In the competitive world of podcasts, it's not enough to just create high-quality content. To stand out and increase your visibility on platforms like Apple and Spotify, you need to focus on user engagement and boost your completion rates. In this episode, Anthony Nwaneri and I explore how you can increase your podcast's ranking by improving your completion rates on these popular platforms. Anthony Nwaneri is the best selling author of the book Podcast Made Simple and the Co-host of 'Why Your Podcast Isn't Growing'.   After spending 3 years working hard on a degree that wasn’t taking him closer to a life he wanted, Anthony was determined to build a successful business in podcasting. Despite having zero experience in business or podcasting, he dropped out of college to go all in on a business. Fast forward to today, he's now a 2-time bestselling author and has generated multiple 6 figures with a coaching business, helping podcasters grow and monetize their shows. 1. Understanding Completion Rates: First, let's clarify what completion rates actually mean. The completion rate of your podcast episode refers to the percentage of listeners who stay engaged and listen to the entire episode. For example, if you have a completion rate of 60%, it means that, on average, 60% of your listeners stay tuned in until the end. High completion rates indicate that your audience is finding value in your content and are more likely to engage further with your podcast. 2. Importance of Completion Rates in Podcast SEO: Podcast search engine optimization (SEO) plays a crucial role in increasing your podcast's visibility and organic exposure on platforms like Apple and Spotify. These platforms analyze various factors to determine which shows to recommend to their users. One key factor they consider is completion rates. Higher completion rates signal that your podcast offers engaging and valuable content, making it more likely to be recommended to a wider audience. 3. Crafting an Engaging Podcast Episode: To increase your completion rates and improve user engagement, there are several strategies you can implement:    a. Start with a Powerful Hook: Grab your listeners' attention right from the start with a compelling hook. Avoid common mistakes like starting with a lengthy jingle or talking extensively about the guest. Instead, focus on creating intrigue and promising a benefit they will gain from listening to the episode.    b. Maintain High Energy and Smiling While Speaking: Your energy and enthusiasm as the host or speaker have a significant impact on user engagement. Smile while you talk, as it can be heard in your voice and creates a more enjoyable and immersive experience for your audience.    c. Create Open Loop Hooks: Throughout your episode, use open loop hooks to build intrigue and keep listeners engaged. Open loop hooks are questions or statements that create curiosity or a sense of unfinished business, encouraging listeners to stay tuned in to find the answers. Think of it as stringing them along with valuable and captivating information.    d. Be Mindful of Tangents: While tangents can be interesting and add variety to your podcast episode, make sure to bring the conversation back to the main topic or the promise you made to your listeners. Strive for a balance between engaging diversions and staying on track to deliver what was promised. 4. Importance of Episode Titles and Descriptions: When it comes to ranking higher on platforms like Apple and Spotify, your episode titles and descriptions play a vital role. They should be optimized for searchability and contain relevant keywords to attract your target audience. However, ensure the title accurately reflects the content of the episode to avoid misleading your listeners. 5. Analyzing and Improving Completion Rates: Apple Podcasts Connect and Spotify Analytics for Podcasters offer valuable insights into your podcast's user engagement and retention time. Monitor your completion rates regular