Is your podcast name working for you or against you?
One of the biggest stumbling blocks I see for new podcasters is choosing a name. It’s easy to get stuck thinking it has to be clever, catchy, or super unique, but your podcast name isn’t about being clever. It’s about being clear and searchable.
If your dream listener can’t instantly tell what your podcast is about just from the title, they’ll likely scroll right past it. And if they can’t spell it, they won’t find it in the search bar either.
In this post, I’m breaking down why clarity is more powerful than creativity when it comes to podcast names, and giving you some simple, actionable steps to help you choose a title that actually works.
Why your podcast name matters for SEO and growth
Your podcast name is one of the first things potential listeners will see, whether they’re scrolling Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or searching on Google. That’s why it needs to do the job of communicating what your show is about, fast.
When it’s keyword-rich and specific, your podcast is more likely to show up in search results both inside podcast apps and on search engines like Google. So, if you’re planning to launch a podcast for your business, think of your podcast title as part of your overall content strategy.
Common mistakes when naming a podcast
Here are a few naming traps I see people fall into:
- Using vague or cryptic titles like Behind the Mic, what’s it about?
- Including tricky-to-spell words like “entrepreneur” or “consciousness”
- Wasting keywords with unnecessary filler words like “The” or “Podcast”
- Not checking if the name is already taken
If you’re second-guessing the spelling of your title, chances are your audience will too. That means fewer people finding your show.
How to choose a podcast name that gets found
Here are some practical tips to help you land on a podcast title that actually supports your goals:
- Use keywords that your audience is already searching for
- Be specific. Titles like Mindset for New Coaches tell us exactly who it’s for
- Keep it short and easy to say out loud (you’ll be repeating it often!)
- Use podnews.net to check if your podcast name is already taken
- Avoid unnecessary words, every word should earn its place
If you’re running a business, consider using your existing brand name or service area in your podcast title. For example, Belle Verdiglione used her photography membership name Camera Queens in her podcast title, pairing it with “Find Your Focus” to create a name that’s both brand-aligned and keyword-friendly.
Final tip
Once you’ve chosen your name, say it out loud. A lot. You’ll be repeating it at the start of every episode, in guest interviews, and in your marketing. If it doesn’t roll off the tongue or make you feel proud to say, tweak it until it does.
Want more help?
If you’re still feeling unsure, I cover this in more depth in the latest episode of my podcast, Podcasting for Business Owners. I walk you through common naming mistakes, how to avoid them, and how to confidently move forward so you can focus on what really matters, creating great content.