How to Get New Clients by Being Interviewed on Podcasts
Are you looking for a fresh and effective way to attract new clients? Getting interviewed on podcasts can be a game-changer for your business. The potential audience is massive, with an estimated 464 million podcast listeners worldwide in 2024 (according to Insider Intelligence). When you get on the *right* podcasts that cater to your target audience, you can connect with potential clients who may have never discovered you otherwise.
I’ve experienced this firsthand, which is why I’m SO excited to share this tip with you. In the past 30 days, I’ve onboarded four new clients from being featured in podcast interviews. And the beauty of podcasts is that their episodes live on, so the exposure continues long after the initial release. I want you to experience these benefits, too, so here’s a step-by-step guide to getting interviewed on podcasts and turning those appearances into client acquisition opportunities.
Three ways to be a guest on podcast interviews
Step 1: Identify the Right Podcasts
The first step in your podcast guesting journey is to create a list of 10-15 podcasts that you believe you can provide significant value to and whose audience is made up of your ideal clients. This might take some research, but focusing on podcasts that align with your expertise and target demographic is essential. Think about where your clients are hanging out and which shows they’re likely listening to.
Step 2: Do Your Homework
Before reaching out to podcast hosts, take the time to listen to at least one episode of each podcast on your list. Spread this out over time if needed. This will give you a feel for the show’s format, the type of guests they typically feature, and the kind of content the host prefers to share with their audience.
After listening, write a thoughtful review of the podcast. This not only helps build rapport with the host but also demonstrates that you’re genuinely interested in their show. Hosts appreciate guests who are familiar with their content and audience.
Step 3: Craft Your Podcast Pitch
When you’re ready to contact the podcast host via email or DM on Instagram, make sure your pitch is personalized and specific. Start by mentioning the episode you listened to and highlighting something you genuinely enjoyed about it. This shows that you’ve done your research and are not just sending a generic pitch.
Then, express your interest in being a guest on their show. Clearly communicate the value you can bring to their audience and suggest 2-3 topics you can discuss as an expert. Remember, podcast hosts are focused on delivering value to their listeners. While gaining new clients is a bonus for you, your primary goal is to provide enriching and insightful content.
Now that you know how to find and pitch podcasts, it’s essential to have a strategy going into podcast interviews. Yes, your goal is to provide value and become an authority. But you’re also a business owner, right? Follow these tips to make this experience worth your time every time.
5 tips for a successful podcast interview
1. Don’t gatekeep your tips: Share actionable insights and tips during your interview. The listeners shouldn’t feel like they have to become clients to learn from you. By freely sharing your knowledge, you build trust and credibility.
2. Provide a freebie or resource: Leave listeners with a final valuable tip, a freebie, or another entirely free resource. This adds value and gives them a tangible reason to remember you.
3. Include a CTA: Make it easy for the audience to connect with you. Mention your website and social media handles and encourage them to send you a DM. When new followers reach out, ask them where they found you to track the effectiveness of your podcast appearances.
4. Optimize shownotes for SEO: Request the podcast host to include links in the shownotes to your freebie or offer, your website URL, and one of your social handles. This makes it convenient for listeners to find and connect with you. Sometimes I also offer a bulleted list of the topics we discussed, which many hosts will do automatically. But those are all SEO keywords! Yes, keywords will direct traffic to the podcast — but the listeners will learn about YOU and your business.
5. Add the interview to your website: Create a blog post on your website that shares the tips you discussed during the podcast episode. Embed the episode within the blog post so your website visitors can listen directly. This not only enhances your content but also improves your SEO.
Getting interviewed on podcasts is a powerful strategy for attracting new clients and growing your business. You can maximize your exposure and client acquisition potential by identifying the right podcasts, doing your homework, crafting a personalized pitch, and following through with valuable content and connections. I can’t wait to listen!
P.S. If you have your own podcast and want to learn about how to grow your podcast with SEO, listen to this episode of The Happy Marketing Podcast: “How to Launch and Grow Your Podcast ft. a LIVE Audience”
