Currently, five million podcasts are reaching 464,7 million listeners globally, meaning every business owner needs to be up to speed on podcasting and especially how to be interviewed on a podcast.
How To Be Interviewed On A Podcast
Knowing how to be interviewed on a podcast means researching which are suitable for you, what conversations the presenters are interested in, finding out who their listeners are, and creating a collaborative discussion you can have on an episode that aligns with your specialties.
Because there are so many podcasts, you will need to sort through them and find the ones that interest you, align with your target demographic, and allow you to contribute insights that would elevate the show’s content.
Here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Listen
You want to listen to a few episodes of podcasts that have caught your attention. Soon, you can whittle down the list to a top five.
Step 2: Follow On Social Media
Follow the podcast on their social media accounts to gather additional information and gain insights into their listeners. Make sure to engage and comment on the podcast’s posts.
By this engagement, you can gain the attention of the podcast’s host. However, depending on the podcast’s popularity, you could be engaging with their social media team. If so, hopefully, there is a direct communication channel to the hosts.
Step 3: Create And Find Conversation
After following these steps, it is time to work out potential podcast conversation topics.
When stress testing these new discussions or media pitches, ensure you can talk as an authority. When reaching out to these podcasters, create a hook in your pitch to appeal to their interest. And get to the point.
Examples of a hook are making a newsworthy media pitch, trending social media discussions, or a debate exciting enough to start its own trend.
Step 4: Provide Proof You’re An Expert
Once you’re happy with the pitch, compile a document that lists your credentials. Ensure that the presenters can verify these credentials, such as links to awards you’ve won or articles with your name on them.
You can also include your talking points, which are an outline of the facts and ideas you plan on discussing with the podcaster.
Use your discretion on whether you think they’d appreciate the input. Most people in media are incredibly busy, so extra information might be a bonus for them.
Or you could share a LOOM video pitch with them, where you outline your media pitch, why you’re perfect for the discussion, and what talking points you want to touch on.
Now, all that is left is to hit send. Also, always ensure your pitch is directed to an individual’s personal work email address. Getting this information might require purchasing a media list from an outside company.
Step 5: Follow Up If Required
Because people in the media world are busy, you should follow up, but give them at least 24 hours to respond. If you’ve heard nothing for 48 hours, ping them an additional follow-up email, but remember to stay polite.
You must assume they are uninterested if you’ve heard nothing after the second follow-up email. Or if they have responded, congratulations, you’re about to be interviewed on a podcast.
Now that we’ve touched on the basics of being interviewed on a podcast let’s go through how to prepare.
How Do I Prepare For A Podcast Interview?
While you can provide talking points to the podcaster, they can go off-topic. After all, it is their show.
The only way to handle this uncertainty is to do your research and ensure the information is fresh in your mind. If you’re concerned, print out a fact sheet with statistics you can speak on.
If you’re going into the studio, make sure you arrive early. There is no quicker way to ruin a relationship than being late to an interview, even if it is prerecorded.
And if you’re joining remotely, ensure your internet connection is stable and fast.
The consideration is that if the presenter goes into a discussion you’re uncomfortable with, simply say so. We all know the saying, “All press is good press,” but that’s simply not true anymore.
Bad press coverage will make you, your community, and your business accountable for your actions.
But if you prepare, research, and create a good media pitch, your interview will go smoothly.
