The Art of Reaching Out: How to Optimize Your Ability to Get Guest Speakers
In a recent episode of Podcasting Secrets, I had the opportunity to speak with Laura Lopuch, a cold email and pitch expert who has helped numerous clients grow their businesses using these strategies. Laura has written for renowned websites like Copyhackers and has grown her own business exponentially using cold email and pitching techniques.
Throughout the episode, Nathan and Laura introduce you to the world of cold email pitching, discussing the secrets to successfully pitching to guests for your podcast. They explore how podcasters can take control of their show's direction by proactively reaching out to potential guests and crafting unique pitches that yield results.
We will be providing you with tips and strategies to optimize your ability to secure amazing guest speakers for your podcast. Whether you're looking to showcase diverse perspectives, fill content gaps, or bring star power to your show, mastering the art of the pitch is essential for any podcaster looking to elevate their game and skyrocket their growth.
1. Understand the Power of Cold Email Pitching
A cold email is the act of sending an email to a stranger, asking them to take a specific action. In the context of podcasting, it means reaching out to potential guests and inviting them to appear on your show. It can seem intimidating at first, but cold email pitching can be an incredibly powerful tool for podcasters looking to take control of their guest selection process.
By proactively reaching out to guests, you can ensure that the people appearing on your podcast are the right fit for your audience. Instead of relying on applications or waiting for the perfect guest to come to you, cold email pitching allows you to have more of a say in the guests you have on your show so you can provide the most value to your listeners.
Moreover, cold emails give you the opportunity to connect with high-profile guests who may not have otherwise have considered appearing on your show. By crafting a compelling pitch that speaks directly to their interests, goals, and expertise, you can increase your chances of landing that dream guest and bringing a fresh voice to your audience.
2. What’s In It For Them?
The key to a successful cold email pitch lies in its ability to capture the recipient's attention and convince them that appearing on your podcast is a valuable opportunity. Laura Lopuch shared her proven framework for writing compelling cold emails, which includes starting with a specific compliment, clearly communicating the value proposition, and focusing on what's in it for the recipient.
When crafting your pitch, take the time to research your potential guest and find something specific to compliment them on. Whether it's a recent article they've written, a talk they gave at a conference, or a project they've launched, showing that you've taken a genuine interest in their work can go a long way in establishing a connection and making your pitch stand out.
Then, clearly communicate the value proposition of your podcast and why you believe the recipient would be a great fit. Highlight the unique aspects of your show, such as your target audience, the topics you cover, and the benefits guests typically experience after appearing on your podcast. Be sure to focus on what's in it for them, whether it's exposure to a new audience, the opportunity to share their expertise, or the chance to promote their latest project.
3. Avoid Common Pitching Mistakes
While crafting a compelling pitch is essential, it's equally important to avoid common mistakes that can quickly derail your efforts. One of the biggest mistakes made is being vague or unclear in your pitches. Using generic phrases like "grow your brand" or "increase your exposure" without providing specific details can leave potential guests feeling intrigued and unsure of what to expect.
Another common mistake is failing to personalize your pitch. Sending a generic, copy-and-paste email to every potential guest is a surefire way to have your message ignored or deleted. Instead, take the time to tailor your pitch to each potential guest, showing that you've done your research and understand why they would be a great fit for your show.
Don't let the fear of rejection hold you back from sending your pitches. While not every potential guest will say yes, every "no" brings you one step closer to a "yes." View rejections as opportunities to learn and refine your approach, and don't be afraid to politely follow up if you don't hear back right away.
4. Leverage Social Proof and Credibility
When pitching potential guests, it's important to leverage social proof and credibility to demonstrate the value of their interaction with your podcast. Social proof can come in many forms, such as:
- Testimonials from previous guests
- Statistics on your podcast's download numbers or audience size
- Mentions of notable individuals or industry leaders who have appeared on your show
- Awards or recognition your podcast has received
By incorporating social proof into your pitch, you can help potential guests see the tangible benefits of appearing on your show and increase their confidence in saying yes.
Establishing your credibility as a host and podcaster can go a long way in convincing potential guests to appear on your show. This can include highlighting your expertise in the topic or industry your podcast covers, sharing your experience as a host or interviewer, or mentioning any relevant training or education you've received. Also, note that you do not need to include everything that makes you credible. Pick a few you feel will help you appeal more to the potential guest.
5. Follow Up and Build Relationships
Finally, don't underestimate the power of following up and keeping in touch with potential guests. While your initial pitch may not always result in an immediate yes, keeping the lines of communication open can lead to future opportunities down the road.
If a potential guest declines your initial invitation, respond graciously and ask if you can reach out again in the future. If they express interest but are unable to commit due to scheduling conflicts, offer to work around their availability and keep them in mind for future episodes.
Additionally, take the time to build genuine relationships with your guests before and after they appear on your show. Share their work on social media, offer to make introductions to other individuals in your network, and keep them updated on the impact their episode has had on your audience. By fostering these relationships, you increase the likelihood of guests recommending your podcast to their colleagues and network, leading to even more opportunities for successful growth.
You Can Start Now!
Mastering the art of cold email pitching is essential for any podcaster looking to start expanding their platform and skyrocket their show's growth. By understanding the power of proactive outreach, crafting irresistible pitches, avoiding common mistakes, leveraging social proof and credibility, and building relationships with guests, you can take control of your podcast's destiny and secure the amazing speakers your audience won't wait to hear!
So what are you waiting for? Start putting these strategies into action and begin reaching out to potential guests today. With a little practice and persistence, you'll be well on your way to optimizing your ability to get guest speakers and taking your podcast to the next level!
Key Takeaways:
1. Start a cold pitch email with an authentic, specific compliment to capture attention and help them keep reading.
2. Clearly state why you are reaching out to them early on. Be direct.
3. Answer the question "What's in it for them?" to compel interest. Articulate the benefits of being on your show.
4. Provide social proof, like great audience engagement metrics or testimonials that indicate why they should come on your show.
5. Follow up two days after your initial outreach, then taper follow-ups over the next week. Experiment with timing.
6. Don't let fear of rejection stop you from pitching your dream guests. Rejection is usually never personal.
7. Survey your audience to better understand your value proposition to articulate to guests.
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Thanks for joining us for this episode. I wish you success as you invite guests onto your show.
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