Did you get booked as a guest on your first podcast? Learn how to prepare, deliver value, and make a great impression with these quick, essential tips for a successful guest appearance.
Podcasts are great tools for helping your personal brand, business, or coaching platform grow. Whether you're a health coach, entrepreneur, or wellness expert, being a guest on a podcast gives you direct access to an engaged audience and positions you as an authority in your field.
If you’ve just landed your first podcast guest spot, congrats! That’s a big win. Now, it’s time to make sure you’re 100% prepared to deliver value, sound professional, and leave a lasting impression.Here are a few key tips to get you podcast-ready:
It would be best if you research the show before the recording. Listen to at least 2–3 full episodes, ideally ones that are similar to the topic you’ll be discussing.
Pay attention to:
This insight will help you speak in a way that aligns with the show's vibe and helps you come off as prepared, not just another guest checking a box.
This isn’t a TED Talk, it’s a conversation. While you should prepare key points and examples to share, avoid treating it like a formal presentation.Most hosts want their guests to bring stories, authenticity, and value, not overly rehearsed scripts.
That said, it’s smart to jot down:
Your message is important, but your sound quality matters just as much. If listeners can’t hear you clearly or if there’s too much background noise, they’ll tune out, even if your insights are gold.
Here’s your basic podcast tech checklist:
💡 Pro tip: Do a test recording on Zoom or your podcast platform beforehand to check your setup.
Reach out ahead of the recording to clarify a few things:
Knowing the format helps you tailor your prep. Some hosts prefer a casual, off-the-cuff approach, while others want guests to stay within a structured format. Either way, getting on the same page ensures a smoother recording.
You’ll almost always be asked something like, “So, tell us a bit about who you are.” Don’t wing it.
Craft a 30- to 60-second intro that briefly covers:
This is a great time to mention your brand, the clients you serve, and the results you help people achieve. Think of it like your mini elevator pitch, clear, confident, and compelling.Also, be ready to share a personal story. Podcasts thrive on emotion and connection, so telling a short story about how you got into your field, overcame a challenge, or helped a client transform their life will help listeners remember you.
What should listeners do after hearing your episode?If the host lets you plug your business, don’t be shy, just keep it concise and relevant.
Consider offering:
Make sure your call to action matches the topic of the podcast and provides value. And always give the URL out loud, podcast listeners often hear episodes while multitasking, so clarity matters.
Being a great guest doesn’t end when the mic turns off. Once the episode drops, share it widely across your social media, email list, and even your website.
Tag the host, pull a few key quotes for captions, and thank them publicly. Appreciation helps grow your credibility and also strengthens your relationship with the show’s audience and host.
💡 Bonus tip: Add the podcast to your media or press section on your website; each appearance builds authority!
Your first podcast booking is just the beginning. Each guest spot is a chance to reach new people, share your story, and grow your brand. By putting in the prep work, you’ll feel more confident, sound more polished, and make sure your first podcast isn’t your last.
So grab your mic, run through your notes, and get ready to hit record, you’ve got this.
If you're based in Austin, we look forward to seeing you in our Podcast studios soon! Check out this link for more information on Just Push Record Studios.
Whether you’re launching a new podcast or taking your current one to the next level, we’re here to help. Book a session at either of our studios today and keep creating!
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