1. Set Up Analytics Tools
   • Install Google Search Console, Google Analytics 4, and Bing Webmaster Tools to monitor traffic, keyword rankings, and crawl errors 38.
   • Use podcast-specific tools like Chartable or Podtrac for episode performance insights 8.
2. Optimize Metadata
   • Podcast Title: Include a primary keyword (e.g., “Marketing Strategies Podcast”) and keep it under 60 characters 110.
   • Podcast Description: Use 2-3 relevant keywords (e.g., “digital marketing tips”) and highlight your niche 110.
   • Episode Titles: Front-load keywords (e.g., “How to Monetize a Podcast in 2025”) and avoid vague titles 59.
3. Submit to Directories
   • Distribute your podcast to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and niche platforms like Podchaser 18.

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Content Optimization

4. Keyword Research
   • Use tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or AnswerThePublic to find high-volume, low-competition keywords (e.g., “best podcast mic under $200”) 2910.
   • Target long-tail keywords (e.g., “how to start a true crime podcast”) for niche audiences 19.
5. Create SEO-Friendly Show Notes
   • Write 300+ words per episode with headers (H2/H3), bullet points, and timestamps 79.
   • Embed keyword-rich transcripts (use tools like Riverside or Otter.ai for auto-transcriptions) 210.
6. Leverage Video Content
   • Upload video podcasts to YouTube with optimized titles, descriptions, and video chapters (e.g., “00:00 – Intro | 05:12 – Interview”) 59.
   • Add timestamps in descriptions to improve user experience and SEO 9.

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On-Platform Optimization

7. Spotify Optimization
   • Update your show page with keyword-rich descriptions and sub-topics (e.g., “SEO tips, content marketing trends”) 5.
   • Use the first 20 words of episode descriptions to hook listeners 5.
8. YouTube Optimization
   • Include target keywords in video file names, titles, and descriptions (e.g., “Podcast-Editing-Tips-2025.mp4”) 5.
   • Create playlists around themes (e.g., “Beginner Podcasting Guides”) to boost visibility 5.

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Promotion & Authority Building

9. Build Backlinks
   • Collaborate with guests and ask them to link to your episode on their websites/social media 9.
   • Pitch your podcast to niche blogs for inclusion in “Best [Niche] Podcasts” roundups 9.
10. Repurpose Content
    • Turn podcast episodes into blog posts (e.g., “5 Takeaways from Our AI Podcast Episode”) 9.
    • Share 60-second clips on TikTok/Instagram Reels with hashtags like #PodcastSEO 58.

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Advanced Tactics

11. Improve Core Web Vitals
    • Ensure fast load times (<2.5s LCP) and mobile responsiveness for your podcast website 37.
    • Use lazy loading for images and enable browser caching 3.
12. Monitor & Iterate
    • Track keyword rankings monthly with SEMrush or Ahrefs 3.
    • A/B test episode thumbnails and titles using Spotify’s analytics 8.

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Tools to Simplify Your Workflow

• Keyword Research: SEMrush, Google Keyword Planner 910.
• Transcriptions: Riverside, Descript 10.
• SEO Plugins: Yoast SEO (WordPress/Shopify) 3.

Example Checklist Workflow:

1. Pre-Recording: Research keywords for the episode topic.
2. Recording: Mention keywords naturally in the script.
3. Post-Recording: Optimize titles, upload transcripts, and share on YouTube with chapters.
4. Promotion: Pitch the episode to niche blogs and post clips on social media.

By following this checklist, you’ll improve discoverability, attract loyal listeners, and climb search rankings. For more details, explore Riverside’s podcast SEO guide or HubSpot’s platform-specific tips 510.