Find Guests for Your Video Podcast

How to find guests for your video podcast is a question many creators grapple with. Building a successful video podcast requires engaging content, and that often means bringing in compelling guests. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, attracting the right guests can be the key to boosting your audience and growing your brand.

This guide will take you through a comprehensive approach to finding guests, from defining your target audience and niche to leveraging your network and even exploring paid guest acquisition strategies. By following these steps, you can create a compelling guest list that will help you achieve your podcasting goals.

Table of Contents

Define Your Target Audience

Knowing your target audience is crucial for attracting the right guests to your video podcast. It’s like casting a fishing net – you want to make sure you’re targeting the right species of fish.

Identify Your Ideal Listener

Defining your ideal listener involves understanding their characteristics, interests, and demographics. This information helps you tailor your podcast content and guest selection to resonate with your audience.

Demographics:Consider factors like age, gender, location, education, income, and occupation.
Interests:What are their passions, hobbies, and areas of expertise?
Values:What are their beliefs, priorities, and perspectives?
Media Consumption Habits:How do they consume content? Do they prefer video, audio, or written formats?

Research Their Needs and Pain Points

Understanding your target audience’s needs and pain points is essential for creating valuable content and attracting guests who can provide solutions.

What are they looking for?What kind of information, insights, or entertainment are they seeking?
What problems are they facing?What challenges, obstacles, or frustrations are they experiencing?
What are their goals?What are they trying to achieve, learn, or accomplish?

Determine Your Podcast’s Focus

Defining your podcast’s focus is crucial for attracting the right audience and finding relevant guests. This involves establishing a clear niche and identifying the types of individuals who can contribute valuable insights to your content.

Defining Your Podcast’s Niche

A well-defined niche provides direction for your podcast, making it easier to attract listeners and guests who share your interests. It also helps you stand out in a crowded podcasting landscape. For example, instead of creating a general podcast about “business,” you could narrow your focus to “entrepreneurship in the tech industry,” “marketing strategies for small businesses,” or “leadership skills for remote teams.”

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Once you have your setup sorted, you can focus on finding the perfect guests to share their expertise and stories with your viewers.

Identifying Potential Guest Types

Once you’ve established your podcast’s niche, you can identify potential guest types who can contribute to your content. These individuals should be experts in their fields and possess relevant experience and knowledge that aligns with your podcast’s focus. Here are some examples of guest types:

Industry Leaders:These individuals are prominent figures in your niche, known for their expertise and achievements. They can provide valuable insights and perspectives on industry trends, challenges, and future directions.
Authors and Researchers:Individuals who have published books or conducted research related to your podcast’s focus can offer in-depth knowledge and insights based on their work.
Entrepreneurs and Business Owners:If your podcast focuses on business or entrepreneurship, interviewing successful entrepreneurs can provide valuable lessons and practical advice to your listeners.
Thought Leaders and Influencers:These individuals are known for their innovative ideas, thought-provoking perspectives, and ability to inspire others. They can offer unique insights and challenge conventional thinking.
Practitioners and Consultants:Individuals who work directly in the field you cover can provide practical advice, case studies, and real-world examples.

Build Your Guest List

Now that you’ve defined your target audience and established the focus of your video podcast, it’s time to start building your guest list. This is where you’ll bring in experts, personalities, and thought leaders who can add value to your content and attract a wider audience.

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By identifying key takeaways from your existing videos, you can create engaging snippets that will pique the interest of potential guests and make them eager to share their own perspectives on your podcast.

Utilize Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook are excellent resources for finding potential guests. These platforms allow you to connect with individuals in your niche, identify experts, and reach out to them directly.

Twitter: Use relevant hashtags and s to find individuals discussing topics related to your podcast. Follow thought leaders and industry experts, engage with their content, and consider sending them a direct message expressing your interest in having them as a guest.
LinkedIn: Utilize LinkedIn’s search functionality to find professionals in your niche. Filter your search by industry, job title, and location to identify potential guests. Connect with them, engage with their posts, and send them a personalized message expressing your interest in their expertise.

