Craft Compelling Podcast Episode Titles: 8 Tips

Want to boost your podcast's success? It all starts with killer episode titles. Here's how to craft titles that grab attention and drive listens:

1. Keep it short (5-10 words, 60-80 characters max)
2. Use keywords for searchability
3. Ask intriguing questions
4. Include numbers and lists
5. Highlight the value for listeners
6. Match titles to episode content
7. Use action words to create excitement
8. Continuously edit and improve based on feedback

Master these techniques, and you'll be on your way to podcast stardom. Now go make some attention-grabbing titles!

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Why Podcast Episode Titles Are Important

Your podcast's success hinges on great episode titles. They're not just labels - they're your secret weapon for attracting and keeping listeners.

Hooking Listeners

Your title is often the first thing people see. It's your chance to make them hit play. Here's why titles matter:

• They make first impressions count
• They show what listeners will get
• They can boost click-through rates by up to 500%

Don't settle for "Episode 5: Business Talk". Instead, try "5 Ways to Double Your Small Business Revenue". See the difference?

Boosting Search Visibility

Podcast directories work like search engines. Good titles help your show pop up when people search for your topics. Here's how:

• Use keywords people actually search for
• Most podcast players (except Spotify) use titles for searches
• Well-crafted titles can make your podcast easier to find

Liz Hames, Director of Audience Growth, puts it well:

"Your episode title and description should make clear why they should listen: How will they be better off after listening?"

1. Make Titles Short

Short podcast titles grab attention. Here's why and how:

Best Length for Titles

Aim for 60-80 characters (5-10 words). This ensures full visibility on major platforms:

With 65% of listeners on smartphones, front-load important words to beat title cutoffs.

Shortening Long Titles

1. Cut filler words
2. Use abbreviations (e.g., "S1 E1")
3. Skip show name in episode titles

Rachel Corbett, podcasting expert, says:

"Keeping your titles short isn't just about saving people time it's also because they might not see everything you've written."

Short titles work. They're visible, scannable, and smartphone-friendly.

2. Use Key Words

Picking the right words for your podcast titles can make or break your show's discoverability. Here's how to do it:

Choosing the Right Words

To find keywords that fit your topic and audience:

1. Check your podcast transcripts and metadata
2. Use Google Trends for popular search terms
3. See what keywords your competition uses

Pat Flynn from Smart Passive Income says:

"Look for words you use in your podcast, words people search for, and words your competitors aren't using."

Making Titles Easy to Read

Use keywords naturally:

• Put important words first
• Use 1-2 main keywords per title
• Keep titles under 60 characters

Daniel J. Lewis, host of The Audacity to Podcast, adds:

"Make your titles clear and simple. Don't use jargon that might confuse listeners."

Remember: Clear beats clever every time.

3. Ask Questions in Titles

Questions in podcast titles can grab attention and make people want to listen. Here's how to do it right:

Questions work best when they hit on things people care about, hint at cool content, or make you think. For example, "This Is Small Business" often starts with questions like:

"How do you keep customers coming back for more?"

This speaks right to what their audience wants to know.

But don't go overboard with questions. Mix them up with other title types. Use them for your big episodes or when you have guests on. You could even come up with a signature question for all your guests.

Liz Hames, who grows audiences for a living, says:

"Every question in the interview ties back to that central question: How did she do that?!"

This keeps things consistent without being repetitive.

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4. Use Numbers and Lists

Numbers and lists in podcast titles? They're attention-grabbers. Here's why:

Why Numbers Work

Numbers in titles are like brain shortcuts. They promise organized, easy-to-follow content. Take "30 Animals That Made Us Smarter" - it's clear, catchy, and sets expectations.

Buzzsumo's research shows headlines with numbers get more shares. The top performers?

Odd numbers often do better. They feel more genuine, less rounded off.

Mix It Up

Don't make every title a list. Try:

• Numbers for key episodes
• Questions for interviews
• Action words for how-tos

But here's the catch: Apple Podcasts says skip episode numbers in titles. They don't help SEO and waste space. Instead, add them in your podcast host's backend. It keeps titles clean while helping listeners track episodes.

Remember: use numbers to add value, not clutter.

5. Show the Value of Your Episode

Your podcast title is your sales pitch. Here's how to make it count:

Highlight Your Episode's Unique Value

Ask yourself:

• What problem does it solve?
• What new insight does it offer?
• How will it help or entertain?

Then, put that value in your title:

• "5 Time-Saving Hacks from Top CEOs to Boost Your Productivity"
• "Space Race Secrets: NASA Veteran Tells All"

These titles show what listeners will get.

Be Specific, Not Vague

Avoid generic titles. Be clear about what listeners will learn:

Specific titles give listeners a reason to click.

"A good title promises your story and builds a lasting connection."

Remember: Your title is a promise. Make sure your episode delivers.

6. Match Titles to Episode Content

Your podcast title is a promise to your listeners. Here's how to make sure it delivers:

Coming Up with Title Ideas

When planning your episode, think about:

1. What's the main point?
2. What's new or different?
3. Who's the guest (if any)?

"Your episode title should explain the value the listener will gain from listening." - Dear Media

Use this to craft a title that sells your episode. "This Is Small Business" does this well, addressing real issues small business owners face.

Keeping Titles and Content in Sync

To nail the title-content match:

• Double-check after recording. Does the title still fit?
• Be specific. Vague titles don't cut it.
• Include key details. Mention topics, guests, or special segments.

7. Use Action Words

Action words can make your podcast titles pop. They grab attention and create excitement.

Here's a list of powerful verbs to use:

Mix these with other styles:

1. Use numbers: "5 Ways to Boost Your Podcast Downloads"
2. Ask questions: "How Can You Ignite Your Creativity Today?"
3. Include guest names: "Accelerate Your Business with [Guest Name]"

"A good headline can increase click-through rates by up to 500%." - Peter Koechley, Managing Editor at The Onion

This shows why great titles matter. Use action words and mix styles to create titles that catch eyes AND drive engagement.

8. Edit and Improve Your Titles

Crafting great podcast titles is an ongoing process. Here's how to refine them:

Ask for Opinions

Get feedback to make your titles more appealing:

• Share with other podcasters for fresh perspectives
• Ask listeners directly through social media or email surveys
• Run small focus groups to test different title options

Use Your Stats

Let data guide your title strategy:

Pro Tip: Try A/B testing. Release the same episode with different titles to compare results.

Did you know? 80% of readers don't make it past the headline. This shows why strong titles matter.

"If your titles get clicks but listeners don't stay, you might not be delivering on your title's promise." - Podcasting Expert

Remember: Good titles attract AND deliver.

Conclusion

Want to make your podcast episodes pop? Here's how to craft titles that'll hook listeners:

Keep 'em short and sweet (11-65 characters). Sprinkle in keywords for search love. Ask questions - they're click magnets. Throw in numbers when it makes sense. Tell folks what they'll get out of listening. Make sure the title matches what's inside. Use action words to light a fire. And never stop tweaking - test and improve constantly.

Master these tricks, and you'll be on your way to podcast stardom. Now go make some killer titles!

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