This podcast is sponsored by Faith Media and Impact Podcast Coach, a service that supports podcasters to boldly share their voices and their powerful messages through the medium of podcasting. Find out more about our podcast coaching services and courses, and download your free Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist below.
Podcasting is a powerful medium for sharing knowledge, storytelling, and building a community. One of the most engaging formats for podcasts is the interview style, where hosts bring on guests to share their insights, experiences, and expertise. But if you’re wondering how to find podcast guests who are a perfect fit for your show, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
1. Define Your Ideal Guest Profile
Before reaching out to potential guests, it’s crucial to determine what kind of guest will add value to your podcast. Ask yourself:
Who is my target audience?
What topics are they most interested in?
What type of guests would my listeners find credible and engaging?
Consider industry experts, influencers, authors, entrepreneurs, or even everyday people with extraordinary stories. By defining the characteristics of an ideal guest, you can be more strategic in your outreach.
2. Research and Identify Potential Guests
Once you have a clear guest profile, the next step is learning how to find podcast guests. Here are some effective ways to discover them:
a) Leverage Your Network
Start by looking within your own network. Think about:
Colleagues, mentors, or business connections.
Past collaborators or clients.
Friends who are experts in relevant fields.
b) Browse Social Media Platforms
Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are goldmines for finding thought leaders and experts. Search for hashtags relevant to your niche and engage with people who are actively sharing valuable content.
c) Use Online Podcast Directories and Communities
Several online platforms help podcasters connect with guests, including:
Podchaser – A comprehensive directory where you can find and connect with guests who have appeared on other podcasts.
MatchMaker.fm – A service designed to match podcasters with potential guests.
Podcast Guests – A website that connects podcasters with subject matter experts.
d) Explore Blogs and Publications
Look for industry blogs, magazines, and books in your niche. Authors and bloggers are often looking for exposure and may be open to podcast interviews.
e) Attend Networking Events and Conferences
Industry conferences, webinars, and networking events are excellent places to meet potential guests. Many speakers at these events are knowledgeable and looking for more ways to share their expertise.
3. Develop a Strong Outreach Strategy
Finding potential guests is just the beginning. You need to reach out to them in a way that grabs their attention and encourages them to say yes.
a) Craft a Personalized Pitch
When reaching out, avoid generic messages. Instead, personalize your invitation:
Mention why you believe they are a great fit for your podcast.
Highlight how the interview will benefit them (exposure, promotion, etc.).
Include a brief description of your audience and previous guests.
Example:
Subject: Invitation to Be a Guest on [Your Podcast Name]
Hi [Guest’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I’m [Your Name], host of [Podcast Name], where we talk about [brief description of your podcast topic]. I’ve been following your work on [mention specific work or content], and I think our audience would love to hear your insights on [specific topic].
I’d love to invite you to be a guest on my show. The interview would be about [duration], and we can schedule at a time that works best for you. Let me know if you’re interested, and I’d be happy to share more details!
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best, [Your Name]
b) Make It Easy for Guests to Say Yes
Reduce friction in the booking process by:
Providing a simple way to schedule the interview (using tools like Calendly or Acuity Scheduling).
Explaining the format and structure of the interview in advance.
Reassuring them that it will be a relaxed and enjoyable conversation.
4. Utilize Guest Outreach Calls
If you’re looking to scale your guest booking process, consider posting a guest call on platforms where potential guests are active:
LinkedIn posts
Facebook groups for podcasters
Your podcast’s website or newsletter
However, be prepared to filter through numerous requests and establish a vetting system.
5. Build Long-Term Relationships with Guests
Once you’ve booked a guest, maintain a strong relationship by:
Sending a thank-you note after the interview.
Promoting their work when you publish the episode.
Keeping in touch for future collaborations.
Many podcasters develop a network of past guests who continue to refer others or return for follow-up interviews.
Conclusion
Knowing how to find podcast guests takes effort, but with a strategic approach, you can consistently book high-quality interviews that captivate your audience. Define your ideal guest, research effectively, craft compelling outreach messages, and build lasting relationships. Over time, this process will become second nature, helping your podcast grow and thrive.
Are you looking for more podcasting tips? Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive insights on growing your podcast and finding top-notch guests!
Resources mentioned on the show
Download your Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist
This podcast is sponsored by Faith Media and Impact Podcast Coach, a service that supports podcasters to boldly share their voices and their powerful messages through the medium of podcasting. Find out more about our podcast coaching services and courses, and download your free Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist below.
Finding Podcast Guests
If you’re a podcaster looking to add variety, expertise, and new perspectives to your show, inviting guests is one of the best strategies you can employ. Finding podcast guests can seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, you can consistently book high-quality guests who will bring value to your audience. Whether you’re launching your podcast or you’re an experienced podcaster looking to refine your process, this guide will walk you through finding, reaching out to, and booking great guests for your show.
