Thinking of hosting a podcast? Great idea. Podcasting can be very profitable and in the least can help drive traffic to your website. Starting a podcast is not that difficult but it can be hard to find quality guests. New podcasts do not attract high profile guests unless you reach out to get them. So what are some unique ways to get more guests for your podcast?
1. Target People Who Have Already Been on Podcasts
One of the best ways to find a podcast guest is to look for people who have been guests on other shows. They are familiar with podcasting and will be more likely to say “yes” as they understand the format. The fact they have already given interviews shows their willingness to put their voice out there. Look through podcasts that are similar to your niche and find the guests you would like to have. Then reach out and make your pitch.
2. Reaching Out on Social Media
Social media is a great place to find podcast guests. You already follow the influencers that you want on your show so all you need to do is build a rapport and make your pitch. Make sure you are sincere with your outreach as blanket pitches will be disregarded. What I do is find someone who recently wrote an article I enjoyed reading. I will then reach out to them in a direct or private message, telling them how much I enjoyed the article and then ask if they would like to discuss it on the show. This is exactly how I was able to get Anthony Gaenzle on my show.
3. Using Your Existing Networks
One thing you should immediately tap into is your existing network. You have a contact list in your email, a list of email subscribers, social media followers, and networking groups such as LinkedIn that you need to utilize. I am willing to bet that you have more than 1,000 people in these networks that you can reach out to today. If only 1% of people respond, you will have 10 new guests for your show. You can then use the next method to grow your guest list exponentially.
4. Ask Your Guests for Referrals
For some reason, people don’t like to ask for referrals. Me, I get a ton of business from them. All I do is simply ask people to refer anyone they know who may need my services. The same can be true for you and podcasting.
Whenever you have a guest on your show, ask them if they know anyone else who would be interested. I have been on a few podcasts based on people referring me. I have also obtained a full list of people to have on my show thanks to referrals from prior guests. But keep in mind…YOU STILL HAVE TO ASK OR IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN!
5. Reach Out to Public Relation Firms
I know PR firms are not the first thing you think of when looking for podcast guests. However, this is an untapped resource for unlimited guests. Public relation firms have tons of clients looking for press coverage. Reach out to them and ask if they have anyone willing to speak on a particular topic. I did this early on and now I am flooded with emails from PR firms pitching me podcast ideas. This method alone fills my content calendar.
Summing it Up
There are numerous other ways to get more guests for your podcast. However, using the five methods above will generate more guests than you will really need. Use these methods and you will soon have a list that you will be able to pick and choose from, having high-quality guests that your listeners will enjoy.
Related posts:
- 5 Unique Ways To Get More Guests For Your Podcast - August 4, 2016
