So, You Want to Be a Good Podcast Guest?

You’re an expert in your field, you have some great points to make, and you managed to get booked on a podcast. Congrats! That’s often the tricky part, but you’re only halfway there. Now you must ensure you’re doing everything you can to help your appearance go smoothly and gain traction with listeners.

Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels

Podcasts, like anything else, are often an extension of the host of the show. The recent democratization of tools has made it easy for virtually anyone to host a podcast. That’s great. It also means there are a lot of pretty bad shows out there that are aimless, poorly produced, and inconsistent. However, there are quality shows that offer a good experience and contact with the niche you’re trying to reach.

In other posts, I cover how to find quality shows that are the best fit for your topic and how to pitch yourself as a guest.

This post focuses on what to do if you are a podcast guest and tactics to put you on the “invite back” list. By following these tips, which I have honed as a veteran podcast producer, host (and guest), you’ll be a star.

Before the Show

Listen Ahead. Don’t pitch to be a guest (and don’t go into an interview) without sampling a couple of episodes. It will help you determine if you are suitable, and you’ll get a feel for the tone and rhythm of the show. Listening ahead enables you to tailor your message and speaking style to suit the audience. Besides, you’ll flatter the host if you mention her “excellent interview with X,” and that’s great for building rapport for your interview.

Introduction and Collateral. To help shows better inform the audience about who they are listening to, send a 100-word or less introduction before the recording date — even if they don’t ask for it. Sending a prepared introduction increases the odds they will intro you the way you want.

Along with the introduction, send:

· Your website link

· Social media links

· Link to your book(s) if applicable (Also — offering to send a copy, in print or PDF, is a good idea. However, if you expect the book to be read or at least sifted through by the host or producer, send it a few weeks ahead)