On this episode of Rhodes to Success, I speak on how to reach out to podcast hosts to present yourself and get booked as a guest expert.
Key Lessons Learned:
Why Podcast Interviews?
- You are speaking to a targeted and engaged audience who is there to learn.
- People will feel like they know you.
- It allows you to create relationships with partners in your industry.
- People spend more time with a podcast than they do with a blog.
Are You Ready for the Spotlight?
- Podcasters want guests on the show that have content to share.
- Start creating content on your own platform before going out and getting it on everyone else’s platform.
- The ideal scenario is to do a trade. Be on someone’s show and have them on your show.
- Personal branding is important. Make sure to position yourself as a celebrity and have a strong social media presence.
- Have a product or service that people actually want.
Pitch the Right Shows
- Be clear on who your target audience is and reverse engineer it by finding podcasts they would be listening to.
- What are the pain points of your target audience?
- Source shows from iTunes, Stitcher, and Google.
- Don’t just aim to be on ‘big shows.’
Write a Solid Pitch Letter
- Do your due diligence.
- Figure out who the target audience is and what the goal of the podcast is.
- Listen to the podcast and get to know the host so you can mirror the humor.
- Articulate who you are, what your content is, and how that content will be valuable to the listeners.
- The podcasters’ goal is to bring valuable content to their audience.
Contact and Follow Up
- A phone conversation is the most effective way to pitch a podcaster.
- Social media is a great way to get in touch as a first point of call.
- Ask to pitch. It seems counter intuitive, but it builds ‘yeses.’
- When you can get the host to say yes multiple times, they are more likely to say yes.
- Follow up on pitches.
Interview Prep
- Make the host’s job as easy as possible.
- Give them everything they need and be a great communicator.
- Include the guest bio in third person, headshot and Skype ID, and your interview talking points or questions.
- Schedule the interview promptly.
- Make sure you have a decent microphone. An ATR2100 is about $50.
- Listen to the podcast before you appear on the show.
Deliver Amazing Content
Remember, you are there to add value not pitch.
- You will attract people to you through your free knowledge.
- Thank the host for having you on the show.
- Tailor content to match the audience.
- Use the host’s; name they will like you more and promote you more.
- Incorporate stories into your interview.
- Stories position you as being credible and have experience rather than spouting facts and scenario.
- Don’t hold back; give a lot of value.
- Podcasts are pitch-free zones, so plant seeds instead of sell.
- Compliment...
