6 Steps to Get Amazing Guests On Your Podcast
Part of running a successful podcast is bringing on respected guests who have an intimate knowledge of your show topic or notable success within your field.
But how can you even contact these people, let alone convince them to come on your show?
It’s not as hopeless as you might think.
Throughout my years of podcasting and helping dozens of entrepreneurs start and produce their own podcasts with our Podcast Launch Services, I have picked up on what works to get big-name guests to agree to interviews.
Below you’ll find six key steps that will help you get amazing guests on your podcast and ensure they’re excited about the opportunity to share their expertise and knowledge with your audience.
And before we get started, know that this strategy takes a little time and effort but is FAR more effective for getting big, influential people on your show than normal outreach. So use this approach for those high-level people you’re not sure will be open to doing an interview with you.
Step 1: Define Your Ideal Podcast Guest
The optimal podcast guest is someone your audience is excited to hear from and someone who has a significant online following or influence. The larger their audience, the better.
For your first few episodes, focus on securing guests who will make a splash in your niche. Interviewing top experts in your field not only adds credibility but also serves as powerful social proof. Potential podcast listeners are more likely to tune in if they see respected names on your roster. Correct or not, people assume that if you can get an influential guest, you must be credible.
So, start by creating a list of 5-10 potential podcast guests your audience would love to hear from. Think about who’s doing exciting work in your space, who has intimate knowledge of your topic, and who’s making waves in your industry.
Step 2: Research Your Potential Guests
This step is crucial. Once you’ve created a list of potential podcast guests, choose three names to focus on and dive into detailed research.
Here’s how to approach this:
Visit their website to understand their mission and what they do.
Read blog posts, listen to their podcast episodes (if applicable), and check out any books, articles, or other content they’ve created.
Observe where they engage the most—Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, or email.
Your research should accomplish three things:
1. Discover Their Central Message
Identify what they’re trying to communicate to the world and what makes their perspective unique. Are they a thought leader in sustainability, a trailblazer in technology, or an advocate for mental health? Tailoring your invitation around their key message demonstrates that you value their expertise.
2. Identify Their Motivations
Most people are driven by three main factors:
Economic (selling products or services, building wealth)
Social (growing their audience or influence)
Casual (a desire to make the world better)
For instance, if your potential guest is launching a new product, you can highlight how appearing on your podcast can help them reach a wider audience. Understanding their motivations allows you to frame your outreach in a way that appeals to their goals while aligning with your podcast’s objectives.
3. Pinpoint a Personal Connection
Find a piece of their content that resonates with you—a blog post, a podcast episode, or even a specific quote. Jot down why this stood out to you, as you’ll use it in your outreach to make your message more authentic. By conducting thorough research, you’ll not only craft a personalized and compelling invitation but also set the stage for an engaging interview. This step shows your potential guest that you’ve invested time and effort into understanding their work, which helps build trust and credibility from the outset.
Step 3: Make Initial Contact
Once your research is complete, it’s time to reach out to your potential podcast guest. Use the platform they engage with most frequently—this could be Twitter, LinkedIn, email, or even Instagram. Reaching out through their preferred medium increases the likelihood that your message will not only be seen but also responded to positively.
When you reach out, convey two key messages:
A specific piece of their work impacted you deeply.
You’re actively sharing their work with others because of its value.
For example:
Example Tweet:
“Winning interview on @ExpertName’s strategies for [topic]. Implementing their advice ASAP! Check it out here: [link].”
Example Blog Comment:
“Your perspective on [specific topic] reshaped how I approach [problem]. How would you recommend applying this to [situation]? Thanks for the amazing insights, [Guest’s Name]!”
The key is authenticity. Avoid generic messages. Show that you’ve done your homework and genuinely appreciate their work.
Step 4: Craft a Compelling Invitation
After making initial contact, send an email inviting them to be a guest on your podcast. Your email should be concise, respectful of their time, and clearly articulate the benefits of appearing on your show.
Here’s how to make them want to say yes:
Showcase Your Audience: Highlight why their expertise is perfect for your podcast listeners.
Focus on Value: Illustrate how being a guest on your show will help them achieve their goals—whether it’s promoting a new book, building their brand, or spreading their message.
Leverage Research: Reference your research to show you’ve put thought into inviting them. For example: “I loved your recent book on [topic]. My podcast listeners would gain so much from hearing about [specific chapter].”