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By showcasing interesting guests and engaging discussions, your video podcast can effectively boost your brand’s visibility and reach new potential customers.
Facebook: Join Facebook groups related to your niche and participate in discussions. Identify active members who are experts in their field and reach out to them directly.

Explore Industry Events and Conferences

Attending industry events and conferences is a fantastic way to network with potential guests. These events provide a concentrated environment where you can meet and interact with experts, thought leaders, and other professionals in your niche.

Networking opportunities: Conferences often offer networking sessions, receptions, and breakout groups where you can connect with attendees and introduce yourself.
Speaker presentations: Listen to speaker presentations and identify individuals whose expertise aligns with your podcast’s focus. Approach them after their presentation to express your interest in having them as a guest.
Exhibitor booths: Visit exhibitor booths and interact with representatives from companies and organizations related to your niche. Inquire about their expertise and consider inviting them to be guests on your podcast.

Engage with Online Communities

Online communities, forums, and groups provide a platform for individuals with shared interests to connect and engage in discussions. These communities can be valuable resources for finding potential guests for your video podcast.

Identify active members: Participate in discussions, share your insights, and identify members who consistently contribute valuable content. These individuals are likely experts in their field and potential guests for your podcast.
Search for relevant threads: Use s related to your niche to search for discussions and threads within online communities. Identify individuals who are actively participating and contribute insightful comments.
Engage with moderators: Moderators of online communities often have a strong understanding of the community’s members and their expertise. Reach out to moderators to inquire about potential guests who align with your podcast’s focus.

Reach Out to Potential Guests

You’ve carefully identified your target audience and defined your podcast’s focus, and you’ve compiled a list of potential guests who align with your vision. Now it’s time to reach out and invite them to join your show. A successful outreach strategy involves crafting compelling messages, highlighting the benefits of appearing on your podcast, and following up diligently.

Craft a Compelling Outreach Message

Your outreach message is your first impression, so it’s crucial to make it stand out. A well-crafted message should pique the guest’s interest, clearly explain your podcast’s value proposition, and demonstrate why they would be a good fit.

Introduce your podcast:Briefly describe your podcast’s theme, target audience, and overall tone. This helps guests understand if your show aligns with their interests and expertise.
Explain why the guest is a good fit:Highlight specific aspects of the guest’s work, experience, or insights that would be valuable to your audience. For example, you could mention a recent article they published, a project they’re working on, or their unique perspective on a relevant topic.
Personalize the message:Take the time to tailor your message to each guest. Demonstrate that you’ve researched their work and understand their contributions to their field.
Keep it concise:Get to the point quickly and avoid overly long or rambling messages.

Highlight the Benefits of Appearing on Your Podcast

Guests are more likely to say yes if they understand the value they’ll receive by participating in your podcast.

Increased visibility:Explain how your podcast can help guests reach a wider audience and build their personal brand. Mention your podcast’s download numbers, social media presence, and any notable past guests.
Brand exposure:Showcase how your podcast can help guests promote their business, products, or services. Explain how you’ll help them reach their target market.
Thought leadership:Emphasize how your podcast can position guests as experts in their field. Mention opportunities for them to share their insights, knowledge, and perspectives with your audience.

Follow Up with Potential Guests

Not everyone will respond immediately, so it’s important to follow up with potential guests who haven’t yet replied.

Send a friendly reminder:A week or two after your initial outreach, send a polite reminder email or message. This helps keep your podcast top-of-mind.
Offer additional information:If the guest has questions, provide them with additional information about your podcast, such as past episodes, guest testimonials, or a media kit.
Be persistent but respectful:Don’t be afraid to follow up a few times, but be mindful of not being overly pushy. If a guest isn’t interested, respect their decision and move on.

Guest Interview Preparation

Once you’ve secured guests for your video podcast, the next crucial step is thorough preparation. This ensures a smooth and engaging interview that delivers valuable insights to your audience.

Research Your Guests

Before the interview, dedicate time to researching your guests’ work and background. This allows you to ask informed questions and tailor the conversation to their expertise.

