Your podcast title is what allows people to find you when they search the internet or their podcast app. In addition to your podcast title, other search fields play pivotal roles in listeners finding your show. Here we are going to discuss some important things to think about when selecting:
- Podcast Title
- Episode Titles
- Author Tags
Choosing Your Podcast Title
First, always keep your podcast title brief and intriguing.
You want a catchy title that reflects your content and includes ONE, just ONE key word/phrase. For instance, you could call your show about understanding dogs “All things Dog,” but when you Google that, you get a zillion sites and YouTube channels on everything from dog breeds to fancy leashes. However, if you call your show “Why Is My Dog Doing That?,” now you’ve got a name that someone with a question about dog behavior is much more likely to search. The “why is my dog” part gets an average of 22,000 searches per month.
Not only does this title suggest that you could answer some dog questions, but also suggests that you understand how frustrating it can be when your dog behaves in ways that don’t make sense. You’ve already built an empathetic relationship with your listener.
In addition, this title is a 25 character count with spaces, so it falls square at the universally acceptable show title median of 20-26 characters. That is an appropriate and effective length. Note that a podcast title generator is not going to get you here.
Conduct a Podcast Title Search
Once you have come up with alternatives you like, you need to ensure you are not infringing on anyone’s trademark. Search podcast titles to make sure there’s not already a show with the name you’re coveting.
- Search for it on the web
- Look on Podchaser.com
- Search on Apple Podcasts
- And finally, social media channels like Instagram and Facebook as well as Twitter handles and hashtags.
Finally, check if there’s an available domain name to match. The domain name doesn’t need to exactly match the show title, but ideally it should be similar and unique. You can search for and register a domain name at any registrar, like Pair Domains.
Podcast Directory Searches
Search tools in any podcast directory or apps do not work like web search engines. Most deliver results based on individual words rather than phrases, and the results are then weighted by algorithms based on actions like subscriptions, follows, streams, and downloads. Every directory’s algorithm is different, and they continue to subtly evolve.
For instance, some of the main factors Apple Podcasts uses to order your search results include:
- Metadata: show title, channel name and episode title
- Popularity: podcasts with large followers and plays in Apple Podcasts
- User Behavior: podcasts with high engagement, those that are played or followed from search results
What all that means for you is you need to search the directories thoroughly, with combinations of words as well as individual words, and take the time to review results more than you might on a web search engine.
No Keyword Stuffing or Homonyms
What is keyword stuffing? It would be when you give your episode a title like: Why is my dog doing that? Dog training and obedience with expert dog psychologist Spike Barkalot. It’s clear you are trying to get to anyone who is even thinking about their dog to find you by loading the boat. Since 2019, Apple has rejected such heavy-handed stuffing. Don’t take that chance. We doubt you need a search engine optimization consultant, but do keep stuffing in mind.
Finally, avoid anything that might trip people up when they are searching for or sharing your show. Like is it 2,000 or Two Thousand? Is it Allowed or Aloud? Take a look at a homonyms list and avoid them. In addition, abbreviations or unnecessary punctuation just complicate things. And remember, you don’t need the word “Podcast” in your podcast title. That would be like stating the obvious: America’s Got Talent TV Show.
Titling Podcast Episodes
You want to keep all of this same advice in mind when titling podcast episodes. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is putting the title of your podcast in every episode title. “Why Is My Dog Doing That: Pacing #1?” It’s unnecessary and eats up character space that could be put to much better use. Opt for: “Pacing: Why won’t my dog lay down”? Most podcast hosting sites, like Libsyn, will automatically number your episodes for you.
Author Tags
At show level, keep these simple with your name and the names of any co-hosts. Just your name/s is/are perfectly good.
Why Is My Dog Doing That?
with Spike Barkalot
At episode level it is ok to add the names of the guest/s you are interviewing in that episode:
Why Is My Dog Doing That?
with Spike Barkalot & special guest, Tommy Bowser
One wouldn’t think that what you call your podcast deserves an entire blog, but it’s super important. Titles are key to the future success of your show and you will begin building equity in your name from the very first episode.
Best to get it right the first time!
