211 Tips for Podcast Hosts to Manage Guest Plugs Effectively

So, your guest wants to promote themself on your podcast…

Just because everyone else is doing it, doesn’t mean you should.

In this episode, I tackle a common pitfall that can derail your podcast’s flow and alienate your listeners: letting guests run away with their self-promotional plugs. If you’d rather keep your audience engaged and maintain control of your show, this tip is for you.

You Don’t Owe Anyone a Plug

I checked the podcast rulebook – there’s nothing in there that says you have to hand over the last 5 minutes of your show to your guest for their plugs. Seriously, it’s not a rule. Yet, many podcasters feel obligated to do so. Let’s bust this myth right now: you don’t have to do it!

The Problem with Podcast Guest Plugs

Do not hand the reins of your show over to your guest with wide-open questions like, “Where can listeners connect with you?” or “How can listeners work with you?” You know what’s going to happen: stumbling, bumbling, and a whole lot of self-promotional rambling. Or worse, a slick-as-hell rundown of every single social media handle and offer they have. It’s a plug-a-palooza and the only one having fun is your guest. Meanwhile, your listeners have already pressed stop and moved on.

Why Podcast Guest Plugs Are a Mistake

Unless you’re following a business model where the guest has paid for ad time, you do not owe them this time. To be honest, some guests feel awkward about it and ramble on. Analytics often show audience drop-off during these segments. So, stop with the open invite to plug away.

How to Handle Guest Promos Like a Pro

1. Record Your Extro Separately

Consider recording the extro/outro after the interview is over and the guest has left. This way, you can recap and give a quick mention of whatever the guest had to offer. For example, “Thanks again to my guest Jimmy Jo Jelly Jugs. You can find more about Jimmy at Jugs.net, and I’ve also dropped his links in the show notes.”

2. Set Clear Expectations with Guests

Control your guest’s expectations with clear communication. Let them know what they will get (a mention by you and a link in the show notes) and that you will personally share their information in the recorded extro after the interview. Be sure to get all these details well in advance and remind them of your process in the pre-interview chat.

3. Curate Valuable Offers

If your guest wants to offer your audience a free gift, resource, or special offer, determine if it’s of value before you share it. This is part of taking care of your audience – curating their experience. If you love what the guest has to offer and want to share it, then you tell your audience about it and direct them to the link in your show notes.

Respect Your Audience

This is all about YOU and YOUR AUDIENCE. Your show is about your relationship with your audience. Respect it. Nurture it. Don’t let some guest plug all over it.