Guesting on podcasts is a great marketing tool. Whether you're promoting your own show, a business, or simply yourself, jumping on someone else's show can get you in front of a new audience that can help you grow.
There are a lot of prospective podcast guests out there, so you want to put your best foot forward. Coming prepared can help make the experience better for you, the host, and the audience. Not to mention, it can help cut back any nerves you might have.
Why become a podcast guest?
Being a guest on your favorite podcast, or one that's relevant to whatever niche you operate in is a great opportunity. Not only does it give you an opportunity to potentially expand your audience, but it's also a ton of fun!
But there are a few things that you can do that will make the experience better for you, the host, and the audience. These eight tips aren't hard to implement, but they can definitely make the experience better for everyone.
1. Come prepared
Showing up prepared is crucial, especially if you have something that you need to get out there. If you're a first- (second-, or even third-) time podcast guest, preparing can also help you feel a little more comfortable about being interviewed.
How can you prepare to be on a podcast, you ask? There are a few easy things you can do:
Listen (or watch) the podcast beforehand
There is little that's more uncomfortable than showing up to the party and realizing you wore your PJs but everyone else is dressed up in spooky costumes. Showing up to a podcast you're not familiar with can carry the same feeling.
Take an opportunity to listen to the show that you're about to go on. Not only can this help you familiarize yourself with the show, but it can also:
Give you an opportunity to get to know the host
Figure out what kind of questions you could be asked
Discover how interviews are conducted
Get overall feel and tone of the show
Become familiar with the show’s format
It's also important to note that if you haven't checked out the show beforehand, it'll probably be easy for the show's host to tell. Not the best impression for them or their audience.
Jot your message down
You don't want to come off as rigid or overly scripted, but there's nothing wrong with having notes prepared beforehand. In fact, it's highly encouraged.
While you want your podcast interview to be casual, comfortable, and not too formal, having notes to reference can make you more comfortable. Even if you don't look at them once, having them there can give you the confidence that you've got a backup.
When we say "jot" we really mean write — just create a list of things that you want to make sure you cover, and a few answers to regular questions the host asks (which you can only know in advance if you listened to their show).
It's also helpful to write down a few things that you want to tell the audience about yourself. It's not that you don't know anything about yourself but talking about yourself is one of the most uncomfortable parts of guesting for a lot of people and writing these points down beforehand can help you remember what you want to share.
2. Turn off your phone
Your phone ringing in the middle of your podcast interview could make it particularly awkward.
A great practice is to make sure your phone is completely turned off or silent while you're doing an interview. While you could turn it to vibrate, if it's sitting on the table next to you, it's possible it could still be heard — so avoid that scenario where possible.
Most podcasters use different tracks for every participant but cutting out your cell phone buzzing is still challenging — especially if you're the one talking when it happens.
3. Show up... on time
It doesn't get more basic than showing up and doing it on time, and while it might be obvious it's worth saying.
Arranging to bring guests on your show can be a stressful and complex job — and it would surprise you how many people cancel or simply don't show up. If you've committed to show up on a podcast, show up. Chances are the creators are counting on your episode to be part of their schedule, and if you drop out at the last minute they'll need to scramble to replace you.
Beyond showing up, doing it on time is even better. Your time is precious and so is the host’s, so do everything you can to show up — whether it's virtually or in-person — on time.
4. Stay on topic
Admittedly, this can be easier said than done, but staying on topic both helps keep the editing minimal and keeps the audience happy. It's OK — and often welcome — for you to tell relevant stories and go into detail, but don't get too far off track.
One of the biggest challenges of being a host is keeping the show on track and making sure the half-hour episode doesn't take two hours to record. While that's definitely the host's job, you can help them out by not getting too far off course.
5. Use the right gear (if you've got it)
No one expects you to go out and buy a bunch of gear to attend an interview. But if hopping on podcasts is a regular thing for you, getting yourself proper equipment isn't a bad idea.
The best podcast quality comes from recording with a pair of headphones and an external mic. There are countless tools you can purchase for this, but getting something affordable that works for you is perfectly fine — there's no need to go out and spend a fortune.
6. Pick the right location
You don't have to go and rent yourself a full studio, but recording in a private, quiet space will give you the best audio. This can be as simple as making sure you close your windows and doors.
Try to avoid people popping in and out of the room you're recording in. Record on the side of the house that's not against the busy street. Have the pets out of the room (especially if they like to chatter), and don't record in a big empty room — small and filled with fabric-covered pieces is perfect.
7. Clean up behind you
If you're going to be recording video along with audio, make sure to clean up the space behind you. No one wants (or should) see your dirty clothes hanging on the chair, or see the leftover pizza box you dropped on the counter — a quick 10-second tidy right behind your camera is always a good idea.
Yes, you can use a custom background, it can look really nice. But make sure that you still clean up, just in case the background doesn't hold up the way it should.
8. Offer practical, actionable content
The best part of listening to a guest on a podcast is learning something new and hearing from someone who isn't the regular host, so embrace that. Don't be afraid to be yourself, share your story, and provide actionable takeaways that listeners can adopt.
This is especially important if you're heading on other podcasts to promote yourself. If they have a good time and get something good out of it, they're much more likely to seek you out afterward.
Setting a guest routine
Perfecting your podcast guest routine can make it a lot easier for you in the long run. If you've got your own best practices set and ready, you can make podcast guesting a regular part of your marketing routine.
