How to Guest on Podcasts
Podcasts have become a popular medium for Entertainment and Education, and appearing as a guest on a podcast can be a great way to reach a new audience and promote your business or expertise. But how do you get booked on a podcast? And what are the best practices for being a great guest?
Here are some tips on how to be a podcast guest. I started my Podcast Guest journey with a bang, appearing on Entrepreneur on Fire in 2016!
1. Research podcasts in your niche.
The first step is to identify a list of podcasts that your target audience is likely to listen to. You can do this by searching for podcasts in your niche on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or by asking your friends and colleagues for recommendations. Once you have a list of podcasts, listen to a few episodes of each one to get a sense of the tone and style of the show. Genuine enthusiasm will reflect in your outreach to the host or producer to ask about guesting. Listen to the show. A rookie mistake: asking to guest on a show where the host doesn’t have guests! You’d be surprised how many people do this.
Use podcast directories. There are a number of websites and apps that list podcasts, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Podchaser. You can use these directories to search for podcasts by category, keyword, or popularity.
Follow podcasters on social media. Many podcasters have active social media accounts where they promote their episodes and interact with their audience. Following podcasters on social media is a great way to learn more about their shows and to see if they are accepting guests. One of my favorites is Lewis Howe School of Greatness. He’s lively on social media, and always tweets you back.
Read industry blogs and publications. Many industry blogs and publications feature interviews with podcast guests. Reading these articles is a great way to discover new podcasts and to learn about the types of guests that they typically feature. Hey, you’re here reading this now! Perfect example!
Ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations. If you know anyone who has been a guest on a podcast, ask them for recommendations. They may be able to give you some insights into the types of shows that you would be a good fit for. Facebook has a few podcast groups where you can ask to be a guest, too.
Once you have a list of potential podcasts to guest on, narrow it down to a few that are the best fit for you and your audience. Alignment is of great value. I also do “light-heavy” before asking to be a guest. Would guesting on this podcast change my life for the better? Would guesting be enjoyable and fun? Would guesting help others who might need me?
Here are more factors to consider when choosing podcasts to guest on:
Niche: Is the podcast in your niche or area of expertise?
Audience: Does the podcast have an audience that is similar to your target audience?
Format: What is the format of the podcast? Are they solo interviews, co-hosted interviews, or panel discussions?
Quality: Is the podcast well-produced and professional?
Popularity: How popular is the podcast? How many downloads does it get per episode?
Consider the goals that you want to achieve by being a guest on a podcast. Are you looking to promote your business, launch a new product, or share your expertise with a wider audience? Once you know your intention, you can choose podcasts that are aligned.
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential podcasts where you believe you are a good fit, it’s time to start reaching out to the hosts. Be sure to send a personalized pitch that explains why you’re a good fit for the show and what value you can bring to the audience.
2. Craft a personalized pitch.
Once you’ve found a few podcasts that you’re interested in being a guest on, it’s time to send a personalized pitch to the host. Your pitch should be brief and to the point, and it should explain why you’re a good fit for the show and what value you can bring to the audience. Be sure to mention specific episodes of the show that you’ve enjoyed, and to offer a few topic ideas that you would be willing to discuss. If you have guested on a show, include a link so the host can see what it’s like when you are interviewed.
3. Be prepared to answer questions.
Before you record your episode, take some time to think about the questions that the host might ask you. This will help you to give clear and concise answers, and to avoid rambling. It’s also a good idea to have a few stories or anecdotes prepared that you can share to illustrate your points.
4. Be yourself.
The best podcast guests are the ones who are authentic and genuine. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. The more comfortable you are, the more enjoyable the episode will be for the listener.
5. Promote the episode.
Once your episode has aired, be sure to promote it on your social media channels and website. This will help to reach a new audience and to drive traffic to your business. You can also encourage your listeners to leave reviews of the episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Here are some additional tips for being a great podcast guest:
Be on time. This is a sign of respect for the host and the audience.
Have a good mic and internet connection. This will help to ensure that your audio is clear and professional. The best low end mic is a Clearchat headset. My clients who are choosy at the higher end like the Blue Yeti mic.
Be engaged and enthusiastic. This will help to make the episode more interesting and enjoyable for the listener.
Listen carefully to the host’s questions. Don’t interrupt, and take your time to answer each question thoughtfully. But don’t talk for too long of a time unle
Be prepared to share your story. People are drawn to stories, so don’t be afraid to share your personal experiences and insights.
Be respectful of the host and the audience. Avoid using offensive language or making controversial statements.
Here are some examples of topics that you could pitch to podcast hosts:
Your expertise or area of specialization
Your personal story or journey
Current events or trends in your industry
Tips and advice for listeners
Case studies or success stories
Interviews with other experts in your field
Being a podcast guest can be a great way to reach a new audience and promote your business or expertise. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of getting booked on podcasts and being a great guest.
If you’re interested in personalized 1:1 podcast guest coaching, sign up for Erica’s program here.
AI contributed to the content in this blog post!
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