12 Tips for Getting Quality Guests to Appear on Your Podcast

Podcasts are all the rage these days. Not only do they make for great entertainment and education, but they’re also a great way for businesses to promote their products and services. So across the board, running your own show is definitely a smart move to make.

The only thing is it all hinges on your ability to find quality interview guests. Otherwise, your show will be filled with boring and lackluster content that no one’s interested in. Instead, let’s make sure you have the best show possible by using the following twelve tips to find quality guests.

12 Tips for Getting Quality Guests to Appear on Your Podcast

1. Create a List of Possible Guests

To start things off, it’d be smart if you went ahead and compiled a list of possible interviewees. Try not to edit yourself too much as you do this. After all, you want an extensive list of people who could be potential guests, and the odd idea here and there may spark an idea for someone you didn’t originally think of. As you make your list, consider the following to get things going:

• Entertaining guests
• Educational guests
• Controversial guests
• Rags-to-riches guests
• Industry-leading guests

 

2. Contact Those on Your List to See If Any Are Interested

Once you’ve got your list, now comes the tedious act of contacting them to see if they’d be interested in being on your show. A simple phone call or email should do, but you can also use more creative methods like social media and video messages.

The key here is to not come off as pushy or overeager, but also never give up. In general, expect roughly 80% of people to say no. Don’t let this discourage you though. After all, if you contact enough people, eventually someone will say yes.

3. Ask Your Listeners If They Know Anyone Who’d Be Interested

You shouldn’t feel restricted to just your own ideas. That’s because your listeners may know people in your industry that could make a stellar guest. So why not ask them? This is a great way to take advantage of your listeners but also get quality people to interview. They’ll likely be more than happy to oblige and could even send you a list of people to contact.

4. Reach Out to People You Know Who Might Be Suitable

It’s not a bad idea to ask people you personally know who might be interested in being on your show. In fact, they’re more likely to say yes given the connection. This also gives you a chance to really get to know them and their work, which could lead to repeat guest appearances or even a new business arrangement as well.

Just make sure they’re actually a good fit for you and your audience. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting your time and theirs, and may end up hurting your show instead.

5. Search for People With Relevant Expertise or Knowledge

A solid option is always the specialist in your field. These people have the most knowledge and are often more than happy to share it. The key is searching for someone with a high level of expertise that can provide great insight into your topic of choice.

For example, if you wanted to talk about the topic of blockchain, then it would be wise to look for someone who is an industry expert on this technology. Or if you wanted to discuss the science of health, then you’d want a doctor or someone with similar expertise. Though you may have a hard time finding a true expert in your industry, it is almost always worth it.

6. Ask Friends, Family, and Acquaintances for Suggestions

This is sort of like a hail-mary approach. But you never know, you might just stumble on the perfect person. Just ask around and see who people suggest. If you’re lucky, one of them may be perfect for your show. The downside is you may get a lot of low-quality suggestions, and you’ll need to spend more time vetting for the right person. But that’s okay, as this is a low-commitment method anyway, and you may strike gold in the process.

7. Ask on Your Social Media Pages

This is an easy way to get a lot of responses in a short time. Simply post on your social media pages and check out the suggestions. This is another quick and easy way to get a lot of ideas in a short time. Plus, since most people who respond will likely be your followers, you can trust some are going to have good recommendations.

8. Find Other Podcasters in Your Niche and Ask Them

Rather than competing against each other, why not work together instead? Take a look at your industry and find others in your niche. Offer to cross-promote on each other’s shows and you’ll likely get some people to say yes. Not only will this increase the listeners of everybody involved, but it will also provide opportunities for you to interview each other’s guests. That means more potential people to have on your show.

9. Contact Bloggers, Influencers, or Celebrities in Your Industry

Of course, the best kind of guests are the ones who already have a following. Take some time to find the big shots in your industry that have huge audiences. Then, reach out to them and see if you can get them on your show. If you’re lucky enough to make it happen, it can greatly increase the listenership of your show.

10. Ask Readers on Your Email List

If you happen to have an email list, then this is a great way to get some guest ideas. Simply send out an email asking if any readers would be interested in being interviewed for an upcoming episode. If you can, find someone who’s already somehow benefitted from you, perhaps by using a product or service you offer, and see if you can get them to hop on your show.

Not only will they be more likely to say yes, but you’ll also have a built-in marketing opportunity to grow your business. People love success stories, after all, and it’s a great way to demonstrate that you’ve got something good to offer.

11. Consider Your Current Listeners As Interview Guests

An obvious choice but it’s worth mentioning. If you’re already getting listeners, then why not ask them if they have any suggestions for future guests? All you’d need to do is mention that you’re looking for decent guests at the end of your shows, and you’ll likely get a few responses. If you’re lucky, you may even get some “A-List” suggestions from your listeners.

12. Write an Article for a Relevant Blog or Website

Do you have a flair for writing? If so, then consider writing an article and getting it published on a website or blog your audience visits. At the end of your articles, just mention you’re looking for guests to interview, and you may have a few potentials show up at your door.

As you can see, it’s not always easy to find quality guests to interview for your show. But with the tips outlined here, it should be a bit easier to find someone your audience loves. Visit Helum Radio Network today to see a range of podcasts to inspire your own.