Why your podcast needs transcriptions right now
Have you ever considered adding transcripts to your podcast?
It’s one of those details that’s easy to overlook, especially when you’re juggling recording, editing, and promoting your show. But transcribing your podcast episodes could be one of the most impactful changes you make to your podcast. Whether you’re looking to reach a wider audience or give your episodes a longer shelf life online, transcripts are worth considering.
Accessibility: reaching a wider audience
Transcripts make your podcast more accessible by opening it up to people who are hard of hearing or prefer reading over listening. Did you know that over 1.5 billion people globally are hard of hearing? That’s nearly 20% of the world’s population, and a huge audience you could be excluding if you don’t provide transcripts.
Even beyond hearing accessibility, some people simply prefer to read content instead of listening to it. Maybe they’re in a noisy environment or want to skim through the highlights of an episode. By offering a transcript, you’re making your podcast available to more people in the way they prefer to consume it.
Searchability: Boosting your SEO
Google can’t listen to your podcast (yet), but it can read your transcript. Including a transcript gives search engines the text they need to index your content, making it easier for people to find your episodes when they search online.
Think about it this way: you’ve already invested time and energy in creating valuable content, so why not make it searchable? A transcript allows your podcast to rank for relevant keywords, helping you attract new listeners organically.
How to get started with transcriptions
Ready to make your podcast more accessible and searchable? Here’s how you can get started today:
- Choose a transcription tool
Popular options include Otter.ai, Descript, and Headliner. Many offer free trials, so you can test them out and see which works best for you. - Decide on your accuracy needs
AI-generated transcripts are rarely perfect. If an error-free transcript is essential, consider reviewing it yourself or hiring a VA to proofread and polish it. - Publish your transcript
Add the transcript to your website, podcast hosting platform, or both. Make sure it’s easy for your audience to find and access.
Even if your transcript isn’t 100% perfect, providing one shows your commitment to inclusivity and makes your content more useful and discoverable.
Want more on this topic?
If you’d like to learn more about how transcriptions can elevate your podcast, I’ve covered this topic in detail on my latest episode of Podcasting for Business Owners. In the episode, I give you actionable tips on accessibility, SEO benefits, and how transcripts can help your guests repurpose content.
Ready to take the next step in podcasting?
If launching a podcast is on your 2025 goals list or if you already have a podcast and feel like it’s time for some expert support, I’ve got 1:1 spots opening up. Let’s chat and see how we can work together! Book your free call here.
Let me know in the comments, will you try transcriptions for your podcast? I’d love to hear how it works for you!