Key Questions to Ask Before Booking Any Podcast Appearance

Key Questions to Ask Before Booking Any Podcast Appearance

 

Being a guest on a podcast can be an incredible way to expand your reach, establish expertise, and engage with individuals who deeply care about what you have to say. However, not all podcast invitations are ideal. To ensure you get the most out of your energy and time, it is essential to be discerning about the programs you accept.

Before you sign on to your next guest spot, take a moment to stop and ask the questions that matter. Some preparation now can prevent time wasted, opportunities lost, or cringe-worthy interviews. It can also transform a decent podcast gig into an excellent one.

Here are some important questions to ask before you agree to appear on any podcast.

Who Is the Target Audience of the Show?

This is always your first question. Your appearance's success is very much determined by who will be listening. If the audience is of your target market, then the show is likely to be a good fit.

For instance, if you are a coach for small business owners who specialize in marketing, a show with listeners who are entrepreneurs would be an excellent choice. However, if the show is about tech trends or parenting tips, you may be talking to the wrong people.

What Is the Purpose and Tone of the Show?

There is a vibe to every podcast. Some podcasts are serious and fact-based. Some are lighthearted, informal, or even funny. Some are storytelling podcasts, while others set out to provide fast and useful tips.

Before booking an appearance, listen to a few episodes. Pay attention to how the host interacts with guests. Are the interviews formal or relaxed? Do they dive deep into topics or keep things high-level? Make sure your communication style and message can adapt well to the show’s format.

How Much Reach Does the Podcast Have?

You don't have to only show up on name-brand programs with huge audiences, but it is useful to know how much exposure your episode will receive. Some podcasts receive thousands of downloads per episode. Others are just starting out with a lower reach but loyal audience.

It is alright to inquire about audience numbers or per-episode downloads. If the host will not give you specific figures, then you can monitor their social media following or website traffic. This gives you an idea of what exposure you could stand to get from the appearance.

Will the Host Promote the Episode?

Promotion is a major key to making your guest appearance worth the hassle. Some podcast hosts will go the extra mile to promote each show via newsletters, Instagram tweets, blog summaries, or even paid advertising. Others publish the episode without fanfare.

Inquire whether they are promoting their episodes through any channels and if they would appreciate you joining in promotion. When the host and guest promote jointly, the effect of the episode will typically double.

Can You Share a Clear Call to Action?

One of the things that is most crucial to prepare for your podcast guest appearance is a call to action. This is where you are leading the listeners once they listen to your story. You might want them to go to your website, download something, join your newsletter, or follow you on social media.

Before signing up for an interview, ensure the host is willing to include a call to action either during or after the episode. A podcast that leaves guests some space to mention useful links or offers can assist you in converting curious listeners into actual leads.

Will You Receive a Link or Mention on Their Site?

Most podcasts also put each show on their website or blog. This is an ideal chance for you to receive a backlink and additional exposure. A good backlink from a podcast website can enhance your SEO and provide individuals with another method of finding you online.

Some things to consider asking are:

• Will you put my episode on your website?

• Will you put a link to my website, offer, or social media?

• Do you provide a guest bio or brief write-up with the audio?

These little touches can contribute a great deal towards visibility in the long run.

What Topics or Questions Will Be Discussed?

Whereas some podcasts are more improvisational, others have a prewritten script or theme. Either way, it is beneficial to have an idea beforehand about what type of questions you will be fielding. This enables you to prepare anecdotes, examples, and data that reinforce your main message.

If the host is willing to listen, you can even provide a couple of topics or discussion points that you are looking forward to exploring. This will keep the episode on track and add value to the audience and your business objectives.

How long does the interview last and when will it be broadcast?

Knowing the podcast's schedule and timeline assists you in planning your content calendar. Find out how long the interview will be so that you can plan accordingly. Also inquire about when the episode will be released.

If you're having a product launch, webinar, or event, you may prefer to synchronize your appearance with that schedule. Understanding the publishing calendar also makes it easier for you to schedule when to promote the episode on your own channels.

Can You Reuse the Content?

Most podcast hosts permit guests to reuse episode content. Perhaps that means posting a few minutes' worth on Instagram, playing the audio on your site, or even creating a case study from the conversation.

Ask the host ahead of time if it is all right to reuse the content. The majority will be grateful for your enthusiasm and willing to accept the additional publicity.

Conclusion

It can be thrilling to say yes to a podcast interview. But it's saying yes to the right interview that really counts. By asking some intelligent questions prior to booking, you save your time, guarantee a smoother experience, and boost the odds of converting listeners to loyal fans.

Do your homework, ask the questions, and approach every podcast opportunity as an opportunity to create something that will last. When you arrive with intention and purpose, your voice will find its way to the people who need to hear it most.