We know there are many benefits to having podcast interviews, but sometimes it can be challenging to find and attract podcast guests for your show. Where do you start? Where do you look for them? How do you know who to contact? But don’t worry! In this handy guide, we’ll go over all of these questions at Podzay and give you tips on finding valuable guests for your podcast.
Check Your Phone Contacts
The first thing is to know where to start. Yes, my friend! The search can start in places very close to you. Check your contacts, is there anyone interesting you can invite? Any influencers in your sector? Friends or coworkers with interesting stories? Don’t be afraid to ask them!
Start with Your Niche
Are there other podcasts that cover the same podcast topic as you? Do any of them do podcast interviews? If so, you can take a look and listen to see if any of those guests would be a good fit for you and your audience. Someone who has agreed to be a guest on a podcast before is very likely to be willing to do so again.
Be careful not to repeat the same interview that the proposed guest has done on another show. Even if you are looking for the same anecdotes or topics, try to approach them from a different point of view. This way you will keep the interest of the guest, the listeners, and yourself.
Search for Bloggers and YouTubers
Who is creating content on your topic (or a similar one) in the form of a blog or on YouTube? If someone is talking about the same things as you, they will likely be more willing to appear on your show and share their knowledge with your audience.
Not only does this provide you with valuable and relevant content, but it can also help you grow your audience. When your guest shares the episode with their community, you’ll attract a whole new audience who will surely be interested in your other episodes.
And who knows, maybe some of your listeners will become followers of the guest too! It’s a win-win in the end, where everyone wins. So be sure to check out blogs and YouTube channels related to your topic.
Search on Twitter and LinkedIn
If you want to go a step further, search social media, especially Twitter and LinkedIn. On these channels, you will find people with similar interests and industries. Use hashtags relevant to your topic and follow influential people in the topic or industry. You may find some real gems!
Look for Guests in Traditional Media
Have you ever wondered if there are people on TV, radio, newspapers, or magazines who are related to your topic? Chances are there are! And the surprising thing is that many of them would be happy to appear on your show and chat with you if you asked them to.
Journalists, writers, and people working in the media often have several projects on the go. After all, their job is to reach an audience and share relevant information. Why wouldn’t they want to reach your audience too? So don’t hesitate to reach out to them – maybe you can land a big-name guest for your interview!
Find Someone who is Selling Something
Did you find someone who just published a book on your topic? I’m sure they’d be happy to come on your podcast and talk about it to your listeners! After all, your audience is also their target audience.
But be careful not to turn the conversation into just advertising. Make sure to make the interview interesting and valuable for your listeners, without requiring them to buy the interviewee’s product. If they are interested, you will tell them at the end where they can get it.
If you want to take advantage of the opportunity, consider sponsorships or creating affiliate links so you can earn a commission for every sale generated through your link.
Ask Other Guests on Your Podcast
Ask other podcast guests if they know anyone suitable to interview on your show. Do this right after the interview (for an immediate response) or later via email. When reaching out to potential guests, mention that someone who has been on the show recommended them.
“I spoke to Lisa recently on my podcast and she recommended that I reach out to you to see if you’d like to appear on the show as well.”
This will establish common ground between the two of you, and most people are usually more receptive.
Ask Your Audience to Help you Find Guests
Your listeners can recommend potential guests or interviews they’d like to hear on your episodes. Encourage your audience to get in touch with you via a call to action at the end of the episode or by writing to you on the website.
You can even create a specific form for potential interviewees to submit a request to participate in your podcast.
Get in Touch with (Potential) Podcast Guests
Finally, how do you get in touch with them? Social media is a great option, but I still think that sending personalised emails is the most effective method.
Make sure your message is friendly yet professional. Explain to them why you are interested in having them on your show and why you think it would be a great fit for your audience.
Here is an example of an email for the guest:
Hello [name], how are you?
I’m [name] from [podcast] and I’d love to have you on the show to chat about [topic]. I think it would be very beneficial for our audience who are [interested in the topic].
(Optionally, tell them where you found them or why you know them.)
“I recently read your book and really enjoyed it” or “I just saw your video on [topic] and…”, that sort of thing.) If you’re interested, here’s the link to my calendar where you can reserve a time slot that suits you best.
Remember to also have an email signature with a contact phone number and a clear link to your show’s website. This way, potential podcast guests can click through to see who else has been on your show. They might even listen to some of your episodes.
Summary: How to Find Podcast Guests
When identifying potential podcast guests, the most important thing should always be their content. What value will this person bring to your audience?
In short, finding guests for your podcasts doesn’t have to be a headache. Start with your inner circle, use social media, listen, and pay attention to what’s happening in your industry. And of course, feel free to reach out to those people who inspire you.
