17 Ways to Find Podcast Guests

With so many podcasts on the market, it can be challenging to stand out. While high-quality content is crucial, exploring new methods to increase exposure is just as important. Inviting guests to your podcast and selecting the right ones can improve your episode's entertainment while offering an outlet for potential listeners to discover your show.

Featuring guests can be beneficial in many ways. It introduces fresh perspectives, bringing expertise and insights on your podcast’s topic. One of the top benefits is the opportunity to expand your audience to include the fans of the guest you’re hosting, You might ask how you can find new guests when you’ve exhausted your network. Below we will highlight 17 ways to find podcast guests to set apart your show.

1) Use Your Personal Network

The simplest answer would be to look into your network. This can include family, friends, colleagues, social connections, and much more. You never know who in your network might offer valuable insight on your podcast topic.

It’s important to pick someone that has knowledge of your podcast topic and can provide meaningful conversation. Avoid inviting a friend who does not know your topic. Leveraging a personal connection with your guest can help create a natural flow and comfort during the discussion. However, it’s important to stay professional and focused on the topic, avoiding deterring to less relevant topics.

2) Conduct Research

Now, what can you do if no one in your personal network is an option? It’s time to use Google! This may seem weird as you don’t know these people, but you’d be surprised how willing people are to discuss a topic they are passionate about.

Be creative in your Google searches and don’t just stop at the first page of results. Search the topics you want to discuss, look at relevant articles or publications, and much more. You never know when a name attached to one of these search results will become a great fit for your show. Once you have highlighted a few names you like, it’s time to start cold calling.

3) Reach Out to Other Hosts

Naturally, there are other podcast hosts within your category. While you might see them as competitors, they might be willing to help a smaller podcast achieve similar success. Don’t discount this method, it’s worth exploring.

You can reach out to them to see if they can connect you with potential guests from their network or to simply learn more about their approach to finding the right podcast guest.

4) Podcast Production Team

If you don’t have a team that has the time or expertise to work on your podcast, make sure to leverage a B2B podcast agency. You shouldn’t be doing it all on your own. If you partner with a podcast team to help, they can utilize their professional networks, outreach marketing strategies, and time to find someone relevant to your target niche. This will streamline the entire process while allowing your B2B business to grow.

5) Join Mailing Lists

Authors who have written books related to your podcast topic might be seeking new avenues to promote their books. By subscribing to PR mailing lists for these authors, you will be notified of new releases. This is a perfect opportunity to invite an author to be a guest, allowing them to promote their book while offering exclusive insights during the episode.

6) Join Community Platforms

Whether your podcast is about business, fashion, technology, or social news, there are community platforms that exist to connect people interested in those topics. You can find groups on Facebook, Reddit, or smaller platforms that allow people to have discussions, ask questions, and more.

It’s crucial you join these communities to make connections with others and establish your presence in the community. This also provides an outlet for you to discover a podcast guest. You can cold call by making a post on the platform to ask for anyone interested. You can also reach out to frequent posters who seem knowledgeable about the topic.

7) Referrals from Past Guests

Consider reaching out to guests you have hosted in the past, as they likely know others who can offer insights on your podcast topic. This approach is especially effective because they can provide a personal introduction and vouch for you, sharing their positive experience on your show. A referral from a previous guest can go a long way and makes it much more likely for this person to agree to be a guest.

8) Ask Your Listeners

This might seem obvious but ask your listeners. Your listeners can tell you exactly who they want to hear from. This shows your listeners that you care and this will give them a reason to stay loyal to your show all while boosting engagement.

9) Podcast Matchmaking Service

There are many podcast matchmaking services whose sole purpose is to match guests with podcasts. They benefit from an extensive network of potential podcast guests. The downside is that it may take time to find a guest that will be best suited for your show.

10) Social Media Search

Social media is one of the best tools for discovering new people outside your current network. Explore platforms like YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram to find potential guests. Social media provides insight into who these individuals are, their following, the content they create, and more. It also allows you to assess the individual's speaking skills, personality, and ultimately fit for your show.

11) Linkedin

LinkedIn is a platform where people promote themselves and their work. You can see exactly what type of experience each person has. Utilize your personal network on LinkedIn by making a post about your search for a podcast guest. You can also use it to search for individuals working at companies related to your podcast. LinkedIn is a platform for networking so it’s an obvious outlet to make new connections that may serve as podcast guests.

12) Pay Attention to Traditional Media

With the rise of social media, it’s easy to overlook traditional outlets. In the past, people relied on books, newspapers, ads, TV, and similar media. Don’t forget to keep an eye on these sources. You never know when you might discover someone who would be a great fit for your show.

13) Attend Events

Events are happening all around so it’s important you attend these to make a name for yourself. While at these events, there’s potential to make many connections within the industry.

