Do you want to learn how to be a guest on a podcast? There is a lot more to it than just turning up at the recording studio! Being a good guest takes preparation, planning, networking, and marketing. Still, we think it’s totally worth it, given the steadily rising podcast audience.
So, what do you have to share?
Whether that's a thought, a product, or a service, a guest appearance on a podcast gives you more exposure and helps build your reputation. Let's walk through the essential steps on how to be a guest on a podcast. We'll cover all bases to make you the best podcast guest so shows will want to book you again!
Why Be A Podcast Guest?
Being a guest on a podcast is more than just a casual chat. It's an opportunity to grow.
It's no secret that podcasting has exploded in popularity. According to Ofcom, "Over 20% of UK adults now listen to at least one podcast a week". That's over 11 million people! Now, imagine how far your voice can reach when appearing on other podcasts.
Being a podcast guest is a great way to promote a book, spread your message, or get your brand better recognized.
5 Reasons You Should Be A Podcast Guest
Exposure
Obviously first of all is exposure. Showing up on a strong podcast in your niche promotes you with your target audience.
Podcasts can define you as a thought leader by giving you the platform to offer first-hand accounts, in-depth research, and original points of view. You can share more information in a single episode than what you can on social media or blogs.
Uninterrupted Conversation
Podcasts are long-form, continuous conversations and set apart from conventional marketing. In 30 to 60 minute episodes, you can explore specifics, address industry issues, and offer practical tips.
This style lets your message really connect with listeners more than hurried social media updates or fleeting references.
Networking
Being a guest not only serves the podcast audience. It helps build your name up within the industry, boosting your reputation.
A podcast host often knows a lot of people. Getting to know them and connecting your networks could lead to opening even more doors. Just one podcast appearance can generate multiple contacts and potential business leads.
Marketing
As a guest on a podcast, you are marketing your brand, name, or business for free! Naturally, it boosts your image without seeming overly commercial.
You also have access to all this amazing content that you can repurpose! Cut your interview up into short clips and share them on social media. Or, transcribe the interview into blog posts or newsletters. Think outside the box. One podcast episode can give you weeks' worth of extra marketing content!
Authenticity
Usually, podcast listeners are involved and devoted. Each week, they tune in to listen as they trust their host. When you are introduced as an expert, the audience is more open to what you have to say. Learning how to be a guest on a podcast calls for trust and builds your authenticity.
Podcast Formats and Guests
Podcasts come in so many various forms these days, many of which invite guests. Every style provides a different perspective and will influence your appearance.
From panel discussions to solo interviews, here are a few of the ways you might guest appear on someone's show.
Interviews
An interview podcast, as basic as it sounds, welcomes guests on to probe a topic in-depth. Usually, the emphasis is on a topic, an event, or maybe even a narrative the listeners will find relevant.
The Tim Ferris Show is a great example of an interview format podcast.
Co-Hosted Conversations
Co-hosted shows sometimes bring an extra guest on and have a round-table style conversation. These shows are often chill and informal.
Panel Discussion
A podcast might host a panel discussion to bring multiple opinions to the table for the listeners. The host will act as a moderator and lead the panel.
Here an example from a client of ours, Mind Your F**king Business:
Storytelling
A storyteller might want to bring in a guest to add a second voice to their narrative. These podcasts are quite similar to a documentary and can be a way to tap into your creative energy.
Listeners Q&A
Q&A episodes tend to be an additional extra to an interview format podcast. A lot of hosts use them as bonus content for their paying subscribers.
Listeners will send in their questions, and you (the guest) will answer them. Occasionally this will be broadcasted live to those subscribing. So answers are candid, natural, and often unfiltered!
5 Steps On How To Be A Guest On A Podcast
There are steps you need to take in order to become a great podcast guest. Here are five simple steps to learn how to be a guest on a podcast and engage with the listeners.
Are you a podcast host looking for inspiration? Check out our ultimate interview guide to spark ideas and questions for your next guest.
Step 1 - Define & Research
What's your genius?
Boiling down your area of expertise will help you start. You can boldly cover what disciplines? Would listeners find any particular specific expertise or experience fascinating to hear from you? Conversations need to be natural and interesting while sharing knowledge.
Ask yourself these questions:
What problems do I solve?
Who do I help/interact with?
What makes my perspective unique?
Are there any actionable advice points I can offer?
What entertaining stories can I share?
Can I offer industry insights?
Research Podcasts and Hosts
Not every podcast will be a good fit for you. Spend some time researching shows and hosts that align. Search for relevant podcasts within your field of work or passion that also have an engaged audience.
Ideally, the podcast already has guests on its show. This way, the host will be familiar with hosting guests and the listeners will be expecting a second voice. Listen to past episodes to get a feel for how the host includes previous guests.
