As a podcaster, finding engaging and relevant guests for your show can be a daunting task. It requires a strategic approach to ensure that you consistently attract high-quality guests who can provide valuable insights and perspectives to your audience. In this blog, we will explore various methods to help you find the perfect podcast guests for your show.

1. Utilize Online Directories

Online directories are a great resource for finding podcast guests. Here are a few popular options:

1. PodcastGuests.com: This member-based website connects podcasters with experts, authors, and other podcasters. You can fill out a short form to be shared with the PodcastGuests network, which currently has over 30,000 members.

2. Podmatch: This podcast booking service automatically matches ideal podcast guests and hosts. It has helped generate over 19,000 interviews since its launch in 2020.

3. Perfect Podcast Guest: This online directory provides detailed guest listings that include everything you need to properly qualify a podcast guest. You can search by keyword, location, and more.

4. MatchMaker: This matchmaking service for podcasts and potential guests has a community of over 25,000 people. You can create a profile, browse, connect, and be found by industry experts.

2. Leverage Social Media

Social media platforms are powerful tools for finding podcast guests. Here are some strategies to use:

1. Keep your eyes and ears open: Keep an eye out for potential guests in various scenarios, such as watching TV, scrolling social media, talking to friends, and so on.

2. Ask within your personal network: Reach out to your friends, family, and social media network to see if they know anyone worth interviewing.

3. Ask your listeners: Your podcast listeners are a rich resource. Ask them for suggestions on potential guests they would like to hear from.

4. Research the topic, not the person: Look into a topic of interest and highlight a few names that seem to pop up frequently.

5. Look at businesses: If you come across a cool business, product, or innovator in their field, look them up and find out who their key players are.

3. Explore Social Media Platforms

Each social media platform offers unique tools and features that can help you find and connect with potential podcast guests:

1. LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to search for professionals from any industry. Browse people listings and use the connect and messaging feature to introduce yourself and invite them to be featured on your podcast.

2. Twitter: Utilize Twitter's direct messaging feature and search for relevant hashtags to identify and contact individuals engaged in conversations related to your podcast's topic.

3. Instagram: Engage with content creators and influencers on Instagram. Many influencers use Instagram for exposure, making them potential podcast guests.

4. Facebook groups and communities: Join relevant groups and engage in conversations with members to discover individuals with unique perspectives and knowledge related to your podcast's topic.

4. Cold Outreach

Cold outreach involves reaching out to potential guests directly without prior connection. Here are some strategies to use:

1. Research and personalize your pitch: Research the guest's work and highlight how their expertise aligns with your podcast's theme. Personalize your pitch to showcase your appreciation for their content.

2. Use social media tools: Use tools like Buzzsumo to find trending content in your industry and identify potential guests.

3. Reach out to agencies: Consider working with agencies that offer matching services to find podcast guests.

5. Self-Served Podcast Guest Directories

Self-served directories are traditional ways to find podcast guests. Here are a few popular options:

1. Podcasterguests.com: This directory has an established database of over 42,000 users.

2. Rephonic: This platform offers a comprehensive service with listener data analysis, podcast information, and pitch planning.

Conclusion

Finding podcast guests requires a combination of strategic planning, persistence, and creativity. By utilizing online directories, social media platforms, cold outreach, and self-served directories, you can consistently attract high-quality guests for your show. Remember to keep your eyes and ears open, ask within your personal network, and leverage social media to find the perfect podcast guests for your show.

Best Practices for Engaging Podcast Guests

Engaging podcast guests is crucial for creating memorable and informative episodes. Here are some best practices to ensure your guests feel comfortable and your audience is entertained:

1. Pre-Interviews

Conduct a pre-interview to build rapport, create an outline for the actual interview, and inform your guest of what they can expect on the day of the interview.

2. Personalized Communication

Send personalized thank-you emails after the interview, mentioning specific highlights from the conversation to show your appreciation and reinforce the positive experience.

3. Flexibility and Adaptability

Be flexible and adapt to the guest's style and pace. If they struggle to fall into a natural rhythm, try asking them questions about themselves or exploring different topics.

4. Support and Guidance

Support your guests by providing guidance and encouragement. Make sure they feel comfortable and confident throughout the interview.

5. Authenticity

Be authentic and genuine in your approach. Share relevant anecdotes and show how you can relate to the guest to create a natural and engaging conversation.

6. Post-Interview Communication

Keep the conversation going by sharing listener feedback and positive reviews with your guests. Provide updates on the episode's performance and engage with them on social media.

7. Collaboration Opportunities

Explore potential collaborations with your guests, such as joint webinars or speaking engagements, to continue the relationship beyond the podcast episode.

8. Teaching and Education

Teach listeners by sharing valuable insights, unique facts, or pieces of advice. This helps create a memorable and informative episode.

9. Communication with Hosts/Producers

Communicate with hosts and producers prior to the recording to discuss specific talking points and ensure a smooth interview.

10. Promotion and Engagement

Promote your guests on social media and encourage them to share the episode with their networks. This helps increase the episode's visibility and fosters a sense of community around your podcast.By following these best practices, you can create a positive and engaging experience for your podcast guests, leading to memorable and informative episodes that resonate with your audience.