The article titled “How To Start & Grow Your Podcast By Inviting Guests (Podcasting 101 – Tips) My First Million Podcast” provides valuable tips and strategies for beginner podcasters or those looking to enhance their current podcasting setup. Hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri, the video emphasizes the importance of having engaging guests to attract new listeners. The hosts also share their own experiences of recording episodes that didn’t meet their standards, highlighting the value of quality content. They discuss the idea of being a guest on other podcasts as a means to grow their own podcast and stress the significance of building a dedicated and loyal audience. Overall, the article aims to provide practical insights and future topic teases to ensure valuable content for their listeners.

In addition to discussing podcasting tips, the article provides background information on the hosts, Sam Parr and Shaan Puri. Sam Parr is the founder and CEO of The Hustle, a trusted source for bold business and tech news. The hosts express their commitment to celebrating builders and turning schemes into reality. They also recommend checking out their other podcast, Exit Strategy, hosted by Moiz Ali, founder of Native, a successful direct-to-consumer deodorant brand. Exit Strategy features interviews with top entrepreneurs and provides valuable insights and strategies for building one’s own unicorn. Overall, the article provides an overview of podcasting tips, highlights the hosts’ expertise, and offers additional podcast recommendations.

Choosing the Right Guests

This is how to start and grow your podcast by inviting guests. These podcasting tips will help beginners who are either starting a podcast or already have a podcast setup grow. Sam Parr and Shaan Puri share their current Podcasting strategies and how they plan to grow their podcast moving forward.

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My First Million is hosted by Shaan Puri and Sam Parr. We celebrate builders, even if they fail. And give you the tools to help you turn your scheme into a reality.

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Check out Exit Strategy, our podcast hosted by Moiz Ali, founder of Native, a direct-to-consumer deodorant brand that he sold to Procter \u0026 Gamble for $100 million just 28 weeks in. He interviews some of the world’s top entrepreneurs, unearthing the tips and strategies you can use to build your own unicorn.

Exit Strategy: https://bit.ly/husyt-exit

Identify your target audience

When starting a podcast, it’s crucial to identify your target audience. Understanding who your podcast is for will help you determine the type of guests that will resonate with your listeners. Consider factors such as demographics, interests, and preferences when defining your target audience.

Consider guests with relevant expertise or experience

To provide valuable content to your audience, it’s important to invite guests who have relevant expertise or experience in your podcast’s niche. Look for individuals who can provide unique insights, share valuable knowledge, or offer practical advice. Their expertise will not only attract new listeners but also establish your podcast as a reliable source of information.

Look for guests who have a unique perspective or story

One way to make your podcast stand out is by inviting guests who have a unique perspective or story to share. These guests can offer fresh insights and provide a different angle to your podcast’s topic. Their unique experiences will engage and captivate your audience, keeping them coming back for more.

Research potential guests

Before reaching out to potential guests, it’s essential to research them thoroughly. Get familiar with their work, previous interviews, and any relevant information that will help you determine if they are a good fit for your podcast. This step will also allow you to come up with tailored interview questions and discussion topics that align with their expertise or experiences.

Preparing for the Interview

Create a list of interview questions

To ensure a smooth and engaging conversation during the interview, it’s essential to create a list of interview questions. These questions should be well thought out and cover the key topics or points you want to explore. Consider asking open-ended questions that allow the guest to provide detailed and insightful responses.

Research the guest and their work

To have a meaningful conversation with your guest, it’s crucial to research them and their work extensively. Familiarize yourself with their background, achievements, recent projects, and any relevant information that will help you guide the interview. This research will demonstrate your interest and prepare you to ask relevant follow-up questions.

Prepare talking points or discussion topics

In addition to the interview questions, it’s helpful to prepare talking points or discussion topics to guide the conversation. These points can serve as a framework for the interview, ensuring that you cover all the essential aspects while allowing flexibility for organic discussions to unfold. Use your research on the guest to identify areas of interest that will engage both your guest and audience.

Set the interview format and structure

Before conducting the interview, it’s important to decide on the format and structure. Will it be a casual conversation or a more structured Q&A? Will it be a single guest episode or a panel discussion? Determine the desired length, tone, and flow of the interview to ensure a cohesive and engaging episode.

