How To Book Podcast Guests With Instagram
Are you an indie podcaster who’s looking for ways to find and connect with potential podcast guests? If so, I’m about to hook you up. I developed a system for finding, connecting, and booking amazing podcast guests.
Keeping reading to learn how to book podcast guests via Instagram. To hear some of the guests I’ve booked using this system, check out my podcast, Clipped.
In this article I’ll be breaking down how I book podcast guest with Instagram.
Building An Instagram Community Is Key
As an indie podcaster, finding and reaching out to potential podcast guests is essential for expanding your podcast’s reach and increasing your audience engagement. Having engaging guests on your podcast can help you attract new listeners and build your reputation as a go-to source for informative and entertaining content.
Plus, it adds a ton of value to your listeners. By having the right guests on your podcast you can create conversations that will draw in listeners and get them excited about your show.
You’ll reap all these benefits while giving yourself more credibility within your niche.
Most importantly, you’re going to get to connect with some awesome people. You never know, you might end up building some lasting relationships along the way.
By giving an influential person a platform you’re opening doors to future collaborations, new opportunities, and quite possibly some lasting friendships. You’re likely to learn a ton of new things as well.
What I’m trying to say here is that it’s a win-win-win. A win for your guest, a win for you, and a win for your audience.
How To Leverage Your Podcast On Instagram
I book all my podcast guests through Instagram, because Instagram is a great place to meet people. Social Media can often feel one-sided, which is unfortunate because Social Media was designed to connect humans.
It sounds strange, I know, but if you use social media to actually network you can quickly expand the reach of your mission.
Sadly, these days it feels like Social Media pulls people apart. It seems to create comparison issues, anxiety, FOMO, and other mental health problems.
But, I’m here to tell you that if you switch your mindset and start looking at Instagram as a place to build relationships, you can connect with a lot of great people that can positively impact your life, your podcast, and your business.
I love that old saying, “Your network is your net worth”. Use Social Media as a tool, don’t become IT’S tool.
In any case, Instagram is where it all starts for me. Some people use booking agencies, cold emails, or LinkedIn. There’s nothing wrong with any of those approaches.
You should do what works for you.
I just wanted to share my guest booking strategy, which is sliding into DM’s on Instagram.
How To Book Podcast Guests on Instagram
1. Find potential guests on Instagram and start interacting with their content.
2. Connect through a personalized message via Direct Message (DM).
3. Send a voice memo inviting them to be on the podcast.
My buddy Zack. I booked him as a guest on my podcast, CLIPPED.
How To Find Podcast Guests on Instagram
I don’t just randomly slide into people’s DMs and I don’t recommend that you do that. First, I look for people that I think would be good guests.
These candidates are typically content creators of some kind.
Perhaps they’re podcasters or have a business that’s connected to podcasting.
Sometimes the algorithm pushes these people into my feeds, other times I’ll search the hashtags for words like, “podcasting”, “content creator”, “online marketing”, “podcast production”, etc…
If I come across people that I find interesting. I’ll follow them. I’m doing this to get a feel for what they do, who they are, and what their business model is.
I’ll study them for a few weeks or a few months. If they continue to inspire me after a while it’s usually because they have unique messages or unique positioning in the content creator space.
At this point, I’ll start liking their posts.
Engagement Is Crucial
This happens slowly. I’m not liking everything that they put out, I’m not THAT thirsty. But If I genuinely like something I show my support with a heart.
First and foremost, the goal is to support content creators. A lot of the people I’m following are legit cool people. They’re putting out good content and I enjoy seeing their posts.
Whether or not they up end coming on Clipped is secondary to my overall goal of building community.
How To Connect With Potential Guests
I start off by liking posts and leaving comments. After this goes on for a while, it’s possible that this person will have liked one of my comments or commented back.
Maybe they know I exist, or maybe they have so many followers that they can’t keep track of their fans. I’m good with it either way. I don’t harp on whether or not they’ve reciprocated any of my comments or any of my likes.
If they have reciprocated, and over time we’ve created a little rapport, I’ll take the communication one step further and hit them with a DM (Direct Message).
Connecting Through Direct Messages
Keep the message light and friendly. Tell them what you’ve learned from their content or bring up a relatable story. The goal with this is to take the connection a little further.
By messaging them with something little personable, the door to a genuine connection is slowly starting to open.
It may take some time for them to get back to you, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear anything right away. If they don’t respond after a few days you can try sending a follow-up message, or just move on.
Typically, I’ll still follow them even if they don’t respond. I’ll also continue to like their content if I genuinely like what I keep seeing.
If I like something, I like it.
No need to make it weird and not show support if secretly you think their content is rad.
If they hit you back then chit chat and chop it up with them. Personally, I love when people message me with real questions or comments about my work.
I enjoy talking about content creation, giving tips, hearing other creators journey’s, discussing equipment, creative processes, etc… So, If they got back to you, it’s likely they appreciated your message and are down to chat.
If both of you are vibing and the back and forth feels right, it’s time to ask them to be a guest on your podcast.
My Special Sauce
Are you ready for my special sauce?
I pitch them to come on my podcast via voice memo in their DM. Gotta make it personal, don’t just write something out. Show your personality, and shoot your shot.
Start by introducing yourself and explaining why you think they would be a great addition to your podcast. Explain how your audience will benefit from hearing their tips, stories, and philosophies.
Let them know how much you appreciate their content. Sharing your enthusiasm for their work is a must!
I record a voice memo, because voice memos are a great way to connect on a more personal level. Additionally, voice memos can help the guest get a sense of your vibe.
This will help them decide if they actually want to be a part of your podcast.
Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Oh, and make sure you provide a link to your podcast so that they can check it out. Be sure to have some fun. Its Social Media and podcasting, there’s no need to take this too seriously.
If they’re feeling you, your content, and your podcast, they’ll probably be down to come on your show.
But, If they’re over it, they’re over it. Don’t worry, there are plenty of guests out there that will resonate with you and the platform you’re offering them.
Keep these tips in mind when recording your voice memo and you’ll be sure to make a great impression.
If they accept you invite, make sure you grab their email address and coordinate a date/time. Once this is locked in, send them a calendar invite and an additional email with all the info they’ll for the show.
Improve Your Guest Booking Technique
Finding and connecting with potential podcast guests is essential for any indie podcaster looking to grow their podcast and reach a wider audience.
By following the three strategies outlined in this post, you can successfully reach out to potential guests and start building relationships.
With the right approach and enthusiasm you can find guests that will help make your podcast a success. Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to reach out to some heavy hitting guests that you think may be out of reach.
Its Social Media for chrissakes. You’ve got to be bold if you want to make it in the podcast space. Shoot your shot and don’t look back. You’d be surprised at how stoked people get when you offer them a platform.
I’d love to hear how you apply The DM Method to book guests.
Leave me a comment on how it went for you, or drop in any questions you want me to answer.
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Listen To My Podcast Clipped – A Podcast Teaching Podcasting
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