If you listened to the last episode on the best strategy right now for growing your podcast audience then you know it’s all about increasing your exposure by being on other people’s podcasts. In the last episode, we reviewed why this strategy works and how to do it but I left out one big piece of the success pie and I want to serve that up today. Mmmm… pie.
If you want to effectively grow your audience using other people’s podcasts — or as I like to call it, OPP — then there is one thing you need to know. You can’t suck as a guest.
If you suck, you won’t attract new followers or clients and you may discover that your episode never actually sees the light of day. Oh, and you definitely won’t be invited to other podcasts.
This is not a one-and-done strategy – you need to be getting on lots and lots of podcasts for this podcast audience growth strategy to work.
So, if the fear of ruining your brand’s authority and becoming a podcast guest pariah has you quaking behind the mic, let me share a few tips on how to be a fantastic guest and reap the full rewards of this strategy.
Here are the key things you need to nail to be a great podcast guest:
1. Show Up Prepared
This should go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: be prepared.
2. Sound Great (aka Make Sure You’re on Your Mic!)
I can’t stress this enough—make sure your sound quality is top-notch. If you need some tips on mic technique, check out episodes, 163, 157, 134and 42. In fact, mic technique is so critical, that it was my very first episode!
Remember, your audio quality reflects your brand, so treat it with the same level of professionalism you would your own show.
3. Promote the Episode
Now, this is where the magic happens—be gracious. After your interview, thank the host publicly.
When you share the episode, it’s like saying, “Look, this host trusted me to come on their show, and I delivered.” That gives you credibility.
4. Build Relationships for the Long Run
Podcasting is all about relationships. It’s all about creating a positive ripple effect.
Great Guests Get More Traction
Being a fantastic guest is more than just showing up and delivering a good interview. It’s about positioning yourself as a trusted expert, building relationships, and leveraging your guest appearances to grow your audience. When you’re a standout guest, you create a positive feedback loop that makes future appearances more likely—and that means more chances to grow your podcast.
So, show up prepared, sound great, be gracious, and remember to give as much as you’re getting. When you do, you’ll find that guesting on podcasts isn’t just a good way to grow your audience— it’s a winning strategy.
