8 Tips For Crafting Compelling Podcast Episode Titles

In the world of podcasting, where different shows, genres and hosts all compete for the listeners' attention, a compelling podcast episode title can make all the difference.?

Your podcast episode title is the digital hook that invites your potential audience into your world. A well-crafted title not only piques curiosity but also enhances discoverability through search engines. Today I want to explore the art and science of creating podcast episode titles that resonate, engage, and drive growth.

The Power Of A Great Title

A compelling title should capture the essence of that podcast episode’s content. It needs to be easy to consume, spark curiosity and entice listeners to press play. A strong title can:

Increase Click-Through Rates (CTRs): A great title can significantly boost the number of people who click on your episode listing.? And this isn’t just in podcast directories. When you promote your episode on social media, or through email marketing the title is what encourages people to click through, download and actually listen.?

Improve Discoverability: Well-optimized titles can enhance your podcast's visibility in search engine results, attracting new listeners.? This requires a little balance. You can’t simply stack a title full of keywords because then it is uninteresting to most humans. Conversely, it can’t be so vague and ambiguous that bots can’t tell what it is about and serve it in search results - but more on this later.

Set Expectations: A clear and informative title helps listeners understand what to expect from the episode. It frames the episodes content, provides context to the audience, and , ensures that they're not disappointed when they listen.

Key Strategies for Crafting Effective Titles

1. Be Concise and Clear:

This is possibly the most important point. If you take nothing else from this article, take this. Podcast episode titles should be clear and concise. Use precise language. As a coach or consultant you are an information expert and your titles should reflect this.

• Keep titles short and to the point. Aim for 7-8 words or 36 characters.
• Avoid overly complex language or jargon that might confuse listeners - unless it is specific to your niche/audience.
• Use simple, everyday language that's easy to understand.

2. Incorporate Keywords:

This gives both humans and search engines critical information about the content of your episode, so it is important. BUT it must be done with thought and intent. Name-dropping is a huge part of this. Having the name of a guest in your title is great. Using the names of people who are appealing to your audience but not part of the episode content, not great. In fact, Apple is beginning to really crack down on shows using names in their episode titles, so keep this in mind when planning yours.

• Identify relevant keywords related to your episode's topic.
• Strategically place keywords within the title to improve search engine optimization (SEO) - typically works best when ‘front loaded’ .??
• Avoid keyword stuffing, as it can harm readability and user experience.

3. Ask Compelling Questions:

Just like article titles, podcast episode titles work very well when they are a question. They open a loop in the brain of your audience, who will then subconsciously seek to close the loop. It is a great copywriting technique and it is a great podcast episode title technique as well.?

• Pose thought-provoking questions that pique listeners' curiosity.
• Ensure the episode addresses the question posed in the title.

4. Use Numbers and Lists:

Another great example of article or blog titles. We have all seen examples of this because it works so very well. I have even done it with this article.?

• Titles that include numbers or lists (e.g., "5 Tips for...") can be highly effective.
• They offer a sense of structure and value, making the episode more appealing.

5. Leverage Strong Verbs:

Hyperbole sells. It creates strong emotions in the reader that will increase their likelihood of clicking through to download and listen to your episode. It is a technique seen a lot in advertising and marketing where clicks equal cash.

• Use powerful verbs to create a sense of action and excitement.
• Examples include "reveal," "uncover," "explore," and "master."

6. Avoid Clickbait:

This is critical. Your podcast is about accelerating the process of relationship building with your audience. Using false or misleading titles will only damage the audience's perception of you and your brand. Avoid this at all costs.?

• While it's tempting to use sensational or misleading titles, avoid clickbait tactics.
• Deliver on the promises made in your title to maintain listener trust.

7. Consider Your Target Audience:

You have a great understanding of your audience/ideal client, so be sure to use that to your advantage. Is there specific language, phrases, topics or hot buttons that you can include that will attract them?

• Tailor your titles to resonate with your specific audience.
• Understand their interests, pain points, and language preferences.

8. Test and Iterate:

Keep a spreadsheet with your titles and title ideas. Capture words, phrases or ideas that crop up in your day-to-day so that when you are writing or recording your episodes you can include them.?

• Experiment with different title formats and track their performance.
• Pay attention to click-through rates, downloads, and listener engagement.
• Continuously refine your approach based on data and feedback.

Examples Of Effective Titles

• How to Build a Profitable Online Course in 30 Days
• The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Podcast from Scratch
• Unleashing Your Inner Confidence: Overcoming Self-Doubt
• 5 Productivity Hacks That Will Change Your Life
• The Surprising Truth About [Topic]

Crafting compelling podcast episode titles is an art form that can significantly impact your show's success. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can create titles that captivate listeners, drive engagement, and elevate your podcast's visibility. Remember, a well-crafted title is an invitation to your world. It takes as much craftsmanship as a web page, an article, an email or subject line. Make it irresistible.