If you host an entrepreneurship podcast, you should consider attending a business conference or a small business convention. Make the most of these events, network, meet new people and stay connected. These are people you can utilize as podcast guests.

14) Professional Associations

Depending on your podcast topic, there may be a professional association related to it. If one exists, reach out as they have a large network of members you can tap into. For instance, if your podcast is focused on the housing market, you could reach out to the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).

15) Research Academic Articles

If your podcast is related to a more sophisticated topic, there are likely academic articles, presentations, or lectures on this topic. As we have mentioned, do your research. While doing research, specifically look for academic articles on platforms such as Google Scholar. This will expose you to individuals who are highly educated on your podcast topic. They could be a great guest that can offer unique insights.

16) Consider Related Businesses

Consider businesses that exist in your field. If your podcast focuses on the beauty industry, look into cosmetic companies. Make note of key individuals within these companies who might be a good fit for your show. Then, LinkedIn will come in handy for researching the individual and reaching out to them.

17) Always Be on The Look Out

One final tip is to always be looking. You never know when you will come across someone who could be a guest on your show. It might be in the most random situation. You could be on social media, talking to a friend, looking at an ad, or anything else. Always be attentive and write down names that could make good guests.

Conclusion

Not every podcast needs to have guests but there is a reason why an interview-style podcast is so popular. They make for engaging content and bring new perspectives. The search for the right guest will take time so don’t rush into it. As you use the tips we have provided to find your first podcast guest, you might just be opening up another outlet for more guests to come.

Written By Kaitlin Duong

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Jony Studios is a content marketing agency specializing in B2B podcasting and audiobook services. They have worked with many clients, from startups to larger organizations such as Penguin Random House, Amazon, University of Waterloo, Freakonomics Radio, and many others.

11 Ways to Optimize Your Podcast SEO

Podcasts have become an essential resource for expanding your business, brand, marketing efforts, and more. As such a vital tool, they have grown in popularity with millions of podcasts created.

The question is, how do you remain competitive and increase your visibility in this crowded space? The answer lies in podcast SEO. You might have heard of SEO for websites, well they are just as important for the success of podcasts.

What is Podcast SEO and Why Is It Important?

Podcast SEO centers on enhancing the visibility and discoverability of your podcast. This involves ensuring your podcast appears at the top of search engine results such as Google when keywords are searched. With an effective SEO strategy, your podcast will be one of the top suggestions for those keywords.

Podcast SEO is important as it elevates your episodes to the top of Google searches and podcast directories such as Apple Podcasts. This will increase the number of listeners and views, and help you to reach new audiences.

One way to implement a lot of the following strategies is to work with a B2B Podcast Partner that can handle the entire process for you, from finding your ideal client to network with as a podcast guest on your show, to building an audience of your ideal customer niche. They can help you host, manage, and create written SEO, audio, and video content from each episode to help grow your business.

In the following, we have compiled a list of 11 ways to optimize your podcast SEO.

1) Research Keywords

One of the most crucial steps is researching keywords. When someone searches for a word, phrase, or question on Google, this is considered a “keyword.” As you continue to publish your episodes, your podcast will become associated with specific keywords, making it more likely to appear in search results when people look for those words.

The ultimate goal is to become a top result for keywords related to your podcast. For example, if you host a beauty podcast, you would aim to rank near the top when people search for “beauty podcasts.” Of course, this can be tough when you are just starting as this will be a very competitive word in the space.

The best strategy is to target keywords with high search volumes but lower competition. This will make it easier for you to rank and gain exposure when first starting. Once you have gained traction, you can target more competitive keywords to expand your reach. You can use tools like Google Ads Keyword Planner or UberSuggest to find the best keywords to use.

2) Optimize Episode Titles

Your episode titles should be clear and concise while accurately reflecting the contents of your episode. Avoid making them long, complicated, or ambiguous. The episode title should tell your audience exactly what you’ll be talking about while intriguing them to listen. The title should feature keywords making it easily searchable and discoverable on search engines.

3) Podcast Description

Your podcast description tells the listener exactly what your podcast will cover. It provides details about the host, expected topics, guests, and much more. The description is a great place to include keywords for SEO serving as text that Google can index to improve your ranking in search results.

4) Create Transcripts

Google is more adept at interpreting text than audio, making transcripts a valuable tool for improving your podcast’s visibility for relevant keywords. These transcripts will allow search engines to better understand your content. They serve as a central hub for everything related to your episode. This can be used on your podcast website to boost promotional efforts. Additionally, transcripts make your content accessible to hard-of-hearing audiences, helping you reach a broader audience.

5) Publish Blog Posts

While not essential, blog posts can significantly enhance your podcast SEO. As previously mentioned, Google tends to interpret text better than audio. Creating blog posts for your podcast episodes provides more text for Google to index, helping you rank higher for relevant keywords.