Reaching Out to Guests

Craft a compelling invitation email

When reaching out to potential guests, it’s crucial to craft a compelling invitation email that grabs their attention and sparks their interest. Start with a personalized introduction and express why you admire their work or expertise. Clearly communicate why you believe they would be a valuable guest for your podcast.

Personalize the invitation to each guest

Avoid sending generic, copy-and-paste invitation emails to potential guests. Take the time to personalize each invitation, referencing specific details about their work or achievements. This personal touch shows your genuine interest and increases the likelihood of receiving a positive response.

Highlight the benefits for the guest

In your invitation email, clearly communicate the benefits for the guest of appearing on your podcast. Explain how their participation can help them reach a broader audience, establish their expertise, or promote their work. Highlight any unique opportunities or features of your podcast that set it apart from others.

Follow up politely if you don’t get a response

If you don’t receive a response to your initial invitation, it’s important to follow up politely. Send a brief and friendly follow-up email, expressing your continued interest in having them as a guest. Remember that people are busy, and they may have missed or overlooked your initial email. A gentle follow-up can increase your chances of getting a response.

Conducting the Interview

Set the right tone for the interview

As the host, it’s essential to set the right tone for the interview. Whether it’s a casual and conversational tone or a more formal and structured approach, make sure to establish this tone from the beginning. This will help both you and the guest feel comfortable and create a conducive environment for a fruitful conversation.

Make the guest feel comfortable

Creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere is crucial to ensure the guest’s ease during the interview. Start with a friendly introduction, establish rapport, and make them feel valued and appreciated. Encourage them to relax and assure them that the interview will be a positive and enjoyable experience.

Ask open-ended questions

To facilitate engaging and insightful conversations, make sure to ask open-ended questions. These questions prompt the guest to provide detailed and thoughtful answers, enabling them to share their expertise or experiences in depth. Avoid yes-or-no questions, as they tend to limit the conversation.

Be an active listener and engage with the guest

While conducting the interview, make an effort to be an active listener. Demonstrate genuine interest in what the guest is saying by nodding, making eye contact, and providing verbal cues of engagement. Ask relevant follow-up questions to dig deeper into their responses and encourage further discussion.

Editing and Publishing the Episode

Edit the audio for clarity and coherence

After recording the interview, it’s crucial to edit the audio for clarity and coherence. Remove any unwanted background noise, pauses, or technical glitches to ensure a smooth listening experience. Trim any segments that may be repetitive or off-topic, focusing on delivering a concise and engaging episode.

Remove any technical issues or interruptions

During the editing process, make sure to remove any technical issues or interruptions that may have occurred during the interview. This includes audio glitches, microphone feedback, or any unexpected interruptions. Editing out these issues will enhance the overall quality and professionalism of the episode.

Add intro and outro music or sound effects

To give your podcast episode a polished and professional touch, consider adding intro and outro music or sound effects. These audio elements help create a cohesive and branded listening experience for your audience. Choose music or sound effects that align with the tone and theme of your podcast.

Write a compelling episode title and description

Writing a compelling episode title and description is crucial for attracting the attention of potential listeners. The title should be descriptive, engaging, and evoke curiosity. The description should provide an overview of the episode content, highlighting the key points or topics discussed.

Promoting the Episode

Create social media posts to announce the episode

To generate buzz and attract listeners, create compelling social media posts to announce the new episode. Share engaging snippets or quotes from the interview, accompanied by attention-grabbing captions. Use relevant hashtags and tag the guest to increase visibility and reach.

Share snippets or highlights from the interview

To further promote the episode, share snippets or highlights from the interview across various platforms. These can be short video clips, quote graphics, or audio snippets that capture the most interesting or impactful moments. Encourage your audience to listen to the full episode for more valuable content.

Tag the guest and encourage them to share

When promoting the episode on social media, be sure to tag the guest and encourage them to share the content with their own followers. Their endorsement and promotion can significantly expand your reach and attract new listeners. Remember to provide them with the necessary assets or links to make sharing effortless.

