How to pick a good title for your podcast or radio show
How to pick a great title for your podcast or radio show? Here are some important tips:
Make it memorable
Podcasts and radio shows are audio productions. Your title will mostly be *heard*, not read. People have to be able to remember it after hearing it, which means that your title should be clear, concise and concrete.
Make it unique
Why should people choose YOUR show over all the other (Catholic) programs out there? What makes your show unique? Make sure your title reflects what makes your program different and special. And if you aren’t sure about what makes your program unique, it might be good to rethink the contents of your show before you pick a title!
Make it specific
Your potential audience has limited time. If they look for something to listen to, chances are that they will look for information about a clearly defined topic. Make your show title as specific as possible. Avoid broad titles like “Catholic Thoughts”, “The World Today” or “Random Musings”. Ask yourself: “What is the specific reason that someone will start listening to my show?” and use the answer to that question in your choice of a title. Again, if you can’t answer the question what your show is about, rethink the contents of your show first.
Keep it clear
Avoid hard-to-remember, abstract acronyms. “You are listening to CRFLW on WRBCT381 Radio” is probably not the best way to make sure people understand what your show is going to be about. Use simple, short words. Don’t go over the top in your desire to come up with something creative.
Avoid lingo
“Catechesis and Canon Law for RCIA classes” could work for people who already know exactly what you are talking about. But a lot of people (including probably some Catholics) won’t have a clue what those words mean. Always keep in mind that as a Catholic, you are part of a subculture in society with its own lingo.
Keep it concise
“Theological reflections on recent developments in quantum science and nanotechnology” might be a good title for an article, but would be a lousy name for a podcast or radioshow.
Keep it concrete
Make sure the title has words in it that reflect the content of the show. You can come up with a very original, catchy title, but if it has nothing to do with the contents of your show, you might not reach your potential audience.
This is especially true for internet radio broadcasts and for podcasts. People find your show by searching for keywords. If your show title doesn’t contain the words that people initially search for, they might never find your program!
Avoid abstractions
Use ‘visual’ words instead of abstract notions: “Toddlers in Church” is easier to remember than “Early childhood and Religious Education “.
Use alliteration
Sometimes, alliteration can help your audience remember the name of your show. Want to do a program about travels to Rome and to the Vatican? What about “Vatican Vacations”, or “Roaming in Rome”?
Combine opposites
You can make your title stand out by combining two terms that people normally don’t put together. “Catholic Karate” might make people curious enough to listen to your show about martial arts and Catholic spirituality.
Don’t use your name unless you are a celebrity
Stephen Colbert or Conan O’Brien are so well-known that their names have become ‘brands’ in itself. If you ask “did you watch Conan?” most Americans will know what you are referring to. However not every Catholic radio or podcast host is a celebrity (yet). So calling your program “The Richard Stoneyard Show” might not work if nobody has ever heard of you. Your mom will listen for sure, but I’m not certain about the rest of the world.
Use a subtitle
Podcasts and internet radio shows often have a subtitle that tells your audience a bit more about the contents of your program. Use words or phrases that you think people will search for if they are looking for your content. Search engines will index both your title and your subtitle.
Use popular search terms in your title
I once produced a series in which I analyzed Dan Brown’s book ‘Angels and Demons’ from a Catholic perspective. I made sure that both the title of the book and the name Dan Brown were part of the title and subtitle. As a result, anyone who searched for the audiobook or movie ‘Angels and Demons’ on iTunes or on the web, also found my podcast series. It gave me more than 50,000 listeners per episode!
Think twice about using “Catholic” in your title
Only use the word “Catholic” in the title if Catholics are your target audience. There are a LOT of programs and podcasts that start with the word “Catholic”. It’s difficult to stand out between other shows if the title of your program sounds just like many others.
More importantly, using the word “Catholic” in your show title can give non Catholics the feeling that the program is not for them. If I want to evangelize with a program about movies, but I call it “Catholic Movie Review”, I can be certain that most non-Catholics won’t check it out.
‘Crowdsource’ your title
Having a hard time coming up with a good title for your show? Why not use your friends on Facebook or Twitter to give you ideas? Briefly tell them what your show will be about and challenge them to come up with a good title. You will be surprised to see what people come up with!
Check the domain name!
Having website for your podcast or radio show with a domain name that is identical to your show’s title enhances your presence on the internet. Before you make a definitive decision about the title of your show, check the availability of a domain name that matches the title. If the domain is already taken, consider adding a word like “show”, “online”, “podcast” etc. Be careful not to copy someone else’s idea though, and be particularly careful with trademarked words and terms. You don’t want to get sued over the title of your show!
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Do you have additional tips or advice on how to pick a good title for a Catholic radio show or podcast? What are show titles that ‘work’ in your opinion? Share it in the comments!
A great title that I have been using for the past year for the college radio show that I host is: “RU Inspired”
It’s short, simple and to the point.
Here is a link to the blog for the radio show: http://ruinspiredshow.blogspot.com/
RUInspired can be heard weekly on Friday’s from 3-4PM central time, where Inspirational/Christian/Catholic Music can be heard, along with other inspirational thoughts from sources such as St. Josemaria Escriva.
Another good title for the podcast that I produce is: Special Chronicles. Now even through this isn’t directly geared toward Catholics, the main mission or purpose of this podcast is to talk about respect and to show respect, acceptance and unity among those with intellectual disabilities and a respect of all life.
Special Chronicles Podcast: http://specialchronicles.tk/
A suggestion that I’d like to share with picking a good title for a Catholic radio show or podcast is to choose one that fits with the mission or purpose of your program. Choose one that invites listeners to tune in and listen.