22). 🎧 Podcast SEO: How to Rank on Google & Spotify

Podcast SEO: Rank on Google & Spotify
Want your podcast heard by more listeners—both on Google and Spotify? Podcast SEO is the secret ingredient you need. In an increasingly ocean of content, making great episodes isn't sufficient. You must prepare them for both search engines and audio platforms so that your voice gets heard by the right set of ears.

Here in this blog, we will demystify everything that you want to know about Podcast SEO, from ranking on Google, Spotify, and more.

What is Podcast SEO?

Podcast SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of making your podcast discoverable on search engines such as Google and platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

It entails optimizing:

Titles and descriptions

Show notes and transcripts

Keywords and metadata

Website and RSS feed

Listener engagement metrics

In contrast to classic SEO, Podcast SEO must consider audio platforms' algorithms and how search engines recognize text-based content about the podcast (not the audio—yet!).

Why Podcast SEO Matters
There are more than 5 million podcasts worldwide (Spotify, 2024).

75% of podcast discovery remains through search engines.

Google indexes podcasts now, so episodes can be returned in search results.

Spotify favors content that is relevant and engaging—SEO directly affects this.

If you’re not optimizing your podcast for search, you’re missing out on organic growth and visibility.

Step 1: Keyword Research for Podcasts
Like any SEO strategy, it starts with keywords.

How to Find Keywords:
Use Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or AnswerThePublic to find what your audience is searching.

Type your podcast topic in the Spotify search bar to see auto-suggested searches.

Utilize long-tail keywords to have greater chances of ranking (e.g., "how to create a podcast in India").

Example:
Bad title: Episode 15 - Social Media Trends
Optimized title: Top 7 Social Media Trends for Business in 2025

Step 2: Optimize Your Metadata
Metadata = Your podcast's title, description, tags, and categories.

Tips:
Title: Insert primary keyword + make catchy and clear.

Description: Write a detailed episode/show summary using natural language and related keywords.

Tags: Utilize all the available tag fields on platforms such as Buzzsprout, Podbean, or Anchor.

Categories: Opt for appropriate podcast categories (e.g., Marketing > Digital Marketing > Podcasts).

Step 3: Write Detailed Show Notes & Transcripts
Google can't hear audio (yet), but it can read!

Advantages:
Enhances search visibility

Provides context to Google

Assists with accessibility and content reuse

Best Practices:
Summarize each episode in 300–500 words.

Add timestamps, bullet points, guest bios, and internal/external links.

Upload full transcripts (can use Descript, Otter.ai).

Step 4: Build a Podcast Website
A dedicated website or landing page boosts your SEO and provides a central hub for all episodes.

Optimize Your Website:
Create an SEO-friendly blog post or episode page for each episode.

Use header tags, embed the player, and add alt text to images.

Implement Podcast Schema Markup for Google rich results using tools like Podpage.

Step 5: Spotify SEO Tips
Spotify has its own algorithm, ranking relies on:

Spotify Ranking Factors:
Keywords in episode title/description

Follows/subscribes

Episode completion rate

Engagement (likes, shares, saves)

Spotify Optimization Tips:
Optimize with keyword-rich titles and engaging hooks.

Keep releasing regularly (e.g., every Tuesday).

Encourage follows, ratings, and shares.

Make a Spotify playlist of best episodes.

Step 6: Apple Podcasts & Other Directories
Every platform is unique, but most are concerned with:

Reviews & Ratings

Subscriptions

Listener Retention

Tips:
Request 5-star reviews in your outro.

Submit your podcast to ALL the major directories (Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeartRadio).

Track performance using Apple Podcasts Connect.

Step 7: Promote & Backlink Your Podcast
Promotion and backlinks enhance domain authority and search visibility.

Ideas:
Share episodes on social media, email newsletters, and groups.

Ask guests to share your episode.

Submit to podcast directories and podcast aggregators.

Place podcast links on Quora, Reddit, and forums (related answers only).

⚙️ Step 8: Technical SEO Checklist
✅ Optimize your RSS Feed (add title, author, keywords).

✅ Embed a speedy-loading player such as Spotify's embed or Podbean's player.

✅ Make your site mobile-friendly.

✅ Submit your website to Google Search Console to get it indexed.

Recommended Podcast SEO Tools
Tool Uses
Podpage Constructs SEO-optimized podcast sites
Descript Transcription + audio editing
Chartable Podcast analytics + link tracking
Listen Notes Podcast search + discovery
Google Search Console: Indexing your podcast site
Headliner : Make audiograms for social SEO

Common Podcast SEO Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Generic episode titles such as "Episode 12 – Random Thoughts"
❌ Not creating show notes or descriptions
❌ Neglecting Google indexing
❌ Not hosting on multiple podcast platforms
❌ Forgetting to request reviews or subscriptions

Final Thoughts: Podcast SEO is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Podcast SEO doesn’t deliver overnight success, but it compounds over time. Every optimized episode becomes a discoverable asset. By ranking higher on Google and Spotify, you’ll attract more listeners, build your authority, and grow your brand.

What’s Your Next Step?
Got an episode that deserves more exposure? Get started optimizing now.
Struggling to set up a podcast site? Leave your questions in the comments.
Enjoy this blog? Share it with a podcaster friend!