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Podcast guest interviews are in-demand, and everyone’s looking for a piece of the action. Whether you’re hoping to get yourself on here and there or you’re a more serious action taker that wants to book up as many shows as possible, read these ideas to speed up the process.
Here are some ideas to figure out how to get interviews for podcasts
1. Search for shows that accept podcast guests
You can look on iTunes or Sticher for shows in your line of work. Whether you’re looking for medical podcasts, the best podcasts for women or business podcasts, search for shows where you’d like to appear. Some podcasts have your target market or discuss similar topics that you cover, but they might not have guests on their shows. You’ll want to find that out first.
See if there are guest names in the show titles. Other times, you’ll have to listen to find out. Once you figure this part out, you can create a podcast list of shows to pitch with the name of the show, the host, and the show’s URL.
2. Use social media as a podcast directory as well
Though looking on iTunes or Stitcher are usual spots to find podcasts, they are not the only way to search for shows. Try Facebook or Twitter to find potential shows to pitch. It also can’t hurt to follow podcasters’ profiles to start building a relationship with the host. The more you know the show and get involved in the community, the more likely you are to get chosen as a guest.
3. Look for contact information on the podcaster’s website
Some shows will have a contact form. Others might have their email address or a place to send general inquiries. Some podcasts have submission forms for potential guests. The ones that do this, usually have a series of questions you’ll need to answer.
Though you can make some canned responses so you don’t have to come up with something new continually, the questions podcasters ask can vary greatly. You’ll have to answer the questions as best you can to entice them to have you on as a guest. This will happen no matter what, but it can’t hurt to prepare as best you can with a podcast planner checklist for guests that things to do before, during and after the show.
4. Look for pitch examples
There are many websites you can look at to get an idea of how to pitch a podcast. They might also provide a variety of samples. These articles can fill you in on what to include or show you sample pitches.
You’ll generally include your credentials, topics and why they’re relevant to the podcaster’s audience. Make sure you explain all of this in a way that’s compelling. What you want to talk about needs to sound newsworthy and exciting. Here’s this mini template get started in tip 1 of use podcast publicity as a public relations strategy.
5. Be prepared to answer questions to apply
If they like your pitch, some people will book you based on that alone. Others require you to answer more detailed questions. Though what they ask might vary considerably, a common question they have for potential guests is “What makes you or your business unique?”
Be prepared to answer this question especially if you’re pitching a show that has many guests on that have similar credentials or offer related products or services. You can’t sound generic in any way. You have to know your unique selling proposition to know what you bring to the table and how that translates into matching the needs of the podcaster’s audience.
Consider making some canned responses for this question so that you can quickly answer any forms that a podcaster may have you fill out. You’ll still want to tailor your answers to the show’s audience.
6. Listen to podcasts
If you don’t currently listen to podcasts, you’ll at least want to listen to an episode or two of the show you’re approaching. There are many different formats. You’ll want to get a feel for the flow. Knowing the style and tone is essential as well. Does the show have a more serious tone? Or, does it infuse humor regularly?
7. Hire someone to book you for podcast interviews
If you’re pressed for time, feel as though pitching is a job all it’s own or whatever the reason, hiring someone to do the heavy lifting might be the best option. As a podcast guest specialist, I spend all day searching, listening and pitching podcasts. I’m familiar with what podcasters like from the length of the email to the type of stories and topics they want to cover.
If you have a launch date creeping up or your schedule is more jammed up than usual, it might make more sense to hire a podcast guest booker to help book the podcast interviews for you. They can shortcut the process because they already know how to get on a podcast.
The Bottom Line
Though there’s no guarantee that a podcaster will say yes to your pitch if you follow the steps above, it can’t hurt to try. If you go the DIY route, you’ll need to set aside blocks of time to research, pitch and answer email to have a shot at getting on a podcast.
Hiring someone that knows how to get interviews for podcasts can take some of these steps off of your plate. You won’t have to spend hours each week figuring out how to get on a podcast.
They already know how, and they are more likely to get you on shows in less time too. While it’s fresh on your mind, contact a podcast guest booker today to learn more.