WHO and HOW to ask a guest to be on your podcast.
Asking a guest to be on your podcast is perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle. Your guest informs your discussion and thus, the interest of your listeners. The most successful approach is to find guests that you like talking to. People you find engaging and knowledgeable will likely do the same for your audience.
Start by brainstorming what kind of impression you want to make with your podcast. Who are the people in your field, industry, or even on your own team, who have a story to tell that supports, explains, and furthers your brand?
Once you have collected this list, all you have to do is ask!
Here at WorkforcePods, we have created a template that is sure to get your guests to say yes.
Download our FREE Guest Invitation Template here!
What we have found is that most people are genuinely interested and honored to have been considered to speak on your show. Where you will find hesitation is with people who might not be familiar with the culture of podcasting itself. So explain it to them!
The following are talking points to relay to a potential guest who may need clarification;
-podcasts are informal by nature
-the key to podcasting is providing easily digestible information or stories that can be heard anywhere at anytime
-podcasting is more of a candid conversation than a strict script, of course, there is editing involved, but listeners love to hear a candid, off the record discussion that they don’t hear anywhere else
Be sure to give details on how the recording will work. How to set up their recording space, and what equipment they might need.
Explain where the podcast will be shared, i.e. Itunes, Stitcher Radio, your Facebook or LinkedIn account, etc. We don’t want there to be any surprises when it comes to distributing the episode!
Ask your guest to also share it with THEIR network. They will likely have some followers that don’t know you yet, so this is a great way to find like-minded individuals who would be interested in your podcast and learning more about your brand!
**Challenge yourself to think big about who might want to appear on your podcast. Reaching out to your existing network is smart and safe when it comes to securing guests, but don’t limit yourself! If the Mayor of your city would be a great influence on your listeners, then ask the Mayor! Don’t be shy! You never know who will say yes until you try!
