Be A Good Podcast Guest: 5 Things Podcast Hosts Want You Know

Appearing as a guest on podcasts that target your ideal audience is one of the most beneficial marketing strategies you can implement in 2021.

In comparison to blogging and creating videos, podcasting is considered the new kid on the block. However, with over 2 million podcasts in circulation, the medium is taking off like wildfire.

As a content creator, it’s only a matter of time until you appear as a guest on one. Similar to guest posting as a blogger, podcast guesting introduces you to a new audience, strengthens your professional network, and builds know, like, trust with listeners quickly.

However, there are good guests and guests we likely will not invite back to our shows. In addition to hosting my podcast, The Thought Card Podcast, I’ve had the pleasure of being a guest on over 85 shows which means that I am uniquely qualified to share both perspectives.

So what makes a good podcast guest? Well, here’s how to be a good podcast guest, including the five things podcast hosts wish you knew.

Review the Questions and Prepare

To be a good podcast guest, come prepared for the interview. Granted that not every host will share questions with you ahead of time, review them thoroughly if they do. Jot down talking points, your best tips, advice, and anecdotes — the more precise and thoughtful your response, the better the listener experience.

From the host’s perspective, the best interviews are where they barely have to edit out content. Overall, podcast hosts want to make their guests look good, but honestly, it all starts with how you show up to the microphone.

Also, if there are any questions that you feel uncomfortable answering, let the host know and stick to what you feel like sharing. This episode will live on for a long time, so you want to be proud of what you create together.

Lastly, ask to redo any section if you need to pause or would like to re-record. Podcast hosts do not expect you to be perfect. Sections can always be edited out if necessary.

Share Your Assets

Podcast hosts will need a few items from you to prepare for the interview and promote the episode. Create a shareable Google Drive or Dropbox folder to store frequently requested materials for interviews and press inquiries. When asked, easily share the link or copy and paste information without any hassles.

I recommend having these assets handy for podcast interviews:

Professional photos (horizontal and vertical)
Short bio
Links to website
Links to social media channels
Links to books, courses, and coaching programs.

Professional Photos: Have 3-5 horizontal and vertical photos that hosts can choose from. Please, no selfies. Depending on how often you appear as a guest, plan to update your photos every 1-2 years.

Short Bio: Hosts may read your bio on-air or add it to the show notes. Craft a brief bio of 3-4 sentences, and then depending on the show, tweak it so it’s relevant to the topics you’ll discuss.

Links: How do you want listeners to connect with you? Share links to your website, mailing list, social media channels, and even your email address. You may also want to include links to your books, courses, and coaching program if relevant.

Recording Etiquette

A good podcast guest prioritizes high-quality audio, which means using a professional microphone and wearing closed-back headphones that cover the ears — these effectively block outside noise.

While some podcast hosts are okay with guests using corded headphones with an attached microphone, the audio quality will be less than ideal. The microphone may get caught in your shirt or hair, which causes ruffling sounds. Extraneous noises distract listeners and lessen the quality of even the best interviews.

If you plan on appearing on podcasts regularly (at least a few times per year), invest in professional equipment. There are plenty of quality microphones that cost less than $100, like the Samson Q2U. High-quality interviews also mean minor editing, one of the most time-consuming parts of audio production.

Furthermore, record in a quiet room and stay still. Relax your hands, do not fidget in your seat. You may also be asked to record your audio using your phone or built-in software like QuickTime on iOS devices. Send the recording to the host after the interview.

Share the Episode

This one is big — be a good podcast guest by sharing the episode. Too many times, podcast guests appear on a show and never share it. This is a point of extreme frustration for podcasters and a quick way for you never to be invited back on a show. Please, do not do that.

Appearing as a podcast guest doesn’t stop after you stop recording. In good faith, you are expected to share the episode as well. From the host’s perspective, it takes time to prepare for the interview, research the guest, record, edit, and mix the episode. In the spirit of collaboration, share the episode far and wide.

Sharing the episode with your audience and network helps the host potentially gain new listeners, showcases your expertise, and signals to other podcasters that you’re easy to work with and value collaboration.

Ideally, the podcast host will share a promotional graphic, video, or audiogram (short audio files converted to video) that you can use. If they do not, express interest in wanting to share and ask them for it.

Helpful Tip: Ask the podcast host to create graphics using your brand colors so you can post on your channels and be on-brand. I typically share my brand colors when I share my other assets, like my bio and photos.

Not sure where you can share the episode?

Here are a few places:

Mention in your newsletter.
Create pins and video pins on Pinterest linking back to the episode.
Take photos of you listening to the episode and share them on social media.
Share the video or audiogram on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, or Twitter.
Share social media graphics to your social media profile linking to the episode and tag the host.

Leave a Review

Finally, be a good podcast guest by leaving a review on your favorite podcast player. Leaving a positive rating and review is a small gesture that goes a long way.

Many new listeners determine if they will listen to a podcast by looking first at how many ratings and reviews they have received. Apple Podcasts and Podchaser are two of the most common places where you can share your feedback.

Additionally, imagine how grateful they will be when they see that you’ve left them a thoughtful review. Since few guests take the time to do this, leaving an honest review is an easy way for you to stand out.

Summary

Appearing as a podcast guest is more than just sitting in the guest chair and conversing. Keeping these five things in mind — reviewing the questions, sharing your assets, prioritizing high-quality audio, sharing the episode, leaving a review — you’ll be adored by podcast hosts and asked to contribute and collaborate with thought leaders in your industry regularly.

Share via: