Your Episode Title Is Killing Your Downloads – PTC 527

You are working so hard to create great content. Unfortunately, your episode title is killing all of that hard work.

YOUR EPISODE TITLE IS CRITICAL

If you don't have the correct episode title, you will struggle to get downloads and listeners. But your title is only one of four important elements of your podcast.

THE FOUR ELEMENTS

There are four elements of your podcast that each serve a specific purpose.

You develop your artwork to simply catch the attention of your ideal listener. It doesn't need to contain every detail about the show. Just catch attention.

Next, the purpose of your podcast name is to attract your ideal listener. When they see the name, you want them to say, "This looks like it is interesting and for me." The name should get them to click.

Once on your show page, the description of the show should tell your ideal listener why this show is perfect for them.

Finally, they'll start looking through the episode titles. The purpose of your episode title is to get your ideal listener to push play. It is like the headline to an article.

If you want more listens and listeners, create interesting titles.

CRAFTING EFFECTIVE EPISODE TITLE

I never got a degree in broadcasting or journalism. But I did take a few classes as electives when I was getting my degree in architecture.

News production was one class I took. In every story we wrote, the professor would say, "Don't bury the lead."

What he meant was tell them what you want them to know right up front.

Though I never did news, it played a big part in my career on the radio. When I started on the radio, I have to entertain people up the 17-second intro of a song.

I had no time to buy the lead. It was all about being brief and entertaining.

Too many podcasters wander into the story without a point right up front. We talk about leading with your provocative point right from the start.

Unfortunately, listeners won't even get to the intro of your story without a great episode title. Don't bury the lead.

HOOK THE LISTENER

Remember, people have short attention spans. Hit them quick with the hook.

Your listeners are only giving you a few seconds to decide if they are going to stick around for the episode. They are skimming content looking for something interesting.

Draw listeners into your episode quickly.

Think of when you are scrolling through social media. When do you stop?

You stop scrolling when something interesting hooks you. Something grabs your attention.

Your headline should hook your listener right from the start.

CREATE INTRIGUE

The best way to hook them early is creating intrigue.

There is a reason people use click bait. It works.

Click bait creates intrigue.

Here are a few headlines from YAHOO!...

• He Lost A Hard Drive With $750M Of Bitcoin

• Why George W. Bush's Belly Tap of Barack Obama is Going Viral.

• The 35+ Best Walmart Deals To Show This Weekend

These headlines create intrigue. George Bush tapped Barack Obama's belly? Is there video?

Click bait wants you believe one thing, but the content is really something else.

I don't want you to use click bait. It isn't click bait when you deliver on the promise.

I want you to create intrigue. Then, deliver on the promise.

The episode title of this show is Your Episode Title Is Killing You. This content is showing you exactly why.

This episode title creates some intrigue. Just be sure you deliver on the promise of the episode title.

USE AI

One great way to create great titles is to use artificial intelligence tools. I use CastMagic. You can find CastMagic through my affiliate at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/castmagic. If you subscribe through that link, I'll a small commission, but it won't cost you anything additional.

When I use CastMagic, I upload my episode. The AI tools then gives me 10 episode title options.

GOOD EPISODE TITLE SEO

Using AI will also help you create good search engine optimization.

If you want to be discovered, be friendly with Google. Make your episode title searchable with good SEO.

This is where CastMagic can help. Use the terms your ideal clients are searching Google to find.

And here's a tip. Nobody is searching for Episode 127.

Stop using episode numbers as your title. Don't even put them at the front. If you want to include the number, put it at the end.

If a platform truncates your episode title, you'd rather it be the episode number rather than the headline.

BUILD YOUR EPISODE TITLE

This week, start creating powerful episode titles for your shows.

Hook your listeners early. Create intrigue.

Use AI to help you create a powerful episode title that is SEO-friendly. You can use my affiliate link for CastMagic at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/castmagic.

If you'd like my help with your content and strategy, reach out. When you're ready to become influential and significant, we need to talk.

Apply for a call with me at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply.

YOU DON'T REALLY WANT A PODCAST

You don't really want a podcast.

The podcast is just the vehicle.

You want impact, influence, and authority. You want to move a room.

When it comes down to it, you want significance.

We don't want a big audience. We want the ability to move that audience into action.

I love podcasting. And I feel like podcasting is the best way to grow that significance.

But at the end of the day, the podcast is just the tool.

It comes down to what you do with that platform.

Over the past 30 years, I've been coaching people to become unique personalities who have great significance.

Each of those individuals have all built powerful relationships with their audience and lead that audience to action.

Let's talk about how to grow your significance. Get an hour of my coaching

I can take your hand and walk you every step of the way. Apply for a call with me at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply. Click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.