When your podcast episode covers a couple of factor, how do you title it? That is an excellent query my buddy Mark Des Cotes from PodcastBranding.co requested me, and it is a good one.
I typically choose single-topic episodes. They set clear expectations they usually’re higher for podcast search engine optimization. However typically a present naturally covers a number of subjects, and attempting to cram all of them right into a title can get messy. Listed below are 5 approaches you should utilize.
1. Discover a theme
Search for a typical thread that ties your subjects collectively. As an alternative of one thing like “Pizza Recipes: Gluten-Free, Low-Sugar, and Dairy-Free,” you can title the episode “3 Pizza Recipes for Dietary Restrictions.” The shared theme (dietary restrictions) offers the title unity with out itemizing each element.
There is a tradeoff, although. Once you collapse three searchable phrases into one umbrella time period, you would possibly lose area of interest search engine optimization in your podcast. A listener is extra more likely to seek for “gluten-free pizza recipe” than “pizza recipes for dietary restrictions.” One choice is to make use of each: “Pizza Recipes for Dietary Restrictions: Gluten-Free, Low-Sugar, and Dairy-Free.” That will get lengthy, so take into consideration what comes first. The start of your title carries essentially the most weight, particularly since some podcast apps reduce off lengthy titles.
Discovering a theme additionally doesn’t suggest you solely use the theme. You’ll be able to pair it with different methods on this checklist.
2. Use essentially the most compelling matter
In case your subjects do not share a transparent theme, lead with the one which’s essentially the most fascinating or the one which takes up essentially the most time. It will not characterize every little thing within the episode, but it surely’ll seize consideration higher than a laundry checklist.
Dave Jackson and Jim Collison do that on their podcast, Ask the Podcast Coach. Listed below are some instance latest titles:
- “Apple Video Podcast Actuality Verify”
- “Why All-in-One Podcast Platforms Often Disappoint”
These spotlight essentially the most compelling a part of the episode with out pretending it is the one factor mentioned.
One vital rule: ship on what the title guarantees. In case your title highlights a subject that will get 60 minutes of protection, nice. If it solely will get one minute out of an hour, your viewers will really feel misled. I see this quite a bit on YouTube, particularly within the AI area. Creators title movies “Easy methods to Do This” however solely clarify the what with out ever attending to the how. That is a damaged promise, and folks discover.
3. Record subjects concisely
When your subjects are genuinely unrelated and none stands out because the clear headliner, simply checklist them. Erica Mandy does this nicely on The NewsWorthy, the place every episode covers a number of unrelated information tales.
Her titles seem like this:
- “Inventory Market Document, One other AI Jesus & TIME100 Record”
- “Golden Age of America, Pentagon’s AI Ultimatum & Olympic Scores”
She does not checklist each story. She picks the three most fascinating and retains the wording as tight as attainable. “Olympic Scores” does not spell out whether or not scores have been up or down. It simply names the subject. That is sufficient to spark curiosity.
This method offers listeners a fast snapshot of what is inside and lets them resolve whether or not the episode is for them.
4. Be inventive as a substitute of descriptive
In case your podcast leans into leisure, you should utilize inventive titles that do not actually describe the content material. The Podcasting 2.0 podcast with Adam Curry and Dave Joes does this. Listed below are some instance titles:
- “SlopJacked”
- “Put Extra Cheese On It!”
These titles are enjoyable and intriguing with out telling you precisely what the episode covers.
These titles typically come from a second contained in the episode (a phrase somebody stated, an inside joke). That creates a particular connection for listeners. You see the title, marvel the place it got here from, after which once you hear it in context, it clicks. Sure, inside jokes are okay in your podcast!
This may not work for each present. In case your podcast is only informational, a inventive title would possibly simply confuse individuals. But when leisure is a part of your model, lean into it.
5. Mix these methods
You do not have to choose only one. This Week in Tech with Leo Laporte pairs a inventive hook with a descriptive subtitle:
- “The Nice British Marmalade Scandal – Constructing Your Personal Router”
- “Some Had Leashes – Google’s Monopoly, YapScore, Robotic Marathon”
The inventive bit grabs consideration. The descriptive bit tells you what substantial subjects are coated. Collectively, they’re each entertaining and informative.
Discover the order: the inventive half comes first. Flip it round and the impact adjustments. “Constructing Your Personal Router – The Nice British Marmalade Scandal” sounds just like the marmalade factor is a subsection of the router matter. The inventive hook wants to guide.
No matter method you select, keep in mind that some podcast apps truncate lengthy titles. Lead together with your most vital phrases. When you’re entertaining, lead with the inventive hook. When you’re informing, lead with the subject that greatest represents the episode’s worth.
Particular thanks
- 1,897§ from Bryan Entzminger
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