A podcast is daunting. Figuring out how to get podcast guests is even scarier. In the beginning of launching the Become The Lion podcast, I’d reach out to guests via email. When I’d reach out to the top people, I’d never get an email back. I knew there had to a better way.
In bed one night, while on Instagram, I left comments on people’s posts whom I admire, asking them if they’d prefer to be on our podcast. When I woke up the next morning, the results were outstanding. What I realized is that not only can you use Instagram, but you can use Facebook and Twitter as well.
A successful person is bombarded with emails each day, likely more than their assistant can handle. They’re getting requests from everyone. The problem is, the influencer you reach out to doesn’t know who you are. At least on Instagram, they can take a quick look at your profile.
When you leave a comment on someone’s profile that’s meaningful to get them on your podcast, chances are they’ll respond well. I’ve been able to get most of my podcast guests this way. This includes everyone from Tim Sykes to Chris Ducker. It’s simple, but not everyone is using it.
Everyone is on social media. You’re either using it your advantage, leveraging it for networking, or you’re wasting time. I’m sure you don’t want to fall into the category of those who waste time on the sites.
You have nothing to lose. I’m not telling you to be shameless with your comments. You don’t want to seem like a spammer. We all know those comments. Leave a genuine comment, one that lets the other person see you’re appreciative of them.
Why does this work? These people get minimal comments on their Instagram compared to their email inboxes. It will give them a chance to view your profile. You can’t do this through email. You’re talking person to person instead of as a nameless face.
Sometimes the potential guest will email you back directly. This streamlines things and makes it even faster. With Instagram, you spend fifteen minutes per day. You contact ten people, around five will respond—in my experience. Those are much better results than going through email.
I’ve even gotten interviews the same day I sent out a request this way. It doesn’t matter if the person is famous or not. If they don’t respond the first time around, try contacting them every few days.
I haven’t direct-messaged anyone, I’ve only left comments. I plan to try direct messaging soon to test it.
Another tool I use is SocialRank. This tool is excellent if you have a large following. You can go on social rank and find out who your top followers are for Instagram and Twitter. This allows you to go through your followers and find a potential guest for your show. The person knows your brand, which gives them another reason to do the interview. I was able to interview Ryan Stewman through this tactic. You’ll be surprised at the followers you have.
Facebook is another great platform to use. This is similar to Instagram direct where you can message the potential guest. The person can see your profile once again. They’re putting a name to a face. Spend another fifteen minutes per day contacting people.
On twitter, you can start a conversation with the guest you’d like to see on your show. Don’t worry if they don’t respond. You need to try. Reach out to those guests you want to interview. Sometimes the person will leave their direct messages open. You can send them a message, I’ve been able to get guests this way. It’s very rare I use email to get guests unless I’ve talked to them beforehand.
If you aren’t using social media for your business, you’re falling behind. While there’s other ways to get podcast guests, I’ve found using social media to be most effective.
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