The Art of Reviving Old Podcasts: How to Repurpose Episodes for New Content

In the center of the room, a man is seated at a desk, engrossed in his work on a computer. He's dressed casually in a white t-shirt and blue jeans, suggesting a relaxed atmosphere. The computer equipment, including a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, suggests he might be involved in content creation or broadcasting, as indicated by the microphone in front of him. The room itself is spacious, with high ceilings that house exposed ductwork, adding an industrial touch to the space. The walls are adorned with artwork, including a dragon-themed piece on the left and a red dragon on the right, adding color to the otherwise neutral tones of the room. A large window in the background allows natural light to flood the room, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. On either side of the desk are two comfortable couches, one on each end of the room, offering alternative seating options. The floor is covered with tiles that reflect some of the room's features, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. Despite the numerous elements in the room, everything seems to be arranged harmoniously, creating a functional and stylish workspace.

The cover image for this post is by Kit

This blog post was written by Jamie.

As podcasters, we’ve all been there—staring at our archives, wondering how to breathe new life into older episodes. With so much content already produced, it’s easy to feel like we’re stuck in a rut. But what if I told you that repurposing old podcasts can be a game-changer for attracting new listeners and keeping your existing audience engaged? In this post, we’ll explore the world of reviving old podcasts and provide actionable tips on how to do it effectively.

We’ll also get some help from our podcasting expert Mark along the way.

The Power of Trailers

When it comes to attracting new listeners, trailers are often the first point of contact. And for good reason: a well-crafted trailer can give potential listeners a taste of what your podcast is all about, without committing them to an entire episode. In the words of our podcast mastering expert, Mark:

A 60-second long trailer can be a great way to attract new listeners… and once you have their attention, they’re more likely to stick around for longer episodes.

- Mark

So how do you create effective trailers? Here are some tips:

  • Record or edit snippets from existing episodes that showcase the best parts of your content.
  • Use a short introduction or hook to grab listeners’ attention.
  • Make sure the trailer is concise and easy to follow - aim for 60 seconds or less.
  • Consider sending the trailer to podcasts like LibSyn’s “The Feed” or other shows in your niche, which can help you reach a wider audience.

But trailers aren’t just limited to promoting your podcast—they can also be used as promotional content (as I just hinted at). Mark continues:

You share your trailer with another podcaster, and they share it in their own episodes… it’s a form of like-for-like advertising.

- Mark

By participating in promo swaps, you can tap into other podcasts’ audiences and create new opportunities for growth.

The Benefits of Promo Swaps

So why are promo swaps so effective? Here are a few reasons:

  • They allow you to reach new listeners who may not have discovered your podcast otherwise.
  • They provide a way to collaborate with other creators and build relationships within the podcasting community.
  • They offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional advertising methods.

To get started with promo swaps, simply share your trailer with other podcasters in your niche and ask them to do the same for you. You can also consider creating a schedule for releasing new trailers, so that listeners know when to expect them.

There are even communities of podcasters who encourage creators to take part in promo swaps. I’m part of one such community: the incredibly successful PodcastNexus.

Writing Blog Posts that Reference Older Content

When it comes to writing blog posts, many of us don’t think of it as a way to attract new readers or promote our existing content. But what if I told you that referencing older episodes could be the key to success? Back to Mark

If you do (and you really should) write a transcription on your show’s website… then the content is already there, and it’s already indexed by Google.

- Mark

By writing blog posts that reference older episodes, you can create new opportunities for SEO and backlinks. Here are some tips:

  • Use existing transcriptions as a starting point - they’re often well-written and already optimized. you’re already transcribing your shows, right?
  • Create new content that builds on earlier episodes, rather than simply rehashing the same ideas.
  • Optimize blog posts for search engines by using strategic keywords.

But how do you get started with writing blog posts about your podcast? Here are some tips:

  • Identify key themes or topics from your episodes and write a post that explores them in more depth.
  • Use existing episode summaries as a starting point—you already summarised what you wanted to say in a possible blog post.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help or collaborate with other writers on the blog.

Leveraging Backlinks and Guest Blogging

As podcasters, we all want to increase our visibility and reach new audiences. But how do we get there? One effective strategy is leveraging backlinks from reputable sources. But what does that even mean? Mark again

Backlinks need to explicitly show that you’re a reputable source for information… it’s all about providing value.

- Mark

So how do you create backlinks and guest blog posts that help establish your podcast as a credible source? Here are some tips:

  • Write high-quality, informative content that showcases your expertise.
  • Reach out to other writers or bloggers who cover topics related to your podcast and offer to write posts for their websites.
  • Use keywords strategically to optimize your writing for search engines.

But how do you get started with backlinks and guest blogging? Here are some tips:

  • Identify reputable sources in your industry—these will be the key targets for your outreach efforts.
  • Write a pitch that explains why your podcast is worth covering or linking to.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help or collaborate with other writers on the blog.

Conclusion

Reviving old podcasts may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually a simple and effective way to breathe new life into older episodes. By creating trailers, participating in promo swaps, writing blog posts that reference older content, and leveraging backlinks and guest blogging, you can tap into new audiences and create new opportunities for growth.

So why not give it a try? Start by recording or editing snippets from existing episodes and uploading them to your podcast feed. Reach out to other podcasters and ask them to share your trailer in their own episodes. Write a blog post that references older content—it’s already there, after all!

Remember, the key is to provide value to your listeners and establish your podcast as a credible source of information. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can take your podcast to the next level and achieve success in the world of podcasting.

Learn more about how you can leverage our podcast editing and mastering services today.

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