How to be a GREAT Podcast Guest - Part 2

You likely already read Part 1 in the "How to be a GREAT Podcast Guest" blog series focusing on "How to find podcasts that are right for your book" but if not, then check it out. 

In this second blog in the series, we tackle how to prep for a podcast so that you are as effective as possible and as relaxed as it reasonable!

Part 2: How to prepare for a podcast interview

We looked already at how to find podcasts that match your message, and now we turn to the next step which is to prepare for the interview. Let’s look at some of the behind-the-scenes things you can do to ensure a powerful episode free from distractions.

• If possible, send the podcaster a digital copy of your book as soon as the interview is confirmed. The sooner they have access to it, the more prepared they can be. Digital copies cost nothing and the benefit of having an informed conversation about your work will pay off exponentially.
  
  

• Go through the podcast’s feed and pick at least two episodes that interest you and listen to them. This will give you a feel for the kinds of questions to expect, the podcaster’s voice and style, as well as give you insights into their audience. Notice any themes that come up repeatedly and jot those down. You can use them during the conversation.
• Also, notice the podcaster’s style. A great interviewer should move quickly between questions with little affirmation or banter in order to keep the topic moving. They may also interrupt a guest if they are going down roads the podcaster does not want to venture down. It’s the podcaster’s job to keep you on track and make you look good. This step helps you get comfortable with the ways this podcaster does so.
  
  

• A critical part of podcasts is the show notes where links to your book will be given. Those links help send traffic to your book on Amazon and also your website. I use a short Google form that asks my guest to share their website, favorite social media platforms (so I can connect with them), and information about themselves. Just like you have a process to research and write, the podcaster has a process for their guests. Embrace it for best results. Also, if the podcaster provides specific questions, be sure to think about the answers beforehand.
  
  

• Know how you will connect.
  • Podcasters use a variety of tools to connect with guests—most commonly phone, Skype, or Zoom. When you set up the interview, also set up the mode of recording. If it’s software like Skype or Zoom, be sure it is loaded on your computer and ready to go.
• Have a good internet connection.
  • Nothing sounds worse than internet lag on a podcast interview and the worst part is you cannot tell it is happening in the moment. You sound so much better if every word you say can be heard clearly so take your internet connection seriously. Connect to an Ethernet cable if possible, and do not use Wi-Fi, especially a shared connection that will slow down your data.
• Be in a quiet space.
  • The next worst thing is a space that is simply not conducive for recording. Make sure the room is quiet. For instance, do not try to record in a public place where other people will be talking. Also, do not try to record in a small room as these tend to echo. Both of these problems are difficult to correct in post-production.
• Own a decent microphone.
  • If you are using your phone, a set of standard headphones with a mic will work. If you are using Skype or Zoom, you may want to purchase a better microphone. Think of it as an investment in your book’s sales. The better you sound, the more likable you are to the audience you are trying to reach. A good mic shows professionalism and can be obtained relatively inexpensively. An Audio-Technica ATR2100 runs about $65.00 on Amazon, has both USB and XLR connections (for computer or mixer), and is a dynamic microphone (meaning it will only pick up your voice, not the room). The ATR2100 is a mic you can grow with and will make you sound great. However, any dynamic mic that you can plug into your computer will do.
    
    

• If you are really want to bring value to a podcast’s audience, prepare a special offer for your book and offer it during the interview. You can create one basic deal, e.g. 20% at missionbooks.org with discount code READTHEBOOK at checkout, and tweak it to suit the audience you are addressing. This allows you to capture the emails of people who enjoyed your content and want to hear more from you. Here are a few ideas and best practices:
  • Create a specific landing page for this podcast so you know where the traffic came from. For example: yourwebsite.com/podcastname.
  • Offer the first chapter of your book—this gives people an opportunity to try before buying.
  • Depending on your book, you may create a resource that is helpful based on your work like a checklist or a short quick win article.

Once you have the space ready, there are few mistakes to avoid during the interview which we will cover next time in Part 3 of the How the Be a GREAT Podcast Guest blog series. 

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To connect with Eric directly, go to Ericnevins.com. Definitely check out at Halfwaytherepodcast.com or https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/halfway-there-christian-testimonies-spiritual-formation/id1119401775?mt=2

And, many of William Carey authors will be popping up on Eric's podcast over the next few months, but take a listen to J.D. Payne's interview by Eric on Roland Allen's The Ministry of Expansion: The Priesthood of the Laity