Can you reserve your podcast name before you launch?

How do you let go of a podcast name you really love?

If you’ve come up with the perfect name for your podcast and you can’t imagine it being called anything else, you might be wondering if you can reserve it so no one else takes it while you’re getting ready to launch.

Unfortunately, the short answer is no.

There’s no such thing as ‘reserving’ a podcast name like you would a business name or domain but there are steps you can take to protect your idea and make things easier for yourself in the long run.

Want help starting your podcast? Download my FREE ‘How To Start A Podcast’ guide.

Is there any point trademarking your podcast?

If the name is critical to your business and someone else launching a similar show would result in financial loss, you can explore trademarking your podcast.

But for most podcasters, it’s not necessary or worth the expense.

Can you launch a podcast if someone is already using the name?

Yes but it’s not a great idea.

Especially if the other podcast is still releasing episodes.

Building an audience from scratch is tough enough, but it’s even tougher when you’re trying to compete with a show that’s built up credibility, podcast momentum and, most importantly, SEO juice.

Since podcast discovery can be difficult, you don’t want to make it hard for people to find your show.

And you certainly don’t want someone to be taken to a show that’s not yours when they’re searching for your podcast.

That’s why it’s so important to research your podcast name before you launch.

And while it can feel VERY HARD to let a podcast name you love go, you’re much better off finding a new name.

How to come up with a great podcast name

Read

What if you don’t want to change your podcast name?

Changing a podcast name you’ve fallen in love with can feel like the death of a family member.

You’ve probably had it in your head for months, or even years.

You’ve probably told everyone you know about it and feel in your gut that IS the name of your show.

Then all of a sudden you realise someone beat you to it?

It sucks!  But I promise, you will find another name, and it will be better.

I’ve worked on the development of almost 60 podcasts and every time we’ve had to change a name we’ve eventually settled on a better one.

The new name also becomes the show surprisingly quickly…to the point where you can’t believe you were ever going to call it anything else.

Can you choose a podcast name that already exists?

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Is there anything you can do to protect your podcast idea?

While you can’t reserve a podcast name, you can grab the domain (URL) associated with it.

That’s something no one can take from you.

You can use the domain for:

• Redirecting to a podcast page on your existing site (this is a good idea if you want to drive all traffic to one place)
• Building out content that relates to your show including your show notes pages (this is a good idea to help people find your podcast via search engines)
• Setting up a podcast website through your podcast host (this is a good idea if you don’t want to build out your own site)
• Owning a small piece of web real estate that aligns with your brand (it’s always a good idea to have the URL associated with your podcast)

Quick checklist: What to do if your podcast name is taken

Podcast names aren’t protected by default so if you’ve got a name you love…

• Research before you get too attached to see if it’s already out there
• Be open to change your name if it’s taken (and know you WILL find a better one)
• Buy the domain to claim your little piece of web real estate if it’s available

It’s easy to get attached to creative ideas but there really is always a better one out there.