Review their website and social media profiles:Gain an understanding of their current projects, areas of focus, and overall brand.
Read their publications and articles:Familiarize yourself with their key ideas, perspectives, and research findings.
Listen to their past interviews:Observe their communication style and identify potential areas of discussion.
Research their industry and relevant news:Contextualize their work within the broader landscape of their field.

Develop Interview Questions

Crafting insightful interview questions is key to eliciting engaging and informative discussions. Aim for open-ended questions that encourage your guests to share their perspectives and stories.

Start with introductory questions:Ask about their background, journey, and current projects to establish context.
Incorporate questions related to their expertise:Dive into their specific areas of knowledge, seeking their insights and opinions.
Include questions that explore their experiences and challenges:Learn from their personal and professional journeys, highlighting their growth and lessons learned.
Prepare follow-up questions:Based on their responses, formulate questions that delve deeper into specific topics or clarify points.
Consider incorporating audience questions:Gather questions from your viewers or listeners to enhance audience engagement.

Prepare for Technical Aspects

Ensure a smooth and professional interview experience by preparing the technical aspects of your recording setup.

Test your recording equipment:Confirm that microphones, cameras, and lighting are functioning properly.
Establish a quiet and distraction-free recording environment:Minimize background noise and interruptions to ensure audio clarity.
Set up a comfortable and visually appealing background:Create a professional and inviting atmosphere for your guests.
Familiarize yourself with your video conferencing platform:Ensure you’re comfortable using the software and can easily navigate its features.
Have backup plans in place:Prepare for potential technical issues by having alternative recording methods or backup equipment available.

Post-Interview Follow-Up

After your guest graces your podcast with their insights, it’s crucial to maintain the momentum by taking proactive steps to maximize the episode’s impact. Post-interview follow-up involves thanking your guest, promoting the episode, and nurturing the relationship for future collaborations.

Thank Your Guests

Expressing sincere gratitude to your guests for their time and contributions is a fundamental courtesy that strengthens the guest-host relationship.

Send a personalized thank-you email or message: A heartfelt note expressing your appreciation for their willingness to share their expertise and stories is always appreciated.
Acknowledge their insights: Highlight specific points or stories that resonated with you during the interview.
Offer to share the recording: Provide your guest with a link to the episode as soon as it’s available.

Promote the Episode, How to find guests for your video podcast

Amplifying the reach of your podcast requires a strategic approach to promotion.

Create engaging social media posts: Share snippets of the interview, key takeaways, and captivating visuals to pique listener interest.
Utilize relevant hashtags: Employ hashtags that align with your podcast’s theme and guest’s expertise to expand discoverability.
Leverage your guest’s social media network: Encourage your guest to share the episode with their followers, expanding the audience reach.
Promote via email newsletters: If you have an email list, announce the new episode and highlight guest contributions.
Consider paid advertising: For targeted promotion, explore platforms like Facebook and Google Ads to reach specific demographics.

Build Relationships with Guests

Cultivating long-term relationships with your guests can lead to future collaborations, networking opportunities, and valuable connections.

Stay connected: Follow your guests on social media and engage with their content to demonstrate genuine interest.
Seek future collaborations: Explore potential joint projects, guest appearances on each other’s platforms, or co-creation of content.
Offer ongoing support: Promote their work, share their articles or projects, and connect them with relevant individuals or opportunities.

Guest Management Tools

Managing your guests effectively is crucial for a successful video podcast. It helps ensure smooth communication, efficient scheduling, and a seamless recording process. This section explores two key strategies for managing your guests: creating a guest list spreadsheet and utilizing guest management software.

Creating a Guest List Spreadsheet

A guest list spreadsheet serves as a centralized hub for organizing and tracking guest information. This helps you stay organized and avoid scheduling conflicts.

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A well-designed spreadsheet can streamline your guest management process.

Guest Name	Contact Information	Interview Date	Episode Topic	Notes
[Guest Name]	[Email Address, Phone Number]	[Date]	[Topic]	[Any relevant notes about the guest or interview]

Utilizing Guest Management Software

Guest management software offers a more advanced and automated approach to managing your guests. These tools can handle tasks like scheduling, communication, and recording, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your podcast.

