Master the Art of Getting Booked on Podcasts with These 10 Lessons

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Lesson 1: Don't Make It All About You
3. Lesson 2: Short and Simple Wins the Day
4. Lesson 3: First Impressions Matter
5. Lesson 4: Not Everybody Is Going to Like You
6. Lesson 5: Have Your Message and Media Aligned
7. Lesson 6: Interacting with You or Your Company is an Experience
8. Lesson 7: The Scheduling Dance
9. Lesson 8: Every Podcast is Different
10. Lesson 9: Time Zones and Daylight Saving Time are a Real Thing
11. Lesson 10: Fortune is in the Follow-up
12. Conclusion

Lessons Learned from Sending Over 1,000 Emails to Podcasts

Have you ever tried reaching out to potential podcasts to get booked as a guest? In this article, I will share the 10 lessons I've learned after sending out over a thousand emails in my Quest to connect and get booked on other people's podcasts. As a high-performance coach and founder of crownyourself.com, I have gone on over 200 podcast interviews and hosted my own podcast, "The Princess and the Bee," where I've done over a hundred interviews. Through my experiences as both a guest and a podcaster, I have gained valuable insights on how to effectively reach out and connect with podcasters. These lessons are applicable whether you are cold emailing potential podcasts yourself or have someone doing the outreach on your behalf.

Lesson 1: Don't Make It All About You

When reaching out to podcasts, it's essential to avoid making your initial email all about yourself. While it's natural to want to highlight your achievements and credentials, a lengthy self-praising email is likely to be ignored or receive a swift rejection. Instead, shift the focus of your pitch to the other person and what they are creating. By showing genuine interest in their podcast and acknowledging their work, you increase your chances of getting a positive response. Remember, it's not about you; it's about providing value to the other person and their audience.

Lesson 2: Short and Simple Wins the Day

In a world where everyone is pressed for time, it's crucial to keep your pitch email short and to the point. Assume that the recipient is busy and has a full schedule, so a concise and straightforward email is more likely to grab their Attention. Aim for one to two short paragraphs, focusing on the most important information. Avoid lengthy introductions or unnecessary details. By respecting the recipient's time, you increase the likelihood of receiving a favorable response.

Lesson 3: First Impressions Matter

Whether you're reaching out to podcasts yourself or have someone assisting you, it's important to make a positive first impression. Use a professional email signature with Relevant links to showcase your credentials and social media presence. This not only helps establish trust and credibility but also provides the recipient with additional information about you and your brand. Consider using tools like Mailbutler.io to Create a polished and professional email signature.

Lesson 4: Not Everybody Is Going to Like You

It's essential to accept that not everyone will resonate with your message or be the right fit for your target audience. When you receive rejections or negative responses, view them as an opportunity rather than a setback. Remember that it's better to find podcasters whose audience aligns with your brand and message. Embrace the rejections as they free up your time and energy to focus on podcast opportunities that have the potential to propel your business forward.

Lesson 5: Have Your Message and Media Aligned

To be effective in getting booked on podcasts, ensure that your messaging and media are aligned. If you're positioning yourself as an expert in a specific niche, make sure your Website, one-sheet, and social media profiles reflect that expertise. Regularly assess and update your media to align with your message and target audience. Strike a balance between showcasing your achievements and providing relevant information without overwhelming the recipient. Creating consistency between your message and media establishes trust and credibility.

Lesson 6: Interacting with You or Your Company is an Experience

Recognize that every interaction with you or your company contributes to the overall experience. From the initial email outreach to the actual podcast interview, aim to provide a seamless and Memorable experience. Ensure that the person handling your outreach, whether it's yourself or an assistant, understands the brand and values you want to convey. Use email templates and guidelines to create consistency in your interactions. Show generosity, respect, and a genuine interest in the other person's podcast to leave a positive impression.

Lesson 7: The Scheduling Dance

Booking podcast interviews often involves a "scheduling dance" due to differing availability and time zones. While automation tools like Calendly can streamline the process, not all podcasters use them. Understand that coordinating schedules can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with time zone differences and daylight saving time adjustments. Make use of time zone converters and be proactive in clarifying the scheduling details to ensure that both parties are on the same page.

Lesson 8: Every Podcast is Different

Recognize that each podcast operates with its own unique processes and preferences. Familiarize yourself with different recording software and platforms commonly used by podcasters, such as Zoom or StreamYard. Be adaptable and flexible in accommodating the podcaster's preferred method of recording or scheduling. It's essential to understand and respect the podcaster's routine and preferred workflow to facilitate a smooth collaboration.

Lesson 9: Time Zones and Daylight Saving Time are a Real Thing

Navigating different time zones and daylight saving time changes can be a challenge when booking podcast interviews. Take AdVantage of time zone converters and date converters to ensure accuracy in scheduling. Automated scheduling tools can simplify this process, adjusting to the guest's time zone automatically. Stay mindful of daylight saving time changes and allow for proper coordination to avoid any confusion or missed appointments.

Lesson 10: Fortune is in the Follow-up

Persistence pays off in podcast guesting. Not every podcast episode opportunity will materialize immediately. Some podcasters may ask you to circle back in a few months, while others may have a lengthy waiting list. Follow up with podcasters after the initial outreach, showing continued interest and engagement. Connect with them on social media, like their content, and leave reviews on their podcast episodes. Building an ongoing relationship increases the likelihood of getting booked in the future.

Conclusion

Getting booked as a guest on podcasts requires a strategic and thoughtful approach. By following these ten lessons, you can increase your chances of securing podcast interviews and leveraging them as a powerful tool for lead generation and business growth. Remember to prioritize the needs and interests of the podcast hosts and their audiences in your outreach. Stay resilient, adapt to different processes, and make every interaction a positive experience. With time, dedication, and a proactive mindset, you can unlock the tremendous potential of podcast guesting as a valuable marketing strategy.