If you’ve ever pondered the secret sauce behind successful podcasts, you’ve probably stumbled upon one common factor—amazing guests. Whether it’s industry experts, thought leaders, or intriguing personalities, guests are the lifeblood of any podcast. They enrich the content, broaden the appeal, and often help to grow your audience. But the question remains: How do you attract these fantastic people to your show?
Mark Savant: The Man Behind the Mic
Mark Savant, The founder of podcast production agency Mark Savant Media and the host of the globally ranked “After Hours Entrepreneur,” Mark Savant is a name that resonates in the podcasting industry. He has hosted notable guests such as Eric Sue and Neil Patel on his podcast, and we were curious to learn how he managed to attract such high-profile figures. Mark’s journey from working in an insurance agency to becoming a successful podcaster is nothing short of inspiring.
Strategies for Attracting Notable Guests
Mark shared his strategies for landing big guests on his podcast. He emphasized the importance of getting on the radar of these companies and individuals, which can be challenging due to their size. Mark suggested going where the “underpriced attention” is, such as Instagram threads or Clubhouse, to connect with potential guests. He shared how he followed and engaged with the people he wanted on his show, eventually leading to podcast interviews with them.
Mark also highlighted the significance of making guests feel important and reaching new audiences when approaching them. He advised having a professional digital presence, including active social media accounts, to showcase credibility. Additionally, Mark recommended leveraging any strengths or resources, such as a large email list or previous notable guests, to attract potential guests.
It’s All About Connections
It’s often said that your network is your net worth, and this couldn’t be more accurate in the podcasting world. Mark shared how he connects with potential guests through Instagram threads. By being genuinely engaged and insightful in the comments, you can stand out and grab the attention of your target guests.
He also highlighted the power of existing connections.
The Power of Reviews
Mark emphasized the importance of having a good number of iTunes reviews to establish credibility. Let’s face it; if your podcast has zero reviews, you’re going to have a hard time convincing high-profile guests to come on your show. He suggested practical ways to encourage more reviews, such as call-to-actions at the end of each episode or using your social media platforms to request them.
Sharing is Caring
One of the most potent ways to grow your podcast, according to Mark, is to have your guests share the episode on their platforms. It’s a win-win; they get fresh content to share with their audience, and you get to tap into a new listener base.
Mark takes it a step further by sharing the raw content of his podcast episodes with guests, enabling them to repurpose it for their platforms. This extra step not only strengthens the relationship but also enhances cross-promotion.
The Importance of a Dedicated Podcast Page
Having a dedicated webpage for your podcast isn’t just a vanity project—it’s a vital part of your podcasting strategy. This page serves as a hub for your episodes, about section, and even calls to action for your products or services. By driving traffic to your site, you’re in control of the narrative and have a chance to convert casual listeners into loyal fans or customers.
Leveraging Technology
Celine pointed out how AI tools like ChatGPT have helped her communicate more efficiently, especially as a non-native English speaker. In our ever-advancing technological landscape, AI and automation tools are invaluable. For instance, the synergy between ChatGPT and Zapier can automate mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—creating great content and building relationships.
Wrapping Up
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Mark Savant for offering such valuable insights. For all the podcasters out there or anyone looking to up their game, take these tips to heart. In the podcasting world, your guests can be your biggest assets. Treat them well, and you’ll reap the rewards.
This conversation was not only informative but also inspiring, and we hope that our listeners found it as valuable as we did. If you did, please share this episode with others and help us build a community of podcast enthusiasts.
Happy podcasting!
Watch the full episode here ⬇️
This blog post is based on episode 27 of “Oh My Pod.” To get the full experience and listen to the episode, click here!
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Connect with Mark: @marksavantmedia
Connect with us: @podigypodcasts
