How to Write Episode Titles That Get More Downloads
Here's what you can expect from this episode:
Ever published an episode you knew was good…like, deep in your soul knew it was helpful, only to watch it quietly flop? No comments, no download spike, no “this changed my life” messages sliding into your DMs. And you’re sitting there thinking, “Excuse me, Internet, did you miss how helpful that was?”
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: your episode probably didn’t get ignored. It just didn’t get clicked.
If you’ve been wondering how to write episode titles that actually get people to press play, you’re in the right place. The thing about podcast episode titles is that most of us treat them like labels rather than invitations. We write “Episode 52: Nutrition Tips for Beginners” or “How to Improve Your Morning Routine” and wonder why the podcast isn’t getting downloads, even though the content is genuinely solid. But here’s what’s actually happening: people are seeing your episodes. Your podcast SEO is working. You’re showing up in search results and recommendations. They’re just scrolling right past because your title didn’t give them a reason to press play.
This lives squarely in the Interaction phase of my SEAMless Podcast Framework, that crucial moment where your content has to earn attention before your brilliance even gets a chance to shine. Unfair? Totally. But fixable.
Here’s what’s covered
[00:41] – The Uncomfortable Truth
Your episode didn’t get ignored; it just didn’t get clicked. The difference between being found and being chosen, and how podcast engagement tips start with your title.
[01:53] – The Sneaky Problem with Low Click-Through Rates
How good podcast SEO can actually backfire if your titles don’t spark curiosity. You’re getting found, but people keep scrolling.
[02:34] – The Interaction Phase
Where this title issue lives in my SEAMless Podcast Framework, and why your brilliance needs to earn attention first.
[03:34] – The Title Tweak That Changes Everything
How to shift from describing a topic to highlighting a specific outcome or tension with real podcast title examples you can use.
[04:46] – The Client Story
How rewriting five titles led to a 20% download increase, plus why older episodes started getting new traction.
[06:42] – Quick Note on the SEAMless Growth Audit
What Tori from Fruitful Fertility Co said about the audit process (spoiler: she booked her second session before the first one ended).
[07:22] – Why This Works Best with Structure
How episode titles are a multiplier, not a magic fix—and why your overall podcast growth strategy needs to be dialed in first.
[08:30] – Your Next Step
The one question to ask before you publish your next episode, and how to rewrite titles to reflect what your listener is ready to feel right now.
The Title Tweak That Actually Works
Instead of describing what your episode is about, highlight a specific outcome or tension your listener is already feeling. This is how to write podcast titles that actually get clicks without resorting to clickbait.
Here are some podcast title examples:
- Instead of “Strength Training Basics” → “Why You’re Sore After Every Workout But Not Seeing Results (And What to Change)”
- Instead of “Time Management for Entrepreneurs” → “Why You Feel Busy All Day But Nothing Important Gets Done”
Same episode. Completely different click potential.
Here’s why this works: it mirrors what’s already going through your listener’s head. It creates curiosity without being vague. And it promises clarity instead of just another generic tutorial.
I recently worked with a client who was doing everything right—great audio, solid content, consistent publishing. But her downloads were meh. We didn’t touch her release schedule or add more platforms. I rewrote five episode titles. That’s it. Within a few weeks, downloads were up 20% on those episodes. She took what I taught her, updated older episodes, and those started getting new traction too.
Because her titles stopped just describing and started inviting listeners into a solution. When you do this, that’s part of a strong podcast growth strategy, and it’s attraction working the way it’s supposed to.
Before you publish your next episode, pause and ask yourself: what makes this episode worth clicking right now? Then rewrite the title to reflect that clear, specific outcome. Your content deserves to be heard, and your title is the bridge between being seen and being chosen.
Ready to Stop Guessing?
Low downloads aren’t a sign you’re doing something wrong. Think of it more like information. And when you know how to read those signals, whether it’s your titles, your positioning, or your overall structure, growth stops feeling mysterious and starts feeling manageable.
Your content is good. The algorithm doesn’t hate you. You’re just ready for a strategic lens that shows you exactly what’s working and what’s not.
Not sure which titles, topics, or patterns are quietly hurting your growth? That’s exactly what we dig into during a SEAMless Podcast Growth Audit. I’ll analyze your titles, positioning, and the full picture so you can adjust with intention rather than guess.
And if you want weekly tips to help your podcast grow with more clarity and less stress, join my newsletter. It’s where I share my best SEO strategies and behind-the-scenes insights.
Hi, I’m Leah
Your go-to podcast growth strategist, coach, and host of Podcasting Problem Solver
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