Feeling pulled to expand your professional influence and showcase your expertise? Podcast guesting is a powerful yet underutilized strategy that I believe can help you achieve both at once. As the CEO and Co-Founder of social media and podcasting agency The Social Snippet, and a podcaster myself on the Community podcast, I've seen first hand how being a guest on podcasts can significantly boost your network, build authority, and open doors to new opportunities. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business owner, or a professional looking to advance your reach, here’s how you can leverage podcast guesting to build your community.
Why Podcast Guesting Matters
There’s no denying that podcasts have surged in popularity, with over 164 million Americans tuning into them regularly. Needless to say, this medium offers a distinct platform to get into new people’s ears and reach a highly engaged audience. As a podcast guest, you can:
Showcase Your Expertise: Share your knowledge and experiences on a podcast to establish yourself as an authority in your field.
Expand Your Reach: Podcasts have dedicated listener bases. By guesting, you borrow these audiences, many of whom might not be familiar with you or your work.
Build Relationships: Podcast hosts often have extensive networks. Building a rapport with them can lead to further opportunities and introductions to key figures in your industry.
How to Get Started with Podcast Guesting
If you're brand new to podcast guesting, I know that the idea of getting on a podcast might seem daunting. Here are some practical steps to help you get started:
1. Leverage Your Existing Network
Start by reaching out to people within your network. You’ll be surprised how many colleagues, friends, or acquaintances either have their own podcasts or know someone who does. Here’s how to do it:
Let your network know you’re interested in guesting on podcasts and ask if they have any recommendations.
Be clear about what topics you can speak authentically on and how your insights can add clear value to a podcast’s audience.
2. Use Podcast Guest Matching Platforms
Platforms like MatchMaker.fm are designed to connect podcast hosts with potential guests. Create a compelling profile that highlights your areas of expertise, past speaking engagements, and what you can bring to a podcast.
3. Join Relevant Facebook Groups
There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to podcasting. Join groups like "Podcast Guest Collaboration Community" or "Podcasts We Listen To." These groups often have threads where hosts are looking for guests or where you can pitch yourself.
4. Identify Power Partners
Power partners are individuals or brands that share a similar audience but are not direct competitors. Collaborating with power partners can be mutually beneficial. Here’s how to find them:
Attend industry conferences, webinars, and networking events to cross paths with potential partners.
Follow and engage with individuals and brands on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Look for those who share valuable content related to your niche.
Use directories like Spotify or Apple Podcasts to find shows that align with your expertise and target audience.
5. Craft Your Pitch
Once you’ve identified potential podcasts, it’s time to craft your pitch. Here are some tips for creating a compelling pitch:
Address the host by name and mention specific episodes that you’ve listened to and enjoyed.
Explain what insights or experiences you can specifically bring to their audience.
Mention any past podcast appearances, speaking engagements, or relevant achievements.
6. Prepare for Your Appearance
Once you secure a guest spot (yay!), preparation is key to making a great impression when it’s time to record:
Listen to a few episodes to understand the tone, format, and audience.
Outline the main points you want to discuss and how they can benefit the listeners.
Share the episode with your network and on social media to maximize its reach.
The Long-Term Impacts of Podcast Guesting
The benefits of podcast guesting extend beyond the immediate boost in visibility. Here are some of the long-term advantages:
1. Strengthening Your Personal Brand
Regularly appearing on podcasts helps to solidify your reputation as an expert in your field. It builds know, like and trust with both the podcast audience and your own network.
2. Growing Your Network
Every podcast appearance introduces you to a new audience and new potential connections. The relationships you build with hosts and listeners can lead to further collaborations, speaking opportunities, and even new clients or customers.
3. Enhancing Your Skills
Being a podcast guest can finesse your communication and public speaking skills. It teaches you how to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely, making you a better presenter.
Ultimately, podcast guesting is a remarkable tool for ambitious business owners like you and I, looking to grow their network and establish themselves as industry leaders. By leveraging your existing contacts, utilizing guest matching platforms, engaging in relevant communities, and forming power partnerships, you can achieve a wealth of podcast opportunities. Remember, every podcast appearance is a chance to share your story, connect with new audiences, and further your impact.
I believe that everyone has a podcast in them. So, why wait? You have so much to share. Start your podcast guesting journey today and watch your network and influence expand with every listener. You may even become compelled to start a podcast of your very own some day!
About the Author
Kristina Bartold-Sorgota is the co-founder and CEO of The Social Snippet. She loves helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow their communities online using social media and podcasting. Kristina has been working in social media almost 10 years as a side hustle, and finally realized it was her passion and calling to pair her extensive experience coaching with her love for social strategy. The Social Snippet was born with her co-founder, Maria, and the rest is history! Kristina spends most of her days recording podcast episodes for the Build Your Digital Community podcast, coaching business owners on how to grow their businesses or hosting events for local female entrepreneurs to grow.
