Podcasts are amazing tools. They’re great for sharing content, expressing insights, interviewing those that inspire and building platforms.
With that said, starting a podcast requires a lot of legwork and a pinch of problem-solving way before you even switch on the mic to record. What about the tech, your show’s name, marketing strategies and the niche you’re targeting? There are so many things to wrap your head around that just the thought of approaching potential guests to be on your show can make your brain spin.
At the We Are Podcast, 2016 conference Adam Franklin the CEO and marketing manager at Bluewire Media, gave a keynote speech that addresses this exact conundrum.
His five-step breakdown brought together all the small, essential components you should put in place, so you can approach potential guests with ease, and nurture your relationships post-release.
- Build a Connection Prior to Reaching Out
When reaching out to your prospect interviewee it’s best to have some kind of connection with them prior to you reaching out. So, listen to their podcast, read their books, become familiar with their work.
Then, when you construct a brief reach out email, you can reference back to a few pieces of their content that you have already been engaged with.
Got a simple ‘no’ reply? Don’t worry too much. Make a note and circle back to them in six months.
- Prepare, Listen, Learn
Great job, you got a yes and your guest is coming onto your show. Now, what should you do to have an awesome sit down chat?
Adam suggests at least having their book handy if they have one so you can refer back, if you’ve read it cover to cover, even better.
Note down three to five topics that you’re curious about. They should be things that hold genuine interest to you.
LISTEN! If they’re coming to an end of a long point, you don’t really want a gap with nothing coming through next – this can be nerve-wracking and throw you off later. If you consciously listen, this allows you to notice cues to expand upon points later.
- Follow up and Close the Loop
It may surprise you to know that some podcasters don’t email their guests once their podcast is live! This, in our books, is a big, fat, no-no.
Simply place a link to the live audio in an email, with a thank you message, small, shareable social media-friendly picture and any other content you feel is necessary, just as a common courtesy.
Also, if you’re sharing your podcast on social media (which you should be doing), make sure you tag your guest. You want to make them feel as special as possible.
Touch base every three months or so, “The podcast is one part of this whole marketing ecosystem. It’s one part of all the relationships you have,” Adam explains.
So keep in touch!
- Stand out From the Rest
You want to stand out as much as possible, so why not send a physical gift as a thank you gesture. Adam likes to send out some pure Aussie paraphernalia such as Tim Tams, a stuffed Koala, a bottle of Bundaberg rum and some Vegemite (which doesn’t always go down too well). “That for me is a really nice way to stand out from other shows,” Adam says.
Add a little thank you note in there too to make it as personal as possible. “I know that when I’m on the receiving end of something like that it’s really meaningful.”
- Strengthen Your Relationships
Coordinating a lead magnet swap is a great way of sharing content to a wider audience, Adam explains, “How about I share your headline report, how about I share something of yours to my list, maybe you’d like to reciprocate and share something of mine with your list?”
How about a joint venture webinar? “You host them to teach something for 45 to 60 minutes,” Adam explains, “You’re taking that next step to add value to that relationship, and to the value that you’re adding to your audience as well.”
Meet face to face if you can, and strengthen your relationships further by hosting a sit-down dinner. This brings people together and forms a stronger bond. This is also a great opportunity to invite other podcasters and guests as well.
Having guests on your show doesn’t have to be a terrifying event, as long as you have an action plan in place.
To hear the full We Are Podcast 2016 keynote speech with Adam Franklin, click here.
Author: Ronsley Vaz
Ronsley is the founder & chief day dreamer at AMPLIFY. He is an author, speaker & serial entrepreneur.
He has a Masters’ degree in Software Engineering and an MBA in Psychology and Leadership. He is known as the creator of We Are Podcast – the first Podcasting Conference in the Southern Hemisphere, and the host of The Bond Appetit Podcast and Should I Start a Podcast. He has an audience of over 3 million in 133 countries.