Why Having Podcast Guests is Valuable
Before diving into the best ways to find guests, let’s explore why guest episodes are so powerful:
They Provide Valuable Insights – A guest brings fresh perspectives, expertise, and unique experiences to your audience.
They Expand Your Reach – Guests share episodes with their networks, introducing your podcast to new listeners.
They Relieve Some Content Pressure – Having a guest means you don’t have to create all the content yourself.
They Help Build Credibility – Featuring well-known or respected industry figures boosts your authority.
They Create Engaging Conversations – A dynamic discussion often makes for more engaging content than solo episodes.
Now that we’ve covered the benefits, let’s talk about how to find the right guests for your podcast.
Where to Find Podcast Guests
There are many avenues for discovering potential guests, and here are some of the best ways to find high-quality ones:
1. Tap Into Your Existing Network
Start with people you already know—colleagues, industry friends, or fellow content creators. If someone in your circle has valuable insights to share, they could make a great guest.
2. Use Social Media
Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are fantastic places to find potential guests. Look for industry professionals who actively engage with their audience and share insights that align with your podcast’s theme.
LinkedIn – Ideal for finding professionals and thought leaders.
Twitter/X – A great place to find trending voices in your industry.
Instagram – Check out influencers who discuss topics related to your podcast.
3. Join Podcast Guest Directories
Several platforms connect podcasters with potential guests, making it easier to find people who are actively seeking opportunities to appear on podcasts. Some of the best directories include:
Podchaser – A database of podcasters and potential guests.
MatchMaker.fm – Connects podcasters with guests.
Podcast Guests – A platform that matches podcasters with experts looking to speak on shows.
4. Look at Your Past Guests’ Networks
If you’ve already had a great guest on your show, ask them if they know someone else who would be a good fit. Personal recommendations can lead to excellent new guests.
5. Monitor Blogs and YouTube Channels
People who create content similar to your podcast’s niche—such as bloggers and YouTubers—are often eager to collaborate. They already have an audience and expertise, making them great candidates.
6. Reach Out to Authors & Experts in Your Niche
If there’s a new book in your field, reach out to the author for an interview. Many authors are eager to promote their books and will gladly appear on your show.
7. Engage in Online Communities and Forums
Join Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and industry-specific forums. Engaging in these spaces allows you to connect with thought leaders and subject matter experts.
8. Check Out Conference Speakers
Look at speakers from industry events and conferences. If someone recently presented on a topic that aligns with your podcast, they may be interested in joining as a guest.
How to Reach Out to Potential Guests
Once you’ve found potential guests, the next step is reaching out in a way that increases the likelihood of getting a “yes.” Here’s how to craft a compelling outreach message:
1. Personalize Your Message
Avoid sending generic messages. Show that you’re familiar with their work by mentioning a recent blog post, book, or social media post they’ve shared.
2. Clearly Explain the Podcast’s Purpose
Briefly introduce your podcast, its audience, and the type of content you cover. Let them know why they would be a great fit.
3. Highlight What’s in It for Them
Explain how being on your podcast benefits them. Whether it’s exposure, a chance to promote their book, or engaging with a new audience, make it clear.
4. Provide Logistics Upfront
Let them know how long the interview will take, the format, and any technical requirements.
5. Keep It Short and Concise
People are busy, so keep your email or DM short, to the point, and easy to respond to.
Sample Outreach Email:
Subject: Invitation to Be a Guest on [Podcast Name]
Hi [Guest’s Name],
I’m [Your Name], host of [Podcast Name], where we explore [brief description of your podcast]. I’ve been following your work on [mention a blog post, book, or recent achievement], and I think your insights on [specific topic] would be incredibly valuable to my listeners.
I’d love to invite you as a guest for a [length of interview] discussion on [topic]. It’s a great opportunity to share your expertise with our audience of [audience size/type].
Would you be interested? We can schedule at your convenience. Let me know what works for you!
Best, [Your Name] [Your Podcast Website]
Preparing for the Interview
Once your guest agrees, preparation is key to a smooth and engaging interview.
Research Your Guest – Read their books, blogs, and social media to understand their perspective.
Prepare Thoughtful Questions – Ask open-ended questions that encourage storytelling and deep discussion.
Test Your Equipment – Ensure your audio and video setup is working perfectly before the interview.
Share Details in Advance – Let them know the format, potential questions, and recording logistics.
Maximizing Your Guest’s Impact
After the episode is recorded and published, take steps to maximize its reach:
Share the Episode Widely – Post on social media, email your subscribers, and promote it on your website.
