How to Master Podcast SEO: Step-by-Step Guide to Rank on Apple, Spotify and Google
If your podcast sounds good and offers real value but isn’t getting discovered, the problem isn’t your content—it’s visibility. You’re missing out on hundreds or thousands of potential listeners who would love what you create… if they could find it.
Podcast SEO isn’t optional anymore. It’s the foundation of discovery. Without it, even the best content stays hidden in the void.
This is your roadmap to ranking your show in the places they search: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google—and beyond. It also doubles as webinar and carousel content. Repurpose any section for visuals, workshops, or promotions.
We’ll go deep on:
Keywords and Metadata
Show Notes That Win Search
Transcriptions for Findability
Backlinks and Real Authority
Web Assets That Amplify Reach
Repurposing Templates
Let’s dive in.
1. Keywords and Metadata
Why it matters: Metadata is how directories and search engines decide where and when to show your podcast.
What to do:
Research podcast-specific keywords using tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, Spotify’s search, Apple’s auto-complete, or Podcast Insights.
Look for high-intent phrases—people typing “how to monetize a podcast” are actively searching for solutions.
Use that primary keyword in:
Your show title (but keep it clear, not gimmicky)
Episode titles, ideally near the front
Short (60–80 character) platform descriptions
Long-form show notes and webpage
Example
Target keyword: podcast monetization strategies
Episode Title: Podcast Monetization Strategies for Coaches
Short Description: Podcast Monetization Strategies for Coaches – 5 proven methods to monetize your podcast without sponsors.
Long Description (on Apple/Spotify): Expand on the teaser. Include the full keyword, related phrases, and a hook for search.
Quick Wins:
Include variations: monetizing podcasts, monetize podcast episodes, best podcast revenue strategies.
Avoid clickbait. Your header should match discovered intent. “Podcast Monetization Strategies That Work in 2025” is clear and searchable.
Align metadata with the content you deliver.
2. Show Notes That Win Search
Apple doesn’t index full show notes, but Google does. Spotify shows a portion. You need notes that speak both to people and algorithms.
Your show note format:
❏ Episode Title (optimized)
❏ Pull-quote / Intro paragraph (120–150 words) – summarizing the episode and including top keywords
❏ Section headers (keyword-rich, labeled H2)
❏ Key takeaways (scoops, stats, action steps)
❏ Links (related blog posts, tools, your lead magnet)
❏ Transcript link or embed
❏ CTA – subscribe, comment, download, book a call
Why it works:
Google values long-form content. 500–1,000 words per episode page turns it into a mini-blog.
It also helps your website own the episode asset—better for backlinks and shares.
Text-first structure helps podcast apps show previews. Text + voice = dual visibility.
3. Transcriptions for Findability
Every searchable phrase in your audio becomes accessible through text. Transcripts multiply your reach.
Steps:
Generate transcript using tools like Descript, Otter, Rev, etc.
Clean it up—remove filler like “uh” but keep key phrases.
Embed it or provide a download.
Include closed captions for video versions to unlock YouTube SEO.
Why it matters:
Converts spoken keywords into crawlable text.
Google picks up those phrases.
Users appreciate transparency—transcript downloads can earn links.
Transcripts also feed derivative content like quotes, tweets, newsletters.
4. Backlinks and Real Authority
Google looks at backlinks to rank your content higher. You need links to your episode pages and show notes.
Tactics:
Build an episode blog post, then pitch guest blogs using the same content angle—linking back to your episode page.
Use your guests’ networks—social shares, newsletter links, embedding your episode on their blog.
Resource pages—find niche pages linking to podcast tools, resources, experts. Suggest your episode guest or guest content.
Refurbish content—put episode highlights on Medium or LinkedIn and link back to your main show notes page.
Consistency is key. Don’t chase random backlinks. Build relationships and guest features that organically earn mentions and links.
5. Web Assets That Amplify Reach
Your website is where discovery meets conversion. Episode pages need to feel polished and optimized.
Must-haves:
SEO-friendly URL slug: /podcast-monetization-strategies
Structured schema markup: Using PodcastEpisode schema in page header
Embedded player: Spotify, Apple, or your own player for convenience
Social sharing tools: Pre-made quote cards, click-to-tweet links
CTAs: Newsletter opt-in, lead magnet (related tool, guide, freebie), book a call
Related content: Links to close-topic episodes or blog posts
Bonus: Create a hub page by season or topic cluster. “Season 1: Monetization Methods,” “Season 2: Audience Growth.” It organizes your site structure and enhances internal linking power.
6. Repurpose and Reuse
This guide is already being repurposed. Here’s how your episodes can turn into:
Instagram / LinkedIn carousels from show note headers or key tips
Email series—turn headlines into sequence steps
Mini blog posts—emphasize subtopics
Webinars—highlight 3–5 key tactics, release live Q&A
YouTube shorts—clip 30–60 second quotes
Lead magnets—a step-by-step checklist or worksheet from your deep dive
You produce one well-optimized episode and turn it into multiple assets. That native content boost is what drives traffic and engagement—at scale.
7. Performance Tracking and Continuous Improvement
Track performance and scale what works.
Metrics to monitor:
Downloads per episode (directories)
Website traffic to show notes pages
Rankings in Google SERPs for episode keywords
Backlinks gained per episode
Conversion metrics (email sign-ups, calls booked)
Social shares
Use tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, Ahrefs or Semrush, Moz, and podcast dashboard integrations.
Optimize:
If a page ranks mid SERP, update headlines, inject FAQs, internal link to high-traffic pages
Promote top-performing episodes again during peaks
Update metadata and show notes based on trending terms
Add guest-focused backlinks when shows host experts
Turning This Into Content and Funnels
Every phase of this guide becomes a content engine:
Carousel Post: 5 slides on "Show Notes That Work for Google"
Webinar: cover Steps 1–3, walk through a real episode page breakdown
Email Challenge: 7-day SEO sprint to optimize your first 3 episodes
Lead Magnet: “Podcast SEO Audit Checklist” PDF
Positioning your episode SEO as a teaching moment builds value and authority—and primes your audience for coaching, services, or strategy offers.
Ready to Launch or Grow Smarter?
You’ve got the roadmap. Now it’s time for real support.
If you already have a podcast or you’re building one and want expert eyes on your concept, positioning, or content, book a personalized audit.
The $197 Podcast Audit Call
Get direct feedback on what’s working, what’s missing, and how to make your show stand out and sell.
This is a one-time, deep-dive strategy call designed for coaches, experts, and creators who want clarity fast.
Want to Contribute or Collaborate?
We’re building a content platform for coaches, creators, and podcasters who want to grow with intention, and we’re open to guest blogs and content partnerships.
If you’d like to:
Share your voice on our blog
Contribute a high-value article for our audience
Collaborate on a backlinking exchange or co-post
We’d love to hear from you.
📩 Email: [email protected]
And yes, if this blog brought value to your audience, feel free to share or republish it on your own site with a link back to Evolved Podcasting. We're happy to collaborate and give proper credit.
Let’s build authority together, one honest piece of content at a time.
