As we explained in our post on how to start a podcast, featuring guests on your episodes is a great way to give your show some added gusto by providing that back and forth conversation with a knowledgeable expert. Not all experts are great for podcast interviews, though. This article will help you find potential guests and determine if they’re a good fit for a podcast interview.
Find Podcast Guests – Consideration to Make When Deciding What Kinds of Guests to Invite
In this article
- Find Podcast Guests – Consideration to Make When Deciding What Kinds of Guests to Invite
- Prioritizing Variety in All its Forms
- Vetting Podcast Guests
- 5 Ways to Find Podcast Guests
- #1. Asking Your Customers if They’d Like to be a Guest
- Start with Your Customers
- Try Prospective Customers By Sending a Cold Email
- #2. Exploring Social Media Platforms
- LinkedIn Connect
- #3. Engaging with Bloggers and Content Creators
- #4. Pull from Publications
- #5. Utilizing Online Directories and Databases
- #6. Attending Industry Events and Conferences
- #7. Networking Events
- #8. Collaborating with Other Podcast Hosts
- #9. Reaching Out to Authors and Experts
- 10. Getting Requests From Others to be Featured on Your Podcast
- Managing the Inbound Requests
- #11. Utilizing Podcast Guest Booking Services
- #12. Asking Your Audience for Guest Suggestions
- Now You’re Ready for the Guest Outreach Phase of Managing Your Podcast
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you find podcast guests?
- Where can I find podcast partners?
- How can I find podcast guests through social media platforms?
- What are some online directories and databases I can use to find potential podcast guests?
- Can collaborating with other podcast hosts help me find new guests?
Jon Nastor, podcast host of Hack the Entrepreneur and The Showrunner, imparted some of his wisdom on how he achieves a balance of guests, alongside scheduling them out to maximize the impact that each episode will have on his show’s revenue.
“[We pay attention to] parameters like male and female entrepreneurs, people from tech backgrounds and people who are offline-ish, as well as people from startups, and people who are one-man teams working on their own laptops. I try to keep a really wide variety of guests. It’s really about looking at the last two months, looking two months ahead, outlining what we’re trying to accomplish, and then vetting [potential new guests] from there.
“[Booking guests] is based on our promotion calendar of courses or products that we have coming up. For instance, if a new course is coming out around website creation or optimization, we’ll schedule a guest or two around that topic so that the course can come up organically in the conversation.”
Prioritizing Variety in All its Forms
Paying attention to the professional profile and background of the guest you’re reaching out to will help you host a variety of guests. When you prioritize variety and diversity amongst your guests, the perspectives and philosophies that your show will uncover is sure to please your listeners and provide food for thought – exactly what you’re hoping to achieve with a podcast!
Another consideration to keep in mind, is the title or position of person you’re reaching out to.
Brian Peters, co-host of Buffer’s podcast, The Science of Social Media, said that his team benefited from shifting their perspective on who would be a valuable guest. Although they had started out by targeting influencers as interviewees, it didn’t take long for their guest list to dwindle down. Here’s how they proceeded:
“What we did when we started running out of influencers, is we started looking at brands. We went to National Geographic, Bustle, NASA, etc. and just tried to get their social media managers on the show. What we found is that a lot of times, you’ll have the big name influencers that speak at high levels. So they’re not really giving the tactical answers. But they have a well known name and they’re popular, so it’s good for the show.
“But, we [also] found that the social media managers that are actually doing the work at these companies are not that great at speaking on podcasts, but they had better answers. We had to mix the two kinds of guests!”
Vetting Podcast Guests
Brian explained the next step in his process is to evaluate the appropriateness of the potential guest, before reaching out.
“We want to make sure that the person is on-brand for us, of course. So, we go to their social media accounts and get a sense of what they talk about, what they’re known for, and what their engagement rates are like. A lot of times with influencers, their profile shows 80,000 followers, but they only get 100 likes on a post, meaning that they don’t really have an engaged audience. So, we go for a mix of influencers with the big names, but we also want the people who have a super engaged audience as well, [regardless of size].”
5 Ways to Find Podcast Guests
You have an idea of the kinds of guests you might invite to the podcast, but in terms of the actual outreach, you’re not sure where to start. Two years ago, Brian was in the same position. To help you move forward in your process of booking guests, here’s what Brian’s team does in order to identify potential podcast guests:
#1. Asking Your Customers if They’d Like to be a Guest
Inviting your customers to be podcast guests can be a goldmine of unique perspectives and valuable insights. After all, who better understands your product or service than the people who use it? As you determine potential podcast guests, it’s essential to consider the content and identify your ideal guest even before publishing an episode. Your customers may offer a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experiences that can engage your listeners and reinforce your podcast’s credibility.
