Episode 432 - 4 Must-Have and 4 Might Harm Considerations for a Great Podcast Name

Naming your podcast is one of the most important early decisions you’ll make as a creator. A great name can help your show stand out, attract your ideal audience, and make it easy for listeners to find you. Here’s a practical framework to guide you, along with common pitfalls to avoid.4 Must-Have Framework Ideas for a Great Podcast Name

1. Search-Friendly and Discoverable
   • Use keywords your target audience would actually type into podcast apps or Google.
   • Avoid obscure references or inside jokes unless your audience is already in on them.
2. Simple, Clear, and Easy to Spell
   • Choose a name that’s easy to pronounce, spell, and remember.
   • Avoid puns or wordplay that could be confusing when heard aloud.
3. Targeted and Relevant
   • Make sure your name gives a clear idea of your show’s topic, tone, or target audience.
   • Let the title help listeners “opt in” or “opt out” at a glance.
4. Unique but Not Overcomplicated
   • Stand out from the crowd, but don’t sacrifice clarity for cleverness.
   • Check for existing podcasts or brands with similar names to avoid legal or SEO issues.

4 Things That Might Harm Your Podcast Name

1. Odd Spellings or Letter/Number Combos
   • Avoid names like “Cre8tive Minds” or “Blubrry Chat”—they’re hard to spell and search for.
   • Listeners might not find you if they can’t guess the spelling.
2. Too Generic or Vague
   • Names like “The Podcast Show” or “Talk Time” don’t stand out and won’t help with searchability.
   • You want listeners to know what your show is about immediately.
3. Overly Long or Complicated Titles
   • Long names are hard to remember, hard to say, and may get cut off in podcast apps.
   • Keep it concise and punchy.
4. Using Trademarked or Popular Brand Names
   • Avoid names that could cause legal trouble or confusion with existing brands.
   • Always do a search to make sure your name is available.

Pro Tip: Test Your Podcast Name with Voice Search

Speak your podcast name into your phone’s voice assistant or a smart speaker.
If the search results are frustrating or inaccurate, your listeners will have the same problem. This is a quick way to test if your name is easy to find and pronounce.

Quick Recap

• Do: Make it simple, clear, targeted, and search-friendly.
• Don’t: Use odd spellings, generic terms, long titles, or trademarked names.

A great podcast name is your first handshake with your audience—make it count!

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