5 – How Do I Find New (and Interesting) Guests for My Show?

Hello there and welcome to Podcaster Plus the podcast offering tips and tricks to simplify and automate your podcast. Find all the episodes at podcasterplus.com/show.

Today we’re tackling a really common problem, finding new and interesting guests for your show. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, securing engaging guests is pretty crucial for audience growth and retention. I think you could agree.

As always, we’re going to divide the show up into various sections.

Section one, the importance of great guests. Before we get into the strategies, let’s just reiterate why having great guests really matters. Guests bring well, expertise, fresh perspectives, a built-in audience as well, don’t forget that. A diverse range of voices keeps your content engaging and will attract new listeners. Think about the success of interview style podcasts such as Joe Rogans’. The format, well, it really does speak for itself. This is a very, very popular format, but finding those ideal guests can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Which leads us to section two. Strategies for finding guests. Let’s explore effective strategies for finding podcast guests.

First, leverage your existing network. Reach out to your friends, family, colleagues, and your personal social media connections. You might be surprised by the hidden gems, which are within the circle. Perhaps you have friends who are really quite remarkable in areas that you did not realize.

Don’t underestimate the power of your listeners. Ask them for recommendations. This will tap into your audience’s interest, ensuring that you attract guests that they wish to hear.

Okay, let’s move on, still inside Section two. Strategies for finding guests. What about your immediate network? Social media is a goldmine. Explore Twitter, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, even TikTok, using relevant hashtags and searching for individuals who are vocal in your niche. Don’t forget traditional media such as newspapers, magazines, TV shows, can reveal possible guests. Perhaps they’re a little bit out of your pay grade, but you never know. Pay attention to authors, columnists, and interview subjects.

Another excellent tactic is to listen to other podcasts in your genre. While you really shouldn’t directly copy their guests, perhaps observe the type of people that they interview for inspiration, and don’t forget to ask your previous guests for recommendations. They might be able to offer valuable introductions.

Okay, section three. Using online resources. There are several online resources which possibly can streamline your guest search. Let’s discuss just a few and caveat emptor, I have not used these myself, but a quick Google revealed these to be possible entry points.

So the first one is called Podcast Guests. This platform connects podcasters with potential guests, offering both a directory and a newsletter featuring podcasts seeking Interviewees.

There’s another one called Pod Match. This service uses automated matching technology to connect podcasts and guests based upon compatibility and availability. It’s a paid service, but you can make significant time and effort savings, so it might be worth it.

Another one is called Matchmaker. It’s similar to Pod Match. Matchmaker offers a directory, direct messaging, and automated recommendations. There’s a free tier, as far as I can see, but you’ve got a limit to the number of conversations that you can have.

Something that’s completely free, of course, is things like Facebook groups. Join relevant Facebook groups, which focus on podcasting, perhaps even podcasting or just your niche. Many Facebook groups facilitate connections between podcasters and potential guests.

Okay. The last section. Section four, is just a few tips which we think might offer you some success. Final tips if you like, for finding and working with guests.

Firstly, be prepared. Research potential guests thoroughly before reaching out. A personalized pitch will significantly increase your chances of success. You’ve had the email before from some random person who clearly has just copy and pasted some script. It doesn’t work. Make the effort to find out who the people that you are contacting are, and speak to them and where they’re at.

Obviously it goes without saying, be professional. Maintain clear communication, provide all necessary information and respect your guests time.

And don’t forget this, promote your guests. Help your guests promote their episode on their platforms. This will make it easier for them to share, more likely to share, and it will also expand your reach. They might appreciate it as well.

So remember, finding guests is an ongoing process. By utilizing the strategies and resources we’ve just mentioned, you can consistently attract, and engage interviewees, and elevate your podcast to new heights.

So there you go. That’s what I’ve got for you this time around. Thank you very much for tuning in to the Podcaster Plus podcast. You can find all the other episodes at podcasterplus.com/show. And we will see you next time for some more tips and tricks to simplify, and automate your podcast.