To help you build credibility and authority as a podcast guest, we’ve gathered eight insightful tips from marketing professionals and business leaders. From the importance of offering authenticity and experience to providing actionable solutions, these experts share their best advice on how to make a lasting impression.

• Offer Authenticity and Experience
• Highlight Success Stories 
• Prepare for Each Episode
• Demonstrate Expertise with Evidence
• Engage Audience with Passion
• Break Down Difficult Information
• Establish Authority with a Strong Introduction
• Provide Actionable Solutions

Offer Authenticity and Experience 

Podcast audiences are savvy. They can distinguish between guests who genuinely know their stuff and those who are just there to sell something. Offering real expertise, practical advice, and authentic stories can build a strong rapport with the audience, establish authority, and make podcast appearances more impactful and memorable. Advertising or repeatedly mentioning a product or service is not recommended. 

For instance, during a guest appearance on a marketing podcast, it’s not just about discussing the latest trends in digital marketing. Sharing personal stories, experiences, successes, and even failures from a career can be beneficial. Discussing the lessons learned, how these experiences shaped an approach to digital marketing, and how listeners could apply these insights to their own careers or businesses can be more engaging.

Tristan Harris, Demand Generation Senior Marketing Manager, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency

Highlight Success Stories 

It’s crucial to establish credibility and authority as a podcast guest, and one way you could do this is by showcasing your expertise with real-life success stories. When you share practical examples or personal experiences that highlight your knowledge of the subject matter, you’re more likely to engage your audience and gain their trust. 

Don’t be afraid to back up your points with data and statistics, if applicable, as it adds a layer of credibility. Being a confident and engaging speaker, and connecting with the audience on a human level, will also leave a lasting impression. It’s all about providing valuable insights and actionable advice to make you a sought-after guest and leave listeners eager to learn more from you!

Harry Morton, Founder, Lower Street

Prepare for Each Episode

As a podcast host for “Asians in Advertising,” and a guest on various other shows, being prepared is paramount to delivering engaging and insightful content. Whether at the helm of my own show or appearing as a guest, adherence to a meticulous preparation process ensures a seamless and impactful podcast experience.

Before stepping into the recording studio or joining as a guest, it is important to listen to several episodes of the show to be appearing on. This allows for familiarization with the podcast’s style, tone, and the topics typically discussed. Understanding the show’s dynamics helps in tailoring responses to resonate with the audience and align with the host’s vision.

Another crucial aspect of preparation involves seeking out potential questions in advance. By thoroughly thinking through the answers, it is ensured that value-rich content that resonates with the audience and leaves a lasting impression can be delivered.

Bernice Chao, Author, The Visibility Mindset

Demonstrate Expertise with Evidence

One strategy to establish credibility and authority as a podcast guest is to show your subject-matter knowledge and offer insightful, useful information. 

Prior to recording the podcast, do thorough research on the subject and determine the needs and interests of the listeners. Speak clearly and confidently during the interview, and whenever you can, support your arguments with examples or statistics from real-world situations. 

Share examples from your own life, case studies, or career achievements to prove your knowledge and skill. Encourage questions and conversations from the host and audience as well. This will help people perceive you as credible and authoritative in the eyes of the audience.

Sanket Shah, CEO, InVideo

Engage Audience with Passion

One effective way to establish credibility and authority as a podcast guest is to show genuine enthusiasm and passion during conversation. You can share interesting stories that show your passion and critical thinking, and then relate them to the topic. By doing so, you not only capture the audience’s attention but also showcase your expertise and knowledge.

Alex Murray, Search Director, Tilious

Break Down Difficult Information

Using data-driven insights and research to bolster your credibility as a podcast contributor is an excellent strategy. Incorporate relevant studies, surveys, and industry data into your debate to back up your claims. 

This strategy not only reinforces your expertise but also shows your commitment to staying current with industry developments. Be ready to break down difficult information so that the host and the audience can grasp it. When your conclusions are supported by evidence, you’re seen as more knowledgeable and trustworthy.

Gerrid Smith, Communications Manager, Texas Property Tax Loan Pros

Establish Authority with a Strong Introduction

Make sure that you properly present yourself as soon as possible before the podcast host asks you questions. For instance, you can describe your background, list some career highlights, and emphasize things you care about. Even if the podcast host gives an excellent introduction, you can fill in any blanks as needed. This will allow listeners to know who they’re listening to as the podcast goes on.

Miles Beckett, Co-Founder and CEO, Flossy

Provide Actionable Solutions

As a podcast guest, one effective way to build credibility and authority is to provide actionable insights during the interview. You will be positioned as a thought leader and subject matter expert if you exhibit in-depth expertise and knowledge in your field. 

Thoroughly prepare for the podcast by conducting research on the host’s audience and gaining a comprehension of their interests and pain points. Customize your talking points to address these particular requirements by providing practical solutions and real-world examples. Be genuine, engaging, and concise in your responses, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the topic. Sharing personal anecdotes and experiences can increase your credibility and make the discussion more engaging. 

By providing listeners with content that leaves an enduring impression, you will establish yourself as a credible authority in your industry and open the door to future podcasting opportunities.

Michael Callahan, Founder and Director, The Callahan Law Firm