According to Back Link there are over 500 million podcasts listeners worldwide. The podcast business currently is a 23-billion-dollar industry with projections it could reach 100 billion by 2030.

Numbers don’t lie, podcasts could be one of the top ways to grow your author brand and ultimately sell more books. But there are some strategic decisions you can make that will help you get the most out of the host’s time.

In this post, I’m going to discuss :

• What is a podcast?
• Why authors should be on podcasts.
• How to find podcasts to pitch to.
• How to pitch yourself to podcasts.
• How to prepare for your podcast interview.
• Best practices during the interview.
• Best practices after the interview.

What is a Podcast?

Podcasts are audio platforms that share either information, ideas, or stories. Most podcasts hit around the 30 minute-mark which is the average commute for a driver to work. Many regular podcast listeners average around seven or more hours a week. Plenty of time to get your information into their eager ears!

Why Authors Should Be on Podcasts

Podcasts exploded during COVID. Currently (depending on the stats you research) there are billions of podcasts in the information and entertainment landscape. Podcasts allow listeners to learn about you and your book while doing other things. It’s one of the only mediums that lends itself to that audience—busy but interested.

Additionally, being a guest on someone else’s podcast is about the easiest form of marketing an author can do. You show up, talk, and after the host does most of the rest of the work!

How to Find Podcasts to Pitch

There are several ways to find podcasts to be on. But before you start looking, nail down your writing genre and genius zone.

Examples—Your niche genre, your unique path to publication, your unique writing routines, themes from your book, specific plot elements or character characteristics, topics you are good at, etc.

Search Podcast Platforms—Visit Apple Podcasts or Spotify and search the type of podcasts you’d like to be on.

Google Search—If your book is about true crime, google true crime podcasts. If your book is romantasy, same. Simply searching the internet for different terms is a great way to find podcast.

Matchmaker.fm—Matchmaker is a great platform that matches podcasts with guests. I’ve scored several guests and podcast interviews through this platform.

How to Pitch Yourself to a Podcast

When you pitch yourself to any podcast, my best advice is to personalize the email. I get so many emails that just feel copy and pasted. And guess what, I typically don’t read them. But when someone emails me that they’ve either listened to my podcast to pitch as a guest, or researched me to be a guest on theirs, it feels more authentic.

Additionally, follow their submission guidelines. If they have a pitch portal use it. If they prefer email go that route. Be sure to deliver all the information they request so they can vet if you are good fit for their platform and audience.

Above all, show how you can serve their audience. That’s what podcasts hosts are ultimately looking for.

How to Prepare For Your Podcast Interview

Logistics

As far as logistics, the host will likely provide you some direction such as needing headphones, a microphone, a quiet place to record, platform they use, etc. But if they don’t, these are all still things that will help the recording sound best. Built-in microphones on computers and cell phones won’t have a crisp sound. I also recommend turning off fans, air conditioners, not recording in a kitchen with running appliances, etc. Additionally, recording in a carpeted room helps for best acoustics.

Best Practices

Listen to some of their previous episodes. This a good idea for multiple reasons. One, you’ll know their interview style. Two, you can comment on a previous episode. This shows YOU have also done YOUR research.

Best Practices During Your Podcast Interview

1. Show up on time.
2. Thank the host.
3. At some point, comment on one of their previous episodes.
4. Shout out to others relevant to the interview so you can tag them later.
5. Don’t talk the whole time about your book.
6. Share tips that serve the host’s audience.
7. Offer a giveaway to the host’s audience if you can.

Best Practices After Your Podcast Interview

1. Share it on social media.
2. Tag the host and anyone you shout out during the interview.
3. Post graphics of relevant quotes.
4. Email the host and thank them.
5. Create a blog post on your website sharing the episode.
6. Create an audio graphic such as a Headliner and offer a teaser of the episode.

In closing, podcasts are one of the best ways to promote your author brand (ultimately leading to more book sales). If you personalize your pitches, show up authentically, and work to serve the audience of the podcast of which you are a guest on you will accomplish all of the above and them some!

You got this!

For a great resource, check out Michelle Glogovac’s new book, HOW TO GET ON PODCASTS.

If this was helpful to you, please like, comment, share or all three. It will help other authors find content to help them grow their author brand.

Thanks!

Amy