The Do’s and Don’ts of Podcast Intros, Outros, and CTAs
Why These Sections Matter More Than You Think
It’s easy to focus all your energy on the main content of your podcast. But intros, outros, and CTAs? They’re the glue that holds the experience together.
They’re also:
The first thing new listeners hear
The last thing loyal fans remember
And the moment where casual listeners become followers, subscribers, or customers
Let’s break down what to include—and avoid—in each section so your episodes feel polished, intentional, and on-brand.
Key Takeaways
Your intro sets the tone and hooks new listeners—keep it brief and clear.
A strong outro creates a sense of completion and nudges listeners toward action.
Every episode should include a call-to-action (CTA)—but not all CTAs are created equal.
Avoid being too long-winded, overly scripted, or forgetting to tell your audience what to do next.
Consistency builds trust; clarity builds conversions.
Intros: Start Strong or Lose ‘Em Fast
Your podcast intro has a few jobs:
Let new listeners know what your show is about
Set the mood and tone
Build anticipation for the episode ahead
Reinforce your brand identity
✅ Do:
Keep it short (30 seconds or less)
Include your podcast name, your name, and the show’s core focus or value
Use music that matches your vibe
Write a clear, repeatable script—then say it with energy and warmth
Pro Tip: Consider recording an evergreen intro for the start of every episode, followed by a quick episode-specific teaser or cold open.
❌ Don’t:
Ramble, over-explain, or include a full life story
Add loud or overly long music beds
Forget to greet your audience or mention the episode theme
Outros: Wrap It Up With Purpose
Your outro is your last chance to:
Leave a good impression
Deliver a call-to-action
Reinforce your show’s rhythm and consistency
✅ Do:
Thank your listeners
Briefly reinforce what the episode was about or why it mattered
Include one clear CTA (subscribe, leave a review, follow on social, etc.)
Use outro music that matches or complements your intro
❌ Don’t:
Overload your audience with multiple CTAs
Apologize or end abruptly
Make your outro feel like an afterthought
CTAs: Tell Them What to Do (and Why)
A Call-To-Action (CTA) is your opportunity to guide your listener to the next step. That might be:
Following your podcast
Joining your email list
Checking out your latest freebie
Visiting your website or contacting you
✅ Do:
Be specific: “Subscribe on Spotify,” “Download the checklist at [URL],” “Follow me on Instagram @yourhandle”
Mention why the action benefits them
Place your CTA near the end—or naturally throughout when it fits
❌ Don’t:
Rattle off five different things to do
Sound robotic or overly scripted
Make it all about you—focus on what the listener gains
Final Thoughts
When done well, your intros, outros, and CTAs become signature elements of your podcast. They provide rhythm, familiarity, and function.
The good news? These parts don’t need to be perfect—they just need to be:
Clear
Consistent
On-brand
And listener-focused
At HoneyPod, we help podcasters create show openers and closers that feel professional without being overproduced. We also assist with creating other visual assets you may need, sponsor messages and ad breaks, and more! Hit us up and let us know what you’re thinking - our consultations are always free!
Up Next in the Podcast Launch Series:
Next, we’ll walk through how to choose the right podcast host and distribute your show to platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and beyond.
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