How to be a good podcast guest (explained with examples)

Key takeaways:

• Being a great podcast guest can help you build strong relationships with experts in your field, connect with audiences on a deeper level, and secure new interview opportunities.
• To become a memorable podcast guest, you must improve your storytelling skills and be flexible with your messaging depending on the show you’re on.
• Having a salesy or overly promotional tone is one of the podcast interview mistakes you should avoid.

Why is it important to be a good podcast guest?

Being a podcast guest can open up a lot of opportunities, from building meaningful connections with industry experts to boosting your online visibility and leveraging the host’s social media presence.

The key is to remember that when you get booked on a podcast as a guest, it’s important not to look at this as a one-and-done opportunity. Instead, see it as a chance to network with the host and create a high-quality piece of content that connects with their audience. 

So, be sure to make every appearance an interview that you’ll want to show off for years to come. If all goes well, you might end up securing future deals with the host, such as turning them into a client, speaking gigs, or a chance of returning as a repeat guest for your next launch or announcement.

Top tips to become an unforgettable podcast guest

Do your research on the show

Before your podcast interview, you need to conduct adequate research on the show. The best way to do this is by listening to a number of episodes related to your topic of expertise. By listening to past episodes of the podcast, you can gauge an understanding of how your insights will serve the audience and fit in with previous topics discussed on the show. 

For example, listen to an episode that has already gone in-depth on a topic you’re an expert in. You might find that you don’t need to explain industry terminologies or acronyms because they’ve already been discussed before on the show. On the other hand, if it’s clear that you’re bringing something completely new to the show, then you’ll want to give the audience a chance to catch up on your lingo.

Additionally, you can visit their website and check out their About section, along with their LinkedIn and other social media accounts to learn more about the host. And to go even deeper, check out other podcasts where they’ve been a guest. Given they’re introducing themselves to a new audience, you can get a better understanding of them and their work.

Make your story memorable

In the world of podcasting, being unforgettable will draw the line between success and falling into the crowd.

Since the majority of people listen to your show while they’re cooking, doing exercise, or commuting, their attention is divided between the podcast and the tasks at hand. That’s why you need to craft compelling stories that can leave a lasting impact and ensure that listeners not only remember your episodes but are also inspired to take action like downloading your ebooks or buying your online course.

First, start by including testimonials or social proof to build credibility and make your narrative more captivating. For example, if you’re a movement expert, you can discuss how your exercise routine not only alleviated your clients’ pain but also enhanced their overall lifestyle. Including before-and-after scenarios adds depth to your narrative and provides a glimpse into how your work makes a real difference.

Second, incorporate celebrity examples in your podcast interviews. People often see celebrities as authorities or experts in their fields, adding credibility to your story while also catching their attention. Need proof? Take a look at these two examples:

1. I’m a fascia expert and can help people tackle pain and cellulite.
2. Did you know that the Kardashians and Shakira are using fascia tools to relieve pain and tackle cellulite? With my program, these benefits are accessible to everyone, not just A-list celebrities.

Third, be vulnerable. When you share your struggles and personal stories on your show, it creates a sense of transparency that builds trust and boosts audience engagement. If you’re struggling to identify these moments, walk down memory lane and:

• Delve into the challenges, setbacks, and moments of growth. What pivotal experiences have shaped your current path?
• Reflect on challenges you’ve faced in your business or industry, such as tough decisions, market changes, or moments of uncertainty. How did these challenges impact you personally?
• Consider the emotional connection you have with your business mission. What inspired you to start your business?

Relate your message back to the show

When you’re doing a podcast guest tour, it can be easy to get caught up in sharing the same stories with the same message over and over. But hosts won’t be looking for a carbon copy of the last show you were on. Rather, they’ll want you to relate your message back to their audience and show that you have their listeners front of mind. 

For instance, Anna Rahe, the Founder of GST Body, is a somatic and lifestyle educator. Given that she focuses on holistic body care through fascia, she speaks about the body in the majority of podcasts she features on. Her appearance on Boundless Body Radio is a prime example of this.

However, in a recent appearance on The Face Yoga Expert Podcast, you can tell that she tailored her approach to talking about her work regarding the face, keeping in mind that this is the part of the body the show’s listeners care about most.

By specifically speaking to the audience of the podcast you’re guesting on, rather than giving generic information, you show the listeners and the host that you’ve done your research, understand the show, and are delivering high-quality information that suits them. This will go down very well with hosts when it comes to making a lasting impression. 

Check the host has everything they need

To get into a host’s good books, make their job as easy as possible. You can achieve this by being ready with everything they will need for your episode—headshots, bios, and links. 

Consider preparing a media kit, which can be a page, document, or folder containing all of these details. And, of course, let the host know that if they need anything else, you’d be happy to help.

Additionally, if you want to give the host more resources to build up strong interview questions, consider sending over blog posts and FAQs from your website.

Promote your interview on social media

This might sound like an obvious one, but it’s an important step to communicate to the host that you appreciate their time and work. At the end of your interview, make sure to ask the host when they expect the episode to go out. This way, you can be prepared to promote it as soon as it’s released. 

If they give you a date or rough idea, take note and be prepared to promote it when it is unveiled to the world. If they are unsure, ask them to keep you posted once a release date is scheduled. 

When the host publishes the episode, use the promotional material the host shares with you, publish it on your social media channels, and tag the host. You can also leverage your newsletter to make sure your followers are up to date. 

Didn’t receive any promotional materials from the host? No problem. Reach out and ask for them. The good news is that you can still promote the feature without graphics and audiograms by repurposing your podcast interview.

Leave a review on your favorite podcast player

It can be difficult for hosts to build traction and draw attention to their shows in this crowded market. But reviews can help build credibility and add legitimacy. Therefore, these ratings can be incredibly valuable for hosts, even if they cost you nothing to post. 

By leaving glowing feedback on the show, you can help the host develop a more well-established and recognized podcast. One five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify might not seem like a lot, but it means more to the host than you think and only takes a minute or two. 

What should you avoid in a podcast interview?

Avoid: Being late

Do this instead: Showing up on time demonstrates your professionalism and shows that you value the host’s time and effort, which can help you build a good rapport right from the start. To ensure punctuality, download and test required software/platforms like Zoom or Riverside.fm before your call. If you’re running late, it’s wise to send an email to notify the host and explain the situation. 

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Avoid: Ignoring the podcast’s tone, style, and audience

Do this instead: If the podcast is lighthearted and humorous, being overly serious can create a mismatch. That’s why you should adapt to the show’s tone while staying true to yourself. This approach helps you connect more effectively with the listeners and shows that you respect and understand the podcast’s unique vibe.

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Avoid: Giving overly broad or generic answers

Do this instead: Provide specific examples, stories, and actionable insights. For instance, if you’re an expert in mindfulness, you could guide listeners through a short, live meditation during the interview. This not only provides value but also creates an interactive experience. By offering concrete, relatable content, you make your message more compelling.

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Avoid: Having a salesy tone or over-promoting your services

Do this instead: Approach the interview as an opportunity to offer useful information and engage in meaningful conversation rather than just pitching your services. For instance, if you’re discussing stress management techniques, you might explain how you helped a client who was struggling with burnout. Share their story by detailing their initial challenges, the specific strategies you implemented, and the positive changes they experienced—while ensuring you respect their privacy.