Since blog posts make up the majority of listed search results, they can further promote your podcast while increasing your chances of ranking in relevant searches. A blog post will also solidify your expertise in the field ultimately boosting your presence and reputation.

6) Podcast Landing Page

A podcast landing page serves as a central hub for all information relating to your podcast. Listeners can find links to your episodes, transcripts, show notes, descriptions, and more. A well-crafted landing page not only strengthens your brand image but also enhances the discoverability of your show. It acts as another link associated with your podcast that can be ranked on Google, improving your overall SEO.

7) Release Youtube Podcasts

Although podcasts are generally audio-based, video podcasts are rising in popularity. Many listeners appreciate the connection they can make when they visually see the hosts and guests. While producing and editing video content takes more time, it can significantly impact your podcast’s success.

As with audio clips, YouTube podcasts require optimization of titles, descriptions, categories, and more. This will appeal to the preferences of potential listeners and boost your discoverability. A bonus is that YouTube videos tend to appear at the top of Google search results, providing an extra visibility boost.

8) Include Timestamps

Podcast episodes can be lengthy, and listeners tune in because they expect to gain something from them—be it education, answers to questions, or other valuable insights. There is always something that draws the listener in. This is where timestamps come into play.

If a listener tunes into your episode to answer a specific question, they will want to know exactly where to find the answer. Timestamps allow you to segment your podcast making it clear when certain topics are covered.

This is a common practice on YouTube where you can break your video into “Chapters” with titles. You can also put these timestamps into the description of your episodes to make it easier for listeners to search for what they are interested in. This increases engagement and provides an opportunity to incorporate keywords into your chapter titles.

9) Promote on Social Media

Utilizing social media for your podcast promotion will help to increase exposure thus generating more traffic to your show. It offers a platform to showcase your expertise, share podcast clips, feature relevant keywords, and more.

Additionally, social media allows you to engage with your audience, build connections, and collaborate with other influencers or podcasters for cross-promotion.

10) Consistent Publishing

Podcasts typically follow a regular release schedule, which is crucial for setting listener expectations. Consistency helps to establish a loyal listener base while enhancing the credibility of your show. The best way to maintain a consistent schedule is to create a publishing schedule that clearly outlines your planned content and when you intend to publish.

11) Leverage Trends

Keeping up with the latest trends is essential, as they often gain traction rapidly and offer valuable opportunities. Staying active on social media and doing your research is key as it will allow you to identify trends that captivate people’s interest. By being an early adopter, you can leverage these trends in your episodes, enhancing their discoverability and boosting engagement.

Conclusion

Podcast SEO is all about making your show discoverable to new listeners on search engines and podcast directories. As discussed, keywords play a crucial role as they appear throughout your titles, descriptions, transcripts, and much more. The effective use of keywords combined with the 11 tips we have provided above will help your podcast improve its discoverability and reach new heights of success.

Written by Kaitlin Duong

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Jony Studios is a content marketing agency specializing in B2B podcasting and audiobook services. They have worked with many clients, from small businesses to larger organizations such as Penguin Random House, Amazon, University of Waterloo, Freakonomics Radio, and many others.

How to Rank on Apple Podcasts Charts

Every podcaster dreams of reaching the top ranks on Apple Podcasts. But how can you achieve this? There's no definitive formula, and it will take time. Several factors influence podcast rankings. Fortunately, you're here, and we'll be exploring some of those factors to help you boost your podcast's rank.

What Is Apple Podcast Charts?

First, what is Apple Podcast Charts? Well, it is used by listeners to discover the most popular podcasts featured on the platform. Similar to Spotify Podcast Charts, Apple groups podcasts into different categories and features the top 200 results within each. Achieving a top rank can bring great success to your show. The goal is to secure a high-ranking spot in a category that best represents your podcast.

How Does Apple Podcast Charts Ranking Work?

Now that we know what Apple Podcast Charts is, how does it actually work? Like any charting system, various factors come into play. Although it’s similar to platforms like Spotify Podcast Charts, each will have a unique ranking system.

The exact algorithm for Apple's rankings is unknown, but many have studied it and identified key contributors. According to studies, the most important factor is the number of subscribers, specifically new subscribers within a certain period of time. A strong subscriber growth rate signals to Apple that many people are currently interested in your show, helping to boost your ranking.

In addition to subscribers, the number of listens is crucial. Listens refer to how often your episodes are played. This indicates how many people are actively engaging with your show rather than just subscribing without listening. Usually, the top-ranked podcasts will have the most listens.

On the topic of listeners, we want to consider engaged listeners. In specific, the completion rate. Those genuinely interested in your show will finish episodes instead of closing them early. This demonstrates that your content is compelling and keeps your audience engaged.

Of course, other factors such as downloads, ratings, reviews, and average consumption also influence rankings. It’s the combination of all these elements that will help you achieve a top rank. Now, let’s look at some specific tips to boost your ranking.