Start with Your Customers
When reaching out to potential guests, make sure to craft a personalized invitation that reflects your podcast format and interview style. If they don’t respond immediately, don’t be disheartened. Follow up with them and remember that persistence can pay off. A well-prepared and engaging conversation with a customer can enrich your content, making your podcast more appealing to your target audience.
If you’re running a podcast for a brand, like Brian does for Buffer, don’t overlook your own customer base. Your clients can be brought forth as guests on your show to talk, not in a testimonial fashion, but rather to speak about their unique experiences relating to your podcast show topic.
Try Prospective Customers By Sending a Cold Email
So obvious, right? Personal emails typically get better responses than generic contact form submissions from a website. But what if you’re without the email address of the person you want to connect with?
Use this nifty tool – Email Hunter – to find every email address for contacts at any given business. It scours the internet for every instance of the email domain and compiles them all into a neat little list for your to browse and select from. What’s better is that Email Hunter offers a Google Chrome extension that rounds up those emails for you automatically – making you even more efficient in your outreach process.
#2. Exploring Social Media Platforms
In today’s digital age, social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook offer a wealth of opportunities for discovering potential podcast guests. Each platform provides unique tools and features that can help you search for and connect with individuals who share your interests and expertise.
LinkedIn, as a professional social media platform, is a treasure trove of industry experts and professionals who can provide valuable insights on your podcast. To make the most of LinkedIn, start by using keywords associated with your podcast’s topic to search for potential podcast guests. Additionally, join relevant groups and follow industry leaders to stay updated on the latest trends and connect with individuals who may be interested in appearing on your podcast.
By actively engaging with potential guests on LinkedIn, you can not only expand your network, but also ensure that you’re connecting with professionals who can bring real value to your podcast. Remember to approach potential guests with a personalized message that showcases your understanding of their work and highlights the benefits of appearing on your show.
With LinkedIn’s vast user base, the possibilities for finding great podcast guests are practically limitless.
LinkedIn Connect
Let’s delve deeper into each of these platforms and see how they can assist you in finding the perfect podcast guests.
You can also use LinkedIn to search for professionals from any industry as well. Do a quick search of your industry of interest, and browse the people listings. Once you find a candidate to reach out to, use LinkedIn’s connect and messaging feature to introduce yourself and let them know of the opportunity to be featured on your podcast.
Twitter is a powerful platform for finding podcast guests thanks to its direct communication capabilities and hashtag search functionality. Politicians, authors, celebrities, journalists, and renowned stars are very active on Twitter, making it a hub for potential guests. By utilizing Twitter’s direct messaging feature and searching for relevant hashtags, you can identify and contact individuals who are engaged in conversations related to your podcast’s topic.
Moreover, leveraging Twitter hashtags can amplify your guest request, reaching a wider audience and increasing the chances of finding the ideal guest. Keep in mind that persistence and creativity are key when using Twitter to find podcast guests. By staying active on the platform, engaging with potential guests, and utilizing hashtags effectively, you can tap into a steady stream of great podcast guests.
Instagram is a visually-driven platform that can help you find content creators and influencers who may be interested in appearing on your podcast. Many influencers and content creators use Instagram for the sole purpose of gaining more exposure, which makes them potential podcast guests. By engaging with them through comments, direct messages, and collaborations, you can foster relationships with potential guests and create a more captivating podcast.
Successful podcast guests found on Instagram include entrepreneurs, authors, and influencers, who can provide fresh perspectives and potentially boost your podcast’s visibility. The key to success on Instagram is to be proactive and genuinely interested in the work of potential guests. By showcasing your appreciation for their content and expressing how their expertise aligns with your podcast’s theme, you can significantly increase your chances of securing great podcast guests from Instagram.
Facebook groups and communities can be a valuable resource for finding potential podcast guests with shared interests. By joining relevant groups and engaging in conversations with members, you can discover individuals who possess unique perspectives and knowledge related to your podcast’s topic.
Additionally, Facebook provides an opportunity to understand potential guests on a deeper level, as users often share their passions, interests, and personalities on the platform. Actively participating in group discussions and connecting with potential guests through direct messages can lead to fruitful collaborations and compelling podcast episodes.
So don’t overlook the power of Facebook when searching for potential podcast guests.
