So, you've got a podcast. Maybe you're flying solo and realizing, like many hosts, that talking to yourself gets old fast, or maybe you just know that bringing in fresh perspectives is key to keeping things interesting for your listeners. The challenge? Finding and landing great guests who actually add value, show up prepared, and resonate with your audience.
It can feel like a struggle, especially if your show isn't topping the charts (yet!). Where do you even start looking? Do you have to pay big bucks or have a massive network? Not necessarily.
Let's ditch the guesswork. This guide gives you practical, actionable ways to find and attract quality guests for your podcast, even if you're just starting out.
First Off, Why Bother with Guests Anyway?
Before diving into the "how," let's quickly confirm the "why." Good guests bring a ton to the table:
- Fresh Expertise & Stories: They offer knowledge and perspectives you might not have, instantly adding value and depth.
- New Angles & Dynamics: Conversations are often more engaging than monologues. Guests spark discussion and introduce different viewpoints.
- Potential Audience Growth: Guests often share their appearance with their audience, bringing new ears to your show (if you make it easy for them!).
Okay, Where Do I Find These Elusive Creatures? (Finding Potential Guests)
Forget waiting for pitches to flood your inbox (though that might happen later!). Be proactive.
- Tap Your Existing Network (The Low-Hanging Fruit):
- Start Simple: Think friends, colleagues, interesting people you follow online whose expertise aligns with your show. Don't underestimate your immediate circle.
- Ask Past Guests: If you've had guests before and had a good experience, ask them! "Who else do you know that might be a great fit for the show?" Referrals are gold.
- Professional Connections: Think about people you know through work, industry groups, or LinkedIn who are experts in relevant fields.
- Leverage Your Listeners:
- Just Ask! Dedicate a moment in your episodes to ask your audience: "Who would you love to hear me interview on this topic?" or "Know any experts in X field?" People love to give recommendations.
- Run a Poll/Contest: Make it interactive on social media or your website.
- Use Guest Marketplaces & Communities:
- Platforms: Services like PodMatch, PodcastGuests.com, or MatchMaker.fm exist specifically to connect hosts with potential guests. They often have directories you can search or matching features. (Some are free, some paid).
- Online Groups: Search Facebook, LinkedIn, or even Reddit (like r/PodcastGuestExchange) for communities where guests and hosts connect. Be mindful of group rules when posting requests.
- Become a Researcher (Look Beyond the Usual):
- Topic First, Person Second: Instead of searching for names, research interesting topics you want to cover. Who are the experts writing articles, books, or speaking about that topic? They might be great guests.
- Other Podcasts: Listen to shows similar to yours or shows your ideal listeners enjoy. Who are they interviewing? You can invite the same guests (just find a fresh angle!) or get inspired by the types of guests they feature.
- Businesses & Authors: Who are the interesting founders, execs, or authors in your niche? Check out company websites or book launches.
- Social Media Deep Dive: Go beyond your feed. Use platform search (Twitter, LinkedIn especially) for keywords related to your topics. See who's actively talking and sharing valuable insights.
Got Leads? How to Actually Invite Them (The Host's Pitch)
Okay, you have a list of potential guests. Now you need to reach out and invite them. This is like pitching, but from the host's perspective. Don't mess it up!
- Personalize Your Ask: Generic, copy-paste invitations are just as bad as generic guest pitches. Show you know who they are and why you specifically want them on your show. Mention their specific work, a recent article, or something relevant.
- Explain the "WIIFM" (What's In It For Them?): Why should they give you their valuable time?
- Exposure to your specific, relevant audience. (Mention who listens if you know).
- A platform to discuss their latest project, book, or area of expertise.
- A professionally run, engaging conversation (assuming your show is!).
- Make it Easy:
- Keep the initial invitation concise and clear.
- Explain your show's topic and audience briefly.
- Suggest a potential topic or angle based on their expertise.
- Be flexible with scheduling.
- Provide clear instructions on the next steps if they're interested.
- Don't Be Creepy or Demanding: Respect their time. Don't demand they promote heavily (though encourage sharing later). Focus on the value of the conversation itself.
Pro Tip: Make Your Show Guest-Friendly!
It's easier to attract great guests if your podcast looks and sounds professional, and you have a decent track record.
- Quality Matters: Invest in decent audio quality. Guests don't want to sound bad.
- Clear Positioning: Have a clear website or show description explaining what your podcast is about and who it's for.
- Showcase Past Episodes: Let potential guests easily listen to previous interviews to see your style.
- Be Organized: Have a smooth process for booking, prepping, and recording guests.
Wrapping It Up: Build Your Guest Roster
Finding great podcast guests is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. Leverage your network, engage your audience, use dedicated platforms, do your research, and most importantly, send personalized, value-driven invitations.
Remember, often it's just about asking! The worst they can say is no (or nothing). Be persistent, focus on building relationships, and make your show a place compelling people want to be featured on.
Want to understand what makes a guest pitch compelling to you? Reading our guide for guests might give you insights: How to pitch a podcast?
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