If you want to captivate your podcast audience, grow a following, and encourage return listeners, you’re going to need a strong intro and outro. Although the main content of your episode provides the most value, you may not be able to get people listening to your message in the first place without an enticing intro. Likewise, an outro is crucial if you want your audience to come back for more.

A great intro is comparable to an extravagant cocktail hour: you’re hooked on the hors d’oeuvres, but you’re saving room for the main course! Although repeat listeners may be loyal to your podcast based on previous episodes, your introduction is a great way to show new listeners that they are in for a treat. First impressions matter, especially when there are hundreds (if not thousands) of similar podcasts available. Similarly, your outro is like desert: you want to leave your audience with a satisfied sweet tooth at the very end!

According to conventional wisdom, you have 3 seconds to make a great first impression, and 3 minutes to solidify that impression. If your podcast features short, punchy episodes, you may be on an even tighter timeline.

Here are a few critical questions to ask yourself before reading on:

• What do your intros and outros say about each episode?
• Are you giving listeners an interesting sample of what’s to come?
• Did you honestly do your due-diligence when creating your intro and outro?
• If you were a listener, would you be looking forward to the next episode?

Without further ado, let’s jump into our best tips to create a winning intro and outro!

 

The Ingredients Of A Great Podcast Intro

 

1. Early Value. Exciting Cliffhangers.

Let’s start from square one. Pretend you have never heard your podcast before. Better yet, find a friend or acquaintance who actually has never listened before. No matter what you’re podcasting about, there’s only one universal truth: listeners want value.

Whether your audience wants to be entertained, soothed, or taught, you owe it to your audience to provide early value. Give them something to chew on within the first few minutes of your episode. Next, let them know what they can expect from the rest of the episode. As always, delivery is key. Keep your message exciting, relevant, or thought-provoking.

Of note, if you’re stuck and cannot think of innovative ways to create a conversion-worthy message, be sure to consider our coaching services!

2. Include The Essentials

As a disclaimer to this section, do not let the word “essentials” stifle your creativity. The following list is meant to serve as suggestions and can be changed, shifted, or tailored to meet the unique needs of your podcast.

Here are a few items you may want to include as part of your intro:

• The name of your podcast
• Your name (and guest introductions)
• Your ideal audience
• Your overarching theme
• *An interesting snippet of value*
• Any problems that this episode (or series) could solve
• A big ‘thank you’ for tuning in!

By creatively weaving in all of the above components, you can ensure your audience knows who they are listening to, provide a roadmap of what’s to come, and keep them from skipping over the episode entirely.

3. Make Your Intro Relatable

Ask yourself, ‘why should my audience tune-into my podcast instead of looking online, reading a book, or listening to a similar podcast?’ The answer is unique to every podcast, and rests within the personality of the host.

While you are laying out the foundation of your episode, be sure to be yourself and tie in the unique aspects of your personality. Have you dealt with the same problems your audience has? If so, do you have a unique perspective that could help them? The more you are able to relate to the topic, showcase your experience, or even admit that you yourself are still on a journey of discovery – the better.

 

The Outro: Crafting The Perfect Sendoff

 

1. Tie Up Loose Ends. Create A Lasting Impression.

In the final moments of your episode, crafting a memorable sendoff is vital. Although the body of your episode may be on point, your outro will likely be your last chance to reinforce the superiority of your content.

As a best practice, be sure that you delivered everything you promised you would in the intro. If not, you will deteriorate the trust and confidence of your listeners. Additionally, be sure to leave an interesting note to end on. Although you don’t always need to “save the best for last”, you can still save a value-adding content piece to provide the proverbial cherry on top.

If you always leave great content for the end, you can ensure repeat listeners will see your episodes all the way through!

2. Cover Your Bases

As with the intro, your outro should include a baseline of content. Again, do not let the following items distract you from creative flexibility!

Standard outros typically include the following:

• A second, big ‘thank you’ for listening!
• A great call to action (CTA)
• Information on how to get in touch
• Show note reminders (for websites, resources, and links)
• Encouragement to subscribe, share, and review your podcast
• A final shoutout to any guests you may have featured

Never underestimate the importance of encouraging new subscribers. This statement alone could be the make-or-break between building an audience or experiencing “pod fade.”

3. Point To The Next Episode

Do you have an exciting new episode planned for next week? If so, the outro is the perfect time to make mention of it! Not only does including information on the next episode showcase your commitment to quality (and organization), but it also gives your listeners something to look forward to.

Have you finished recording but aren’t happy with the final product? From the planning phase, all the way to publishing, our podcast editing services provides everything you need to polish and refine your episode.

 

Closing Remarks

 

Overall, your intros and outros are absolutely critical to the success of your podcast. If you haven’t been prioritizing these key components of each episode, now could be the perfect time to start!

For top-tier advice on building, sustaining, and growing your podcast, Truth Work Media is here for you. Our versatile services offer everything you need including production & editing, coaching & consulting, coursework, and more. You can get in touch today by filling out our contact form!

Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck as you create memorable and captivating intros and outros for your podcast!