How to Be Featured on a Podcast
“If you want to be featured on a podcast, you need to give in order to get.” Janelle Lara (6:59 - 7:01)
Learn the right way to grab the attention of a podcast host and become a guest speaker on their show.
Every entrepreneur wants their business to be seen and heard. But lately, I’ve been rather surprised and disappointed by the great lengths people will go to increase the visibility of their business. I’ve recognized a trend where entrepreneurs think it’s okay to just pop out of the woodwork and ask to be featured on my podcast. Let me be the first to tell you, it’s not okay and to be frank, it’s quite rude! To ask a podcast host for the ability to speak on their show is no small request. Most podcasters, like myself, stream one episode per week leaving just fifty-two episodes a year to share expert knowledge and guidance. A podcast host’s time is precious. If you’re hoping to become a guest speaker, you’re going to have to do a little more than just ask. You’ll need to invest some time and energy establishing an online presence before you can get what you want.
“Don’t just come out of the woodwork, out of nowhere and say, “Hey, I want to be featured on your podcast.” - Janelle Lara (6:50 - 6:56)
Before even attempting to reach out to a podcast host, you need to make yourself known to them and their community. Instead of focusing on what the podcast host can do for you, instead add value to what they are doing. Give first, before you try to get.
Follow these five tips to get started and potentially be featured on a podcast.
Listen to the podcast. Only a handful of entrepreneurs who reach out asking to be featured on my show can relay their favorite episode. Do your homework to avoid looking like a fool. Listen first to see if the podcast coincides with your message and speaks to your intended audience.
Engage with the host and their community. Leave a review on iTunes, converse on the podcast group page, or share a favorite episode on your Instagram story! Make sure to tag the host and explain why their podcast is so inspirational to your audience. You’ll make the host’s day and build a noticeable online presence.
Shoot the podcast host an email saying how much you love their podcast. If you really want to go above and beyond, reach out to the host directly. Go into detail of the impact their expertise has provided. A direct message of this caliber could get you on a first name basis and inspire the host with direction for meaningful content.
Be interesting. I admit I only want to invite people on my podcast who can give me and my audience valuable information. The goal is to expand upon knowledge. Offer something so savory and unique it can’t be passed up.
Ask the host to be a guest on your podcast first. If you don’t have a podcast yet, that’s okay. You can ask to interview the host and stream it live on your Facebook group instead. Create an opportunity for the host to recognize what the chemistry would be like conversing with you on a smaller scale, before asking for a larger scale.
Visibility is a key component to the success of any business. As with everything else, results take time. There are no shortcuts or back alleys to cut through. Yes, you will need to dedicate a great amount of time and energy to establish a presence and relationship with a podcast host and community.
If your main purpose in being featured on a podcast is to increase your business’ visibility, let me save you some time. Check out my free Six-Figure Challenge! Over the course of seven days, I’ll be sending you everything you need to set the foundation for a six-figure business.
If you feel like podcasts are the best platform for your message, use the five steps above to appropriately make yourself known to the podcast host and their community. Stay persistent and soon enough you will be seen and heard!
How to get involved
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For more resources, information on my coaching services, and a whole community of Part-Time CEOs, find me on Facebook at The Part-Time CEO® Group, my website, or email me at janelle@janellelara.com.
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