Sarah McDowell

Founder + SEO | 14+ Years

About

Who is Sarah McDowell?

Founder of Lyrebird Studios.
I am passionate about empowering podcasters with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to create content they’re proud of and build successful podcasts.
I also offer SEO and digital marketing consultancy. Creating and implementing campaigns and strategies, SEO and marketing audits, content writing, SEO implementation and other services.

Sarah McDowell is the founder of Lyrebird Studios. In this role I help podcasters launch, grow and monetise their podcasts.

I am passionate about empowering podcasters with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to create content they’re proud of and build successful podcasts. Working with both independent podcasters and corporate shows.

I empower podcasters through 1-2-1 or group consultancy (both online or in person), conducting thorough audits and creating actionable strategies, and offering a range of production services to take the technical burden off your shoulders.

I also educate others through helpful articles and resources, podcasts, workshops and taking to the stage. I have also been featured in industry books.

I like to think of myself as a cheerleader. I am passionate about getting diverse voices out there, and have had countless conversations with passionate people who would create fabulous podcasts, but just needed that helping hand to get them over obstacles.

I have a physical podcasting studio available to hire in Worcester, UK. I have also launched, grown and monetised my own podcasts (with limited or no resources). Before founding Lyrebird Studios I worked as the SEO Manager for podcast hosting platform, Captivate.

I also offer SEO and digital marketing consultancy. Services include creating and implementing campaigns and strategies, SEO and marketing audits, content writing, SEO implementation and other services. I have worked in the industry since 2012, and have experience both in house and agency side.

Advice For Anyone Joining The Industry

Ask questions, and don’t be afraid to reach out to others for support. Find people you can trust and lean on when you need advice. There’s no such thing as a silly question. It’s impossible to know everything. Always be curious.

Areas Of Interest

Content and On-Page
Auditing and Strategy
Podcast SEO
Technical SEO

Education, Awards, Certifications

CIM – Level 4
Dance & Culture BA – 2:1

Affiliations & Past Work

Looking to work with independent and corporate podcasters to launch, grow and monetise.
I am currently working on a portfolio (once I have permission, I can show this).

Published Work & Inclusions

Watch this video on YouTube

Any Results/Highlights From Your Work You Want To Promote? Any Impact You’re Proud Of?

The SEO Mindset Podcast (cohosted by myself and Tazmin Suleman) collaborating with Search with Candour (hosted by Jack Chambers-Ward) to record a podcast in front of a live audience. After many successful live podcasts in Brighton, we went international in November 2025, when we were invited to do a session during International Search Summit in Barcelona. This is such a wonderful experience, getting to interact and connect with your audience in real-time. These events are independently run and grow on a yearly basis.

Favorite Articles/Publications You Share/Follow

WTSNewsletter
Core Updates (Candour)
Moz
Search Engine Journal
Majestic’s SEOinDATE book series
RankSuite
Podnews

Interested In Speaking

I am very interested in speaking opportunities including conferences, webinars, workshops, courses and podcasts.

First Job

My very first job was working at my local corner shop – such great memories. I also was part of the ‘Love Crew’ at Eagle Radio (based in Guildford), and had an internship making jingles to advertise the breakfast show.

Cool Fact

I’ve interviewed Marcus Brigstocke and met Neil Morrissey (voice of Bob the Builder).
I also got chatted up by the Prince during a local Pantomime when I was younger – I was part of the chorus.