Why Authors Should Get on Podcasts to Grow Their Platform and Reach a Wider Audience

The Benefits of Being an Author Guest on a Podcast

As an author, being a guest on a podcast can be a great marketing tool for boosting your sales. The author's perspective can add some spice and variety to a podcast as they are typically good with words and that translates to speaking. Plus—and this is the best part of being an author guest—you get to talk about your books! Podcast listeners are hungry for knowledge about what's out there in the literary world, and authors can offer insights from their experiences that will benefit both listeners and potential readers.

Although most podcast interviews are short, authors can still share their experiences with book marketing... or even personal anecdotes that connect with interviewers and listeners alike. This is a great way for your readers and potential readers to really get to know you.

How to Choose the Right Podcasts for Your Author Platform

Podcasts are an effective way for authors to reach a wide audience and increase their visibility. They can help authors build relationships with potential readers, create connections with influencers in the publishing industry, and share their stories in an engaging format. But with so many podcasts out there, how do you choose the right ones for your author platform? And, what do you do once you find the right shows?

Here is a checklist of how to get started with podcast features:

1. Do your research. Before you reach out to any podcast hosts, take some time to research the shows that you would be a good fit for. Listen to a few episodes, read the show notes, and look at the show's social media following. This will help you understand the audience and what the host is looking for in a guest.

2. Write a compelling email. When you reach out to a podcast host, be sure to write a clear and concise email that explains why you would be a good fit for their show. Highlight your expertise, experience, and any unique insights that you can offer their audience. We suggest you include your one-sheet biography, headshot, and a media kit so that they will know you are serious and that you already have the information ready to make their job of promotion that much easier. If you need help with this, be sure to send us an email and we can talk about our WRITE Promotions packages. We have packages to prepare your media kits as well as packages to do all the legwork to get you booked.

3. Be persistent. Don't give up if you don't hear back from a podcast host right away. Keep reaching out to other shows and eventually, you will find one that is a good fit for you.

4. Be prepared. When you are invited to be a guest on a podcast, be sure to do your research and come prepared with stories and anecdotes that will engage the audience. It's helpful to include a list of potential questions or topics you can readily speak on when you are pitching yourself as a guest.

5. Be yourself. The most important thing is to be yourself and let your personality shine through. If you are genuine and authentic, the audience will appreciate it and so will the host.

Besides a direct pitch, there are other things you can do to become a podcast guest.

• Use social media. Follow podcast hosts on social media and interact with their content. Be sure to share a few of their shows on your social media. This is a great way to get their attention and show them that you may be interested in being a guest on their show.

• Attend industry events. If you can, attend industry events where you can meet podcast hosts in person. This is a great way to network and make connections that could lead to a guest spot on a podcast or another collaboration of some sort.

• Offer to be a guest on a friend's podcast. If you know someone who has a podcast, offer to be a guest on their show. This is a great way to get experience and build your portfolio.

Authors should get on podcasts. By reaching out to potential podcast hosts, you can gain exposure and reach a larger audience. Getting featured as a guest on a podcast can be a great way to promote your business, build your brand, and reach a new audience. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of getting booked on a podcast.

TIP: Once you've got some podcasts booked, be sure to download our tips for how to be a great guest HERE.

Rebecca Paciorek is an Online Business Manager specializing in assisting in the growth of your business through traditional and digital means.