What lights me up in doing what I do is creating a great system! And today, I’m going to show you one of my latest and greatest and that’s a solid game plan for getting guests to your podcast. Even if you’re not planning on interviewing guests at this point in time, keep in mind that experts can add a new perspective to your topic and can provide valuable information to your audience.
In today’s episode, I’m going to show you a solid guest-getting game plan.
Welcome to Systems Sunday, today we are wrapping up our theme of your Podcasting Pre-Launch. I am Lisa Wells, your Virtual Assistant Trainer.
What lights me up in doing what I do is creating a great system and today I’m going to show you one of my latest and greatest and that’s a solid gameplan for getting guests to your podcast. Even if you’re not planning on interviewing guests at this point in time, keep in mind that experts can add a new perspective to your topic and can provide valuable information to your audience.
In today’s episode, I’m going to show you a solid guest-getting game plan.
First, brainstorm a list of people you’d love to interview, without editing your choices. Second, go through your list and start researching if these people are relevant to your podcast topic and audience. Search their social profiles and websites. Cross off any names that aren’t relevant.
Also, perform a Google search with your keyword phrases. For instance, if your ideal guest is a money mindset coach, search that exact phrase for a list of names. Do your own research into their reputation, expertise, and products to determine if they’re relevant and worthwhile to interview.
For anyone who you deem to be a great guest, search their website for contact information. Sometimes you’ll even find a “Media” page on their site, with information about contacting them.
I recommend that you follow these rules, especially if your guest is a big name in your industry. They and their staff get hundreds of offers/emails every day and they don’t have time to read each one. Very often if someone does NOT follow their rules, their email gets tossed immediately as a way of eliminating offers and keeping their list manageable.
Once you have a starting list, it’s time to reach out to make a connection with an intro email.
Just in case your name doesn’t get recognized by your expert (or their VA who’s managing their inbox), make your subject line memorable and direct. Don’t leave them guessing; be direct in your subject line so they are likely to open your email to read your offer. Even a simple “PODCAST INTERVIEW REQUEST” can go a long way to getting opened.
It’s also wise to connect with your prospective guests via social media. Participating in a conversation by leaving comments goes a long way to getting your email recognized.
Of course, it’s wonderful to have people clamoring to be on your podcast but in reality, finding podcast guests is much like finding new clients: A mix of active marketing and outreach as well as having tools in place to attract your perfect guest.
When it comes to preparing for interviews, think of it as studying for a test.
Review their accomplishments; write a bio to use as an introduction (or take the bio from their website). Learn the basics about their business and their line of products. Write a list of questions you’d like to ask or bullet points of topics to cover. Going into the interview with a written “cheat sheet” will help avoid misspeaking or other flubs during the recording.
On interview day, check your tech, take a deep breath, and hit record! Thank your guest and remind them when the episode will publish.
For the post-interview, along with editing the episode, adding show notes, and publishing, you’ll want to send a thank you to your guest and promote promote promote!
Now, I want to make it easy on you so I do have a free gift for you all – it’s a Mini-Podcast Prep Pack. In this free download, I include a guest interview prep checklist and templates for
a request for interview email, follow-up email in case they don’t reply, pre-interview information email for after they’ve said yes, reminder email to be sent the day before the interview, and a thank you email.
If you’d like even more resources, check out my Podcasting Template Pack. I have email templates, swipe files, best practices, printables, and more. Check it out at VirtualAssistantTrainer.com.
Join me next time for more Systems Sunday, have a great week!
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Did you enjoy this episode and want to put it into action? Grab this kit!
Podcasting Templates
$35.00
Template pack includes:
- Insider’s Guide with quick tips on types of podcasts, how to get started, and how to make the most of your podcast
- Email Promotion Templates – use these templates to help you get started promoting your podcast. Templates include: Upcoming Guest Announcement, Live Tomorrow, Starting Soon, and Episode Recap.
- Guest Invitation Email Templates – Use these templates to help you get started finding speakers/guests for your podcast.
- Social Media Graphics – I’ve included square templates in PNG and PSD so you can easily edit and start advertising on social media for your podcast.
- 20 Steps to Creating Your First Podcast – Use this list to keep you on track while planning your podcast. Some steps include: Choosing a Platform, Determining a Genre, and Brainstorm a name.
- 35 Ways to Incorporate a Podcast into Your Business – Some ways include: Build Authority, Network with Others, Interview Team Members
- Book a Guest Worksheet – Use this worksheet to ensure you are booking a guest that naturally fit your goals, needs, and promotional plan.
- Choosing Your Topic, Voice, and Message – This questionnaire is designed to help choose podcast topics that will enhance and grow your business.
- Guest Bio Template – Several fill-in-the-blank bio templates to use for your guest speakers.
- Guest Bio Worksheet – Having a complete and compelling bio for guest speakers is necessary if you want to attract a lot of listeners. Use this worksheet to create a working bio for your guest.
- Guest Tracking Spreadsheet – Use this spreadsheet to keep track of invitations, acceptance, and after-show for your guests.
- Podcast Best Practices – This list of podcast best practices will help ensure you have done what you can to make your podcast the best show possible.
- Podcast Equipment Checklist – Recording a podcast is easy and doesn’t take a lot of expensive equipment. You may already have much of what is needed. I include a list of equipment that will help make your podcast as professional as possible.
- Podcast Planning Calendar Template – Use this template to plan your upcoming podcast episodes. Start planning at least 4 weeks in advance to allow time for any mishaps or interruptions.
- Podcast Topic Brainstorming & Engagement – Designed to help you identify and choose the best topics suited to your niche and your listeners. It will also walk you through some ways to increase listener engagement.
- Podcast Tracking Spreadsheet – Use this spreadsheet to keep track of certain parts of your podcast such as purpose, audience, frequency, and social media posts.
As you can see, the podcasting templates included in this bundle will help you stay on track planning your new podcast or supercharge your existing one.
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