How would you build a personal brand using guest podcasting?

To help you build a personal brand using guest podcasting, we asked experienced podcasters and marketing experts this question for their best insights. From getting podcast hosts talking about you to sharing unique stories and practical advice, there are several tips that would guide you make the best use of guest podcasting to build and establish your personal brand.

Here are eight tips these leaders followed to build their personal brands:

• Get Podcast Hosts Talking About You
• Start With Creating Digital Public Relations
• Reach Out and Propose Topics Around Your Expertise
• Tap into Other People’s Audiences to Grow Your Brand
• Choose Targeted Podcasts and the Topics You Want to Master
• Focus On Presenting The Opinions that Set You Apart
• Follow Up Connections You Made from Guest Podcasting
• Share Unique Stories and Practical Advice

Get Podcast Hosts Talking About You

Podcast hosts like to talk about what’s coming up in future episodes, maybe at the end of Episode 103, the host will tag something at the end about what’s coming up on Episode 104. If that guest is you, then you have the host talking about you before your episode even airs. After that comes the episode in which a segment, if not the entire episode, is a discussion with you and you and your brand. Then, if you’re lucky, they will do a recap of the previous episode during some future episode. That’s three episodes in which you and your brand are mentioned. If you can find a podcast that allows for that level of exposure, it would be worth trying to be a guest on it. Afterward, post it on your social media channels for maximum exposure. Include a clip, if possible.

Trevor Ford, Yotta

Start With Creating Digital Public Relations

I am midway along my personal branding journey with the next step being podcasts. During the past year, I have worked hard building a digital footprint to help me secure spots on the leading podcasts in my niche. Building your personal brand is about being authentic, and without putting in the hard work of building your presence before guest podcasting, you risk diluting your message and damaging your brand long term.

Reactive PR, through platforms such as Terkel and HARO, can get you quoted in top tier publications that are niche relevant. Building foundations, making contacts, and getting your name out there makes you a more attractive guest for any podcaster.

Tara Bennet, Mediumchat Group

Reach Out and Propose Topics Around Your Expertise

First, I think you need to be good at the thing you want to be remembered for. You need to be what others identify as a professional when it comes to X. Ideally you should at least blog about your profession for a few years, or have a strong LinkedIn profile. 

It will be useful when you reach out to podcast hosts explaining who you are and why you’re the right person to talk about topic X. This is what you’re going to do: make a long list of interesting podcasts either dedicated to topic X, or podcasts that have dealt with the topic in the past. Then reach out to all the hosts on your list and send them your proposition. Feel free to adjust your reach-out messages based on feedback (or lack thereof).

Ionut-Alexandru Popa, JPG MEDIA SRL

Tap into Other People’s Audiences to Grow Your Brand

A challenge in building a personal brand is not having a big audience when you start. By being a podcast guest, you can share your message with a new group of people each time. Additionally, you can refine your messages and value each time you speak. 

Just don’t forget that building a personal brand is not about selling what you do but rather showing how you can add value through your expertise. Make sure the podcast listeners get something of value from you, and just you might convince them to follow you and become a part of your audience.

Amie Thompson, Creative Allies

Choose Targeted Podcasts and the Topics You Want to Master

Do choose which podcast to pitch and go in carefully and methodically. You must look for targeted podcasts. Look for the podcast that has a similar audience to your own or to the audience you want to reach. Choose a few topics which you want to become an authority figure for and address these topics in the podcasts you are interviewed for. In the show notes make sure to have the podcast owner include your contact details and a link to your site. 

Liz Hogan, Find My Profession

Focus on Presenting The Opinions that Set You Apart

It is so important to highlight what makes you different from everyone else in your industry.  As a podcast guest, I lead with the opinions I know will resonate with my niche audience but aren’t so generic that most people relate to and have already heard from everybody else.  For example, I am a coach for moms without a mom and one of the opinions I lead with is: “We all know being a mom is hard.  But what many don’t realize is that being a mom without the support and guidance of a loving mom in your day-to-day life is even harder.”  People are more likely to respond and look into your brand when what you are saying speaks to them in unique ways.  People want to feel seen and your opinions are a great way to achieve this.

Melissa Reilly, Moms Without A Mom

Follow Up Connections You Made from Guest Podcasting

Guest podcasting can be a powerful way to build your personal brand. It can help you reach a new audience, connect with potential customers or clients, and establish yourself as an expert in your field. Send a thank-you note to the host and producer of the show, and follow up with any connections or leads you made during the episode. Keep in touch with the show’s host, too – they may be able to put you in touch with other guests or opportunities.

Mogale Modisane, ToolsGaloreHQ.com

Share Unique Stories and Practical Advice

Guest podcasting is an insanely powerful tool for building your personal brand. What marketing yourself means, in essence, is earning trust at scale. To earn trust, you have to demonstrate expertise and empathy to the listener. Which is why podcasting is the best medium for building trust: You can share stories and real practical advice for sometimes hours in people’s ears. Plus, they hear your voice, get a feel for your personality, and hear the interviewer’s interaction with you. It’s insanely personable.

Corey Haines, SwipeWell