Encourage Your Guest to Share – Provide them with shareable graphics and direct links.
Repurpose the Content – Turn key insights into blog posts, social media snippets, or even short video clips.
Conclusion
Finding podcast guests is a crucial part of building an engaging and successful podcast. By using social media, guest directories, personal networks, and outreach strategies, you can book high-quality guests who add value to your audience. Be strategic, persistent, and professional in your approach, and over time, you’ll build a strong network of guests eager to be part of your show. Happy podcasting!
Write something…
Resources mentioned on the show
Download your Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist
This podcast is sponsored by Faith Media and Impact Podcast Coach, a service that supports women podcasters to boldly share their voices and their powerful messages through the medium of podcasting. Find out more about our podcast coaching services and courses, and download your free Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist here.
In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some key ways to boost your search engine optimization tactics. If you’ve been wanting to improve your podcast SEO for search engine visibility, here are some tips and tools to help you:
check your keyword strategy plan across your brand and fit your podcast into it
Use tools- Keywords Everywhere, Google Keywords, Uber Suggest. Also try Keysearch.
Use liberally- blog post titles, description, body of content- podcast episodes- body, description (show notes)
Not an end-all solution but helps your marketing efforts
In today’s show, we’re talking about all things keywords. But, what are keywords? Let’s get into it.
Why are keywords important?
According to moz.com (an SEO software suite that helps you to improve your search engine visibility), keywords are the words and the phrases that searchers enter into search engines to discover content. We also call them search queries.
So if you’re looking for someone to help you in your business, (let’s say you’re looking for a life coach, a business coach, or maybe a particular type of life coach or a particular type of business coach, like a publishing coach, for example), this is very specific.
If you were to type in that “book publishing coach”, whatever results you see in the search engines as a result of typing in that query is because the content creater was able to land on the first page for search engines. They were able to utilize keywords specifically the one that you typed in within their content, so that now Google sees their content as an authority on that topic and what’s more, their keyword is ranking super high within their content.
Make sure to pay attention to keywords when you are creating content, any kind of content, including your podcast.
So I want to encourage you not to neglect keyword research. You shouldn’t need to make this your end-all approach, but definitely integrate keyword research into your podcasting efforts.
Check your keyword strategy plan across your brand and fit your podcast into it
If you have a plan, and I hope you do, across your entire brand, and then you might want to fit your podcast into that plan. So whatever you’ve been doing for your other content pieces for your business, you should do that and apply the same things to your podcast.
This is going to apply to your blog if you have a blog, any of your sales pages, if you have a YouTube channel, or your social media networks such as LinkedIn. All of this content will count. So anything that you feel like is a prominent keyword that you’re using for your podcast episode, make sure that that is prominent on your website as well.
Look at your entire brand and see how your podcast fits into that.
In my book about blogging (which you can purchase here), I dedicated a whole chapter to keyword research. (That’s chapter four in the book.) In this chapter, I wrote about the gist of keyword research and how to go about doing it.
There’s a page where I show step-by-step how to go into Google Keyword Planner and type in your keyword idea to test it to see if it’s something that people are looking for.
So if you were looking for a book publishing coach, you would type that in, see what the results are, and see how many people are looking for that keyword for the month. And what Keyword Planner does is it shows you whether or not there are a lot of searches for that keyword phrase, and then what the competition looks like.
You may also want to use other tools such as Keywords Everywhere. That’s what I use on a regular basis. I also at one point had an account with Ubersuggest, but I am now using keywords everywhere and Keysearch, but the Ubersuggest by Neil Patel is an excellent way to find out what people are looking for and what the competition looks like and if you are going to have a good chance of being able to rank for the keyword that you want to.
Use keywords liberally.
So for every episode, I highly recommend that you type in your keywords to see if they are viable topics people are looking for. Some other tools to consider are:
So once you have decided that you’ve chosen a great keyword, then that’s the keyword that you want to choose for that podcast episode that you’re going to emphasize in those things that Google can see (like your show notes, blog post title, description of your blog post and throughout your content.)
And if you use wonderful tools, if you’re on WordPress and you’re using plugins that can help you figure that out without you having to go and do all the research yourself, I highly recommend that. One such plugin I recommend would be Yoast SEO (or All In One SEO).
Keep proper perspective.
Remember it’s an integrative approach. It’s not something that stops you from creating content that will not rank highly, because even if it doesn’t rank highly in the search engines it may just be the hot topic everybody’s looking for.
And once you announce it on your socials and tell your family and friends and your followers all about what you’re doing, they love your content. Google doesn’t even have to know about it because your followers love it so much.
And it doesn’t always matter that it didn’t rank highly.
So remember that keyword research is a long-term commitment and It is about the maintenance of your podcast.
