7 Reasons Why Being a Podcast Guest is the Perfect Growth Hack for Startups

Podcasts don’t just benefit the host.

Oct 12, 2021

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There’s a crazy misconception that podcasts only benefit the hosts. I’m here to put that theory to rest because being a guest on other peoples’ podcasts is one of the most effective ways to grow your startup.

Think about it: someone with an established audience invites you to share the mic and talk about your business. They certainly wouldn’t do this if you didn’t have something valuable to say. Having quality guests and turning out consistent value to their listeners makes them look good and it gives you a chance to share more about your business with a new audience.

If that isn’t reason enough, these seven factors provide some extra incentives:

1. Gain Instant Brand Awareness

One of the earliest goals of any startup is to tell people you exist. You are building something from nothing, and people need to know you exist before they can do business with you.

Being a podcast guest gives you an opportunity to build brand awareness in front of a tuned-in audience. It’s one of the hopefully many touchpoints you’ll make, but for many people, this will be their first time being exposed to your brand.

If you want to learn about how you can unapologetically build awareness around your personal brand, feel free to download my simple 5 step guide to show you how.

2. Test Your Messaging

Startups need to be able to talk about their business in a way that makes sense to other people. Getting this messaging just right can be tricky, especially if you’re introducing a new concept that people aren’t familiar with. Use your guest podcast spot to test your messaging and see what resonates with other people.

The podcast host is undoubtedly an expert in your industry, so sharing your messaging, stories, and insights with them will give you instant feedback on how it’s working. Plus, you can also tap into how you feel while delivering a particular message. Does it sound right to you? Do you feel empowered and aligned while delivering it? Or was there something missing?

These conversations are phenomenal testing ground for developing the talking points that are going to deliver major results in your target market.

3. Build Real Relationships

Interviews on a podcast are very personal. Two people give each other their undivided attention while sharing insights and ideas for 30 minutes to an hour or more.

Not only will you both walk away with a new person in your network, but your host may be able to introduce you to other people in the industry and help you expand your network even more.

Because of their status as interviewers and industry influencers, these hosts are super connectors. If you’ve picked shows in the right industry, they will already have relationships with tons of potential buyers, strategic partners, and even investors that you want to know. Building a relationship with them can have a huge impact on your business.

Plus, it’s an amazing way to make friends. Truly, some of my closest business allies and confidants are people that I met through doing podcast interviews. We’ve passed each other referrals, cheered each other on, and given each other advice countless times since that first interview.

4. Grow Your Trust and Authority

Podcasts have a highly engaged audience. In just one podcast episode, you can potentially reach thousands of tuned-in listeners. By being chosen by the host, you automatically build trust and authority.

And keep in mind, it also doesn’t really matter if people even listen to the interview. Hosts are super active on social media to promote their shows, so thousands of your target customers probably already follow them on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. When the host promotes your interview, tons of people will see it online — building you instant credibility.

The audience will already think you’re a big deal because their host does. As you share your thoughts and wisdom, that trust and authority will continue to grow.

If you’re ready to start landing interviews on the top podcasts in your industry, get the copy-and-paste formula that I’ve used to help 100s of founders land 1000s of podcast interviews.

5. Get in Front of Potential Investors

The investor angle is often overlooked by startups considering a guest podcast. But think about it: wouldn’t it impress investors if a podcast host decided to feature you and your startup?

Investors listen to podcasts, too. While listening, they can get a sense of who you are and what you value. Use your podcast interviews to mention you’re about to go through a fundraising period. It will perk the ears of investors and let them know you’re open to talking to them.

Again, even if they don’t listen to the interview, they are more likely to see your name being mentioned as someone with authority, which helps build trust among even the most skeptical audiences.

6. Start Creating a Content Library

Content is king. It was true many years ago, and it’s still true today. Content is a highly effective way for people to get to know you, your brand, and your product or service. You can use this content to beef up your social media channels, email marketing, and even your own blog or website.

Let’s face it: quality content takes time to produce. It takes time to think of an idea for your content, sit down and plan it, and then write or produce it. But when you’re a podcast guest, you will have a ready-made piece of content to use in your marketing that you didn’t have to spend hours creating yourself.

As a bonus, you’re driving traffic to the host’s podcast every time you share it. Helping them gain exposure might make them more willing to have you back on the podcast in the future. Win-win.

7. Generate Leads

An obvious yet powerful benefit- being a podcast guest can help you generate highly qualified leads. You’ve just spent 20, 30, or 60 minutes sharing your personal insights, story, and background behind your product or service.

Something you’ve said has hooked a listener's interest. They like what you’ve shared and the energy you bring to the table; their feeling more than willing to invest their money in what you do.

You didn’t have to spend a single penny on ads or leads. Being a podcast guest is taking advantage of free traffic in a setting that’s more credible than traditional marketing. It may change the entire course of your startup.

If you’re ready to take the leap and start landing interviews on podcasts in your industry, download my free guide that will show you exactly how to pitch yourself to podcasts and land your first interview in under a week.