Being a podcast guest is one of the most powerful ways to grow your influence, expand your network, and reach new audiences. But here’s the thing – there’s a world of difference between being a good guest and being a great guest that hosts actively seek out for return appearances.
The secret? It’s not just about having expertise (though that helps). It’s about being the kind of guest that makes the host’s job easier, delivers genuine value to their audience, and creates an experience so smooth that you become their go-to recommendation for other show hosts.
Let’s dive into exactly how to make that happen.
Setting Yourself Up for Success Before You Even Hit Record
The 48-Hour Rule That Changes Everything
Here’s your first opportunity to stand out: respond to podcast invitations within two days. Period. This might seem basic, but you’d be surprised how many potential guests let opportunities slip away simply because they don’t prioritize their response time. Podcast hosts often work with tight schedules or timely topics, and your quick response signals professionalism and genuine interest.
Make this even easier by being proactive about your availability. Tools like Calendly that sync with your calendar in real-time eliminate the back-and-forth scheduling dance that can kill momentum. When you remove friction from the booking process, you make it more likely that hosts will reach out to you again.
Become the Podcast Guest Hosts Actually Want to Prepare For
One of the biggest differentiators between amateur and professional guests is how much they help the host prepare. Don’t just show up – show up prepared to make their job easier.
Send along resources that help the host understand who you are and what you bring to the table. A press kit is ideal, but even a simple one-page bio with key talking points, recent achievements, and suggested interview angles can transform how a host approaches your conversation.
Be available for a quick prep call if they need it. This isn’t just about logistics – it’s about building rapport and ensuring you’re both aligned on what will make for the most valuable episode.
Preparation: Where Good Guests Become Great Ones
Know What You’re Walking Into
Before you agree to appear on any show, do your homework. Spend time on the podcast’s social media accounts and recent episodes to understand the tone, format, and audience. Ask yourself: What type of show is this? How do they typically promote episodes? What’s their reach and engagement like? Most importantly – is this audience a good fit for your message?
This research serves a dual purpose. First, it helps you tailor your content to what will resonate most with their specific audience. Second, it helps you evaluate whether this opportunity is worth your time and energy.
Master Your Material (But Don’t Over-Script It)
This is your moment to shine, so treat it like one. Go beyond your usual talking points and do extra research to ensure you sound confident and current. The goal isn’t to memorize a script – it’s to be so comfortable with your material that you can have a natural conversation while hitting all your key points.
Here’s a pro tip that separates the great guests from the good ones: rehearse your content so you can cover all your main points in about two-thirds of the time you’ve been given. This gives you room for natural conversation flow, follow-up questions, and those spontaneous moments that often become the most memorable parts of an episode.
Create a simple cheat sheet with bullet points, relevant data, and quotes you might want to reference. Keep it nearby during the interview, but don’t let it become a crutch.
Technical Excellence Without the Headaches
Nothing kills a great interview like poor audio quality or technical difficulties. The good news is that you don’t need a professional studio setup to sound professional.
If you’re doing an in-studio interview with the host, this shouldn’t be a problem. But, if you’re “calling in” from a remote location, there are some important guidelines that can help you succeed.
An external microphone and a decent pair of headphones will dramatically improve your audio quality compared to your computer’s built-in options. Even the headphones that came with your smartphone will do a better job than nothing – they’re designed to reduce background noise and enhance voice clarity.
Test your setup before the interview. Make sure you can connect to whatever platform they’re using (Zoom, Riverside, SquadCast, etc.) and that your computer is running smoothly. Nothing says “amateur” like spending the first ten minutes of your interview slot troubleshooting technical issues.
Location, Location, Location
Find a quiet space with good internet speed, proper lighting, and zero chance of interruptions. This might mean having a conversation with family members or roommates about your interview schedule, or it might mean booking a quiet corner of a co-working space. Whatever it takes, eliminate potential disruptions before they happen.
Bonus points: Research the host personally. If you can naturally mention something specific about their background, recent projects, or previous episodes during your conversation, you’ll make a lasting impression. This level of preparation shows respect for their work and genuine interest in being part of their show.
During the Interview: Bringing Your A-Game
The Pre-Recording Checklist
Before you start recording, run a quick internet speed test (Google provides one for free). If your connection is less than ideal, temporarily disconnect other devices like smart TVs, streaming devices, and smart assistants that might be competing for bandwidth.
Always look presentable, even if you’re on an audio-only podcast. This isn’t about vanity – it’s about psychology. When you look professional, you feel professional, and that confidence comes through in your voice and delivery.
The Non-Negotiables
Never, ever be late. Unless you’re Mariah Carey (and even then), being late is disrespectful and unprofessional. It’s also the fastest way to ensure you never get invited back or recommended to other hosts.
Have your equipment connected and tested before you join the call if doing a Zoom-style podcast guest spot. Keep your phone on silent and out of reach. Have your notes and contact information written down where you can easily reference them – you never know when you might blank on your own website URL in the moment.
Keep a glass of water nearby because talking for extended periods will make you thirsty, and nothing’s more awkward than a long pause while you deal with a dry throat.
The Mindset That Matters
Here’s the difference between guests that get invited back and those that don’t: focus on providing value, not making sales. Your job isn’t to pitch your products or services – it’s to genuinely help the audience with valuable insights, actionable advice, or thought-provoking perspectives.
Listen actively to the host and respond to what they’re actually asking, not just what you planned to say. The best podcast conversations feel natural and unscripted, even when both parties are well-prepared.
After the Interview: Cementing Your Success
Your job isn’t done when the recording stops. Send any follow-up information promptly – this might include links you mentioned, additional resources for the show notes, or professional photos for promotional use.
Here’s where you can really differentiate yourself: ask the host what you can do to help promote the episode. This shows that you understand the collaborative nature of podcasting and that you’re invested in the success of the episode, not just your own exposure.
The Long Game: Building Lasting Relationships
Remember, the goal isn’t just to be a good guest on one show – it’s to become the kind of expert that hosts actively seek out and recommend to others. When you consistently deliver value, make the host’s job easier, and help create genuinely engaging content, you build a reputation that opens doors to opportunities you never could have imagined.
Every podcast appearance is an investment in your long-term influence and network. By following these guidelines, you’re not just preparing for one interview – you’re building the foundation for a sustainable, impactful presence in the podcasting world.
The difference between being a forgettable guest and an unforgettable one often comes down to preparation, professionalism, and genuine care for the value you provide. Master these elements, and you’ll find yourself moving from first-time guest to sought-after expert faster than you ever thought possible.
