Are you thinking of putting yourself forward to appear on a podcast but want to make sure you get it right?
Being a guest on a podcast is a brilliant way to reach hundreds or even thousands of potential clients in a really powerful way.
Because they’re listening to you, it helps you build a connection far quicker than they might experience from a social media post or a blog even.
You’re seen as a trusted source of information from the person who hosts the podcast and it’s vital that you get it right and make a good impression.
They’re giving you the privilege of being about to access their audience, and that’s the potential to connect with tens of thousands of people who had never heard of you before.
So you want to make a good impression so on International Podcast Day – September 30th – I’m sharing how to be the perfect podcast guest.
In this podcast episode there’s ten things to consider when you’re appearing on a podcast to make sure it’s a memorable experience for the host and the listener.
You can tune in on the player link below or continue reading as a blog post.
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It’s about their listeners, not you
As you’re doing your preparation ahead of the call, think about what you can offer to their listeners, and not what’s in it for you.
There’s a full episode on How to pitch yourself as a podcast guest here that goes into more detail.
Remember you’ve been invited or accepted as a guest because they feel you can bring something of value to their audience.
So put the focus on them, and not on talking so much about you.
2. Be conversational
Assuming you want to be on the podcast and you haven’t had your arm twisted or resent being there, there’s no excuse to be prickly.
Be friendly and chatty. Imagine when you’re chatting to the podcast host your perfect client could be listening in.
So even if they ask something that you’re not quite sure about, do try to be friendly and breezy about your response.
3. Look for visual cues
Often you’ll be recording the podcast on Zoom or even in person now restrictions are lifted which means you can see the host.
Look for cues. Do they look like they want to you expand on something? Does it feel like they would like to stop talking? Stop!
Try to avoid giving long, rambling answers, but also clipped, short answers too. If you look for cues, you’ll learn when the host wants you to wrap an answer up.
Thank you to Chloe Nerina Fuller for this and you can find out more about her work here.
4. Be interesting and enthusiastic
Don’t feel like you only have to talk about your specialist topic. Share your own personal story about what led you to where you are.
Make it engaging and relatable. Try to relax. You want the episode to sound like a friendly conversation where you’re hanging out chatting to the host.
And get excited about what you do! Show your enthusiasm and don’t be afraid to turn up the volume and show your passion for what you do.
You don’t want to be known for being dreary and monotone.
5. Get prepped
Ahead of the podcast, you might be sent an outline of what the host would like you to cover.
Write down some key points around your topic, and also consider anecdotes and examples that you can weave into your answers.
You don’t have to be full on media trained to be on a podcast but having your responses ready helps build your confidence.
It’s ok to go off track a little, but do look for the cues from the host if you feel you’re rambling.
Also, be prepared to have a little bit of time chatting to the podcast host before the podcast so they can go through any questions, or anything that they might want to discuss with you
6. Have your bio and images ready
If you’re planning on doing a lot of podcasts, you can prepare a One Sheet which is a one page document with all your key information on it.
This will include a bio explaining who you are and what you do, and your area of expertise, so the host can use this to introduce you.
You’ll also have links to high resolution, professional looking images they can use for social media posts and artwork to promote your episode.
Plus your social media handles and website. Having all this in one place means less work for the podcast host and they’ll appreciate this!
7. Assume the listener has no idea who you are
Even if you’re really well known for what you do, there’s a chance that the listener might not have a clue who you are.
So when you’re talking to the host, bear this in mind. Also, if you’re talking to a host who you have a relationship with know really well, it doesn’t mean their listeners do.
8. Check out your sound and connection
Make sure you have a good connection and try to avoid doing the interview on your phone if at all possible.
Check your WIFI is working properly and go as close to your router as you can so you don’t get kicked off.
Try to record in a room that isn’t echoey, so a bedroom with carpet and soft furnishings is ideal.
If you’re planning on doing lots of podcasts it is worth investing in a microphone and the Blue Snowball microphone which is what I started with is around £50 on Amazon.
The Blue Yeti microphone which is also popular is just over £100 on Amazon.
9. Shout about the episode
Don’t be shy when it comes to telling people about the episode. It’s good manners to support the host and help them get the episode and their work out there.
The podcast host will share a number of social media posts about your interview and they may share graphics with you ahead of publication.
Be sure to use them and to respond, reshare, retweet, regram their posts, and share your own posts on your own channels.
Write about what people can learn from the episode, say thank you to the host and be excited about being on their show.
All these things will make you memorable and they will potentially recommend you to other podcasters.
10. Build a podcast library
If you don’t have a podcast of your own, or even if you do, you can create a podcast library on your own website.
Having an area where visitors can see your podcast appearances will help show your authority.
And it will help other podcasters if they’re looking to interview you to get a feel of what you’re like, and also what you do to promote other people’s podcasts.
Want to learn more about podcasting? You might like to check out How to start a podcast for your pet business with Ant McGinley or How to pitch yourself as a podcast guest.
