Posted on by pathelmers

How To Become a  Podcast Guest

How To Become a  Podcast Guest

One of the best ways to promote yourself and your business  is to be a podcast guest. Being a podcast guest is a great way of showcasing your brand, authority, and influence, ALL in your own voice. Most podcasts grow by word of mouth. When a listener hears your interview you’re speaking directly to the audience.

If the audience likes what they hear, you can make that audience, your audience.

Many podcast hosts are excited to have new guests. Podcast hosts are especially excited to have guests reach out  saving them work searching for new guests.  If you can add value to their audience, you have a good opportunity to be a guest

Step By Step Instructions to Become a Podcast Guest

Do you know how to ask someone to meet for coffee?  That is the trick for success.  Do the following, step by step.

    1. Make a list of like minded podcasts
    2. For each podcast host on your list  connect on LinkedIn saying:                                                              “I listen to your podcast and would love to connect. Thank you “
    3. When they connect send a LinkedIn InMail message:
      “Hi  HOST,
      I’ve been listening to PODCAST NAME and your last episode on TOPIC spoke to me. I have similar views and believe STATE YOUR VIEW. Would you be open for a brief virtual coffee? 
      Thanks, “
    4. If they say yes, express how much you like the podcast, then ask, what is the process to become a guest on the podcast.
    5. Nine times out of 10 they will schedule you on the spot.
    6. Make it easy for your host to interview you. Give the host 5 questions you want them to ask. They may ask others but this will get them started.
    7. Eventually during the interview, the host will ask for ways the audience can connect with you. Of course you will share your email and social media links. But also have a free lead magnet for all listeners who want to connect with you.
    8. After the interview when the audience reaches out for the lead magnet, make and collect their email. Now you can invite them to your podcast or a coffee chat.

If the podcast host is not on LinkedIn, you can do a similar process using email or calling on the phone. Many podcasts have easy ways to connect with their audience. Use whatever method they prefer.

Now let’s go into detail for each step.

Understanding Your Host Agenda for Podcast Guests

Listen to a few of the episodes and understand the host’s agenda. You will use this research to improve your chances. Find the following:

    • What is the primary mission of the podcast?
    • Who are the perfect guests  for the podcast?
    • What novel thing can you share that differentiates you from other guests?
    • How do they like to interact with the guests?
    • What is their style and do you fit in?

From this research create a compelling pitch to visit the podcast. Specifically list the value the listeners will experience. Make it clear in your pitch, that you understand the listener. Make it clear that you understand the mission of the host.

Submit Podcast Guest Questions

Next, provide an easy way for the host to pick you. Give the host five questions they can ask. Pick questions that will make for an interesting conversation. Be the guest the audience will remember for years. Consider the following questions crafted personally by you for your host:

    • How did you become an expert on this topic?
    • What’s your story entering this area of interest?
    • When you started your journey, what was that like?
    • Where are you at now, regarding your journey?
    • Where do you see things going in the future?

In the interview, casually mention your podcast while answering the questions. Mention how these topics are covered there too. Create curiosity for the listeners to learn more about your podcast. Again, don’t be heavy handed and overly promote your podcast. This requires a deft touch.

Podcast Guest Call to Action

At the end of the interview, your host will ask you to share contact information. Have a call to action.

Give something away of value: a physical book, an eBook, a checklist, an experience. This is called a lead magnet. It will attract qualified leads.

Create a landing page on your website that provides visitors a way to sign up for the lead magnet. Once you have their email make it easy for them to subscribe to your B2B podcast.

Keep Expectations in Check

Expect the host to interrupt  guest and over-talk you. Expect the host to show off, dominate and play the expert. Read their personality and give them what they want.

Within their constraints, do your best to engage the audience and attract attention. Thank your host for having you as a guest.

Lower your expectations they will let you talk.  If they do it will be a pleasant surprise.

Thanking Your Host

The best way to thank a host is to actively promote your guest episode. Share it with all your friends. Reach out to each of them  and ask  to listen. Create promotional posts on social media and tag the host. Thank the host publicly and share how much you appreciated the opportunity.

Podcasts are evergreen content. Listeners have access years into the future. As time goes on, promote the podcast episode again. This let’s the host remember and appreciate a great guest. This can create networking opportunities and good will.

Take Action Now

For more advice read here on how to be a great podcast guest. Take action and reach out to influencers in your industry. Dollars to donuts they would appreciate you reaching out to be a guest.