01 · Before you say yes
Check the fit before you accept
Being a guest takes a couple of hours once you count preparation and follow-up, so it is worth five minutes of checking first. Listen to part of a recent episode, look at who the show is for, and ask how it is recorded and when it will be published.
- Is the audience people you want to reach?
- Have you heard at least part of an episode?
- Is it recorded remotely or in person, and how long is it?
- When will it be published, and will you get the link?
- Will you be asked to sign a release?
02 · Prepare
How to prepare for a podcast interview
Preparation is what separates a good guest from a forgettable one. You do not need a script. You need three stories, a clear one-line answer to who you are, and an idea of what the host will ask.
- Send the host a short bio, a photo and the links you want mentioned
- Ask for the themes or questions in advance
- Prepare three stories with a beginning, a turning point and a lesson
- Write a one-sentence answer to 'so what do you do?'
- Decide the one thing you want listeners to do afterwards
- Note names and numbers you might stumble over
03 · Sound
Sound like you are in the room
Hosts remember guests who sound good, because they are much easier to edit. You do not need a studio. Headphones, a quiet room and a microphone close to your mouth solve most problems. For equipment, see what equipment you need.
- Wear headphones so the host's voice does not leak into your mic
- Choose a small, soft room; avoid kitchens and bare offices
- Keep the microphone a hand's width from your mouth
- Plug in your laptop and use a wired connection if you can
- Silence your phone and close notifications
- Join five minutes early to test
04 · During
Tell stories, not pitches
Listeners switch off the moment a guest starts selling. Give a direct answer first, then a story that proves it. Pause instead of filling silence, and do not worry about the odd um; the host can cut it. If filler words are a habit, see how to stop saying like.
- Answer in one or two sentences, then expand
- Use specific examples, names and numbers where you can
- Say the host's name now and then
- If you lose your thread, pause and restart the sentence
- Mention what you do once, naturally, and save the call to action for the end
05 · Featured
If your business is being featured
Chambers of commerce, associations and local shows often feature member businesses. The questions are usually about your story, your customers and your town. Look at the local business section of these podcast interview questions so nothing surprises you.
- Why you started the business, in two minutes
- One customer story that shows what you do
- Something about your town only a local would know
- Another local business you would recommend
- Exactly how listeners can find you
06 · After
After the episode airs
The best way to be invited back, and recommended to other hosts, is to help the episode reach people. Share it the week it comes out and tag the show.
- Thank the host the same day
- Share the episode on the channels you use, tagging the show
- Post a short clip rather than just a link
- Add it to your website or newsletter
- Recommend another guest to the host
07 · Avoid
Common guest mistakes
- Joining from a noisy cafe or a car
- Using laptop speakers instead of headphones
- Answering every question with a pitch
- Giving five-minute answers to simple questions
- Asking to approve the edit after the fact
- Never sharing the episode
Been a guest? Start your own show.
Record in the browser with remote guests and edit by transcript in Hilite.