Introduction
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been podcasting for a while, one thing remains the same: nailing down who you want on your podcast guest and when they’re available can be a challenge.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a few tips on how to schedule podcast guests like a pro.
First things first, make a list of potential guests. This can be anyone from people you know personally to experts in your field that you admire. Once you have your list, reach out and see if they’re interested in being a guest on your show.
Once you have a few yeses, it’s time to start nailing down dates and times. Keep in mind that most people are busiest during the week, so try to schedule your interviews for evenings or weekends if possible. If that’s not an option, don’t stress – just work around your schedules as best as you can.
Another thing to keep in mind is time zone differences! If you’re interviewing someone who lives in a different time zone, make sure to take that into account when scheduling. The last thing you want is for your interviewee to be exhausted because they had to wake up super early or stay up late just to talk to you.
Finally, once everything is scheduled, make sure to send a reminder email or text message the day of the interview so your guest knows when and where to log on. And that’s
Do extensive research
If you want to be a successful podcaster, it is essential that you do extensive research on your guests before scheduling them. This means learning about their work, their interests, and their audience. Only by taking the time to learn about your guests can you hope to create a successful podcast episode.
The best way to do this research is to start by visiting your guests’ websites and social media accounts. Look for recent blog posts, articles, or interviews they have done. This will give you a good idea of what they are currently working on and how they like to communicate with their audience. You can also use this research to come up with potential questions for your interview.
In addition to researching your guests online, try to find someone who knows them personally. This could be a mutual friend or acquaintance, or even someone who has interviewed them before. These people can give you insights into your guests that you would not be able to get from online research alone.
Finally, make sure to listen to some of your guests’ previous interviews before scheduling them for your own show. This will help you get a feel for their style and how they handle being interviewed. By doing your homework ahead of time, you can be sure that you are scheduling the right guests for your podcast and setting yourself up for success.
Send your guest a prep email
You should always send your podcast guests a prep email before their appearance on your show. This email should include all the relevant information they need to know in advance, such as the date and time of the recording, what format the podcast will be in (e.g. interview, discussion, etc.), and any other important details.
This is not only polite and professional, but it will also help ensure that your guest is prepared for their appearance on your podcast. This will make for a better overall experience for both you and your listener.
Personalize the scheduling link
When you personalize the scheduling link for your podcast guests, it shows that you are organized and professional. It also makes it easier for your guests to schedule an interview with you. Here are some tips on how to personalize the scheduling link for your podcast guests:
1. Use a tool like Calendly or ScheduleOnce to create a personalized scheduling link for your guests.
2. Include your name, website, and contact information in the scheduling link so that your guests can easily find and contact you.
3. Make sure that the days and times you are available are convenient for your guests by checking their time zone before setting up the interview.
4. Choose a day and time that work well for both you and your guest, and send them the personalized scheduling link in advance so they can schedule an interview with you at their convenience.
Create a guest page on your podcast website
Most podcasters have a website where they host their episodes and provide show notes. If you don’t already have a guest page on your podcast website, now is the time to create one! Your guest page should include the following:
-A brief introduction to your podcast and what it’s about
-An overview of what you’re looking for in a guest (topic expert, personal story, etc.)
-Your requirements for guests (e.g., audio quality, length of interview, etc.)
-Instructions for how to submit a pitch to be a guest on your show
Creating a guest page on your podcast website is a great way to streamline the process of finding and booking guests for your show. By including all of the necessary information upfront, you can save yourself time down the road.
Streamline production follow-up
When you’ve finally landed that big-name guest for your podcast, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to make the most of their appearance. Here are a few tips to streamline production and make sure your podcast guest is comfortable and prepared:
1. Send a Pre-Interview Questionnaire
Before the interview, send your guests a list of questions that will help you prepare for the conversation. This will not only help you gather information about your guest’s background and expertise, but it will also give them a chance to think about their answers in advance. Be sure to leave some room for spontaneity in the actual interview, but having a list of prepared questions will help keep things on track.
2. Prepare an Intro and Outro Script
Having a script for your intro and outro will not only make your life easier on recording day, but it will also ensure that your podcast sounds polished and professional. Guests can be given the opportunity to approve the scripts in advance, so there are no surprises on recording day.
3. Make Recording Day as Relaxed as Possible
Your guests should feel comfortable and relaxed on recording day, so do whatever you can to make that happen. Offer refreshments, provide comfortable seating, and make sure the environment is quiet and free from distractions. If possible, record in a studio or other professional setting – this will minimize technical issues and help create a better overall sound quality for your podcast episode
When it comes to podcast guests, good impressions last!
When it comes to making a good impression on your podcast guests, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, be sure to be punctual and organized with your questions. Having a well-organized show will make your guests feel more comfortable and at ease, and it will also help you keep track of the conversation. Secondly, be sure to be respectful and courteous to your guests. This includes listening attentively to their answers and not interrupting them unnecessarily. Finally, be sure to say thank you to your guests for their time after the interview is over. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in making a good impression and ensuring that your guests remember their experience on your show positively.
