Your Podcast Episode Refresh Checklist: 5 Easy Ways Update Podcast Episodes

We pour our hearts into our podcast episodes, but sometimes it’s easy to forget about the treasures we’ve already shared with the world. Now and then, take a stroll down memory lane and revisit your podcast archives. 

Over time, some episodes may lose traction and not perform as well. Audience interests change, and newer content overshadows older episodes. This is totally normal and expected. 

However, with a thoughtful update, you can breathe new life into these episodes, attracting more listeners through in-app searches on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  

To help you spruce things up, I’ve put together a detailed episode refresh checklist. Let’s dive in!

1. Update Episode Titles

Your episode title is often the first impression potential listeners have of your content. A strong title can be the difference between someone clicking play or scrolling past. 

Consider making your episode title more actionable—phrases like “How To” naturally draw attention and suggest that listeners will walk away with valuable knowledge. 

Aim for clarity while incorporating relevant keywords that people might type into search bars. This not only helps your episode perform better in search rankings but also provides immediate context for your audience about what they can expect.

2. Update Dates or Remove Them

Consider removing any dates that may age the episode or update them with the current year to keep the content relevant and fresh. 

3. Add Episode Artwork

I know podcasting is primarily audio, but visual appeal still matters.

Fresh episode artwork can make your podcast feed pop and catch the eye of potential listeners. 

Use Canva to design eye-catching graphics that align with your branding. In 3-5 words, highlight key themes from the episode.

Just make sure the artwork looks good on both desktop and on small mobile devices. 

Create eye-catching artwork in minutes with our episode cover art templates! 

4. Update Links in the Description

Outdated or broken links can be frustrating for listeners. 

Review your episode descriptions and identify any links that need updating, especially affiliate links or social media handles. 

For example, if you’ve switched affiliate programs or restructured your website, now’s the time to fix those links. 

If formatting feels daunting, grab my done-for-you podcast episode description template, which can save you time and hassle.

5. Include a Call to Action (CTA)

A well-placed Call to Action is not just a marketing tool, it’s an opportunity to connect with your audience.

A compelling CTA can help you grow your email list, get paid, and turn casual listeners into loyal fans. 

For instance, if you have a consulting service, encourage your listeners to book a time with you for a one-on-one strategy session.

Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently should I consider refreshing older episodes to maintain audience engagement? 

I recommend refreshing older episodes every six months and/or during down seasons like summer or winter break.

How quickly can downloads pick up after an update? 

After an update, downloads can pick up quickly within the first 24 hours. However, it’s important to give it a couple of weeks to gauge if the engagement truly revives over time. Being experimental with your content can help you figure out what resonates best with your audience. 

Are there any metrics or indicators that can help determine which episodes need an update?

Look at the download numbers over the last 30 days. If an episode hasn’t received daily downloads or shows a significant drop in traffic, it could be a candidate for a refresh.

Final Thoughts: A Little Shine and Polish Goes a Long Way 

Although often overlooked, repackaging your existing content is an important part of a well-rounded podcast marketing strategy, boosting your podcast’s discoverability. 

By updating titles, adding cool visuals, fixing any broken links, and tossing in a solid call to action, you can revitalize those old episodes and boost your income. This not only brings back listeners who might’ve drifted away but also helps snag the attention of new ones searching for topics they care about.

So, don’t underestimate the value of sprucing up your past work, it can make a big difference (and honestly doesn’t take that much time)!

Have you recently given any of your episodes a makeover? If so, share your own tips and tricks in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going.