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 and promote the host’s business. Figure out what they are trying to promote.
Have a Call to Action
- The goal is to drive targeted traffic to your site and collect emails.
- The best way to do this is deliver an interview with personality and compelling content.
- Ensure your call to action is clear, specific, and easy to remember.
- Have one call to action rather than give too much.
- Ideas include a video series, free call or consultation, webinar, book, and PDFs.
- The call to action must be related to what you were interviewed on.
Subscribe to the show in iTunes or Stitcher Radio!
The music in today's episode was written by The Danger Os and produced by Nick Palmer. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/thedangerosmakemusic
Links to Resources Mentioned
Thinkific
Radio Guest List
