SEO, But for Apple Podcasts.

You want free listeners, right?

I’m not one to really dive too deep into the world of Search Engine Optimization or to really do anything to hack my way to the top.

I’ve always been a fan of slow and steady growth with everything.

One time I dug into all the tips and tricks and started “growth hacking” on Instagram, only to realize that having a ton of followers that didn’t care about me sucked.

Either way, I do still find value in putting SEO practices into your podcast where you can.

The information that I share in this article will not put you at the top of the podcasting charts by any means, but it will result in your podcast showing up in front of listeners listening to similar podcasts to yours.

Which is more valuable to you?

Tip #1: Using your name in the title of your show.

I have spent stupid amounts of time trying to think of super catchy and creative titles for my podcasts in the past.

The two that have stuck were “JRP Daily” and “The Justin Phillips Show”.

The truth of the matter is that your show's title will not really matter as long as your content is good.

Having your name in your show's title is only going to make it easier for people to find because search engines (including Apple) will pick up on it.

That’s why my current podcast is titled “The Justin Phillips Show,” similar to “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “The Ben Shapiro Show”.

It is more likely to show up in search results when people search for “Justin Phillips.

Tip #2: Use the title of your guest’s podcast to your advantage.

This is the best SEO advice I could give that pertains specifically to podcasting, but it is only relevant if you feature other podcast hosts on your show.

If you interview the host of another show, make sure that you include both their name and their show’s name in your episode's title.

Here’s why…

Andy Frisella is (or was) the host of “The MFCEO Project,” which was a top-rated entrepreneurship podcast for years.

I interviewed Andy on my first show and included both “Andy Frisella” and “The MFCEO Project” in that episode's title.

This way, when podcast listeners go on Apple and search for “Andy Frisella” OR search for “The MFCEO Project,” my podcast will pop up in the results.

It’s a great way to put your podcast right next to more popular podcasts.

Tip #3: Get those reviews.

I almost feel bad giving this tip because getting reviews on Apple is an obvious way to boost your podcast’s ranking.

Let me share the best way that I have found to actually get reviews, though.

First, message everyone that you know personally and that would be willing to help and ask them how they’re doing and if you can ask them for a favor.

Start these conversations like you would any other conversation.

99 times out of 100, the response will be “That depends on what it is.” or some variation of them asking what the favor is.

Once they respond, tell them that you have this podcast that you are trying to grow and that they can help by leaving a review on Apple.

Here is the important part…

With the message asking for the review, leave the link directly to your show on Apple Podcasts. You are asking them for a favor, so make it as clear and convenient as possible for them to actually do it.

Also, note that this is only going to work with people that have Apple devices. If you get anyone responding and saying that they can’t do it because they have a Samsung phone and a Lenovo desktop… listen to them because they’re right.

Conclusion

I have a mission to help others create better content without charging them an arm and a leg to access the information.

If this article or video helped you, please let me know so that I know to keep doing it, and also let me know any other questions that you have regarding your podcast. .”