Being a guest on a podcast can be a great way to share your expertise, build your personal brand, and reach a new audience. But before you get started, it's important to make sure you're prepared. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
First, run through how to find podcasts in your chosen niche, expanding on the corresponding email.
Then, you will want to include a list of what to consider to prepare for being a podcast guest. We have included some pointers to help you get started.
Do research
Researching the podcast before reaching out to the host is crucial in ensuring that you are a good fit for their audience and that the podcast aligns with your goals. Here's why:
- Understand the audience
By listening to multiple episodes, you can get a sense of the podcast's audience and what kind of content they're interested in. This will help you tailor your pitch and show the host that you understand their audience and have something valuable to offer them.
- Align with the host's mission
Podcasts often have a specific mission or a niche topic that they focus on. By researching the podcast, you'll be able to understand the host's mission and align your pitch with it.
- Identify the host's interest.
By listening to the podcast, you will be able to understand the host's interests and the topics they typically cover. You can use this knowledge to tailor your pitch and show the host that you are genuinely interested in being on their show.
- Understand the format
Podcasts come in various formats; some are interviews, some are solo-shows, some are storytelling, etc. By researching the podcast, you'll be able to get a sense of the format of the show and the type of conversation you'll have.
By researching the podcast before reaching out to the host, you'll be better equipped to pitch yourself as a good fit for their audience and show that you understand and align with the podcast's mission.
Listen to the podcast
Listening to a few episodes of the podcast you're going to be a guest on is an important step in preparing for your appearance. Here's why:
- Understand the tone and format
By listening to multiple episodes, you'll get a sense of the host's style and the format of the show. This will help you prepare for the type of conversation you'll have and tailor your responses accordingly.
- Show your interest
By listening to the show, you'll have a better understanding of the host's interests and the topics they typically cover. You can use this knowledge to tailor your pitch and show the host that you're genuinely interested in being on their show.
- Show your preparation
By listening to the show, you'll be able to reference specific episodes and bring up points that the host has made in the past. This will show the host that you've done your homework and are well-prepared for your appearance.
- Show your appreciation
Listening to the podcast is also a way to show the host that you appreciate their work and are excited to be a part of the show.
By listening to the podcast before your appearance, you'll be better equipped to have a great conversation with the host and make the most of your time on the show.
Prepare your answers
Preparing your answers before your podcast episode is an important step in making sure you make the most of your time on the show. Here's why:
- Be prepared for the questions
Many podcast hosts will send their guests a list of questions to prepare for. This is an opportunity for you to think through your responses and make sure you're able to provide valuable insights and information.
- Know your key messages
Even if the host doesn't send you a list of questions, it's important to prepare for some of the most commonly asked questions about your business. This will help you stay on message and make sure you're able to communicate the key points you want to get across.
- Sound natural
While it's important to prepare your answers, it's also important not to script them. You want to sound natural and not like you're reading from a script. Practice your answers and make sure you're comfortable with the information you want to share.
- Be ready to share stories and examples
Podcasts are a great way to share stories and examples of your work, it's a good idea to have some ready. It will help to illustrate your point and make you sound more relatable.
By preparing your answers before your podcast episode, you'll be better equipped to provide valuable insights and information, and you'll be able to make the most of your time on the show.
Have emergency silence breakers
Having emergency silence breakers is important in ensuring you keep the conversation flowing smoothly during your podcast episode. Here's why:
- Avoid awkward silences
Lulls in conversation are inevitable, especially if the podcast follows a more casual style. By having a few silence breakers prepared, you'll be able to keep the conversation going if there's a pause.
- Keep the conversation engaging
Long gaps in conversation can be unengaging for listeners. By having a few silence breakers prepared, you'll be able to keep the conversation interesting and engaging for the audience.
- Show your preparation
By having a few silence breakers prepared, you'll be able to show the host and the audience that you've done your homework and are well-prepared for your appearance.
Tie in with the previous episode
If you are able to refer back to something relevant from a previous episode, it will show the host that you've been listening to their podcast, and that you care about the audience. It will also help to tie the conversation together and make it more engaging.
By having a few emergency silence breakers prepared, you'll be better equipped to keep the conversation flowing smoothly and avoid awkward silences during your podcast episode.
Don’t over-promote yourself
When you're a guest on a podcast, it's important to be mindful of how you promote your business. Here's why:
- Avoid sounding like an advert
If you take every opportunity to promote your business, it can sound like a never-ending advert to listeners. This can be off-putting and make it difficult for listeners to engage with what you're saying.
- Share your story
Instead of promoting your business directly, share your story and talk about why you do what you do. This will give listeners a sense of the human being behind the business and help them connect with you on a personal level.
- Be yourself
Avoid trying to be a "talking billboard" and just be yourself. If you're genuine and authentic, listeners will be more likely to trust and connect with what you're saying.
- Provide value
Instead of only promoting your business, try to provide value to the audience by sharing your insights, tips, or experience. This will make you more memorable and increase the chances of the listeners visiting your website or following you on social media.
By avoiding over-promoting yourself and instead sharing your story, being yourself, and providing value, you'll be able to make a more meaningful connection with listeners and promote your business more naturally and effectively.
Share your personality
Sharing your personality during your podcast episode is an important step in making a connection with listeners and coming across as relatable and genuine. Here's why:
- Avoid sounding formal
While it's important to be professional, you don't want to come across as overly formal. This can make it difficult for listeners to connect with you and make the conversation feel stiff.
- Show your sense of humor
If it's appropriate to the tone of the podcast, don't be afraid to show some humor. This will help you come across as more relatable and make the conversation more engaging.
- Be relatable
Share your personality and show the human being behind the business. This will help listeners connect with you on a personal level and make the conversation more relatable.
- Show vulnerability
Share your feelings of nervousness or insecurities, and this will make you more relatable and human.
- Show enthusiasm
Share your passion and enthusiasm for your work and the topic of the podcast, and it will make you more engaging.
By sharing your personality during your podcast episode, you'll be able to come across as relatable, genuine, and human, which will help you connect with listeners and make the conversation more engaging.
Follow up
Following up after your podcast episode is an important step in making the most of the opportunity. Here's why:
- Show your appreciation
By thanking the host, you'll show appreciation for the opportunity to be on their show and the work they put into promoting your episode.
- Keep the relationship
Following up with the host will also help keep the relationship going. You never know when you might have the opportunity to be a guest on their show again or if they might have another opportunity for you.
- Follow up with leads
After your episode is released, you'll likely have new listeners who are interested in your business. Be sure to follow up with any leads or connections you made during the episode to keep the conversation going and turn those leads into customers.
- Promote the episode
After your episode is released, you'll want to promote it to your own audience to help the host's audience find you and also help you reach new listeners.
By following up after your podcast episode, you'll be able to show your appreciation, keep the relationship, follow up with leads, and promote the episode, which will help you make the most of the opportunity.
