Show Notes
Do you have a message to share? Are you looking to raise your business and personal profile? Do you want to highlight a cause that’s important to you? Being interviewed as a guest on podcasts is a great way to expand your reach and connect with amazing people.
Podcasts are the perfect platform. The reach is real, the audience is there because they want to hear your information. Today I’m breaking down how to be THE person that people have on their “most wanted” guest list.
Here are the things you can do to endear you to podcasts hosts:
Do your homework.
Listen to at least 2 episodes of the podcast. This will help you be familiar with the style and cadence of the host. You’ll also learn about special segments or things like rapid-fire round up questions.
Read reviews, or comments on the show notes posts. It’s a great way to get a feel for the listeners and what they like about the podcast. Be sure you understand the target audience so you can tailor your information specifically for them.
Be ready to tell a story.
Yes, you’ll be asked questions, but answers can be short stories meant to inspire, educate, or entertain us. Sometimes they can do all 3.
If you’ve been given questions in advance, you have time to get an anecdote or quote together to make your story relevant and memorable.
Connect with the host on social media.
If you aren’t already acquainted, be sure to connect on one or two social platforms that you use regularly. It will help you both when it’s time to promote the episode.
Comply with the host requests.
Most podcasters have a process to collect the information they need from you. This can include your bio, photos as well as links to your website and social media profiles. Have this information ready so your (or likely someone on your team) can get this handled right away.
Be ready to record.
Good audio is a must. That means you are responsible for you part. Make sure you are set up in a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. Even things like the AC or the fan on your laptop can impact the recording so manage your space to avoid ambient noise.
Use a good microphone and make sure it is selected properly.
Follow the instructions from the host so you know how to log in. Be early so you don’t feel rushed. If the software is new to you take a few minutes to watch a YouTube video or read instructional information on the website the day before recording. Nothing is worse than a guest who is trying to log in and figure all of this out 2 minutes before recording is set to begin.
I used to assume no one would see me and only audio would be recorded. Lately, that’s been the exception. Your host should let you know, but if they don’t specifically tell you it’s audio only be prepared to be on video.
Be your most charming and engaging.
You are the guest so follow the lead provided by your host. Use their name, thank then for inviting you, and I always like to have a question or two for them. Even if it’s something like: “What is your perspective on (this topic we’re discussing.?”
Keep your answers as concise as possible. The podcast will be edited, so if you need to pause for a beat to answer that’s okay. If you mis-speak, say so right away. It’s much easier to correct in the moment. Even though editing can fix a lot of issues, it’s time consuming and costly to insert new tracks or re-record even short sections.
Have a call to action ready. Set up a landing page just for the guests of this podcast. That makes is easy for you to remember and for the host to share. In fact, I like to use the hosts name or podcast name as the URL.
Express gratitude and promote generously.
Send a thank you. I like hand-written notes, but you do what works for you. A Bonjoro video is also nice if that’s more your style.
The host should provide you with a link and a graphic to promote your episode. Use them as much as you can on social, in your email newsletter, even your email signature can work. Tag your host as much as you can to help spread the word.
It’s also nice to create a blog post on your site about the interview linking to the episode. If you don’t blog, do a short Facebook live or Instagram story. Use your platform to promote the host and their podcast.
How to Pitch
Next week I’ll be sharing how to reach out and pitch yourself to get more guest opportunities so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it.