Is Your Podcast Missing Out on Listeners? Your Episode Titles Might Be to Blame
You’ve heard the saying, “You can’t change the past.”
Well, when it comes to your podcast episode titles, that’s not true. In fact, refreshing underperforming episode titles can give your podcast a surprising boost in downloads and even help convert more leads. Let’s talk about how to make your episode titles work harder for you.
Why Titles Matter for Your Podcast
Your episode titles are more than just labels; they’re invitations. When potential listeners discover your podcast, they skim your titles to decide if your show is worth their time. A great title hooks them in and promises value.
Titles also play a huge role in your podcast’s discoverability. If your titles align with what your audience is searching for, your episodes are more likely to show up in search results and podcast apps.
But if your titles aren’t doing either of these things, they could be holding your show back.
Luckily, there’s a solution: update them!
How to Spot Titles That Need a Refresh
Before you dive in, identify which episodes to update. Here’s how to prioritize:
- Low Performance: Check your analytics for episodes with below-average downloads.
- Outdated Titles: If a title feels dated or no longer relevant (e.g., “Top Marketing Tips of 2021”), it’s time for a makeover.
- Missed SEO Opportunities: Are your titles missing keywords your audience is searching for? Do a quick keyword review and spot the gaps.
Once you’ve identified the titles, it’s time to optimize.
Tips for Creating Better Podcast Titles
1. Focus on Your Listener
Your titles should clearly communicate what’s in it for your audience. Be specific about the value they’ll get.
Example:
Original: “Tips for Growing Your Business”
Optimized: “5 Proven Strategies to Scale Your Car Wash Business Without Burnout”
2. Use Actionable Language
Start your titles with action words or direct promises to grab attention. Words like “Discover,” “Boost,” “How to,” or “Avoid” create urgency and excitement.
Example:
Original: “Improving Your Podcast Audio”
Optimized: “Discover 5 Ways to Make Your Podcast Sound Like a Pro”
3. Include Keywords
Do some keyword research and make sure your titles reflect what your audience is searching for. Keywords help your episodes show up in search results and attract the right listeners.
4. Add Numbers or Lists
People love structured, clear content. Including numbers in your titles signals that the episode will be concise and valuable.
Example:
Original: “Podcast Growth Tips”
Optimized: “3 Mistakes Killing Your Podcast Growth and How to Fix Them”
5. Make It Intriguing
Use curiosity-piquing phrases like “you won’t believe,” “nobody tells you,” or “the secret to.” A little mystery can go a long way.
Example:
Original: “Marketing Tips for Coaches”
Optimized: “The Secret Marketing Hack Every Coach Should Know”
6. Keep It Short and Sweet
Aim for under 70 characters to avoid getting cut off in podcast apps. Concise titles are easier to read and remember.
Test Your New Titles
Treat this like an experiment. Create a simple spreadsheet to track:
- Original titles
- Updated titles
- Downloads before and after the update
Over time, look for patterns in what works. Did certain keywords perform better? Did action-oriented titles get more clicks? Use this data to refine your approach.
Ready to Revive Old Episodes?
Refreshing your podcast titles isn’t just about boosting downloads—it’s about making your content work harder for you. And if your titles are already optimized but your podcast isn’t delivering the ROI you want, it might be time to dig deeper.
Not sure what’s holding your podcast back?
Download our free Podcast Audit to uncover exactly where your show needs fine-tuning. It’s quick, easy, and designed to help you align your podcast with your business goals.
Get Your Free Podcast Audit Here
By refreshing your podcast titles, you can breathe new life into old episodes and attract more listeners. Now’s the time to revisit your back catalog and start optimizing!
If you’re ready to make your podcast the ultimate marketing tool, let’s talk.
