How to Craft Podcast Titles That Hook, Rank, and Convert
How to Craft Podcast Titles That Hook, Rank, and Convert
Introduction: Why Titles Matter More Than You Think
Your podcast title is the first (and sometimes only) thing potential listeners see before deciding whether to hit play—or keep scrolling.
And yet, so many creators spend hours perfecting their content… only to slap on a vague, SEO-weak title at the end.
In 2025, where podcast platforms are more competitive and algorithm-driven than ever, your episode title can make or break your discoverability.
This guide will show you how to:
- Write titles that get clicks without being clickbait
- Optimize for search while staying listener-friendly
- Use proven title frameworks that convert
1. Your Title’s Job: Stop the Scroll, Spark Curiosity, Support SEO
Your title has three main responsibilities:
1. Grab attention in a sea of similar content
2. Communicate value in a few seconds
3. Support SEO with keyword alignment
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Titles that are too vague (“Episode 14: Let’s Talk Strategy”)
- Titles that are too long (cut off in podcast apps)
- Titles that don’t tell the listener why they should care
Better Title Examples:
- Weak: “My Interview with Sarah”
- Strong: “How to Build a $100K Online Course Business with Sarah Jones”
2. Proven Title Formulas That Work
Here are a few high-performing frameworks that balance engagement + SEO:
“How-To” Titles
- How to Land Brand Deals as a Micro-Influencer
- How to Turn Your Podcast into a Lead Generator
Numbered Lists or Frameworks
- 3 Ways to Grow Your Audience Without Posting Daily
- 5 Mistakes New Podcasters Make (And How to Fix Them)
Transformation/Benefit-Focused
- From Overwhelmed to Booked: A Creator’s Productivity Plan
- What Happened When I Ditched the Script (and Spoke From the Heart)
“With” or “Featuring” Guest-Based Titles
Always include what makes the guest relevant, not just their name.
- How to Sell High-Ticket Offers with Sales Strategist Mel Robbins
- Mindset Shifts That Scale with 7-Figure Coach Jasmine Star
3. SEO Best Practices for Episode Titles
Podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and even Google use your title to help match your content with listener intent.
SEO Checklist for Podcast Titles:
- Keep it under 60 characters to avoid being cut off
- Include target keywords near the beginning
- Avoid using episode numbers at the start (place them at the end, if needed)
- Use clear, natural language — think like your listener
Bonus Tip:
Write a short, keyword-optimized subtitle or meta description that supports your title in your show notes or podcast CMS. This helps with ranking on podcast apps and Google.
4. How to A/B Test and Improve Title Performance
Not sure what kind of titles your audience responds to? Start testing.
Simple ways to test podcast titles:
- Try publishing the same content across different platforms (YouTube, blog, podcast) with different title styles
- Ask your audience on Instagram or LinkedIn to vote between two options
- Look at analytics: Track which episodes get the most downloads within the first 72 hours. What do their titles have in common?
Tracking Tools:
- Chartable
- Apple Podcasts analytics
- Spotify for Podcasters
- Podkite
Repurposing Guide: Turn Episode Titles into Content Hooks
Your podcast titles can be the starting point for tons of repurposed content. Here’s how to use them:
Instagram or LinkedIn Carousel
Title becomes the first slide: “How to Land Brand Deals as a Micro-Influencer” → Follow with highlights from the episode.
Reels or TikTok
Record a short video: “Here’s how I landed my first brand deal with under 2,000 followers.”
Email Subject Line
Use the title format for your newsletter — your audience is already primed for the style.
Twitter/X Hook
Start a thread or post with the episode title, then follow with the 3–5 key points from the conversation.
Want help writing podcast titles that grow your audience and your brand?
Let’s work together. Book a strategy call with Donna or Ben to optimize your content strategy and start turning scrolls into subscribers.
Final Thought
Don’t treat your podcast title like an afterthought.
It’s your first impression, your digital handshake, and your biggest chance to show your audience — this is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Make it count.
Donna Kunde
Donna Kunde is a podcast host, radio personality (in 184 countries), and co-founder of IBGR.network. She's the co-author of THE INFLUENCERS FORMULA and has produced over 15,000 podcasts (with 1.3M+ downloads), several in the top 100. Donna is also a public speaker, one of Virginia's top 50 Women Leaders, and received the Lead and Lift Others Culture award from John Maxwell. From stages around the world, Donna has reached the ears of millions.
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