The #1 Show Notes Mistake That’s Costing You Listens (and How to Fix It)
- Hayleigh Hayhurst
- Oct 11
- 1 min read
Updated: Oct 12
Most podcasters treat their show notes like an afterthought—and it’s costing them downloads. In this Espresso Shot episode, I’m breaking down the biggest mistake I see podcasters make with their notes (and no, it’s not what you think).
If your show notes are vague, keyword-free, or written only for current listeners, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful discoverability tools you have. Unlike big shows that can rely on name recognition, most of us need to use our notes strategically to get found in podcast searches and convert curious browsers into actual listeners.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why short or generic show notes hurt your growth
How to write notes for future listeners, not just current ones
The four steps to instantly improve your show notes: lead with a hook, use keywords naturally, make them scannable, and add a call to action
A simple way to update your old notes to boost downloads
Your show notes are more than a recap—they’re a marketing tool. When you start treating them that way, you’ll get found more often and attract the right audience to your podcast.
Pro tip: Go back and update a few of your old episodes with stronger notes and watch what happens to your download numbers.
Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:
Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44
Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist
My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ
Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com
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