The 5 Worst Ways to Title Your Podcast Episodes

Hey Friend!

This is going to be fun! I was asking my friends and the team what I should podcast about. I needed some fresh ideas.

One of my friends said, “Tell us the five worst ways to title your podcast episodes.”

Yes, this will be a lot of fun! So, we’re going to go through five things you should avoid when podcasting. Honestly, these five will work for your email subject lines or any content you create. These are don’ts that work across the board but are pertinent to podcasting.

Podcast Episode Titles: The Wrong Way

Grab a notebook and pen. Whether you have a podcast or not, this will help you prepare for the day you do have a podcast, because, friend, you can’t hang out with me for too long without me completely changing your mind. I double-dog dare you never to start a podcast!

No. 1: Do Not Use Too Many Clickbait Titles

I love a good triggering title, and I sprinkle them in strategically. But if we use too many clickbait-y titles that don’t tell you what’s inside the episode, it can lead to frustration and disappointment on the part of your listener. And potentially turn off your audience. 

We don’t want to make people feel like we’re misleading them if we use these clickbait podcast episodes too often. An example of a clickbait episode would be: “This One Strategy Will Create a 6-figure Business.”

I think this is okay in moderation, but be mindful not to use it too often, or you’ll be seen as clickbaiting your audience. I would say you use a title like this one out of every ten. Maybe one out of every 15 episodes.

No. 2: Do Not Create Overly Long Episode Titles

It’s okay to be descriptive, and you’ll learn inside Podcast to Profit (my mastermind program) how to strategically build a podcast episode title that includes podcast SEO and something I’ve coined as ‘focus phrases,’ what those mean, and how to implement them. 

You’ll learn how to structure a title like:

• Where does this go versus that?
• When to use an identifier like “Christian Women” or “Busy Mom.”

I will teach you all of those juicy components, but one thing I can tell you right now is that overly long titles are hurting you. This is because people have an attention span of eight seconds.

Avoid making them too long or too confusing. Don’t list a bunch of stuff with commas. Not only is it difficult to read, but it’s also hard to remember.

I tell my students, “If you just made me think about what you said, and it’s not immediately clear to me what I’m getting, I’m out.” Just keep it to one main component, one central promise for your title, and cut out any filler words.

For example, this title is too long – “How to Build a Routine Stack in Your Mornings So You Can Get More Done in Less Time as a Busy Mom.”

It’s a great title, but it’s too long. If we want this episode to be more punchy, it can simply be, “Build a Morning Routine Stack and Get More Done.”

Do you see how much clearer that is? We don’t need to add in all the rest. Keep it to the point, punchy is always best. Cut out any extra identifiers if they don’t fit into the core message.

No. 3: Avoid Using Offensive, Political, or Derogatory Language

Unless you have a political podcast, just avoid it. It’s okay to be moderately polarizing, especially if you’re trying to cater to a specific audience, but if you come across as offensive, it’s not a good look. I think you end up pushing more people away than you draw in.

Avoid using offensive and derogatory language. It can be seen as unprofessional. People have reached out to be a guest on my show, and if they have the explicit tag, I have to pass. Even though I may love their content, I’ve chosen not to include it on my podcast. You are probably going to lose some opportunities if you decide that, too.

Again, if it’s part of your brand or method, go for it. I think that for most people, you’ll want to avoid this in your podcast episodes – anything with name-calling, straight-up cursing, or something that could be extremely polarizing and create divisiveness in the audience you’re trying to cultivate. Just skip it.

No. 4: Do Not Use Irrelevant or Unrelated Titles

Make sure your podcast episode titles accurately reflect what’s inside the episode. Don’t use a title that’s partially related or a title that’s downright confusing once they start listening. I’m kind of guilty of this one. The team will say, “Stef, you said six steps, but inside the episode, you said three.”

Here’s an example: “Interview with Mary Jean from Fit Club”

First of all, it’s not a good title because it doesn’t tell me why I should care who Mary Jean is, and I don’t know what the Fit Club is. It should be about your listener, not about what happened to you. Let’s say you’re talking about how Mary Jean grew her business, not the fact that she’s in the Fit Club, and it’s irrelevant that it’s an interview.

A better title would be: “How Mary Jean Grew a 6-Figure Business in Under 24 Months” or “How Mary Jean’s Brick and Mortar Gym Became a 6-Figure Business in 24 Months.”

The title should show why your audience should care and why what’s inside the episode matters. Keep it super relevant and tactical to what’s inside.

No. 5: Avoid Using Titles That Are Too Generic

We talked about unrelated titles, but now let’s discuss titles that are too generic. For example: “Interview with John Smith” or “Discussion About Politics.” Those titles don’t provide much context or enticement for future listeners. 

I want you to be creative. I want you to be specific. Ensure your podcast episodes stand out from others. Find that sweet spot of a short, punchy title that’s a little bit triggering, but not too much clickbait, with beautiful podcast SEO, and includes focus phrases.

We go in-depth on these topics together in Podcast to Profit to find the right keywords and focus phrases, how to implement them, how to infuse them, how many we should have, and where they should go; all of that is covered in its entirety.

Take a look around, check out the testimonials, and ask the team any questions you may have. This is a perfect next step for you if you’re asking yourself:

• How do I optimize my show?
• How do I make this work for me?
• How do I make money from this podcast? 

I promise you, Podcast to Profit has it all! I’m so proud of it, and I can’t wait for you to walk through this course with me. 

Recap of the Worst Ways to Title Your Podcast Episodes

1. Don’t use too many clickbait titles.
2. Avoid overly long titles.
3. Avoid offensive, political, or derogatory language unless that is your brand.
4. Do not use irrelevant or unrelated titles.
5. Don’t use titles that are too generic.

I hope this helps you focus on what you’re trying to say in your podcast episodes and relay that message with clarity and consistency. Be pointed, tactical, and punchy in your titles so you can get people to click, listen, subscribe, and ultimately, work with you.

Deuteronomy 31:8: The Lord, Himself, goes before you and will be with you. He will not leave you, nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Do not be discouraged.

The Lord is beside you. Keep shining; keep showing up. He won’t leave your side. He won’t forsake you—everything you are doing matters.

I believe in you.

I pray this blesses you!

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