How To Get Interviewed On Podcasts - Cathy Stucker

Podcasts are very popular. Getting on other people’s podcasts is a great way to gain exposure, build your expert reputation and drive traffic to your webiste. But how do you get the attention of podcasters and get interviewed? Here are some tips to getting interviewed and even being asked back again:

Listen to the show before contacting the host. What is the format? What kind of guests do they interview? You want to know if you fit into their show.

If you have done prior interviews, let the podcaster know this in your first contact. Have you been on other podcasts? Teleseminars or webinars? Television or radio shows? Direct them to your media page or to past interviews.
Know what is in it for them. “Hey, I wrote a new book!” isn’t enough. No one who didn’t give birth to you cares that you wrote a book. What information can you share with the audience that will help them?
Provide the interviewer a list of questions in advance, along with a sample of your product or book. They may or may not use any of the questions, and they may or may not actually read your book, but you should send them anyway.
Tell your list about the interview and encourage them to listen in. This is giving your host more listeners which they will appreciate. Let them know that you will promote their show to your blog readers, email list, Facebook and Twitter followers, etc. It could be the thing that tips the scale in your favor.
Blog about the interview. Let people know you are going to be on the show, then blog about what you talked about, a funny thing that happened as a result of being on the show, etc. Post a link to where people can listen to the interview and subscribe to the podcast.
Be knowledgeable and share your knowledge. Be prepared to offer lots of great, usable information on the podcast. Do not hold back and simply tell them to buy the book. The more you give away, the better the host and audience will like you. In addition, the audience will think, “If s/he’s telling this much for free, imagine what must be in the book!”
Have a call to action. What do you want listeners to do? Do you want them to sign up for your email list? Attend a webinar? Subscribe to your YouTube channel? Give them a call to action and a reason for doing it.
Be sure to thank the host. At the very least, send an email thank you. Sending a handwritten not is sure to impress. Should you send a gift? Perhaps, but make it something small. Although podcasters may not have limits on the value of gifts they can receive, many media do. Treat them like professionals and don’t go overboard.
Ask for a testimonial. If the interview went well (It did, didn’t it?) ask the podcaster for a couple of sentences about how you did as a guest. Use that on your media page to let other interviewers know that you will do a great job for them, too.
Ask for a copy of the interview and permission use it in your marketing. Put it on your media page or on a page where potential customers can listen. Make it part of the freebie you give when people join your list.
Follow up when you have new information. Coming out with a new product or a new book? Can you share cutting-edge information on changes in your industry? Contact the podcaster and see if they are interested in another interview.