Your podcast intro script is an important part of your podcast and overall workflow. Having a podcast intro script will save you time, ensure you’re including important info about your podcast in every episode, and provide an opportunity for you to share a call to action.
When scripting your intro, there are key things you want to include.
Let’s break down what a podcast intro script should include so you know exactly how to craft the best one.
What to include in your podcast intro script
Your podcast intro script shouldn’t be very long, which is why it can be difficult to create a great one.
Here are the key elements to include in your podcast intro script.
1. Who you are: Welcome your listeners to your show
A very quick “Hello and welcome!” never hurts! Plus, the connection you build with your listeners is going to be incredibly important for the growth of your podcast.
So why not start strong right at the top of your show?
If your listeners don’t feel any type of connection to you or your show, it’s not likely they’ll share it with others – or stick around very long themselves.
Be sure to let people know who you are, and include the name of your show.
This statement might sound something like:
“Hi friends! I’m Kate, and I’m so excited to be on the mic to welcome you to Ditch Busy! My mission with this show is to help entrepreneurs create more time so they can achieve lifestyle freedom!”
2. Share who your podcast is for
Imagine tuning into a podcast that has a great name, an intriguing description, and a lot of episodes to listen to.
You press play, you hear the intro podcast music, and you can’t wait to hear whether this podcast is for you!
But after listening to the podcast intro, you’re still left wondering… “Is this podcast for me?”
Not a good first impression.
Your podcast intro script should include a clear statement about who your podcast is for. That way, when someone tunes in to any one of your episodes, they’ll know for sure they’re in the right place.
Affirming that your listener is in the right place is key to gaining new listeners, and podcast intros are the perfect place to do that!
You might say something like this:
“If you’re sick of feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by your lack of progress with your business, and wish you had more time in the day, then this show is for you!”
3. What your listeners will get out of tuning in
Once your listeners know they’re in the right place, the next question they’re going to have is “What’s in it for me?”
Your podcast intro script should also include what your listeners will get out of tuning in to your show.
This statement might start out with something like:
“In each episode you’ll learn one tip or strategy you can use today to save yourself time.”
4. Call to action
Your podcast intro script is a great place to include a call to action, which is you letting your listeners know what their next best step is.
Make sure you’re super specific about what action you want your listeners to take. If they have to guess, or it’s not easy for them to do whatever it is you’re asking them to do, then they likely aren’t going to invest the time to figure it out.
This might be you asking them to enter their email address for a free download, share the show with a friend, or connect with you directly via email or social media to share feedback.
I do not recommend having more than one call to action per episode, so if you have 2-3 calls to action you want to share, consider rotating them across episodes.
Some great calls to action might sound like this:
- “Wondering how to start a podcast? I have a free course just for you! Visit FreePodcastCourse.com for a free video series that walks you through the first 5 steps you need to take!”
- “I’m putting together future episode content and I’d love to hear from you! Have a question you want me to cover on an upcoming episode? Email me at Kate@EOFire.com!”
- “If you found value in today’s episode, and you have a friend in mind who might also find this content helpful, please share this episode with them!”
How long should my podcast intro be?
Your podcast intro should be straightforward and get straight to the point.
While this time gives you the opportunity to include a lot of info, your listeners are tuning in to hear your episode.
Your podcast intro should be less than 30 seconds, and when it comes to writing a podcast intro, that’s around 80-100 written words, depending on how quickly you speak.
Do a couple of test runs and time yourself to optimize.
Do I need intro music for podcast?
You don’t HAVE to have intro music, but it is a great way to help your show stand out. And for the most part, podcast intros do include music.
You can find great intro and outro music on sites like Pond5, Music Bakery, AudioJungle, and more.
You’ll want to test out the beat and rhythm of your intro music with your intro script to be sure they match up and sound good together. Some intro music sounds great on its own, but you want to confirm the vibe of the music matches up with the vibe of your words.
Making your podcast intro uniquely you!
In addition to your podcast intro doing everything we’ve covered above, you also want it to stand out and get your listeners excited about your show!
This is your chance to shine and be uniquely you.
You already know you’re going to intro you, so don’t be shy! Insert a bit of your personality and make it fun! You’re creating a great podcast – let your listeners know it.
Here are a few things you’ll want to consider when crafting your script to ensure it’s uniquely you.
1. Consider the type of podcast you’re creating
Is your podcast funny? Serious? Scary?
Your podcast intro should be a reflection of your show overall. If your show is a funny, upbeat podcast with a lot of energy and spunk, then your intro should be that, too!
If your podcast is more serious, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your podcast intro, but maybe consider the type of intro music you use. A great podcast intro will have the same tone as your overall show.
2. Consider how your intro and outro will fit together
Your episodes should have both an intro and podcast outro, and it’s best to make the two cohesive.
The outro script doesn’t have to differ too much from your intro script, but it should be slightly shorter.
Here are the key elements for your outro script:
- A recap of what you’ve covered in that episode
- A teaser for the next episode
- Repeat your call to action
Should I be the one to record my podcast intro?
The answer here is, it really depends – and there is no one right answer.
Having a professional voiceover artist record it for you could add some credibility; someone else introducing you instead of you introducing yourself.
However, I like the idea of recording it yourself for purposes of being able to share a bit of your personality with your listeners – and having it be YOU that opens up your show.
If you want to have someone else record it for you, Tim Paige is an amazing voiceover artist.
You can also search for voiceover artists on Fiverr.com.
Things to avoid in your podcast intro
There are a few things you definitely want to avoid in your podcast intros.
Talking too much
Remember, your listeners are tuning in to your show to hear your actual episode, so keep it tight!
Not staying focused
Don’t get distracted! Not staying focused on your script will ultimately give your listeners a reason to not stay focused.
Not being specific
Time is precious! Don’t introduce any confusion; be specific when it comes to who your show is for, what they’ll get out of listening, and what step you want them to take next.
What a great podcast intro can do
A great podcast intro can do a lot of things for your show, including get your listeners excited for what’s to come, give them a little taste of your personality and what you bring to the table as the podcast host, and confirm they’re in the right place.
Plus, having a script will guarantee you’re not missing anything when you get to recording time!
And if you want to record your script just one time and save the file, then it’ll be easy to insert into every episode. That way you don’t have to record it over again for every episode if you don’t want to.
Looking for other great podcasting tips?
Check out our free Podcast Masterclass, where we share the top 5 ways to grow and monetize your podcast!
