The salient point of this podcast episode centers on the imperative of presenting oneself authentically and effectively when seeking to be featured as a guest on a podcast. I elucidate the essential strategies for successful podcast guest outreach, emphasizing that the most compelling pitches are those that prioritize the needs and interests of the host and their audience, rather than merely showcasing the guest's credentials. I draw upon my extensive experience as a co-host on numerous podcasts to underscore the importance of research, value proposition, and ease of collaboration in securing guest appearances. Furthermore, I advocate for the necessity of articulating one's unique perspective, which transcends conventional expertise and fosters a deeper emotional connection with listeners. Ultimately, I encourage aspiring podcast guests to craft their narratives thoughtfully, thereby enhancing their chances of being invited to share their insights on diverse platforms.

The narrative unfolds with an exploration of the pivotal question: how does one successfully secure a position as a guest on a podcast? I begin by asserting that the crux of effective outreach lies in the ability to convey authenticity and value, rather than resorting to generic pitches that fail to engage the host or their audience. A successful outreach strategy must be underpinned by a genuine understanding of the podcast's content and the specific interests of its listeners. By taking the time to listen to previous episodes and identifying moments that resonate, potential guests can craft pitches that are not only personalized but also relevant, thereby significantly enhancing their chances of acceptance.

As I delve into the nuances of podcast guest outreach, I delineate three essential strategies that are instrumental in navigating this landscape. The first strategy emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research before reaching out, advocating for the inclusion of specific references from past episodes in one's pitch. Such meticulous attention to detail showcases a genuine interest in the podcast and positions the potential guest as someone who values the host's work. The second strategy revolves around leading with value, wherein I encourage aspiring guests to highlight their unique insights and the tangible benefits they can offer the audience, rather than merely listing credentials. This approach not only piques the host's interest but also fosters a collaborative spirit that is crucial for successful podcasting. Lastly, I stress the significance of making the host's job easier by providing tailored conversation topics and promotional materials, thereby facilitating a smooth and efficient collaboration.

In conclusion, I urge listeners to engage in introspective reflection regarding the personal stories and experiences that shape their professional identities. By articulating these narratives in their outreach efforts, individuals can cultivate deeper connections with hosts and resonate with audiences on an emotional level. This emphasis on personal storytelling, I contend, is the key to distinguishing oneself in the competitive arena of podcast guesting, transforming a simple pitch into a compelling narrative that captivates and engages.

Takeaways:

• The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of marketing oneself before promoting products or services.
• Hosts appreciate when potential guests conduct thorough research on their podcast before outreach.
• A successful pitch should focus on the unique insights a guest can provide to the audience.
• Including specific conversation topics can significantly ease the host's preparation process.
• Building a personal brand through podcast appearances can be more impactful than traditional advertising.
• Listeners of podcasts tend to engage more deeply than social media audiences, resulting in better connection.

Links referenced in this episode:

• weswyatt.com
• marketyoufirst.com

This is Market YOU First.

Market YOU First.

It's time to learn to sell what you bring to the table,

not what you're selling.

This is Market YOU First.

This is your host, Wes Wyatt.

Hey everybody, this is Wes Wyatt, and this is the Market YOU First podcast.

How do you get guests onto your podcast?

It's the big question. It's the thing that people want to know.

You know, I do this alone, but here's the thing.

You could send out a hundred pitch emails, and guess what?

The ones that are going to get response, you know,

aren't going to be the longest or the most polished.

They're going to be the ones that show a genuine personality

and solve a real problem for the host.

Okay, and that is the person that you can bring on that gives you great information.

So today, I'm going to pull back the curtain on what actually works

in the podcast guest outreach world.

Now, I can talk about this from authority,

because I have been a co-host on well over 200 podcasts

with my buddy Randy Chaffee on the Building Wins "LIVE" podcast.

And I can tell you that the people that we bring on

are people that are from the industry of building,

but also in the side of, I guess, what we'll call wins.

Okay, so even though those people that are in the industry

are going to be able to provide absolutely great information

and tips and tricks about, you know, whatever industry they're in,

whether it be, in their case, you know, it could be a cupola,

it could be a roof, it could be a, you know,

posts for a barn or a barn dominium or something like that.

It could be screws, it could be nuts, it could be a million other things, okay,

in the building industry.

Those people are outstanding and they're great,

and they do have wins and little nuggets and things like that

that they can provide.

But the people that come on that are authors and motivational coaches

and speakers and authors and just all sorts of other things,

they provide other things.

Okay, so you might be asking yourself, why does all this matter?

Well, getting featured on podcasts is one of the most powerful ways

to build out your personal brand without spending a dime on advertising,

especially if a podcast doesn't charge you to be on, you know,

and that is something that if they have a gigantic reach,

might be beneficial to you, but I would say avoid that

unless the juice is worth the squeeze.

