Search optimization isn’t just for websites. Podcasters who understand how to optimize their show for search can reach new listeners, grow their audience, and build authority in their niche.
At Podpage, we’ve seen thousands of podcasts increase traffic simply by making a few strategic SEO improvements—both on their website and in their show metadata.
In this post, we’ll explain how podcast SEO works, what matters most, and how to put it into action.
Why podcast SEO matters
Podcast platforms are becoming search engines of their own. Listeners now search Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google for topics, not just show names.
- Rank higher for key topics in listening apps and search engines
- Make your website easier to find
- Build long-term discoverability instead of relying on social media spikes
When done well, SEO can turn every episode into a permanent entry point for new listeners.
Step 1: Start with strong keywords
Think about what your audience is actually typing into search. If your podcast is about leadership, your listeners might search “how to manage remote teams” or “improving communication at work.”
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or AnswerThePublic to find real search terms. Then, use those phrases naturally in:
- Your episode titles and descriptions
- Your website page titles and meta descriptions
- Your show summary and about page
The goal is to describe your content in the same language your listeners use—not to stuff keywords.
Step 2: Optimize your podcast website
Your website is the single most important SEO asset for your show. It’s what Google indexes first, and it’s what new listeners see when they search your name.
With Podpage, you automatically get:
- SEO-friendly episode pages with structured data
- Auto-generated meta tags
- Fast load times and mobile optimization
Still, you can improve visibility by:
- Writing short summaries for each episode (around 150–200 words)
- Including a transcript for accessibility and keyword depth
- Adding internal links between related episodes
Step 3: Use backlinks and social sharing
Search engines value authority. When other sites link to your show, it signals that your content is trusted and worth recommending.
Ask guests to link to your episode on their websites, or submit your show to industry directories and media pages. Even a few backlinks from credible sources can make a noticeable difference in ranking.
Step 4: Track performance
Good SEO isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process.
Track metrics like:
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Website traffic growth
-
Search queries that lead to your site
-
Keyword rankings over time
Tools like Google Search Console and Analytics (which ever tool you use Google, Fathom, Plausible, etc) make this simple to monitor. Over time, you’ll learn which topics and episode formats perform best.
Building long-term discoverability
Podcast SEO is about creating consistent, searchable value. The more clear, descriptive, and accessible your content is, the more opportunities new listeners have to find you.
At Podpage, our goal is to make that process effortless—helping you spend less time on technical setup and more time producing content that matters.
