PROVIDE INCREDIBLE VALUE AND LEVERAGE THE OPPORTUNITY
Congrats!
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely been booked on a podcast or expecting it to happen soon. Yes! Yes!
Guest podcast appearances remain one of the most underrated ways to increase your visibility, showcase your expertise and gain a swarm of followers, too. You get to speak to a new audience and possibly, enjoy new clients through this experience, too.
Good on you for saying YES.
Now, it’s time for you to get clear on how to rock the interview. Remember: the podcast host is expecting you to bring your A game ;)
Here are my top 5 podcast guesting tips (and ideas!) to help you nail the moment:
1. PROVIDE MATERIAL & PREP YOURSELF
Request a call (or email) with the podcast host so you can learn more about the audience. It’s important to show up as a professional (even if this is your first podcast appearance).
- Confirm agreed upon date/time in a timely fashion
- Send them your bio/press kit/website
- Suggest an introduction or tweak their recommended intro, if needed
- Provide any links you would like to be showcased on the podcast page
- If the host sends you questions, don’t be foolish;) Review them!
- Check out a previous episode of the podcast and get a sense of the host’s style.
- Know how to pronounce their name. For real.
- Show gratitude! Say thank you!
2. KNOW YOUR COMPELLING STORIES
Podcast guests that are always pitching their product, stating their elevator pitch, using facts and figures…. typically fail to build trust with the audience. In fact, it can bore them and lead them to tune you out.
Here’s some thing to keep in mind:
- You should know a few of the compelling stories that showcase who you are… including rich nuggets that offer insight into your journey, a challenge you faced, vulnerability…
- Jot down a few of these compelling stories on a note card and sprinkle them inside the interview
- Showcase your personality. This helps the audience know, like and trust you.
3. RESPECT THE RULES
Double check with the host about pitching your product/service and the manner in which you can do so. Is it only at the end of the podcast? Or not at all? You should get an understanding of this early on — don’t wait until the day of the podcast.
Here are some effective ways to promote yourself:
- Offer a text opt-in freebie item that captures email
- Provide a link the podcast guest can share that offers your product/service
- Invite the audience into your facebook group
- Provide a direct contact number
- Offer an incentive/price discount to anyone who heard you on this podcast
- Offer your email
- Tell them to add you on LinkedIn and shoot you a message about the one thing they enjoyed on the podcast
4. INTERVIEW DAY
- Get a good night’s rest the day before. Everyone enjoys a guest who’s alive and engaged
- Log on to the designated platform 15minutes before the interview, make sure you get this platform information prior to the day of the interview
- Avoid dairy or cold drinks as they can have a poor impact on your vocal cords
- Keep in mind the interview may be more than 30 minutes — be seated comfortably
- Have a note card with a few main points and stories you want to share with the audience. Think about why they would care and how this helps provide value!
- Don’t worry about stumbling, it happens! Just keep going.
- Be conversational, speak like you would to your mom or a friend. Be human ;)
- Focus on paying attention to the question — and answer it! Don’t dodge and weave around it. People like honesty. If you don’t know the answer, then say so.
- Have fun! Smile! Laugh! Show up fully.
5. AFTER THE INTERVIEW
- Find out the date this will air and mark it on your calendar
- Offer to promote the show and ask the host what platforms they plan to share it on so you can cross-promote. When you promote a show it helps your visbility and the podcast’s visibility
- Preview your appearance on the podcast via social media/email list… “Woohoo! About to be interviewed by…”
- Bonus? All of the above helps you land more podcasts because other hosts see that you help promote (and you’re a fabulous guest!)
OK! Now, it’s time to pitch yourself to more podcasts since you’re on your way to becoming a pro;)
Ultimately, appearing as a podcast guest can truly help you spread your powerful message while also allowing you to gain tremendous experience as an interviewee. This can help you not only become more comfortable in your role as an expert but also increase your confidence in sharing your story on a massive platform.
Pretty awesome, right?
And who knows, it may motivate you to launch your own podcast one day….
Wishing you incredible success!
~ Bofta Yimam
Emmy® & Murrow Award-Winning Journalist | DC-based Correspondent | Speaker | Coach
Want Bofta as your next podcast guest? Email: info@boftayimam.com
Website: www.boftayimam.com
