So…you wanna start a podcast? Well, join the club.
There are three times more podcasts now than there were only a few years ago. That means more podcast hosts and more people looking to subscribe to new shows.
The name of your podcast says it all. It makes a big difference in whether people will be inclined to tune into your show. You want a name that’s unique, clever, and easy to remember.
So, what’s in a name and where to begin? Here is your guide for how to come up with a podcast name that doesn’t suck.
Go for Brand Recognition
Understanding your brand is the first step in how to name a podcast the right way.
Any name you’re considering should be on-brand. It should fit the description of your podcast show. Take a lesson from Business Marketing 101 and think of your podcast as starting a new company.
Think about the main point of your podcast and the message you’re trying to send. Your content, tone of voice, and speaking style should all come into play to help you decide your name. Make a list of the subjects you’ll cover in your podcast episodes.
You also need to decide if your podcast will showcase a business or a personal brand. In these cases, you may want to consider using a name within the title. “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast is an example of this. HINT: If you’re going to name your podcast after yourself, it’s best that your name comes with some instant recognition. If not, we suggest not going this route. The Podcast of No Return once had its creator’s name in its title. But after some internal discussion it was decided that it would be best if we dropped that part of the nomenclature. Since the show is something of a group effort, and Mr. Creator was no celebrity along the lines of Ariana Grande or whatnot, his name was amen out of from the title.
It also helps to go with podcast names that fit your industry niche. Consider the unique attributes of your podcast and what sets it apart from all the others.
Sketch comedies, storytelling, interviews, and conversational podcasts are some popular options. Panels and solo podcasts are other ways to share some great content.
You can also get creative with buzz words that fit the theme of your show. Opt for something that’s trending, yet won’t go out of style. This can also be a play on words or even a great line from a movie or song.
It may also help to think about a cool logo design for your podcast. Once you have a design idea and theme this can help spur a good name that fits.
Get SEO-Friendly with Google
Chances are your potential audience is going to start by looking for you online or through an app. So, it helps to have Google on your side for an increase in visibility.
Podcast titles with top keywords use SEO to attract an audience. People searching for these keywords will plug them into sites like Stitcher, PodBean, Buzzsprout, and Libsyn. A search engine optimized name will help you to market your podcast to the public.
Note that the idea is not to stuff the name with keywords. This can raise flags for search engines as well as your audience. Focus on one essential keyword instead.
Yet, SEO shouldn’t rule over the name of your podcast. But it is a helpful tool in promoting your show to new subscribers.
If you find a creative way to throw in keywords, hats off to you. If not, it’s not the end of the world. You also have the advantage of selecting a podcast category to help people find you.
A Word on Websites and Social Media
You’ll likely use digital marketing techniques to further promote your podcast. So, be sure the name translates well to your social media handles. You’ll also want to mimic this for your YouTube channel and website if you have one.
Once you have a list of potential names, cross-reference them with social sites. Check Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to be sure the name is still up for grabs. You also want to make sure the domain name is available.
Be sure to use social media for your podcast launch day push. It’s also a great tool for updating followers once a new episode gets uploaded.
Think About Your Audience
About 73 million people in America listen to podcasts. Yet, you want to think about who your target subscriber is.
The whole idea is to make them click on your podcast. So, it’s smart to do a little bit of market research to come up with podcast name ideas. This way you can focus on a name that grabs their attention.
Think about their wants, needs, and behaviors. Are they coming to you to get entertained or educated? Are they searching for a serious or more humorous host?
Let your audience set the tone for your name. You also don’t want to offend anyone with sexist jargon or political propaganda. Or maybe you do…
Dare to Be Different
I can’t stress this point enough. Don’t copy or steal from someone else’s creative ideas. This is a quick and sure way to get your podcast canceled.
It’s okay to seek inspiration from others. Yet, let your name be of your own making. The most clever podcast names come from your own inner creativity.
Talk with friends and family to throw around ideas. Seek inspiration from your favorite books, movies, and music. Let your personality and interests take center stage for developing your podcast.
Adding in a descriptive word can also make your podcast name more interesting. Sensory words can also help you to establish a connection with your audience.
It also helps to follow a less is more approach. Don’t waste words to take up space. There is also no rule that says you have to use the word “podcast” within your show title.
Have you finally decided on a name? First, run an online check to be sure nobody else has already taken it. You don’t want to have the same general name as someone else, even if by accident.
How to Come up with a Podcast Name that People Want to Listen To
These tips should help you learn how to come up with a podcast name that will help score subscribers. Remember to be unique, clever, and to the point. You also want to be conscious of your brand and audience.
Interested in more podcast tips and inspirations? Check out The Podcast of No Return’s (reputed) story on how it all began. Remember — dare to be different.