Collaborate with the guest on promotional efforts

Consider collaborating with the guest on promotional efforts to maximize the impact. This can involve cross-promotion on their platforms, co-creating bonus content, or hosting joint giveaways or contests. Collaborative promotional efforts leverage both your audience and the guest’s audience, resulting in increased exposure for your podcast.

Being a Guest on Other Podcasts

Research and identify relevant podcasts

To grow your own podcast, consider being a guest on other relevant podcasts. Research and identify podcasts that align with your niche and target audience. Look for podcasts that have a similar target audience or cover topics related to your expertise or experiences.

Reach out to the podcast hosts

Once you’ve identified suitable podcasts, reach out to the hosts and express your interest in being a guest. Craft a personalized and compelling pitch that outlines why you believe your participation would be valuable for their audience. Highlight your expertise or experiences that make you an ideal guest.

Prepare an introduction and talking points

Before appearing as a guest on another podcast, prepare an introduction and talking points. Introduce yourself concisely, highlighting your area of expertise or any notable achievements. Identify key points or topics you want to discuss during the interview to ensure a valuable and engaging conversation.

Promote your own podcast during the interview

When being a guest on other podcasts, take the opportunity to promote your own podcast. In a natural and organic manner, mention your podcast and invite listeners to check it out for more valuable content. Make sure to provide the necessary links or information for listeners to find and subscribe to your podcast easily.

Building a Dedicated Audience

Consistently release high-quality episodes

To build a dedicated audience, it’s crucial to consistently release high-quality episodes. Stick to a regular schedule and ensure that each episode meets your established standards for content, audio quality, and production value. Consistency fosters trust and reliability among your listeners, encouraging them to tune in regularly.

Engage with your audience through social media and email

Engaging with your audience is key to building a dedicated and loyal fan base. Use social media platforms and email newsletters to interact with your listeners, ask for feedback, and encourage discussion. Respond to comments, messages, and emails promptly to foster a sense of community and connection.

Encourage listeners to leave reviews and ratings

Positive reviews and ratings can significantly boost your podcast’s visibility and attract new listeners. Encourage your audience to leave reviews and ratings on podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Offer incentives or rewards for leaving reviews, such as exclusive content or giveaways, to encourage participation.

Host live Q&A sessions or interactive events

To further engage your audience, consider hosting live Q&A sessions or interactive events. This allows listeners to participate actively, ask questions, and provide input. Live events create a sense of community and offer a more personal connection, fostering loyalty and enthusiasm among your audience.

Receiving Positive Feedback

Listen to and analyze feedback from your audience

Listening to feedback from your audience is crucial for improving your podcast and catering to their needs. Pay attention to comments, reviews, and messages from your listeners. Analyze the feedback to identify patterns, areas of improvement, or topics that resonate with your audience.

Respond to positive feedback and thank your listeners

When receiving positive feedback, take the time to respond and express gratitude to your listeners. Engage with their comments, thank them for their support, and acknowledge their contribution to your podcast’s success. This interaction strengthens the connection with your audience and encourages their continued support.

Take constructive criticism and improve your podcast

Constructive criticism is valuable for growth and improvement. Embrace feedback that offers suggestions, highlights areas for improvement, or addresses any concerns. Use this feedback to make necessary adjustments, refine your content, delivery, or format to better serve your audience’s needs.

Seek testimonials or reviews from satisfied listeners

Satisfied listeners can provide valuable testimonials or reviews that can attract new listeners. Reach out to your loyal audience members and invite them to provide testimonials or leave reviews on podcast platforms or your website. These testimonials serve as social proof and can significantly impact the decision-making process for potential listeners.

Conclusion

Inviting guests to your podcast is a powerful strategy for starting and growing your podcast. By identifying your target audience, choosing guests with relevant expertise or unique perspectives, and conducting thorough research, you can create engaging and valuable episodes. The process of reaching out to guests, conducting interviews, and editing and publishing episodes requires careful attention to detail and a commitment to providing high-quality content. By promoting your podcast, being a guest on other podcasts, building a dedicated audience, and listening to feedback, you can continuously improve and grow your podcast. Emphasize the importance of inviting guests, highlight the benefits, and commit to delivering valuable content in each episode. Finally, tease future topics and episodes to keep your audience excited and engaged.