How To Get Great Podcast Guests To Return

The world of podcasting is growing and is going to continue to grow as the popularity of this type of content is more in-depth than any other type of content. Talk shows are restricted to a timeslot while a podcast can discuss one topic for hours as there are no limits. One of the toughest things for a new podcast is attracting guests that will garner traffic and generate popularity. Guests that had a great reaction and engagement from listeners are the ones that you want returning time after time. The following are ways to get great podcast guests to return for another taping.

Engaging Conversation

Doing the right amount of research on the background of the guest attending can help the podcast dive into great conversation topics while lack of research can actually be insulting to the guest. Also it is important to listen to other podcasts the guest has been a part of so you are not just asking the same questions. This also gives the podcast the ability to bring topics up that the guest had an interesting take on or seemed more passionate about.

Effective Promotion

Allowing a guest of the podcast to promote their company or project they are working is important. This can be used to attract the guest in the first place as expanding the reach for the guest’s brand might be their main goal. Social media is the perfect way to promote as well as get people to engage during the podcast. A custom hashtag can allow listeners to ask questions to the guest and those on the podcast. The best podcasts are those that not only cover great topics but also dive into listener questions in an in-depth way.

A Comfortable Setting

Allowing the guest to recline in the best deep tissue massager or other comfortable seat could not be more important. If a podcast goes great but the guest was sitting in an uncomfortable position for hours that might be the reason that they will not return. Offering something like a beer is common among certain more casual podcasts but should be avoided in certain business related podcasts. The last thing a company wants during their podcast is a guest or member of the staff embarrassing the company by getting drunk live on the podcast.

Free Swag

Everyone loves free things and even celebrities love gifts for being a part of a podcast. Things like gift cards to local establishments or tickets to shows in the city are great examples. Even if a guest did not enjoy their first visit to the podcast they might come back for the gifts alone. This is where research is very important as well as you can purchase gifts that align with the person’s interests instead of generic gifts. Take time to plan out the gift bag like you would topics for the podcast as at times it can be equally important.

Starting a podcast that continually gets and brings back popular guests is destined for success. Podcasting could take over the content world so make sure yours does not fall behind!




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