#3. Engaging with Bloggers and Content Creators
Bloggers and content creators in your niche can be fantastic podcast guests, as they often possess valuable knowledge and insights that can captivate your audience. Engaging with them not only helps you secure great guests, but also provides an opportunity for cross-promotion, as these creators may share your podcast with their own audience, helping you grow your listenership.
To connect with bloggers and content creators, consider reaching out to them through email or social media platforms, and express your interest in their work. Be sure to highlight the benefits of appearing on your podcast, such as increased exposure and the opportunity to share their expertise with a new audience.
By actively engaging with bloggers and content creators, you can create a winning partnership that benefits both your podcast and their personal brand.
#4. Pull from Publications
“You have all these Entrepreneur and Forbes lists, that are like ‘50 top influencers in the Social Media Marketing space.’ For us, it was easy to identify potential guests because of those lists.”
Publications like these are a gold mine of shining stars from a variety of industries!
#5. Utilizing Online Directories and Databases
Online directories and databases like Rephonic, Google Scholar, and JSTOR provide a wealth of resources to find potential podcast guests with relevant expertise. By using search engines and inputting keywords related to your podcast’s topic, you can locate relevant names and review their work.
Tools like Feedly and Rephonic can also be valuable in your search to find guests, potential guests, and interested guests, as they provide access to content from a wide range of blogs and newspapers, as well as podcasts that are relevant to your target audience.
By leveraging these online directories and databases, you can significantly expand your pool of potential podcast guests and ensure that you’re providing content that resonates with your listeners.
#6. Attending Industry Events and Conferences
Industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities are excellent venues for meeting potential podcast guests and expanding your network. By attending these events, you can not only learn about the latest trends in your niche, but also have the chance to meet potential guests in person, which can help you establish rapport and trust.
By actively participating in industry events and conferences, you can significantly increase your chances of finding great podcast guests who can contribute valuable insights and perspectives to your show.
#7. Networking Events
If your podcast relies on guests pretty heavily, you have to constantly be looking for the opportunity to network and strategically think about who would bring forth interesting conversation on your show. Joining local or online communities within your industry is one way to broaden your professional social circle and can prove useful in finding new guests.
Joining or forming mastermind groups in your podcast’s industry is a great way to network. These knowledgeable professionals could be potential guests for your podcast.
#8. Collaborating with Other Podcast Hosts
Collaborating with other podcast hosts can be an effective strategy for discovering new guest recommendations and exploring cross-promotion opportunities with other podcasts. By working together, you can share your experiences in finding guests, learn from each other’s successes and failures, and potentially expand your podcast’s reach.
To collaborate with other podcast hosts, consider reaching out to them directly or joining podcasting communities and forums where you can share ideas and support each other. By fostering relationships with other podcasters, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge and resources that can help you find the perfect podcast guests and ensure your show’s continued growth and success.
#9. Reaching Out to Authors and Experts
Authors, experts, and thought leaders in your niche can be invaluable podcast guests, as they possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can provide valuable insights and credibility to your show. Reaching out to authors who have recently published books related to your podcast’s topic can be particularly effective, as they may be eager to discuss their work with your podcast listeners and become the perfect podcast guest for your show. To book podcast guests, consider reaching out to these authors and experts.
To connect with authors and experts, consider sending personalized messages that showcase your understanding of their work and the benefits of appearing on your podcast. Be persistent and follow up if necessary, as securing a high-profile guest can significantly boost your podcast’s credibility and appeal to your target audience.
With the right approach and determination, you can successfully invite renowned authors and experts to share their knowledge and insights on your podcast.
10. Getting Requests From Others to be Featured on Your Podcast
At some point, your podcast may begin to receive an influx of requests from people wanting to come onto your podcast for an episode.
The evaluation and vetting process for these types of requests should be very similar to the process you take when conducting your own guest brainstorming.
Both Brian and Jon have experienced this stage in their growth of their podcasts. Brian explained that, in his experience, there’s a fine balance to incorporating these types of guests with the guests they have in mind for the show.
“What we found is that the people who are reaching out to us are typically the ones who are very self-promoter focused. And so, the people who were reaching out to us, didn’t quite fit into our vetting process.
“I don’t want to take away from people who do reach out and get placements that way. Because one great podcast promotion strategy is to get onto other podcasts, right? I think it’s great if you’re a podcast host and can get onto another podcast. It’s just that we’ve experienced a lot of people that reach out to us saying, ‘Hey, I just wrote a book, can I come on your podcast and promote it?’
“It’s tough because we have our own agenda, and we’re looking for people to fit that narrative, you know? I’m not saying anything against trying to get onto other podcasts because I think it’s actually a very relevant and good strategy.”
