| name | podcast-ad-script |
| description | Writes host-read and pre-produced podcast ad scripts with natural integration points and tracking URLs. Use when creating podcast advertising spots or sponsorship reads. |
| allowed-tools | Read Write Glob |
| metadata | {"author":"matthewhitcham","version":"1.0"} |
Podcast Ad Script
When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when you need to:
- Write host-read ad scripts for podcast sponsorships
- Create pre-produced (announcer-read) podcast ad spots
- Develop ad scripts for pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll placements
- Produce multiple script variations for different podcast shows
DO NOT use this skill for podcast episode outlines, show notes, or radio commercials. This is specifically for podcast advertising scripts.
Core Principle
THE BEST PODCAST ADS SOUND LIKE THE HOST GENUINELY RECOMMENDING SOMETHING TO A FRIEND — NOT READING A CORPORATE SCRIPT.
Phase 1: Brief
Required Inputs
| Input | What to Ask | Default |
|---|
| Product/service | "What are you advertising?" | No default — must be provided |
| Ad type | "Host-read or pre-produced?" | Host-read |
| Placement | "Pre-roll (60s), mid-roll (60-90s), or post-roll (30s)?" | Mid-roll (60 seconds) |
| Offer/CTA | "What is the offer? (discount code, URL, free trial)" | No default — must be provided |
| Key talking points | "What 2-3 points must be mentioned?" | No default — must be provided |
| Podcast genre | "What type of podcast will this run on? (business, comedy, true crime, health)" | Business/entrepreneurship |
GATE: Do not proceed until the product, offer, and key talking points are confirmed.
Phase 2: Script Framework
Select the framework based on ad type and placement.
Host-Read Structure
Pre-Roll (30-60 seconds)
- Personal connection or use case (10s)
- What the product does and why it matters (20s)
- Offer + tracking URL/code (10s)
Mid-Roll (60-90 seconds)
- Story or personal experience with the product (20-30s)
- Key benefits — maximum 3 (20-30s)
- Offer + tracking URL/code + repeat (15-20s)
Post-Roll (15-30 seconds)
- Quick reminder of the sponsor and offer (10s)
- Tracking URL/code (5-10s)
Pre-Produced Structure
- Announcer intro with brand name (5s)
- Problem + solution framing (15-20s)
- Key benefit + proof point (15-20s)
- Offer + CTA + URL (10-15s)
Phase 3: Write Scripts
Deliver 2 script variations with different angles.
Script Format
## Script [A/B]: [Angle Name]
**Type:** Host-read / Pre-produced
**Placement:** Mid-roll
**Duration:** ~60 seconds
**Word count:** ~150 words (aim for 2.5 words/second)
---
[HOST TALKING POINTS — not a word-for-word script]
• Open with: [Personal story or relatable situation]
Example: "So I've been using [Product] for about three months now, and I have to tell you..."
• Bridge to product: [How the product connects to the story]
Example: "What I love about it is [specific benefit] — I was doing [old way] before and it took me [time]."
• Key benefits (hit these naturally):
1. [Benefit 1 — most relevant to this audience]
2. [Benefit 2]
3. [Benefit 3 — optional]
• Offer: [Exact offer language]
"Go to [tracking URL] or use code [CODE] at checkout for [discount]."
• Repeat URL/code: [Say it twice, spell it out if needed]
---
**Tracking URL:** [vanity URL]
**Promo code:** [CODE]
**Must-mention:** [Any required legal or brand language]
Phase 4: Polish
Delivery Notes for Hosts
- Tone guidance: Conversational, like recommending to a friend. Do not read verbatim.
- Talking points, not teleprompter: Bullet points allow natural delivery — word-for-word scripts sound stiff.
- Personal touch: Encourage the host to add their own experience if they have used the product.
- Pacing: 150 words = ~60 seconds at natural podcast speaking pace.
Tracking Setup Checklist
- [ ] Vanity URL created and redirecting properly
- [ ] Promo code active and tested
- [ ] Attribution tracking in place (UTM parameters or unique landing page)
- [ ] Code expiration date set (if applicable)
- [ ] Host has received product/service to try (for authentic host-read)
Example: Project Management SaaS Mid-Roll
Script A — Personal Experience:
• Open: "Real quick — I want to tell you about [Product]. My team started using it
last quarter when we were drowning in Slack messages and losing track of deadlines."
• Bridge: "What makes it different is everything lives in one place — tasks, docs,
timelines. I literally stopped scheduling 'status update' meetings because everyone
can see progress in real time."
• Benefits: All-in-one workspace, saves 5+ hours/week on meetings, free tier available
• Offer: "Go to product.com/podname — that's product.com/podname — and you'll get
your first 3 months free on any paid plan."
Anti-Patterns
- Writing word-for-word scripts for host-reads — hosts sound robotic reading scripts. Provide talking points.
- Too many talking points — 3 benefits maximum. More than that and the host rushes or the listener tunes out.
- Forgetting to repeat the URL/code — always say the tracking URL or promo code at least twice.
- Generic openings — "This episode is brought to you by..." is the fastest way to trigger a skip. Lead with a story.
- No tracking mechanism — every ad must have a unique URL, code, or landing page for attribution.
Recovery
- Host has not used the product: Write the script as a third-person recommendation with social proof instead of personal experience. "Over 50,000 teams use [Product] to..."
- Very short time slot (15 seconds): Strip to brand name, one benefit, and the URL. No story — just the punch.
- Multiple podcasts with different audiences: Write separate scripts tailored to each audience. A business podcast and a comedy podcast need different hooks.
- No promo code or offer: Create urgency with a limited-time landing page or exclusive content. Every podcast ad needs a reason to act now.
