If you’re not spending time crafting your podcast episode titles, you’re likely missing out on valuable listeners. Titles are often your first (and sometimes only) chance to convince someone to press play. When you write titles with intention and strategy, they don’t just attract clicks. They also improve discoverability in search results, helping your podcast grow.
In this post, you’ll learn how your titles can make or break your podcast’s visibility, what mistakes to avoid, and a simple formula to help you write better episode titles starting today.
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Why Podcast Episode Titles Matter
Your episode titles are the front door to your content. Whether someone finds you through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or another platform, they’re often scanning a list of shows. The title of your episode tells them whether that show is worth their time.
Even if someone’s already following your podcast, your title still plays a huge role. Every time you release a new episode, they’re making a split-second decision about whether to hit play. A strong, clear, relevant title makes that choice easier.
Also, episode titles show up in search results – not just your show title. That means individual episodes can be found when someone searches for a specific topic or phrase. Your title isn’t just about being catchy. It also plays a huge role in search engine optimization (SEO).
Episode Numbers Matter Too
This is just a little sidenote for you…Always number your episodes. It makes it so much easier for listeners to find specific episodes when you reference them, and it does not hurt your SEO as long as you also include relevant keywords. Many listeners will hear you say “check out episode 47” and then go look for it. If your episodes aren’t numbered, that becomes frustrating fast. Don’t skip this.
The Most Common Episode Title Mistakes
Here are the three biggest mistakes most podcasters make with their episode titles:
1. Too Vague
Titles like “Let’s Talk About Podcasting” or “Mindset Matters” don’t tell the listener what the episode is actually about. But something like, “Entrepreneur Mindset Shifts That Help You Hit 10K Months” really makes someone want to press play. Specificity gets clicks.
2. Too Clever or Catchy
A title like “The Best Day of My Life” might pique interest from loyal fans, but new listeners won’t know what it means or why they should care. Clever titles alone don’t perform well with search or new audiences.
3. Too Long
Overly long titles get cut off in podcast apps. If your title takes more than one line, it often pushes down your episode description preview, which is another key piece in getting someone to press play. Long titles also signal that your episode might mean that you are including way too much in your episode.
A Simple Formula for Better Podcast Titles
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time. Use this formula to keep your titles both clear and strategic:
Topic with keywords + reason to listen or result they’ll get
This structure gives your episode a clear theme while also including search-friendly language. Here are some examples:
- Instead of: Time Management Tips
Try: Time Management Tips for Coaches to Get More Done in Less Time - Instead of: Mindset Shifts
Try: Entrepreneur Mindset Shifts That Help You Hit 10K Months - Instead of: Content Ideas for Summer
Try: 30 Days of Content Ideas to Attract Clients This Summer
These versions are more specific, keyword-rich, and show the listener exactly what benefit they’ll get by pressing play.
Guest Interview Titles: What NOT to Do
Don’t title your interview episodes “Interview with [Guest Name]” or “Chatting with [Guest Name].” Unless your guest is already famous to your audience, this tells them nothing.
Instead, apply the same formula: describe the topic and benefit of the episode, then add the guest name at the end.
Example:
- Instead of: Interview with Suzy Q
- Use: How to Create a Magnetic Offer That Converts with Suzy Q
That title works even if Suzy Q weren’t the guest. It tells the listener what they’ll learn. That’s the key.
Yes, You Can Change Old Episode Titles
If your older episodes aren’t getting much traction, one of the easiest ways to refresh them is by updating the title. Start with your most recent ones and work backwards. Review the content, identify keywords, and rewrite the title to be more searchable and compelling.
You already did the hard part – creating the content. A better title just helps more people find it.
Final Thoughts on Podcast Titles
Writing better podcast episode titles doesn’t take long, but it makes a huge difference. Spend five extra minutes per episode refining your title, and over time, you’ll see growth in your listens and discoverability.
Before you publish your next episode, ask:
- Does the title clearly describe the topic?
- Are keywords included?
- Will this make someone curious enough to click?
- Is it specific to the episode content?
- Is it short enough to show fully in podcast apps?
Get these right, and you’ll grow your show one episode at a time.
Want Help Optimizing Your Titles?
If you want help optimizing your current episode titles or reviewing your strategy, book a Podcast Power Hour. In one focused session, you’ll review and revise as many episode titles as possible together.
Until next time, keep creating episodes that move your listener one step closer to becoming your client.
FREE RESOURCES
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