How To Find Podcast Guest/s For Your Show

Looking for something? Chances are, you turn to the internet. Whether it’s books, job opportunities, friends or even podcast guests – the web is a fantastic tool to find what you need.

In terms of podcasts, it’s rare that potential guests will come knocking unless your show has already gained a significant following. So, it falls on you to seek out and arrange guest appearances for your podcast.

Having the right guest can really elevate your podcast content. It could help build an audience for your show and possibly even bring in some extra cash. Here are some tried-and-tested ways to find and connect with potential podcast guests.

Finding the Right Podcast Guest Can Make or Break Your Show: Here’s How to Do It Right

Finding an expert who is willing to appear on your audio broadcast program can be challenging. Below are some effective ways to invite guests and field experts to your podcast. 

Locate Potential Guests through Online Communities

Online communities are excellent sources for finding potential podcast guests as they bring specialists in a particular field together. Although membership may be restricted to experts in the same area, you can request the group administrator to inform them of your guest search. Here are some: 

Reddit offers a vast array of forums for almost any subject you can think of Slack Workspaces has become a popular platform for people to connect with others who share their interests. Joining a group requires an invitation from a member or an admin. Facebook Groups are another option for finding like-minded individuals. Search for a group related to your interests, and you’ll likely find at least one. Private groups may require approval from the group admin

Listen to your Audience’s Suggestions

Your podcast’s quality can be improved by involving your audience in some cases. Engage with them through your social media platforms. You can ask them to suggest a podcast guest at the end of your episode. 

Additionally, you can publish a podcast guest survey on your website and invite them to participate. This approach will assist you in locating podcast guests and increasing the number of listeners, particularly if you choose a guest recommended by your audience.

Ask your Past Guests

Another great way to find guests for your podcast is by asking people you’ve already had as guests. You can ask them if they know anyone who might be a good fit for your show. This works well because these past guests know what type of person you’re looking for.

You could ask them to introduce you directly, or just get the contact information so you can reach out yourself.

Remember, when reaching out to potential new guests, make sure to tell them who you are and how you got their details.

Search for Similar Podcasts

Podcasters who focus on similar topics often have a good understanding of their audience’s interests and preferences. This makes them excellent potential guests for other podcasts.

Finding and inviting podcast hosts with similar themes to yours is surprisingly straightforward. Since they’re seasoned pros, you don’t need to worry about tech hitches or equipment issues; they’ll be well-versed in handling all that. Plus, featuring as a guest on your podcast could serve as a promotional avenue for their own show, boosting both listener bases. However, it’s key to ensure there’s valuable content up for discussion so the collaboration benefits everyone involved.

Hire a Podcast Booking Agency

A podcast booking service is available for those willing to make a monetary investment. Acting as an agent, such services often represent potential guests seeking opportunities to be interviewed on podcasts.

Several podcast booking agencies work directly with individuals seeking podcast features. By contacting them and indicating your interest in finding guests, they will browse their contacts database and provide you with a suitable match. 

Connect in Social Media

Your social media profiles hold significant value as they are powerful assets to promote your show, interact with your audience, and search for potential guests. Prioritizing your social media marketing efforts is crucial, regardless of your show’s popularity.

Here are some simple methods Engage in natural discussions with influential figures in your field. Utilize all of your social media platforms to announce your search for guests. Request your friends to introduce you to individuals who would be ideal guests. Construct a Twitter list of potential podcast guests and contact them when they begin promoting a product or service. Explore companies of interest on LinkedIn and send messages to employees. Investigate individuals who are writing articles on your topic on LinkedIn Pulse. Share, link, and comment on the material of potential guests to get noticed. Browse hashtags related to your niche and identify the most informative content creators. Locate informative YouTube hosts who specialize in your area of interest. Join several Facebook groups and pay attention to commenters who demonstrate expertise.

Browse Online on Different Websites

To bring in specialists for your podcast, you can also explore various websites associated with your subject matter.

Find Authors of Upcoming Books on Amazon

Individuals who have products to sell are constantly seeking ways to expand their audience. Niche or lesser-known podcasts can be effective in reaching their intended target market. To locate potential clients, search for authors of recently released or soon-to-be-released books on Amazon. 

Utilize the “Coming Soon” filter and select the relevant Department to narrow down the options. 

Attend Events to Build Your Profile & Guest List

Take advantage of social opportunities to meet new people. Meeting potential guests in person can significantly improve your chances of securing a great guest for your podcast. Face-to-face interactions allow individuals to better understand your intentions and personality, leading to increased confidence in working with you. 

But don’t make the guest pitch the main focus of your interactions. Instead, focus on building relationships and getting to know them personally. 

After exchanging business cards, make sure to follow up after the conference. Reference specific topics discussed during your conversation and invite them to be a guest on your podcast.

Your Podcast Website

The website of a podcast often goes overlooked by its creators. However, it can serve as a valuable tool for directing potential guests and providing them with guidelines and best practices. 

• Design a specialized contact form (e.g., podcast guest form) to complete.
• Organize a section on your website dedicated to frequently asked questions, including “What is the process for being a guest on your podcast?” and provide a response.
• Install a plug-in that invites guests to participate in your podcast. 

Inviting Your Guest

Although email remains the most efficient method of communication, lengthy short stories of 500 words are not well-received, particularly by busy individuals who may struggle to read them while on the go. Therefore, it is important to be concise and polite in conveying the main message. Here’s a podcast guest invite template:

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Podcast Guest for Your Show

Podcasters are always on the lookout for unique guests who can bring fresh ideas to their episodes, as they can attract new listeners. 

Finding guests for your podcast is just one of the many challenges you may encounter as a podcaster. However, as your profile grows, it becomes easier to identify and invite potential guests. Eventually, as your show gains popularity, high-quality guests will approach you. Best of luck!