It’s about keeping it growing and bringing in listeners and viewers organically.
You shouldn’t expect your keyword strategy to work overnight, but know that once you start using the keywords effectively, that if once you give it some time (three, six months, nine months, or a year), you will find the results of your strategy is most likely working well for you.
Keep on working on your strategy, and you’ll find success with time.
🌟Pick up your FREE copy of your Business Clarity Guide before you start your podcast, plus download your Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist: https://impactpodcastcoach.com/
(This podcast is sponsored by Faith Media and Impact Podcast Coach, a service that supports women podcasters to boldly share their voices and their powerful messages through the medium of podcasting. Find out more about our podcast coaching services and courses, and download your free Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist below.)
Download your Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist
Hey friends, on this week’s show, we are talking about what it means to begin building a tribe for your podcast.
1. Become the leader your listeners are looking for.
Now that you have begun your podcast, you obviously have content that you want to share and that you feel that you have some expertise in, and your listeners are looking to you for those particular answers. This is why they’re subscribed to your podcast. It’s why they look forward to your episodes when you release them.
So just becoming that leader is really as simple as you taking that step to create your podcast. So what you’re doing as a leader is offering answers. You are essentially:
creating solutions for your listeners
offering hope
You want to give your listeners the idea that they too can do whatever it is you’re encouraging them to do, and that there is hope that you can help them in some way, either through the podcast or in addition to the podcast. This is how you begin building your tribe, through gaining trust.
2. Guide your listeners through their journey to their next steps.
As their leader, it’s your job to lead your listeners through the series of steps that they’ll need to take in order to come to the final destination that you want them to arrive at. Help your listeners to get through their journey, taking all those necessary steps and leading them along the way.
They need a guide and you are that guide. So this what your podcast provides. Your podcast is available to give valuable information (although not necessarily free). Make sure that you are solving their problems in some capacity.
3. Create social community.
Keep in mind that building community is how you’re going to actually build your tribe. You can make good use of social media (like Instagram or Facebook). Just be sure to find your community of people where your listeners are likely going to be hanging out and spend time there so that you can cultivate relationships with people and hopefully get them interested in what you’re doing with your podcast.
Another way to create community is to build a membership site. So one thing that I’m working on right now is making a decision between whether or not I want to begin a membership site or if I wanted to simply create a Patreon page. (I eventually settled on a BuyMeACoffee page.) A Patreon page is really just going to give your listener an opportunity to support you financially with a small investment. You’re likely to feel some sense of community and support through your Patreon.
Although I haven’t created a membership site up to this point (but will very likely in the near future), I like to recommend to others. If that’s where you are in your business or in your organization, then creating a membership site outside of using socials like Facebook groups and such, you’re very likely going to be able to keep in touch with your listeners more frequently and have more of an ability to manage what that membership site feels like and the things that you actually want to accomplish within that group.
So those are some ways that you can build out a tribe for your podcast because you want to make sure that as you’re podcasting, you don’t feel like you’re left out here on your own to just come up with content yet not ever hear any feedback or support.
Creators deserve to receive some support for the work that we put out. So as we’re creating these resources and putting out content, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking for support from our listeners, and so I encourage you to do that.
One of my bigger podcasts, which was my Christian Homeschool Moms Podcast, is where I was able to build the most community over the years. That particular niche gave me an audience that was a lot more receptive to wanting to communicate, collaborate, and get together and have meetups. Within that community, there tends to be a lot of summits and collaborative events online. As we homeschool moms were getting together to encourage each other in what we’re doing as teachers and as moms, that community led to a very vibrant type of networking and collaboration. So building a community there was a little bit easier for me, I would say, than some of the other projects I’ve worked on.
It’s just something to think about. As you build out your podcast, how are you going to engage your listeners? How are you going to create community and how are you going to set up your podcast in such a way that you feel that you are honored for the work that you’re doing? How are you going to give your audience an opportunity to support you in some fashion?
That said, as I’ve been thinking about creating this Patreon page, I’ve also been thinking about items that I could drop ship, that I could create so that my listeners would have an opportunity to support me in a variety of ways. Purchasing mugs and t-shirts would be helpful to them and help them to remember what it is that I’m doing for them and vice versa, so we can all feel more connected with each other
I would love to hear about some of the things that you’re planning to do to create community and build your tribe.
Will you be creating a crowdfunding page like on Patreon? Will you create products on Etsy or Shopify?
I hope that this show is encouraging you somehow to keep going with the podcast that you’re working on now and not to give up because you are encouraging your listeners with your project.
So keep on keeping on, and until next time, happy podcasting.
🌟Pick up your FREE copy of your Business Clarity Guide before you start your podcast, plus download your Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist: https://impactpodcastcoach.com/