Calendly:This popular scheduling tool allows guests to book interview slots directly on your calendar, eliminating back-and-forth emails.
Asana:This project management platform can be used to track guest communication, deadlines, and tasks related to each episode.
Zoom:This video conferencing software is widely used for recording interviews, providing features like screen sharing and recording capabilities.

Leverage Your Network

Your network is a goldmine of potential guests for your video podcast. It’s a group of individuals you already know and trust, making it easier to initiate conversations and secure interviews.

Tap into Your Existing Connections

Start by reaching out to your friends, colleagues, and acquaintances who might be interesting and relevant to your podcast’s audience. Consider your existing connections who possess expertise, unique experiences, or engaging personalities that align with your podcast’s theme.

Friends and Family:Reach out to friends and family members who have interesting stories or expertise in specific areas. For example, if your podcast focuses on travel, you could interview a friend who has traveled extensively or a family member who has a unique hobby or passion.

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Colleagues and Former Colleagues:Tap into your professional network and reach out to colleagues, former colleagues, and mentors. They might have valuable insights into their industries or experiences that would resonate with your audience.
Acquaintances:Don’t overlook acquaintances you’ve met through events, workshops, or online communities. They might have fascinating stories or expertise that could add value to your podcast.

Ask for Referrals

Once you have secured a few initial guests, don’t hesitate to ask them for referrals. They can introduce you to other individuals who might be a good fit for your podcast.

Ask Guests for Recommendations:After a successful interview, politely ask your guests if they know anyone else who might be a good fit for your podcast. Mention specific areas of expertise or topics you’re looking to cover.
Leverage Guest Networks:Inquire if your guests have any connections in their professional or personal networks who might be interested in being interviewed. This approach can lead to a chain reaction of introductions, expanding your guest list significantly.
Offer a Reciprocal Benefit:Explain how appearing on your podcast could benefit the referred individual. Highlight the reach of your podcast, the value of the exposure, and the potential for new connections and opportunities.

Utilize Guest Submission Forms

Opening up your podcast to guest submissions can be a fantastic way to diversify your content and tap into new audiences. It allows you to connect with individuals who are passionate about your podcast’s subject matter and may have unique insights to share.

By creating a guest submission form, you empower potential guests to proactively reach out and express their interest in appearing on your show.

Create a Guest Submission Form

Creating a user-friendly guest submission form is essential for streamlining the process of receiving and evaluating potential guests. Here are some key elements to include:

Contact Information:Collect essential details such as name, email address, phone number, and social media links. This information allows you to easily connect with potential guests and follow up if needed.
Area of Expertise:Ask potential guests to specify their area of expertise and relevant experience. This helps you assess their suitability for your podcast’s topics and target audience.
Podcast Topic Ideas:Encourage guests to submit specific topic ideas they’d like to discuss. This provides you with valuable insights into their interests and potential contributions.
Website or Portfolio:Request a link to the guest’s website or portfolio to gain a better understanding of their work and credentials.
Previous Podcast Experience:Inquire about the guest’s previous podcast experience, if any. This can give you an idea of their comfort level and familiarity with the podcasting format.
Sample Audio or Video:Consider asking for a sample audio or video recording to gauge their communication style and speaking abilities. This can be particularly helpful for podcasts that rely heavily on audio quality.

Promote the Form

Once you’ve created a compelling guest submission form, it’s crucial to promote it effectively to reach a wider audience.

Website:Include a prominent link to your guest submission form on your podcast website, making it easily accessible to visitors.
Social Media:Share your guest submission form link on your social media platforms, encouraging followers to apply. Consider running social media contests or giveaways to boost engagement and awareness.
Email List:Send out an email blast to your existing email subscribers, inviting them to submit their guest applications.
Podcast Episode:Mention the guest submission form on your podcast episodes, encouraging listeners to apply if they’re interested in being featured.
Guest Blog Posts:Partner with other podcasters or bloggers in your niche to cross-promote your guest submission form to their audience.
Online Communities:Participate in online communities and forums related to your podcast’s subject matter, and share the guest submission form link with relevant groups.