Tips to Improve Your Apple Podcast Ranking

1) Podcast Category

As previously mentioned, Apple ranks podcasts by category. So, you must pick a primary category for your show. While you can choose additional secondary categories, your primary is the one in which you will be ranked. Choose the category that best represents your show to ensure it reaches the right audience.

If you are unsure which category to pick, research your options. Consider the competition, which best aligns with your show, and which will be easier to rank in. Keep in mind that an oversaturated category can make it difficult to rank well. However, avoid straying too far from the category that truly suits your podcast.

2) Quality Content

Attracting someone to your show is one thing, but creating a loyal listener is another. A loyal listener becomes a subscriber and boosts your listens, ratings, downloads, and more. The quality of your content will ultimately sell your show. Factors such as the audio quality, the content itself, the format, and more contribute to the overall quality of your podcast.

To start, choosing the right equipment ensures clear audio, improved sound quality, and a better listening experience. Investing in the right equipment requires time and research.

The content you share is crucial as well. You need to understand your target audience and what they want to see. If you truly understand your audience, you can cater your topics to their needs thus creating compelling content they will enjoy.

Finally, the way you present your information shapes an engaging episode. Whether you use interview styles, storytelling techniques, or roundtable formats, these methods enhance the quality and professionalism of your content. Think about your audience, and what formats will be most appealing to them.

3) Cover Art

One of the first things people notice about your podcast is the cover art, so it needs to be eye-catching. Ensure it is simple and high-quality; avoid pixelated images. It should also be mobile-friendly and maintain clarity on smaller screens. The artwork should also clearly depict what your show will be about. Consider all the places your cover art will appear and ensure it looks good across all mediums. Your cover art is what will draw people in. From there, the content will establish a rating in the listeners mind.

4) SEO

Many people overlook the importance of SEO for a podcast, but it is just as crucial as it is for a website. If you want to grow your subscriber base and popularity, discoverability is key.

You want people to find your podcast when they search for words or topics related to your show. Ignoring SEO significantly impacts your podcast’s chances of being discovered through Google Search, which is one of the best ways to gain exposure for a show that people aren't yet aware of. Thus, you need to consider SEO for your podcast’s title, description, artwork, and more.

As an example, you most likely found this article via Google organically - proof that SEO works! We're a specialized B2B podcasting company dedicated to creating and managing podcasts that not only resonate with your audience but also get noticed. If you are part of a medium or large business and want to partner with us, you can learn more about how you can use B2B podcasting to elevate your brand, generate valuable content, and drive revenue growth here.

5) Ratings and Reviews

Just like with anything we buy, use, or watch, we often check reviews. Ratings and reviews give us an idea of how good a podcast will be. A show with poor ratings and reviews will likely deter potential listeners, while good reviews and ratings will attract them.

It can be difficult to collect enough reviews when you are just starting. That is why many will consider incentives to encourage listeners to leave ratings and reviews. Consider doing a giveaway or offering a freebie. Additionally, make it easy for your listeners to leave a review by reminding them during your episodes and providing direct links to the review section.

6) Social Media

Social media is a fantastic marketing tool. Social media will allow you to connect with your audience through replying to comments, sharing stories, posting sneak peeks and much more. Through this, you can have genuine conversations and build a loyal listener base. It’s also a great way of establishing a brand for yourself and your expertise within your podcast category.

A strong social media presence can help you to gain exposure ultimately driving new listeners to your podcast. You can even reach out to influencers to help promote your podcast as well. For example, if you have a cooking podcast, you should collaborate with a cooking influencer. You need to be thoughtful in how you craft your social media strategy. Consider your audience and how they use social media to interact. You can also share exclusive content, host giveaways, and more.

7) Monitor Progress

Even after all these steps, you still need to monitor your progress. Looking at your podcast analytics will highlight areas that may need adjustments. This enables you to make improvements and potentially enhance your ranking even more. Apple provides a tool called Podcast Connect where you can submit your show to Apple Podcasts. This tool offers analytics and data on your episode performance allowing you to pinpoint potential impediments to your ranking.

8) Consistency

With all this in mind, remember to stay consistent. Building a successful podcast requires time and dedication. Keep producing high-quality content, engaging with your audience, and optimizing your show's performance. It’s an ongoing process but if you stick with it, you will see results over time.

Conclusion

While we may never fully understand Apple's ranking algorithm, we've painted a clear picture above based on our insights. You have worked hard and made it this far. After following these steps, you’ll be climbing those charts in no time.

Written by Kaitlin Duong

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Jony Studios is a client-focused media production studio offering audio/video production, B2B podcasting, and audiobook services. They have worked with a wide range of clients from small businesses to larger organizations such as Penguin Random House, Amazon, University of Waterloo, Freakonomics Radio and many others.