Podcast show notes are one of those things that feel optional until you realize how often they do the heavy lifting. They help a new listener decide whether to press play, they make your episode easier to skim, and they give you a clean place to put links, resources, and calls to action. Descript and Buzzsprout both emphasize practical elements like a strong hook, clear structure, timestamps, links, and calls to action, and that lines up with what I have found works best.
I use a template because it keeps my notes consistent and saves time. It also makes it easier for search engines to understand what each episode page is about, which matters if you want your show notes to earn clicks from Google over time. Google’s SEO Starter Guide highlights the importance of clear titles and helpful structure, and show notes are a simple way to apply that mindset to every episode.
Below is the exact show notes template I use, plus a few examples you can copy and adapt.
My show notes template (copy and paste)
Episode title:
Episode number:
Release date:
Summary (2 to 4 sentences):
Write a short hook that says who the episode is for and what the listener will get out of it. Descript recommends starting with a hook and including clear takeaways, and that is exactly how I structure this section.
In this episode, I cover:
- Key point one
- Key point two
- Key point three
Timestamps:
- 00:00 Intro
- 00:00 Segment 1
- 00:00 Segment 2
- 00:00 Segment 3
- 00:00 Wrap-up
Links and resources mentioned:
- Link 1
- Link 2
- Link 3
Guest (if applicable):
- Guest name
- One sentence bio
- Website
- Social links
Subscribe and follow:
- Apple Podcasts:
- Spotify:
- YouTube:
- RSS:
Support the show:
- Leave a rating and review
- Share this episode with a friend
- Join my newsletter
What I always include (and what I skip)
I always include a short summary, timestamps, and links, because that is what people actually use. Buzzsprout’s show notes templates and Descript’s best practices both call out summaries, timestamps, resource links, and calls to action as core components, and I agree.
I usually skip long paragraphs that repeat the whole episode word for word. If I want long-form notes, I write a real blog style post instead, with headings and a clear structure that is easy to scan.
Example 1: Solo episode show notes
Episode title: How I Plan a Podcast Episode in 20 Minutes
Episode number: 14
Release date: January 2026
Summary:
If you overthink outlines, this episode is for you. I share the simple 20-minute planning routine I use to pick a clear angle, stay focused, and record faster.
In this episode, I cover:
- My one sentence episode promise
- The 3 bullet outline that keeps me on track
- The checklist I run before I hit record
Timestamps:
- 00:00 Why outlines feel harder than they are
- 03:20 My one sentence promise
- 07:10 The 3 bullet structure
- 12:40 Pre-record checklist
- 18:30 Quick recap
Links and resources mentioned:
Subscribe and follow:
- YouTube channel link
- Spotify link
- Apple Podcasts link
Example 2: Interview episode show notes
Episode title: How to Sound Better on Any Mic (with Guest Name)
Episode number: 22
Release date: February 2026
Summary:
In this interview, I talk with Guest Name about simple audio wins that make a bigger difference than buying new gear. You will learn the three fixes that improve clarity fast.
In this episode, I cover:
- Mic technique that fixes harsh audio
- Room setup changes that reduce echo
- Editing moves that clean up a voice track
Timestamps:
- 00:00 Intro
- 02:10 Guest background
- 06:40 Mic technique
- 13:05 Room sound fixes
- 19:30 Editing basics
- 27:00 Wrap-up
Guest:
- Guest Name, short bio
- Website
- Social links
Related reading:
Example 3: Tutorial episode show notes
Episode title: Repurpose One Episode into Blogs, Shorts, and Newsletters
Episode number: 31
Release date: March 2026
Summary:
If you want more reach without recording more, this episode breaks down my weekly repurposing routine. I show you how I turn one episode into multiple pieces of content.
In this episode, I cover:
- The transcript first method
- How I turn highlights into a blog outline
- How I pick clip moments for Shorts
- My simple newsletter format
Links and resources mentioned:
A simple checklist to keep show notes consistent
If you want your show notes to be consistent, I recommend turning them into a checklist. This aligns with the structured templates shown by Buzzsprout and Descript, and it is the easiest way to avoid missing important pieces like timestamps and calls to action
My checklist:
- Clear episode title that says the benefit
- Summary that hooks in the first two lines
- 3 to 6 bullets for key points
- Timestamps for the major segments
- Links to every resource mentioned
- A call to action (subscribe, newsletter, review)
- One internal link to a related post
Authority references I trust
When I want to sanity check show notes structure or SEO basics, these are the references I point people to:
- Buzzsprout show notes templates and guidance
- Descript’s show notes best practices and templates
- Google’s SEO Starter Guide for writing clear titles and structuring pages