So when you speak directly to a targeted audience

that already trusts that host,

you're going to instantly borrow their credibility.

So like I said, if it is somebody that has, you know, a gigantic reach,

then yeah, you might want to pay to be on their podcast.

But here's the thing, most podcast pitches fail

because they focus entirely on what the guest wants

and not what the host and the audience need.

You know, so whether you're starting out as a side hustle,

you're scaling an established business,

being a podcast guest is going to put you in front of new audiences

who are actively looking for solutions that you provide.

And unlike the social media where people will kind of scroll past

and, you know, kind of lose track in seconds,

podcast listeners stick around for 30, 60, even 90 minutes, okay?

And that's an invaluable attention that you simply can't buy.

So you need to know how to get booked,

and that's exactly what we're going to talk about today.

And so here are three key takeaways that can help you with that.

These are by no means the end all, be all,

but they're going to be a great place to start.

And that is number one, research before reaching out.

So don't send out generic pitches to 50 shows at once.

Listen to at least one full episode of each podcast that you target.

And in your outreach, mention a specific moment

from that episode that resonated with you.

You know, the hosts are going to immediately recognize

when someone's done their homework

and put some, you know, probably 90% ahead

of the other pitches that they get.

You know, you don't want someone to come on,

and then when you say something about your podcast,

they go, oh, I've never listened,

or I don't know anything about that, okay?

Number two, lead with value, not your bio.

Start with your pitch by explaining what unique insight

or solution that you bring to the audience.

Save your impressive background for later.

Instead of I'm a marketing expert with 15 years of experience

try something like, I've discovered three

counterintuitive email strategies that have doubled open rates

for 27 businesses in the last quarter,

and I'd love to share them with your audience.

I mean, could you imagine hearing that?

You'd be like, yeah, I want to hear that.

I want my audience to hear it.

Number three, make the host's job easy.

Include a three to five specific conversation topics

or questions that the host could ask you.

You know, one of the things that we always try to ask,

and I want to give a shout out to Mike Koenigs for this,

he talks about going through and having a S-A-Q

instead of an F-A-Q.

So instead of a frequently asked question, the F-A-Q,

he asks S-A-Qs, which are should ask questions.

And I don't know if Mike come up with that,

but he's the one I always attribute to it

because he's the one I learned it from first.

And so you ask essentially, or say the thing

that you wish people would ask you but don't.

Okay, so offer to create custom graphics

for the social media promotion.

Have a one sheet that talks about your information.

Have your bio picture already ready.

Things like that.

The easier you make it for them to say yes,

the more likely that they will.

So how do you Market YOU First and make this personal?

Okay, the most successful podcast guests

don't pitch themselves as experts.

They pitch their unique perspective.

And so what is your angle that no one else has?

Maybe it's the unconventional career path that you took,

the surprising research, finding a change

that you were able to get in your life.

Or maybe it's a personal story that drives your passion.

For example, if you're a financial advisor,

don't just pitch your credentials.

Instead, share how growing up in a family

that struggled with debt shaped your unique approach

to money management.

Your personal story is gonna create emotional connection

that raw expertise just can't touch.

So remember, podcasts are intimate, all right?

Listeners feel like they're eavesdropping

on a conversation between friends.

And your personality is the differentiator in that, okay?

So I just want you to know that you need

to always Market YOU First.

So here's your call to action.

Take 20 minutes a day and write down

your unique origin story, okay?

What personal experience drives your work?

What unconventional path led you here?

This isn't your bio.

This is the emotional heart of why you do what you do.

So once you have this clarity,

incorporate it into your very next podcast pitch email

and watch your response rate climb.

And if you have found any of this to be helpful,

don't forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe.

After you're listening to this podcast,

go to weswyatt.com, scroll down

to where you can put in your name and your email address

and subscribe to our insider emails.

I'll provide you with all the tips, tricks,

and nuggets I find.

If you have questions, go to that same page, weswyatt.com,

scroll down to the bottom right

where you'll see a little thought bubble.

That is my chat feature.

I don't monitor that live,

but I'll get back to you very promptly.

And last but certainly not least,

visit weswyatt.com forward slash disclaimer

for important context regarding this

and all podcasts, posts, and info I provide.

And I can't thank you enough for being part

of another episode of the Market YOU First podcast.

And until we talk next time, have a DYNAMITE day.

You've been listening to the Market YOU First podcast.

You are the most important thing you can sell.

We hope you've gotten some useful

and practical information from the show.

Make sure to like, rate, and review the show.

And we'll be back soon.

But to find the show notes

and everything about the Market YOU First podcast,

visit marketyoufirst.com.

On behalf of your host, Wes Wyatt,

and the whole Market YOU First team,

have a DYNAMITE day.