How to Name Your Podcast for Maximum Impact
Welcome to "Showmakers," the podcast dedicated to helping brands and businesses build better podcasts that not only sound good but also work for you. A podcast's name does more than just sound clever. It plays a crucial role in helping your podcast get discovered and gives listeners a reason to press play instead of scrolling past. Let’s break down how to name your podcast effectively using branding principles that truly matter.
The Function of a Podcast Name
What does a podcast name actually do?
Describes the Show: It tells listeners what the show is about, helping them find it.
Memory and Shareability: A name should be easy to remember, say, and share. A clever yet confusing name will underperform compared to a clear, albeit boring, name. However, your podcast name can still be creative—just ensure clarity comes first.
Two Effective Naming Models
There are numerous ways to name a podcast, but successful shows often fit into two core models:
Descriptive and Keyword-Rich Names: This approach aids in search and discovery. Names like "Marketing School," "FinTech Insider," or "Content Strategy Podcast" leave no room for confusion. This model works well if your show is tied to a brand or niche audience. The SEO benefit is significant, as platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google index titles and descriptions. Use this approach if your show supports content strategy or if your audience searches for related topics.
Branded or Metaphorical Names: This model offers more identity and flexibility. Names such as "How I Built This," "Call Me Candid," or "Land of Giants" don’t directly reveal their content but are memorable and emotionally resonant. They align well with strong artwork and brand recognition. This route is ideal for shows driven by personality, visuals, or tone, and where the host’s recognition holds weight.
Combining Both Models: For example, "Masters of Scale: The Business Growth Podcast" creatively balances brand identity with search-friendly elements. Another example is "Showmakers: The Podcast About How to Make Better Podcasts," which is both creative and clear.
Common Naming Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls to prevent your show from stumbling out of the gate: -
Overused Words: Avoid terms like "real talk," "unfiltered," or "The Your Name Show" unless you have strong name recognition.
Too Niche: Avoid slang or acronyms only understood by insiders unless targeting a niche group.
Length and Complexity: Names that are difficult to remember or spell won't be shared.
Title Stuffing: Resist overloading your title with keywords; it’s off-putting and might get flagged by Apple.
Naming Checklist
Use this checklist to test your podcast name:
☑️ Is it clear what the show is about?
☑️ Is it easy to say out loud? (“Hey, have you listened to Showmakers?”)
☑️ Is it distinctive from existing shows? Check on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
☑️ Does the domain or social handle exist?
☑️ Does it align with your positioning and brand voice?
If you can't check most of these boxes, take time to workshop it. This process is important, and it's worth the effort.
Practical Naming Process
Imagine launching a branded podcast. Start with your audience. Consider what they search for, their learning wants, feelings, and the tone that resonates. Brainstorm a list but give it time to marinate. Great names often emerge from brainstorming distance and iteration. Check everything—podcast apps, Google, social handles, Spotify, and domain names. Ensure findability while avoiding legal and IP issues. Test the name out loud in a sentence: “Hey, I was just listening to Showmakers.” Trust your instinct—if it sounds wrong, it likely is. Whether descriptive, branded, or a hybrid, your podcast name is your initial handshake with your audience. Make it count.
Conclusion
Thank you for catching this episode of "Showmakers." Please subscribe, share, or discuss this episode in your team Slack. If you’re stuck between podcast names, drop me an email, and I'll help you pick a winner. See you next time!
