Most podcast show notes are an afterthought — a copy-pasted list of links and a two-sentence description. That’s a missed opportunity. Good show notes are a landing page, an SEO asset, and a reader acquisition tool all in one.

These prompts build proper show notes, fast.

Foundation Prompts

Episode Summary
Here is a cleaned transcript of my podcast episode: [PASTE TRANSCRIPT] Write a 250-word episode summary for the show notes page. The summary should: - Open with the core topic and guest (if applicable) in plain language - Highlight the 3-4 most valuable insights from the episode - Use present tense ("In this episode, [Guest] explains...") - Be written for someone who hasn't listened yet — make them want to - NOT start with "In this episode of [podcast name]"
Key Takeaways Section
From this episode transcript: [PASTE TRANSCRIPT] Extract the 5-6 most actionable, standalone insights a listener could apply immediately. Format as: - Bullet points - Each point: 1 complete sentence, maximum 25 words - Lead with the insight, not the context (e.g., "Batch recording sessions reduces decision fatigue by 40%" not "The guest mentioned that batching...")
Episode Timestamps
From this episode transcript, identify 6-8 distinct topic transitions or key moments and write YouTube/podcast-style timestamps. Transcript: [PASTE TRANSCRIPT] Format: [MM:SS] - [Topic Description — 5-8 words] Make the descriptions descriptive enough that a listener scanning the timestamps knows exactly what they'll hear.

SEO Optimization Prompts

SEO Title Variants
My podcast episode is about: [TOPIC DESCRIPTION] Guest (if applicable): [GUEST NAME AND CREDENTIALS] Primary keyword to target: [KEYWORD] Write 5 SEO-optimized page title options for the show notes page. Each should: - Include the primary keyword naturally - Be under 65 characters - Appeal to someone searching for this topic (not just fans of the show) - Mix formats: one with a number, one with "how to," one with the guest name
SEO Meta Description
Write a meta description for a podcast show notes page about: [EPISODE TOPIC] The description should: - Be 150-158 characters - Include this keyword: [KEYWORD] - Describe the specific value the page offers - Include a subtle action phrase (not "Click here")

Supplementary Content Prompts

Resources Section
The guest or host mentioned these resources in the episode: [LIST TOOLS, BOOKS, LINKS MENTIONED] Write a formatted Resources section for the show notes with: - A 1-sentence description of each resource (why it was recommended, not just what it is) - Note who recommended it (host or guest name) - A placeholder "[link]" after each item
Guest Bio Paragraph
Here is raw information about the podcast guest: [PASTE BIO / LINKEDIN / NOTES] Write a 75-word bio paragraph for the show notes page that: - Mentions their most relevant credential first - Connects their background directly to the episode topic - Includes what they currently do and where listeners can find them - Sounds like it was written by the show, not copied from a press kit
Social Sharing Quotes
From this episode transcript: [PASTE TRANSCRIPT] Pull out 5 short, quotable moments that would work as social media shares. For each: - Write the quote exactly as said (or very close, for clarity) - Attribute to speaker name - Add one sentence of context that makes the quote useful without the episode Format for Twitter/X: each quote + context under 280 characters.

Promotion Prompts

Email Announcement
Write an email to announce this new podcast episode to my subscriber list. Episode topic: [TOPIC] Guest (if applicable): [GUEST NAME] Key insight: [One surprising or valuable thing the episode covers] The email should: - Subject line option included - Be under 200 words - Not summarize the whole episode — just sell the click - Feel personal, like a recommendation from a friend - Link placeholder at the end: [EPISODE LINK]

A Simple Show Notes Template

Here’s the structure that works for SEO-optimized show notes:

  1. Episode title (H1 — keyword-optimized)
  2. One-paragraph summary (250 words, uses targeted keywords naturally)
  3. Key Takeaways (5-6 bullet points)
  4. Timestamps (every 5-10 minutes for longer episodes)
  5. Guest bio (if applicable)
  6. Resources Mentioned (with descriptions, not just links)
  7. Transcript (optional but great for SEO — full or condensed)

Most podcasters skip the transcript entirely. That’s the single biggest SEO opportunity left on the table in podcasting.