The Benefits of Podcast Guesting to Market Your Business
Corey C. Walker
Do you have expertise in a particular field that could help other people? Or maybe you just launched a product or released a book? Being a guest on a podcast can be an excellent way to reach a new audience, and there are SO many podcasts out there looking for guests week after week.
Podcast Guest Benefits
If you’re not ready to launch your own podcast, or don’t feel you ever want to, being a guest still has many rewards!
Reaching a New Audience
When you are a podcast guest, you will get access to an audience that is highly engaged in a certain subject matter, or in the host in general. You can access thousands of targeted listeners just by taking part in a show. However, you should choose wisely so it’s not a waste of your time. Some podcasts don’t have many listeners, are poorly executed, or are unprofessional.
Make New Connections
I have been a guest on several podcasts, and after spending an hour with the host, I get to know them a lot better. This one-on-one connection often leads to other opportunities and even friendships! The host may refer you over to other podcast hosts, or introduce you to a prospective client based on their interaction with you.
Free Marketing Content
Even if no one listens to your episode of the podcast, the fact that you can share that you were on a podcast lends professional clout and credibility. Someone wanted to interview you – that’s a big deal! Podcast hosts often produce a social media graphic for you to share before the podcast airs, and a link to the recording once the podcast is live. I always share the social media post ahead of the podcast, and the recording link after the show airs on all of my social media channels. I also house the links to the podcast on my website so others can view them at a later date, and see the breadth of my podcast appearances.
Confidence Builder
The first time I was asked to be on a podcast, I was really nervous. What if they ask me a question and I don’t know the answer? What I have found is that no one has the answers to every question, and it’s ok to say you’re unsure. A professional podcast host should be good about moving on. Remember, they want you to be successful too! The more podcasts I’ve done, the more confident I’ve become, and now I don’t think twice about hopping on to a show. Many hosts will also give you a list of questions beforehand to help you prep, which is extremely helpful. Consider it a gift, and make sure to have answers prepared!
Sales
By showing up as an engaging and educated guest, you can set yourself up to get some amazing leads. Don’t make the entire podcast one big sales pitch or it will turn listeners off. However, a good host will take the time to ask you if you have any special offers, or want to promote anything. That is your time to let them know how they can buy from you!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How to Find Podcast Hosts that Need Guests
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Now that I’ve hopefully sold you on becoming a podcast guest, here’s how you can find those opportunities:
- Do a Google search for podcasts using keywords like podcast + [your industry]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Advertise on social media that you are available to be a guest on a podcast, and what your expertise is⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Sign up for Podcastguests.com (you can get a free account that sends podcasts searching for guests to you every Monday and Thursday, or pay a monthly fee to be featured.)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Once you have several podcasts in mind, put together a pitch that details your specialty, why they might want you as a guest, how you can promote them, and some suggested topics. You can usually get their contact info via their web site, via Linkedin, or on the about page of the show.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Before you pitch, listen to a few of their previous podcasts. Why? It might give you a better idea about what they are looking for, but you could also find out that your topic, or the host’s personality might not mesh with yours. I like to make sure the podcast is still active, since some podcasts get abandoned, or go on hiatus.
Remember: A podcast is perfect content for you to talk about and post on your social media. Being on a podcast is a natural clout-builder!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So, are you ready to get out there? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
