What do you do if your podcast needs help with guest outreach for interviews?

I think there is a mix of goals making and also making milestones. For example if you are podcaster who is trying to become a pop culture podcast and you're already aiming for A-list celebs you are wasting your time. Focus small, find your niche, find your voice and then the guests will come. It's case of learning to walk before you run. Always have your top goal in mind but create milestones of how to get there.

Here are some things to consider as you work on goals for your guests. #1What criteria will you use to evaluate whether they are a good fit? (This is important to ensure your guests will serve the needs of your audience.) #2What's your motive for inviting this guest? Is it about you? Them? Your Audience? Flush it out! #3How will your guest benefit from appearing on your show?

You should know your guests extremely well not just at face value. If your whole podcast concept is based around guest appearances your research should reflect that especially in your outreach. What is that you find interesting about the guest? Do they inspire you in some way? What is it that you would like to dive into? The more of yourself you put into the pitch the more it will show your guest you are worth taking seriously.

After identifying potential guests, crafting personalized outreach messages can significantly increase your chances of a positive response. Mention specific aspects of their work that caught your attention and align with your podcast's theme or recent episodes. This personalized approach demonstrates genuine interest and respect for their expertise.

In addition to the link to your show, give them a promo example to highlight your show. If you show them what to expect as a guest would be a great plus and eliminate the need for them to pick an episode to see what a show with you is like. If you have a particular episode you are proud of, mention it. Also, recording a personal invite for just them would be even better.

Much like pitching yourself to podcast, you should be crafting equally as personalized pitches. Remember if you are podcaster with a small following or you are just starting out, you need to make an impact. Take the time to create a pitch that will not only show them what you're about but why it would be of value to them to be on your show. Get them excited!

It’s important to strike a balance between persistence and respect for the potential guest's time and inbox. When crafting a follow-up message, keep it concise and polite, reiterating your interest and the value you believe the interview would bring to both your audience and the guest. Mentioning any recent achievements or milestones they've reached since your last message can also demonstrate your continued engagement with their work.

Following up is so easy and it is usually the point where people often get replies. Don't be afraid with a politely worded follow up with maybe some additional information about your podcast or yourself and why you would like to connect. Often in pitching you will find over half of your success will come from carefully worded follow ups because everyone is busy and sometimes only takes a slight nudge or reminder to get moving.

Networks are there to be used so why are you not doing yourself the service of getting out there and using them. Representing MatchMaker has made me realise how most of the time people just don't know where or how to look for guests. There are hundreds of forums, groups and also podcast booking platforms which offer you a wealth of hungry guest looking to connect and you never know who you will find. Also, do you have friends with interesting connections, get them to do introductions. There is no harm in asking and you never know where a conversation or connection may lead to.

Absolutely, leveraging your networks is a tried-and-true method in the podcasting world. Think of it this way: when you reach out to someone through a mutual connection, trust's already established. It's like getting a warm introduction at a party – people tend to be more open and willing to engage.

If you're finding it tough to secure guests or simply lack the time, seeking assistance is a smart move. Hiring virtual assistants or booking agencies can be a game-changer. It might mean spending some money, but the return in terms of the caliber and consistency of guests is often well worth it. Outsourcing this task frees up your time to focus on creating compelling content, while experts handle the logistics of securing guests. It's an investment in your podcast's growth and professionalism.

Having systems in place to manage your guests will help. A scheduling app like calendly, an application form, & a podcast release form will help you with your systems to reduce excessive back and forth.

Use your network and start with who you know. And always consider your listeners! Don't bring on just anyone, bring on guests that will provide value. What are you an expert in and who can fill the gaps? I always encourage my podcast clients to have an intake form and/or have a quick "get to know you" call to vet guests before officially booking. If you really struggle with finding the right guests, there are podcast managers and podcast booking agents who are experts in this kind of thing.

What do listeners care about? The episodes you release, and the quality of the content. Not the amount of time spent searching for guests, editing, and other admin. Yes, all of that goes into it, but the most we can minimize what doesn't matter to listeners, the better our podcast will become. Use a tool like PodMatch.com to find your guests, as the data shows that it saves 3 hours + 14 emails/messages back and forth for each interview. Use high-quality recording software to reduce editing time. Remove the things from your process that don't serve your listeners. Making it more about your listeners will cause you to win in podcasting!

I have a three fold strategy when it comes to outreach and finding guests for my podcasts. Once you've identified the type of guests you seek to host, use Google and search for your guests using the key SEO terms, secondly use the platforms that journalists use such as HARO and post a notice to connect with PR reps so they can actively propose suitable guests. Lastly, utilise your networks like Linkedin to connect and outreach.