How you end your podcast episodes can make or break the listener’s experience. It’s not just about saying goodbye — it’s your last chance to really connect and leave a lasting impression. There’s actually a little more to it than you might think.
You have two things to handle here: the end of the actual episode (which will change with every recording) and your pre-recorded outro (that nice, polished bit at the end of every episode where you thank your listeners and invite them to stick around).
Here’s how to end your podcast episodes and leave your listeners wanting more!
The End of Your Episode vs. Your Podcast Outro
The end of your episode is the point where you wrap up your conversation—this is the part that changes depending on your topic and flow. You can use this time to recap, drop a final nugget of wisdom, or tease what’s coming next.
Then there’s your podcast outro — that trusty, pre-recorded segment that plays at the end of each episode. This is your chance to consistently thank listeners for being there, give them a heads-up on what they can do next (like downloading a freebie or following you on social media), and encourage them to subscribe for future episodes.
Think of it as your evergreen sign-off that keeps things familiar and polished.
How to End Your Podcast Episodes
The last few minutes of your episode are prime real estate. This is your moment to wrap things up smoothly and encourage your listeners to take action. Whether it’s to follow you, download something cool, or simply reflect on what they learned — how you close matters.
Here are some tips for nailing the end of your episode:
- Give your audience a quick rundown of the major takeaways. It helps reinforce what they just listened to and gives them a clear understanding of the episode’s value.
- Add a CTA and mention an offer related to the episode. For example, if you were talking about launching a business, mention a downloadable guide you offer new entrepreneurs. Keep it relevant and valuable.
- Your listeners are there because they like your vibe, so stay relaxed and conversational. Make it feel like you’re talking directly to them, not reading off a script (even if you are).
- If you’ve got something big going on (like a launch or a special offer), this is the perfect time to give them a heads-up and get them excited about it!
Recording Your Podcast Outro
Your outro is that one constant your listeners can rely on at the end of every episode. It’s short, sweet, and lets your audience know what to do next, like subscribing or checking out your freebies. It doesn’t change often, but it’s a vital part of your podcast and conversions.
When recording your outro, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Start by thanking your listeners for tuning in. A simple “thanks for being here” goes a long way in making people feel appreciated.
- Give them a reason to hit that subscribe button. Let them know what’s coming up next or why they won’t want to miss your future episodes.
- Choose a CTA to an offer that is always relevant to your show, whether it’s joining your newsletter, downloading a freebie, or following you on social media. Make it clear and easy for them to take action.
- Don’t drag it out—20 to 30 seconds is perfect. You want to wrap things up quickly but leave a strong impression.
Remember, you’re not planning on changing this up anytime soon, so stick to sharing things that will be around for a while.
How to Leave Your Listeners Wanting More (and Taking Action)
Your sign-off is your final chance to give your audience that extra nudge. Be intentional with how you close each episode and the CTA you choose — whether for the episode itself or your whole show.
Every episode should end with intentional action while keeping things fresh (your outro will do the evergreen stuff; you should focus on signing off with anything that’s happening right now). It also wouldn’t hurt to give your listeners a teaser of what’s coming up in the next episode!
Ready to launch (or grow) a podcast your audience will love? Get in touch with our team today!
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