[FAQ]

Hey podcasting pros,

I’m working on improving the overall structure and branding of my podcast, and I want to create a really effective intro and outro that I can use for my episodes.

I’d love some advice on what makes a good, memorable intro. What are the key elements I should be including – for example, music, my name, the show’s tagline, a hint of the episode’s topic?

And for the outro, what is its main purpose? What should I be including there besides just saying goodbye? I’m thinking about calls to action, credits, and things like that. Also wondering about the ideal length for both – is it best to keep them short and snappy?

Would love to hear your strategies on this! Thanks.

[Jeff Bullas]

Creating a good intro and outro is crucial for branding your podcast, setting the tone for your episodes, and effectively guiding your listeners. They serve different but equally important functions.

Let us first consider the podcast intro. Its primary job is to grab the listener’s attention quickly and set expectations. A strong intro typically includes a few key elements. First, it should start with something engaging, like a short, memorable piece of music, a thought-provoking question, or perhaps a compelling soundbite from the episode itself, which is often called a cold open. Second, it needs to clearly identify your show by stating its name. Third, it should briefly introduce the host or hosts. And fourth, it should tell the listener what that specific episode is about, for instance, by saying “Today, we are talking about…” or “My guest today is…” A good intro is generally kept quite brief, often between 15 and 30 seconds, to get your listener to the main content without delay.

Now for the podcast outro. Its main purpose is to provide a clear call to action (CTA). You need to tell your listeners what you would like them to do next, now that the episode is over. It is best practice to focus on just one or two main calls to action to avoid overwhelming them. Common CTAs include asking listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their favourite platform, to leave a rating or review, to follow you on social media, or to visit your website for more information.

In addition to the call to action, your outro is the place to thank your guest, if you had one, and to thank your audience for listening. You might also want to include a brief teaser for what is coming up in the next episode to encourage them to return. Any necessary credits for music or production assistance should also be mentioned here. Like the intro, the outro is usually kept concise.

Using consistent music for both your intro and outro is a key part of your podcast’s audio branding, as it makes your show instantly recognisable. Just ensure you are using royalty-free music or have the proper license for any track you use to avoid copyright issues.

In summary, a strong intro hooks the listener and sets the stage for the episode, while an effective outro provides a clear call to action and wraps up the show professionally. Consistency in these elements is fundamental to building a strong brand for your podcast.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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