Collaborate with Other Podcasters

Partnering with other podcasters can be a powerful strategy to expand your reach and attract new listeners. By collaborating, you can tap into each other’s audiences and create mutually beneficial opportunities.

Identify Complementary Podcasts

Finding podcasts with similar audiences and themes can open doors for cross-promotion. Identifying these complementary podcasts can be done through a variety of methods.

Explore Podcast Directories:Websites like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts allow you to search for podcasts based on categories, s, and other criteria. You can browse through these directories to discover podcasts that align with your niche.
Utilize Social Media:Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn can be valuable for connecting with podcasters. Join relevant groups and follow accounts that discuss podcasting. You can engage with podcasters in your niche and learn about their work.
Listen to Similar Podcasts:Pay attention to the podcasts you enjoy and listen to regularly. Note the podcasts that they mention or advertise. These podcasts are likely to be a good fit for a collaboration.
Attend Podcast Events:Industry events and conferences are excellent opportunities to network with fellow podcasters. These gatherings provide a platform for connecting with individuals who share your interests and explore potential collaborations.

Exchange Guest Appearances

Exchanging guest appearances with other podcasters is a win-win situation. It allows you to reach a new audience while providing valuable content to your listeners.

Benefits of Inviting Guests from Other Podcasts:Inviting guests from other podcasts can introduce your listeners to new perspectives and expertise. It also demonstrates your commitment to providing diverse and engaging content.
Benefits of Being a Guest on Other Podcasts:Appearing as a guest on other podcasts allows you to promote your podcast to a new audience. It also provides an opportunity to share your insights and build your personal brand.
Negotiating Guest Appearances:When exchanging guest appearances, it’s important to establish clear expectations. This includes discussing the interview topics, the format of the episode, and any promotional opportunities.

Consider Paid Guest Acquisition

In addition to organic methods, you can also explore paid guest acquisition services to expand your podcast’s reach and attract high-profile guests. These services act as intermediaries, connecting podcasters with potential guests who align with their show’s theme and audience.

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While this approach requires an investment, it can be a strategic move for podcasters looking to accelerate their guest acquisition process.

Guest Acquisition Services

Paid guest acquisition services provide a platform for podcasters to connect with potential guests, offering a more efficient and targeted approach compared to traditional outreach methods. These services typically operate on a subscription or per-guest basis, providing access to a database of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise.

Here are some popular guest acquisition services:

PodcastGuests:PodcastGuests offers a comprehensive platform for podcasters to find and connect with guests. Their service includes a database of over 100,000 potential guests, personalized recommendations, and automated outreach tools.
Guestlist:Guestlist specializes in connecting podcasters with high-profile guests, particularly in the business and technology sectors. They offer a curated list of experts and thought leaders, facilitating direct connections and interview scheduling.
Guest Acquisition Agency:Guest Acquisition Agency is a full-service agency that handles all aspects of guest acquisition, from identifying potential guests to scheduling interviews. They leverage their network and expertise to secure high-quality guests for podcasts.

Closure

Finding the right guests for your video podcast can be a rewarding process. By understanding your audience, defining your niche, and employing strategic outreach methods, you can attract compelling individuals who will bring value to your content. Remember, building relationships with your guests and promoting their appearances will contribute to the success of your podcast, fostering a community of engaged listeners and expanding your reach.

FAQ Explained: How To Find Guests For Your Video Podcast

How often should I reach out to potential guests?

It’s best to send a follow-up email within a week if you don’t hear back from a potential guest. You can also send a friendly reminder a few weeks later.

What if a guest isn’t available for an interview?

It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan. If a guest is unavailable, you can try to reschedule or reach out to another potential guest on your list.

How can I promote my podcast after an interview?

Sharing the episode on social media, using relevant hashtags, and sending a thank you email to your guest are all great ways to promote your podcast.