Step 2 - Stand Out From The Crowd
After you have polished your theme and investigated podcasts you wish to visit, you should get in touch with the hosts with a strong proposal. Podcast hosts get many requests from potential guests; how do you make sure yours is seen?
Make your pitch stand out from the crowd to secure a guest spot.
A generic, copy-paste email won't cut it. Spend time customizing your outreach. Always include the name, the show title, and the host. (Sounds obvious, but it does need highlighting!)
Talk about a recent episode you liked and the reasons it spoke to you.
Describe why you would be a fantastic fit for their audience and why you would be a good guest to invite on the show.
Structuring a Podcast Guest Pitch
Structuring your email pitch needs to be concise but engaging. You need to get to the point while also trying to interject your personality. Simple, right?
Who you are. Introduce yourself and your expertise in a single sentence. If you have credentials or a unique angle, this is a good place to include.
Why you're relevant. Highlight what makes you a great guest for their show. Tell the host what you can give to their audience. Share your social media and YouTube channel (if you have one).
What you'll bring to the microphone. Suggest 2-3 compelling topics you can discuss, making it easy for the host to see how you fit into their content.
A clear CTA. Finish the email with a basic call to action to put the ball into their court. For instance, "I would be interested in looking at maybe visiting your show. When would be best for a call to discuss?
Step 3 - Use Guest Booking Agencies
Guest booking agencies connect experts, business owners, and thought leaders with podcast hosts who are trying to find podcast guests with interesting things to share.
Think of them as your matchmaker!
Companies like The Best Podcast Guest offer a full range of services that increase your chances of landing a high-quality gig. From researching, pitching, following up, and liaising, a full service agency handles everything podcast guest related.
But why go for this? It's simple. To save you time that's better allocated to zone your genius.
Step 4 - Preparing For Your Podcast Debut
Presenting an interesting and engaging conversation comes next after landing a podcast interview. You want to make a good impression after all, right?
Do Your Homework
Above everything, do your homework. Research and listen to the podcast you wish to be guest on. Find out about the host to have an idea of the general tone, organization, and interviewing style.
Knowing the general run of the show will help you to appreciate a normal episode duration. This will help you pace your answers and avoid rambling – don't worry if you do, though, they will edit it out in post production!
If the host has interviewed someone in your industry before, listen to that episode to see what angles have already been covered.
Have Key Talking Points
While you don't need a word-for-word script, having key talking points will help keep you on track. We strongly advise you to nail down your core message and understand what you want the audience to take away from listening to this episode.
Think about any personal anecdotes or examples from real life that make your message more relatable. And, of course, if you have any practical tips the audience can apply after listening, these always go down a treat!
If the host shares questions in advance, take time to think through your answers, but keep them natural—podcasts are all about authenticity.
Optimize Your Setup
Are you recording just audio or will there be video as well? Are you meeting in a recording studio or will you be remote? How the host plans to record will affect what you do here.
If you are remote recording, remember that good audio quality without background noise is essential for a professional-sounding interview. Here's our top tips to get it right:
Use an external microphone
Find a quiet space
Wear headphones
Check your internet connection
If you quickly check tech before recording, most podcast hosts will value it. This guarantees uninterrupted, flawless interviewing. Thorough prep can help you to feel more confident and ready to present an interesting and excellent podcast look.
Podcast Production Companies
The podcast may use a production company, like us! In this case, the behind-the-scenes crew might verify the audio setup prior to starting recording.
Podcast production companies could help with audio and video preparation either in-house at their own recording facilities or via a remote service operation.
Step 5 - Promotion
Now the recording is finished, the marketing can begin! To really learn how to be a guest on a podcast – and a great one too – you need to get promoting.
To maximize the benefits of being a guest, actively promote the episode and engage with the audience once it airs. A well-promoted episode broadens your reach, builds credibility, and opens new business opportunities.
Share the episode on your own socials along with a highlight from the conversation. Ask your followers a question to get a discussion active. And always tag the podcast host to keep that networking link live!
Beyond sharing the link, you can use newsletters, short clips, and quotes as content weeks afterwards. This is your chance to milk everything you can out of that one episode!
Become That Guest Who Gets Booked Again!
A single podcast guest appearance is excellent, but cultivating connections with hosts and their fans can open more doors. Podcasting is more than a one-time marketing tool because it fosters actual conversations and continuing relationships.
Share your podcast on social media, thank the host, and stay in touch after your episode airs. Simple thanks emails can go a long way. If the talk went well, you may suggest a follow-up episode or a guest appearance on another show they prefer. Many podcast hosts value returning guests who offer new perspectives and value.
Mastering podcast guesting is about becoming a trusted voice in your field or on a specific topic, not just getting booked.
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