Example Email:
Subject: Invitation to Be a Guest on [Podcast Name]
Hi [Guest Name],
I’m [Your Name], host of [Podcast Name], a show dedicated to [your podcast’s niche/topic]. I recently came across your work on [specific content] and was deeply inspired by [specific insight]. My audience of [describe audience] would be thrilled to learn from your expertise on [topic].
Would you be open to joining me for a 30-minute podcast interview? It’s a chance to share your message with [specific benefit to them]. Let me know if you’re interested, and I’d be happy to work around your schedule.
Looking forward to the possibility,
[Your Name]
Step 5: Simplify Scheduling
Once your potential guest agrees, make scheduling as easy as possible. High-profile podcast guests often have packed schedules, so providing them with options can make a difference.
For example:
Example Scheduling Email:
Hi [Guest Name],
Thanks so much for agreeing to join me on [Podcast Name]! Here are a few times that work for me:
Monday, [date], 10 AM - 1 PM EST
Tuesday, [date], 2 PM - 5 PM EST
Wednesday, [date], 9 AM - 12 PM EST
If none of these work, let me know, and I’ll do my best to accommodate your schedule. We can connect via Zoom or Skype—whichever you prefer.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Using tools like Calendly or ScheduleOnce can streamline this process further and make you look more professional.
Step 6: Leverage Referrals
After the interview, take advantage of the connection you’ve built by asking for referrals. Many podcast hosts overlook this simple but effective strategy. Ask your guests if they know other potential guests who might be interested in appearing on your show.
Example Referral Request Email:
Hi [Guest Name],
Thank you again for joining me on [Podcast Name]! Your episode has been a hit with my listeners, and I’ve already received great feedback about [specific insight they shared].
If you know any other experts or peers who would be a great fit for my audience, I’d greatly appreciate an introduction.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Making the Most of Your Interviews
Consider the following:
Personalize and Streamline Your Outreach
Reaching out to potential guests can be time-consuming, but a well-structured and authentic outreach process makes all the difference. Start by creating email templates for initial contact, follow-ups, and confirmations. For instance, your initial email might include a brief introduction, a compliment on their recent work, and a specific topic you’d like them to discuss on your podcast. While templates save time, make sure to personalize each message.
For example, referencing a recent blog post or LinkedIn update your guest shared adds a genuine touch. Even before you reach out, invest time in building a connection by engaging with their content months in advance. If they’ve posted an insightful article or shared an achievement, leave thoughtful comments or reshare their work. This kind of authentic engagement shows that you value their expertise and aren’t just cold-emailing for personal gain.
Tailor Your Interviews for Success
When planning your interviews, think about how to make your invitation stand out by identifying fresh angles or topics that align with your guest’s expertise. For example, instead of discussing generic marketing trends with a guest who’s a marketing guru, focus on a niche topic like “using AI to create personalized customer experiences.” Tailoring questions to your guest’s background demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and respect their time. For example, if your guest recently authored a book, craft questions that explore lesser-discussed themes from their work. After publishing the episode, maximize its visibility with a strategic promotion plan. Use SEO-rich keywords like “podcast interviews” or “expert marketing tips” in your episode title and descriptions to attract new listeners. Share bite-sized clips or quotes from the episode across social media, and encourage your guests to do the same. Strategic promotion ensures your hard work reaches a broader audience, growing your podcast and strengthening your reputation as a thoughtful host.
Promote and Engage with Your Guests
After your episode goes live, it’s time to amplify its reach by sharing it across your social media platforms. Be sure to tag your guest in posts and stories, highlighting their contributions to the discussion. For instance, if your guest shared expert insights on marketing, craft a post summarizing their key takeaways, and encourage your audience to listen. This not only boosts your podcast’s visibility but also shows appreciation for your guest’s time and expertise. Following up is equally important—send a personalized thank-you email referencing memorable moments from the interview.
For example, you could mention how their advice on building customer relationships inspired you or your listeners. Use this opportunity to express interest in future collaborations, which can foster a long-term relationship and potentially lead to other opportunities like referrals or co-hosting events.
Consistency is key. Follow these steps regularly to build a roster of high-quality podcast guests who will enrich your show and attract more listeners. Securing amazing podcast guests is an art that requires a mix of research, personalization, and strategic outreach. By following these steps, you’ll not only land influential guests but also create engaging content that keeps your podcast listeners coming back for more.
Check out our article, How To Be An Amazing Podcast Host, for more tips on asking the right kinds of questions, making your show enjoyable for listeners, and ultimately turning those listeners into clients.
Ready to transform your podcast with incredible interviews? Schedule a call with us today!