How to Prepare to be a Guest on Podcasts

In this episode we talk about how to prepare to be a guest on podcasts. Learn why it's important to have your house in order before you start pitching to hosts and how to make a great impression.Equipment mentionedLogitech c920 WebcamBlue Yeti Microphone  Experts mentionedMonkeynut AudiobooksGet in Touch with Victoria BennionGet in Touch with Victoria BennionLearn more about us: https://thebestpodcastguest.co.uk/Download our free Podcast Guest Starter Kit: https://thebestpodcastguest.co.uk/podcast-guest-starter-kit/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebestpodcastguestJoin the Best Podcast Guest Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebestpodcastguestSubscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@victoriabennionConnect with Victoria on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriabennion/TranscriptWelcome to this week’s episode of the podcast where we’re going to talk about the ground work you need to do before you embark on a podcast interview strategy. We’ve already talked about how to pitch to podcasts but before you even get to that stage you need to carry out an audit of your online presence.This is so important because the first thing a podcast host will do when they receive your pitch is check the links to your website, socials or just straight up Google you, before they decide whether or not to book you. Hosts are often busy running businesses and won’t take long to decide if you’re a good fit or not. You need to make sure they like what they see.So number one, Review your online presenceGo on do it now. Pull up your website. How does it look? Is it modern and clean looking or is it dated and clunky? What does it say about you and your brand? Your website is your shop window. If it could be better stop here. This is what you want to focus on before approaching podcast hosts.And if you don’t have a website now would be a good time to create one. No, it’s not essential if there’s somewhere else you have a strong presence like a social media channel for example where you can direct people but I’d urge you consider setting up your own website because it’s something you have control over, unlike social media which you don’t own.Websites don’t have to cost a fortune. There are some reasonably priced designers or you can do it yourself. The WordPress theme divi is user friendly with great support and there are other options such as Squarespace or Wix just to name a few. Next look at your presence on social mediaDo your social media channels reflect your brand? Do they need to be cleaned up? Do any posts need to be deleted?Have any or all of your channels been gathering dust?If not you need to be adding content to your social media channels and website to demonstrate to a host that you add value to your audience.If you have a blog or You Tube channel for example and have written or spoken about the topics you’ve proposed for their show they’ll be more confident that you can deliver.If you haven’t this would be a good exercise for another reason. Something we discuss on our upcoming interview with Jeremy Enns from Counterweight Creative is writing about your topic because it will really help you clarify your thoughts around what you want to talk about on podcast interviews.So to recap clean up your social media accounts so they are a true reflection of your brand before you even think about approaching hosts.Now on to ImagesMake sure your social media profiles have a good headshot and that you’re easily recognisable across the different platforms. Use a clear image of yourself, not your cat or your children and not a group photo you’ve been cropped out of or a photo that doesn’t reflect the image you want.When I was starting out I used my phone and a selfie stick. If you have a budget you may wish to have a brand shoot with a photographer which will provide you with a bank of professional images you can use across your website and social media accounts. This will help elevate your brand. Make sure you look credibleYou need to make sure that the information you include in podcast pitch or application is backed up on your website.One of our clients who has a popular podcast told us about an application she received. The potential guest claimed to have undertaken a number of speaking engagements in her application but there was nothing to reflect this on her site or social media channels. There were no images from the gigs or links so the host passed. It may have been that the site was just out of date but the gap between her digital presence and application caused the host to doubt her credibility which shows the importance of presenting a cohesive picture. We’ve talked before about making sure you have the right equipment but I’ll say it once more because it can’t be emphasised enough.I don’t want you to get hung up on perfect but you do want to sound and look decent and this doesn’t have to cost a fortune.Get an external microphone, headphones or earbuds and ideally a webcam.A large number of hosts will not interview if you don’t have an external microphone and headphones. I kid you not. You will often have to confirm that you have these in place before the interview is booked.This is because if the sound quality is horrendous it’s a waste of everyone’s time especially if the interview cannot be used.You don’t want to turn off listeners because the sound is terrible – or worse the host can’t use the interview.The Blue Yeti, Rode mics and the Audiotechnica offer great sound quality and won’t break the bank.Many hosts record video as well to share on YouTube and across their other social media platforms. So invest in a good webcam such as a Logitech c920. Also clarify with the host before the interview if they’ll be using video so you turn up looking your best. AcousticsBefore an interview pay attention to the acoustics of the room. When we had a chat with Elliott Frisby at MonkeyNut Audio where they create high quality audiobooks for authors. He suggested investing in a reflection filter which helps improve the quality of the sound or hang a duvet behind you and speak square on to your microphone. I hope you found these tips helpful. I promise if you get your house in order before you start reaching out to host you’ll be accepted as a guest on to a greater number of shows.