If you are a new podcaster but you are ready to bring on guests to your show, I have a few tips to share that you should know before you do

Interviews are one of the most popular forms of podcast episodes and because podcasting is relatively new to most, being asked to be a guest is exciting, however, you want to make sure that each guest is bring value to your show and to your audience, as they are what is going to make or break your show.

In this episode I am talking about why you cannot relinquish control of your show especially as a newbie or it just might become one of those episodes that “gets lost in production” as well as a few pointers for booking guests.

Like I said, when you are looking for guests, make sure they fit the niche of the show and are providing value to your listeners. You don’t just want to bring on a guest just because they are “rich and famous” unless their last name is Obama or Winfrey - just kidding. Hey, you might even get James Carville on your show if it’s political because he too is launching a podcast - we are stompin' with the big dogs now.

Anywho, if you are interviewing guests, make sure to lay the ground rules and don’t let them take over your show because once you lose control you might be able to bring them back.

Oftentimes, even if you’ve known your guest for a period of time or have heard them interviewed on another podcast, they might try to hijack your show and that definitely is a no no.

My previous podcasts “Out and About with Antionette” were scripted interview style shows, I alway sent the Q&A’s to my guest prior to the show along with a guest release, however, it was always notated that even with the scripted Q&A’s there would be some ad-libbing, because you to make sure that you are delivering what you have promised your listeners no matter what and you do want to allow for some good storytelling to keep everyone engaged.

Finding podcast guests can be a struggle at first, but podcasting is still considered to be a new medium and a lot of people would be excited to be guests on your show.

So when you put out a call to find your guests, whether you are searching on LinkedIn using the appropriate hashtags or asking memes in your Facebook and Twitter podcast communities, be sure you let people know the type of show that you have as well as the topics of which you are seeking so you both know the criteria before you book them onto your show.

Remember, you don’t have to put anything or anyone on it that you don’t want to and 2 no-no’s - don’t pay nor charge guests!

Once you have chosen your guests and scheduled the interview, send them Guest Release form which you can create in Google Docs along with a release statement include questions such as:

Preferred name/Preferred title/Organization/Bio/Headshot/Topics to talk about/Links to website and social media platform

Recording remotely can be a challenge and nerve racking, but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from interviewing guests on the go. I am going to leave the link in the show notes to an article by Descript.com that provides information on How to Record a Podcast Remotely and Get it Right the First Time.

I have a few tip sheets for podcasters and podcast guests, so send an email to info@ablakeenterprises.com and I’ll send you a copy and you can also register for the Podcasting Your Purpose Coaching Session!

Self Care for Podcasters - Eps. #233

Delaware Blogger PodcastBy Antionette BlakeNov 21, 2020