
Bringing guests onto your podcast is a great way to add fresh perspectives, spice up the conversation, and introduce your show to new audiences. Whether you’re a podcasting pro or just starting, inviting guests can make your episodes more engaging and help you reach people outside your regular listeners.
But having a guest isn’t as simple as scheduling a time to chat. There’s a bit of planning involved to ensure everything goes smoothly and the episode still aligns with what your listeners are looking for.
So, let’s dive into what you need to know to have a successful guest episode — from the first invite to promotion.
*Pssst…. If you’re wondering how to become a guest on someone else’s show, read this post here.
Why You Should Invite Guests on Your Podcast
Having guests on your podcast keeps things fun and dynamic while bringing in new insights, expertise, and personality. Your guest’s expertise can open up discussions you might not be able to cover alone, and their unique take can keep listeners interested.
On top of that, it’s a great way to expand your audience. Guests often share the episode with their followers, giving you exposure to people who might not have found your podcast otherwise.
Plus, you’re providing additional value to your listeners — which is the ultimate goal (and one of the best ways to convert listeners into clients and customers).
How to Have a Guest on Your Podcast
Now that you know the why, it’s time to work on the “how” — inviting a guest onto your podcast is easy, but it’s also strategic. You don’t want to invite just anyone; you have to research the best fit for your show and confirm that they are, in fact, an expert in their field.
Here’s how to have a guest on your podcast (with step-by-step instructions):
Step #1: Finding the Right Guest
The first step is to find someone who’s a good fit for your podcast and aligns with your audience’s interests. Think about your listeners — who would they love to hear from? What topics would get them excited? Make a list of potential guests and start reaching out.
Don’t be shy about connecting with people you admire or those with expertise in your niche. You’d be surprised how many people are open to being interviewed (and you never know if it’s a yes or no if you never ask)!
Step #2: Sending the Invite
Once you’ve identified a potential guest, it’s time to send the invite. Keep your message personal and clear.
Introduce yourself and explain why you think they’d be a great fit for your show. Mention the length of the interview and any prep work needed, and offer a few dates to get the conversation rolling.
Here’s a quick example of a simple invite:
Subject Line: Invitation to be a Guest on [Your Podcast Name]
“Hi [Guest’s Name]!
I’m [Your Name], the host of [Your Podcast Name]. I’d love to invite you as a guest on the show to talk about [Topic]. My listeners would love hearing from you and could really benefit from your insights and expertise, and I believe you’re the perfect fit for the show.
We usually record episodes that are [Time Length], and I’m happy to work around your schedule to find a recording time. Let me know if you’d be interested and I can send more details!
Thanks so much, and I look forward to hearing from you,
[Your Name]”
Step #3: Prepping for the Episode
Preparation is key to an unforgettable interview. Start by researching your guest’s work and coming up with relevant questions. Share a brief outline with your guest ahead of time so they know what to expect — they’ll feel more prepared and ready to deliver their best.
While it’s great to have a list of questions, don’t be afraid to let the conversation flow naturally. Some of the best moments come from sporadic remarks or follow-up questions that dive deeper into the discussion.
This is also the time to let your guest know if you have any other requirements, such as having a professional microphone (or simply a microphone that’s not their computer’s built-in for better audio quality) and the promotion you allow — for example, can they give a shout-out to their freebie or services?
Step #4: Recording the Episode
Recording with a guest requires a little more coordination than recording an episode on your own. Make sure you both have good audio setups and a quiet space for recording. I recommend using Squadcast with Descript!
As the host, guide the conversation, but don’t dominate it. Let your guest share their stories and expertise. Your job is to steer the discussion and make sure it stays engaging, but give them the space to shine and share everything they want to.
Step #5: Following Up and Promoting After Recording
After you’ve wrapped up recording, send a thank-you message to your guests and let them know when the episode will be live. Keep them in the loop, and when the episode airs, share the link and encourage them to promote it to their audience.
Once the episode is live, it’s time to get the word out. Share it on your social media channels, email list, and anywhere else your audience hangs out. Tag your guest in social posts and encourage them to share it with their followers. Cross-promotion is one of the perks of having guests!
And lastly, remember that a good experience as a guest for your show will lead to more promotion from your guest (and more recommendations) — if they had fun and really enjoyed recording the episode with you, they’ll be more excited to share it with their audience!
Ready to Invite a Guest to Your Show?
Having a guest on your podcast is a great way to keep your content fresh and reach new audiences. From inviting them to creating a great interview experience, it’s all about making them feel welcome and excited to share their stories.
So, start reaching out and get ready for some amazing episodes! And if you need a bit of help marketing and growing your podcast, get in touch — that’s exactly what we do.
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