One of the most commonly overlooked benefits of appearing on a podcast is also among the most valuable: creating a relationship with the podcast host.
This is a win-win endeavor, and there are some simple things you can do to take full advantage of the opportunity to connect.
Who knows—the host might even become a future client, an affiliate, or a good friend!
Here’s how to make it happen.
Oh and one more thing... If you still haven't booked any podcast interview, read this article on how to find podcasts to be a guest on first.
Set—and meet—expectations in advance
The process of creating a relationship with a podcast host begins long before they hit “record.” If everyone’s on the same page from the start, you’ll establish a sense of mutual respect.
As a rule, make sure you provide all requested materials beforehand. It’s a good idea to prepare your bio in advance, with both a short and long version and a photo.
During the scheduling process, always reply as soon as you can to let them know you’re reliable. Finally, agree on the topic, length, and format of the episode, so that you know what to expect.
Practice makes perfect
Although part of the beauty of podcast interviews is a sense of spontaneity, certain aspects can benefit from rehearsal.
Always practice your introduction. It’s the first thing that listeners will hear, so make sure you know exactly how you want to present yourself.
Once you’ve got the intro down, practice your call to action. You should have a clear and simple goal in mind for listeners, and figure out the most natural way to word it.
The last bit of prep is to give your tech a test run. Unexpected technical difficulties are never fun, so always test out your webcam and microphone!
Be a considerate guest
You should treat a podcast host the same way you’d treat someone hosting you for dinner: with respect and gratitude.
That starts with arriving on time—which means five minutes early. No one likes to be kept waiting.
Before recording begins, thank the podcast host for the opportunity. They’re sharing their time and audience with you, and that merits appreciation.
Once you start recording, thank the host again. It might seem redundant, but this is arguably the single most important thing to do when appearing on a podcast.
Finally, compliment the host for asking great questions. They’ve likely put a lot of work into preparing for this interview, and you should let them know that it’s valued.
Optimize the actual interview
You’re appearing on the podcast as a guest, not a salesperson. So don’t spend the whole time selling! Instead, share golden nuggets, or valuable bits of insight for the listeners.
What else will keep listeners interested? Above all, you need to tell engaging stories, ideally prepared in advance.
Perhaps most importantly, it’s not a one-man show; you’re here to converse, not to give a performance. Pay attention to what the host is saying, and listen to understand, not to respond.
Post-recording pro tips
The experience doesn’t end when you stop recording! Make sure to tell the host that you’ve enjoyed it, reiterating your appreciation.
If they ask how the process went, provide genuine and honest feedback—they’re asking for a reason.
As a final show of gratitude, send a thank you note. You can also mention that you’d love to keep in touch and explore any potential opportunities for collaboration.
Spread the love
If you found the experience valuable, the least you can do is return the favor. There are a few ways to do this. First, write a five-star review on iTunes to help boost their rating.
Next, share the fact that you’ll appear on the podcast with your network for extra visibility. You can share the episode publicly or send a DM to anyone who you think might enjoy it.
Last but not least, don’t hesitate to introduce other great guests to the host. If you know of someone who would be a perfect fit, put them in touch.
Success is all about building connections, and the more you pay it forward, the more you’ll ultimately get in return.
