of the industry.”
By introducing the topic and the participants, you have set the stage for the rest of your description.
2. Go Into Detail
Now that you’ve introduced your show, it’s time to give people a more detailed look at what they can expect to hear on your podcast.
Go into more detail and explain the topics that will be discussed on the episode. This will give listeners an idea of what they can expect and entice them to listen.
For example, if the podcast is about the latest game industry news, you could write something like:
“Our panel of experts will break down the latest gaming releases from the biggest publishers and predict what titles will be the biggest hits in the coming year. We’ll also discuss the recent changes in the gaming market and where it’s headed in the future. It’s an episode no game fan can afford to miss.”
By giving more information about the content of your show, you create an appealing description that entices people to listen.
3. Include Your Personal Voice
A podcast isn’t just about the content; it’s also about the people behind it. Include your personal voice and give listeners a taste of what makes your podcast unique.
Let them know why they should listen to your show and why you’re the perfect host. This will make your show stand out from the competition and create a personal connection with your audience.
For example:
“We don’t just report the news; we’re also passionate gamers ourselves and know the industry inside out. Listen in as we give our own unique perspective on the topics we discuss and keep you informed of the latest news and developments in the world of gaming.”
By including your own unique perspective, you create an interesting description that people will want to listen to.
4. Include a Call to Action
The next step is to end your description with a call to action. Tell people why they should listen to your podcast and what they can gain from it.
For instance, you could include a line like:
“Tune in to the latest episode of our podcast and stay informed of the news, releases, and changes in the gaming industry. We promise you won’t be disappointed!”
By encouraging people to listen and telling them why they should do so, you motivate them to give your podcast a chance.
5. Feature Social Proof
If you have any positive reviews or comments from listeners, make sure to include them in your description. This will show potential listeners that people have enjoyed your podcast and will motivate them to try it.
For instance, if you had a positive review from a listener, you could include it in your description like so:
“Listeners have said our podcast is the perfect way to stay up to date with the latest gaming news. Don’t take our word for it; give it a try and see for yourself!”
By showcasing social proof, you create a description that will make potential listeners more likely to give your podcast a chance.
Wrapping Up
A podcast description is an important part of your show. It’s the first thing people see when they come across your episode and can make a huge difference in whether or not they decide to listen.
Writing a great description takes time and effort but the results are worth it. If you follow the tips in this article, you will be able to craft a killer podcast description that will grab people’s attention and get them excited to listen.