Brian went on to explain that the success in this sort of outreach strategy is found by being less self-promotional in your request. So, if you’re looking to reach out to other podcasts with the hopes of joining them on one of their episodes, re-read your outreach message to ensure it doesn’t have a ‘what you can do for me’ vibe to it.
Managing the Inbound Requests
At Hack the Entrepreneur, Jon said they receive so many requests that sometimes, they have to update their contact page with a message stating, “We’re not able to accept anymore podcast guest requests at this time,” to allow themselves a catch up period to process the existing requests.
When the show has so many inquiries, they have to work together as a team to see if there’s a fit between the potential guest(s) and Hack the Entrepreneur.
Another way that Jon’s show is able to manage the inbound requests that come through the website, is to use an email management software or plugin. They’ve created a list of dropdown subject lines on the contact forms that helps to sort what each email pertains to.
The limited subject lines act as filters to help you see at a glance what the email is about. They also help you prioritize which category of email needs your attention most. Simple tricks like this will help make the email management of your podcast more efficient.
#11. Utilizing Podcast Guest Booking Services
Podcast guest booking services, such as PodMatch, MatchMaker.fm, and PodcastGuests.com, can be a valuable tool for finding and connecting with potential podcast guests. These online platforms facilitate the connection between podcasters and potential guests by allowing users to create profiles, wish lists, and leveraging the site’s algorithm to identify matches.
While these services can be helpful in finding potential podcast guests, it’s essential to remember that they may have limitations, such as a restricted selection of podcasts that accept guests or difficulties in comparing podcasts using these marketplaces. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider other strategies and methods in combination with podcast guest booking services to ensure you’re finding the best podcast guests for your show.
#12. Asking Your Audience for Guest Suggestions
Asking your audience for guest suggestions can be an effective way to ensure you’re providing content that resonates with your listeners and keeps them engaged. By soliciting recommendations from your audience through social media platforms, you can gain valuable insights into who your listeners want to hear from and what topics they find most interesting.
One approach to involve your audience in finding podcast guests is to let them know what you’re looking for in a guest and provide an opportunity for them to join you on the next episode. By actively engaging with your audience and considering their suggestions, you can create a more dynamic and engaging podcast that caters to the interests and preferences of your listeners.
Now You’re Ready for the Guest Outreach Phase of Managing Your Podcast
We’ve covered a lot of ground here – what to consider when brainstorming guests, where to find them, ways to reach out to them, and more! All containing advice from successful podcast hosts.
Put as much of this into practice as you can, and you’ll find yourself booking guests with the rich insights your listeners are craving. But, in order to really tap into guests’ knowledge and have an entertaining conversation, you have to be a good interviewer first.
If you’re not sure what the art of interviewing really entails, check out our interview excerpt with long time broadcast interviewer and podcast host, Larry Jordan, on how to be a good podcast interviewer.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect podcast guests in 2024 is a multifaceted process that requires a combination of strategies, persistence, and creativity. By leveraging your network, exploring social media platforms, attending industry events, collaborating with other podcast hosts, and using podcast guest booking services, you can find the ideal guests for your show.
Remember to involve your audience, engage with content creators, and reach out to authors and experts to provide valuable insights and credibility. With these 12 proven strategies, you can elevate your podcast to new heights and keep your listeners engaged and captivated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you find podcast guests?
Finding podcast guests can be achieved by doing some field research, sending a formal invitation, searching online on different websites, writing an inspiring pitch, asking experts with recent publications, trying social media handles, contacting experts through directories, and meeting potential guests in person.
Additionally, leveraging people you have interviewed or attending industry events, finding authors of upcoming books on Amazon, searching iTunes for related podcasts, and using tools such as PodcastGuests.com to post interview requests can help locate great guests.
Where can I find podcast partners?
Posting on social media is a great way to find podcast partners – you can reach out to family and friends, and have an idea of their work ethic. Additionally, asking within your network or joining podcast-related groups can increase your chances of finding a partner.
How can I find podcast guests through social media platforms?
Look for potential podcast guests through social media platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to find like-minded people with shared interests. Connect with them and begin conversations that could lead to an invitation to be a guest on your show.
What are some online directories and databases I can use to find potential podcast guests?
Rephonic, Google Scholar, and JSTOR are some online directories and databases you can use to find potential podcast guests.
Can collaborating with other podcast hosts help me find new guests?
Collaborating with other podcast hosts can definitely help you find new guests, providing access to guest recommendations and potential cross-promotional opportunities.
This can be a great way to expand your network and reach a wider audience.
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