7 Things to Know Before You Hit Record
Starting a podcast raises big questions. What if you choose the wrong title? What if the tagline falls flat? Here is how to approach naming your show, and why you can relax about getting it perfect on day one.
1. Start With Your "Why"
Your reason for wanting to start is probably your most important driver. Knowing your themes, ideas and focus will keep bringing you back to the microphone.
Your reason might be that:
You have stories, insight and wisdom to share
You're a people person who believes in serving others
You have a large network of people who would love to share their stories
You and a co-host figured it out together in your early discussions
You're sharing your knowledge so others can do it on their own
Your "why" can change over time and adapt with your life's journey.
2. Treat Your Title as a Starting Point
The title, tagline and description are probably the most important areas to focus on first. Some titles and focus areas stay fixed, while others meander. That's okay, because your podcast isn't poured into cement. If you nudge it in new directions in small ways, it will develop into the podcast you have in mind.
3. Expect the Nerves
Questions like "What if the title is wrong?" and "What if guests are hard to find?" are very normal. They come up even with podcasts that have gone for years. Take it one step at a time.
4. Be Specific, Not General
A general idea makes it harder for people to find your podcast and connect with your reasons for doing it.
Being specific helps you:
Gather your ideas around several pillars
Create guardrails and structure you can move around
Keep your messages, key phrases and keywords working together for your brand
Think of a kitchen. If it's mixed up with the lounge and the children's bedrooms, there's too much clutter. A focused space lets you explore ideas deeply.
5. Use Keywords in Your Title
Choose words that make it obvious what the show is about. A yoga teacher might use words like meditation, yoga and well-being. Keywords help listeners decide quickly if the show is for them. Not everyone will resonate with your message, and your podcast doesn't need to be for everybody.
To find your keywords:
Look online for articles, resources and other podcasts on your topic
Note the keywords, adjectives and phrases that you find engaging
Watch for anything that sparks a title or tagline
A note on using your name: it helps if you're well known or a standout in your field. If you're not, it's perhaps not the best route.
6. Write a Tagline That Supports the Title
A tagline sits right below the title. It adds depth or focus so people understand what you offer. Most taglines are short sentences that expand on the title and include action words and verbs.
Your tagline could describe:
A few steps of what you or your industry do
How you solve a problem
How you add value to your listener
7. Use Your Tagline Everywhere
Say it:
At the start of every episode, in your introduction
In a pre-recorded segment dropped in a couple of places to structure each episode
At the end, so listeners know the episode is over
Use it as a motto for social media and in your writing too. The title is the light bulb that attracts people, and the tagline is the light that draws them in.
Key Takeaways
Your "why" is your most important driver, and it can change over time.
Be specific. A general podcast is harder to find.
Put keywords in your title so listeners know what to expect.
Write a short tagline with action and verbs that supports the title.
Your podcast can evolve, so start now and nudge it along.
Put It Into Practice
Write down why you want to start a podcast.
List the two or three pillars or themes you want to focus on.
Search online for articles and podcasts on your topic and note the keywords and phrases that stand out.
Choose a title that includes a few of those keywords.
Look at the titles and taglines of podcasts you enjoy and note how they work together.
Write a one-sentence tagline with an action word that expands on your title.
Decide where you'll say the tagline: at the start, at the end, or both.