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After working full-time in the podcast industry for over 5 years, there’s one thing I know for sure: finding the right guests to host on your podcast will make you more money than any sponsorship or ads ever will. 

I think most podcasters are expecting to get rich on partnerships and brand deals and 60-second mid-roll ads, but the truth is most of us are going to make money podcasting through the connections and network we build through our podcast.

Why Guest Interviews Matter for Podcast Growth

Nothing creates the opportunity for networking and builds connections quite like hosting interviews on your own podcast. Just being the producer in the room I’ve watched hundreds of professional and personal connections form during recordings. Connections and relationships that have gone on to make a lot of money.

Creating Valuable Connections with Podcast Guests

Be a Valuable Connection Yourself

The secret to making a valuable connection? Be one yourself. Here’s how:

1. Give your time generously
2. Don’t gate keep, share your knowledge openly
3. Offer your undivided attention always 
4. Make it a priority to share the most valuable information possible

Focus on Giving, Not Getting

When hosting a guest:

• Be grateful for their presence
• Aim to help them, not just benefit yourself
• Offer to go above and beyond wherever you can even if it’s not related to the podcast

Plant seeds of goodwill, and abundance will grow.

Lasting Connections Start from the First Interaction 

Craft a Compelling Invitation

1. Have a specific reason for inviting the guest
2. Explain how it will benefit them and your audience
3. Clearly state what your podcast is about and who it serves 
4. Include a media kit or PDF about your podcast/audience/accomplishments
   

Provide a Seamless Guest Experience

• Always offer to call for a pre-interview to get to know the guest and find out topics they haven’t already exhausted on other podcasts
• Create custom questions for every guest and send them in advance for modification 
• Follow up at least once with the recording details and any other information
• Be on-time, professional and enthusiastic during the recording process 
• Share links to the episode and custom promotional materials post-interview
  

The Day of Recording: Turning Podcast Guests into Clients

Before the Interview (Day of Recording)

1. Prepare thoroughly
2. Arrive early (virtually or in-person)
3. Review your questions and read through at least once 

During the Interview (Day of Recording) 

1. Always make time to talk with your guest and get to know them on a personal level
2. Explain what to expect during recording (do you edit the podcast and what will you edit?)
3. As the guest if there’s any last minute changes or subjects they do/don’t want to cover

After the Interview

1. Always compliment your guest sincerely on doing a great job/thank them for joining you 
2. Follow up with episode links/custom promotional material to share on socials 
3. Consider sending a handwritten thank-you note

Remember, it takes over 12 interactions with the average customer to make a sale. If you’re using your podcast to find new clients you can knock out half of those touchpoints during the interview process. 

Leveraging Your Podcast for Business Growth

Your podcast is the perfect platform to showcase your expertise and connect with potential clients. By having industry-specific conversations, you’re creating opportunities for natural business connections.

Your Action Steps for Podcast Growth

1. Find 5 dream guests in your industry that you’d love to have on your show. The more “out there” the better. If you aren’t a little nervous to press send on the email, you haven’t reached high enough.
   
2. Research and pitch 5 potential business collaborators. Find 5 guests who are in your industry or area that are more aligned with where your podcast and brand currently is, but would make great business connections. Invite them to your show.
   
3. Create a plan of action for each guest, including:
   • One way you plan to bring value to them or their business through the recording process
   • One topic they can explore that would be new information to their audience
   • How you plan to nurture their guest experience from the moment they respond, onward

By focusing on building genuine relationships and providing value to your guests, you’re setting the stage for podcast success and business growth. Remember, we’re all looking for community and a chance to make a difference. Be the one to take the first step, reach out, and give without expecting anything in return.

Plant those seeds of connection, and watch your podcast – and your business – flourish.

WHAT’S NEXT? 😁

Get your customizable podcast media kit here 👇🏽