25: Avoid these mistakes when naming your podcast
The Art of Naming Your Podcast: Strategies, Guidelines, and Pitfalls to Avoid
Have you ever found yourself ready to launch your podcast but stuck on what to name it? Well, you're not alone in this dilemma. Naming your podcast can be a challenging task, but it's also a crucial one. Your podcast’s name is the first thing potential listeners see, and it can make or break their decision to give your show a listen. In this post, we're going to take a deep dive into the art of podcast naming.
The Importance of a Good Podcast Name
First off, let's establish why it's so important to choose the right name for your podcast. A well-chosen name is not just easy to remember, but it's also engaging and gives potential listeners a glimpse into what your podcast is all about.
Moreover, a well-thought-out name can leverage organic SEO, making your podcast easier to discover.
The Dos and Don'ts of Podcast Naming
Firstly, your podcast's name should be easy to read and understand. Imagine having a name that's so complex, it's impossible to pronounce- or worse, impossible for YOU to pronounce! Obviously, you wouldn't want that. Secondly, it's best to keep the name short. Short names are easier to remember and don't run the risk of being cut off on podcast platforms.
Your podcast name should also be obvious. It should give potential listeners an idea of what your podcast is about. This way, they can make quick and accurate decisions about whether your show aligns with their interests.
On the other hand, there are also things to avoid when naming your podcast. You should avoid being too vague in your podcast name. If you're unsure about your podcast's niche, it may be beneficial to do some brainstorming with your ideal listeners / community before finalizing your name.
Another pitfall to avoid is using your name for your podcast. Using your name might not provide any clarity about the show's content unless you're already a well-known figure. Moreover, it's crucial to avoid copyright issues by not choosing a name that's already been used by another podcast.
Considerations When Choosing a Podcast Name
Before you finalize your podcast's name, there are a few things to consider. Can you say the name of the podcast easily? If not, you might want to reconsider. Also, ensure that the name aligns with your brand values for consistency.
Lastly, consider doing market research. Engage with your potential audience to get their thoughts and feedback on your chosen name. This step can provide valuable insights and prevent any unforeseen issues with your chosen name.
Should you use the term ‘podcast’ in your podcast’s title?
Even though the name of my podcast ‘The Podcast Space’ does have the term ‘podcast in the title, as it’s the name of the company, I would strongly advise podcasters to avoid it.
Apart from the fact that it messes up your requests on Smart Speakers, it takes up valuable space in the title that could be used for more relevant keywords, as search engines on podcast platforms (PSOs) ignore specific words that don’t add much such as ‘the’, ‘a’, etc. Finally, think about it: you can include the term in visuals and in other places such as your intro, but it truly makes as much sense as calling a newspaper ‘Ana’s newspaper’ - it really doesn’t make sense to include the term ‘podcast’ on your podcast’s name, as shared by Podnews.
Takeaways from this episode:
Choosing a podcast name is a critical step in your podcasting journey.
Naming requires careful thought, creativity, and a strategic approach. While it may seem daunting, remember that the perfect name for your podcast is one that resonates with you and your potential audience. With the right strategies and guidelines, you can craft a name that stands out from the crowd and propels your podcast to success.
Remember, your journey in podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, trust the process, and when in doubt, you can always rebrand if needed!
Jay Clouse’s episode on Rebranding his podcast, Creator Science:
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Episode 7: The quickest way to determine if a podcast idea works for you (Brain-dumping)
Social media course for Podcasters: https://bit.ly/3CsTtXg
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Learn more about our Maximize Your Podcast Content course: https://bit.ly/3TesQwc
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