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Becoming A Sought-After Podcast Guest In 5 Simple Steps
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How are you doing in podcasting as a guest, host, or both?
In this post, Kay Suthar will share with you the top 3 proven and tested methods that have benefitted several other Podcast Guests. You will learn how to become confident as a Guest, the do’s and don’ts of appearing as a Guest on Podcasts, and how to get the host to invite you back on their Podcast, again and again! And ultimately become a Sought-After podcast guest with hosts chasing you down!
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Imagine talking to a group of people about your business and they respond with “Wow, you are the world’s best-kept secret.” or “Where were you six months ago when I needed you?”
That’s exactly what happened to me, and in this post, I’ll show you how to go from invisible to visible using the power of guest podcasting.
I remember a video clip of Grant Cardone saying, “For your business to succeed, you need to do three things, Promote, Promote, Promote. You need to scream it from the rooftops and let people know who you are and what you do. No matter which way they turn, they see and hear you.”
That inspired me to expand my reach through podcasts and let business owners know that they do not have to look any further for a solution to their problems.
You need to learn very quickly that you are not only doing a disservice to yourself and your business, but to everyone else who needs your help. It’s your duty to make sure you are adding value and educating others.
Here are the five critical components to getting successfully booked on podcasts now.
First, let us quickly dispel a common myth. Most people think that they’ll get booked on podcasts, that their episodes will get published, and that everyone will love and share them.
However, it’s not that simple. In fact, 95% of podcast pitches are rejected by hosts!
There are four main reasons why this can happen.
- Lack of personalization in outreach.
- The podcast host does not think you are a good fit for their show.
- They are not currently looking for new guests because they already have a waiting list.
- Lack of flexibility.
In five simple steps, I’ll show you how to overcome these objections. I’ll also show you how to become a sought-after podcast guest.
Step One: Do Your Research
Listen to two or three of their episodes to get a sense of what the show is about. See if you can actually provide value to their audience.
You may find that an episode on a similar topic to yours has already aired, but that does not necessarily mean the podcaster does not want you on their show.
If you can offer a different perspective, the podcast host will be intrigued and more willing to reach out to you. This is because the podcast host wants to learn more about the perspective you can offer their listeners.
Step Two: Do Not Send a Generic Copy and Paste Email/Message
A podcast host will know very quickly if you are being dishonest. If you lie about having watched a couple of their episodes, you will eventually get caught.
For example, what happens if a podcast host asks a follow-up question like, “What episode did you listen to?” or “What insights did you get from it?”
If you stumble on the answers, it’s pretty obvious you did not actually watch those episodes.
I remember back to when I first promoted the launch of my podcast and let everyone know that these episodes would be released soon.
I received an email from someone telling me that they really liked my podcast and had listened to a few episodes. The only problem was that I had not released a single episode yet!
Being my cheeky self, I sent a reply and asked, “Which episode did you particularly like?” To this day, I have not received a response. I wonder why… LOL
Sending a generic email that you copy and paste often backfires and makes you look bad.
Also, do not fall into this common trap that plagues many podcast guests: they think the podcast is all about them.
But in reality, it’s about the host and their audience.
Step Three: Make It Easy on the Host
Remember that podcast hosts have to sift through numerous applications, emails, and messages every day. Since they likely have their own process and structure, it’s best to respect that.
Some have a short application, while others have a six-page application. For others, you may even be asked to attend a pre-screening call with them.
The moment you say no or do not send the right information in the right format, you can expect your application to be rejected.
That’s what we are trying to avoid. If you are asked to get on a pre-screening call, please do so.
This also gives you the opportunity to learn more about the podcast host and find out what they want for their audience and their show.
It’s also a way to build a relationship with a host. Keep in mind that the host may want some tweaks to your original approach to your talk.
Try to be responsive to that, as it might earn you a place at the top of the yes pile.
Basically, do everything you can to make it easier for the podcast host and ensure that you can add value to their audience.
Podcasts have evolved dramatically in the last two years.
It’s not just audio anymore.
Many podcast hosts now offer videos as well. They’ll post your episode on YouTube or even do a live stream where their audience can interact with you while you give your talk.
Competition has increased and you have to fight even harder to get a yes.
In addition, many podcast hosts now have a waiting list. This means that not only do you have to get a yes. But you also have to make sure that your application gets pushed to the top of the pile.
The next two steps will be critical to answering this very question.
Step Four: Learn to Improvise
As I mentioned earlier, podcasts now exist not only as an audio-only format but also in the form of video or live streams.
That means you need to make sure you look good in front of the camera. It also means that no matter how well you prepare, you always have to expect the unexpected, especially if it’s a live stream.
When I had my first live stream, everything was going perfectly until there was a knock at the door behind me. It was my mom and she said, “Just so you know, I did your laundry and put your underwear on your bed.”
You can imagine I was totally mortified. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.
I could not believe what had just happened and felt like a complete failure. But to my shock, what happened next was completely unexpected.
Suddenly, the messages from the audience started coming in much faster.
They were saying things like, “Wow, she’s hilarious. I want her on my podcast.”
I could not believe it. When I finished my episode, the host invited me to speak at his three-day event! After that episode, I was booked on four more podcasts.
It just goes to show that sometimes the things you think are a complete disaster are actually a blessing in disguise.
In fact, people find you much more relatable because you made those mistakes. They can relate to it. You are seen as a human being just like them.
So have fun on these podcasts. You never know what’s waiting around the next corner and what’s going to happen.
Step Five: Ask the Host for Feedback
Ask questions like, “What did you think of my presentation? Are there any improvements you would suggest?” Many podcast hosts do not get asked these questions.
As a result, opens up the conversation and gives them permission to give you constructive criticism. Not only can you make improvements, but it will also help you with your script and become a better podcast guest.
Now, if all the podcaster is doing is giving you praise you can ask them, “Can you recommend any other shows? If so, could you be able to do an introduction?”
This will help you boost your podcast appearances without you having to search for shows.
You know the saying “Work smart, not hard”? Well, that’s exactly the right approach.
Once I grasped these five steps and put them into practice, I was booked on a hundred podcasts within 60 days! Give them a try and watch as you get booked on podcasts too.
Related:
How to Track and Increase Your Podcast Guesting Return on Investment
Discover Your Podcast Guesting Niche and Start Creating Amazing Content
About Kay Suthar
Kay Suthar, is the CEO of Make Your Mark Podcast Agency and the Host of Uncensored Society Podcast. When live events got shut down during the pandemic, Sales Expert Kay Suthar, started seeking out guest interviews on existing podcast shows. After countless rejections, she crafted an approach that landed her 100 interviews in 60 days. By diving into the deep end of the podcasting world, strikingly, Kay noticed many didn’t know how to get booked on other podcast shows, therefore leaving BIG money on the table.
- Visit Kay Suthar’s Website
- Get Kay’s Free Podcast Guesting Cheatsheet
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