Podcasts, especially those well-established ones, have hundreds to thousands of listeners tuning in to their episodes. It covers a wide range of topics, including storytelling and books. That is why landing a podcast tour can be a golden opportunity for authors, offering a wealth of advantages that go beyond just promoting their latest book. It’s a venue where authors get to share their expertise, talk about their creative process, and discuss various topics. This not only helps them promote their work but also allows them to reach different audiences and establish a strong online presence. So, to all authors out there, here are tips from Spirit Media to help you book a Podcast speaking tour:
1. Build a Strong Online Presence
Part of a strong online presence is having a good, up-to-date website. Your website is like your virtual showroom where people can learn more about you and your work. Make it simple yet interesting and easy to navigate, and fill it with content that shows off what you can do. Another aspect is being active in social media, creating useful content, engaging with online communities, and being updated with the trends. By doing these things, you increase your visibility and reach. Podcast hosts are more likely to consider guests who already have an established audience.
2. Utilize Podcast Search Engines
There are hundreds, if not, thousands of podcasts out there, and it can be overwhelming to find new ones or even a specific topic to enjoy. A podcast search engine can help the audience quickly and easily find a particular topic.
One of the most popular podcast search engines is ListenNotes.com. Listen Notes not only helps you find podcast episodes but also allows you to create your profile and submit your own podcast. By submitting your podcast, you boost its visibility, making it easier for potential listeners to find your content. While the Listen Notes podcast search engine is not specifically designed for booking podcast tours, it can be a valuable tool in making your strategy and making connections with podcast hosts who are also actively uploading podcasts in Listen Notes.
3. Reach out to Podcast Hosts
Not all podcasts have guests, but those that do, are consistently seeking fresh and famous individuals to appear on their programs. Even if a podcast host doesn’t have guests, but they are talking about books, they may be open to reading and reviewing your book on their show and this could be a way to introduce your work to their listeners.
Reaching out to podcast hosts can be a powerful tool for booking a podcast tour, but it requires strategy and finesse. Here’s how:
- Find the right shows.
- Find podcasts that align with your interests and target audience.
- Use platforms like Listen Notes and other podcast search engines to filter your search by category, topic, or keywords
- Personalize each pitch.
- Address the host by name and mention particular topics or episodes that you enjoyed. Show that you know their content well.
- Highlight your value. Tell them how your work can benefit their audience.
4. Participate in Podcast Communities
Join online communities where podcasters connect and share opportunities. These communities are venues where podcast creators gather to talk, work together, and discover exciting opportunities. Don’t just watch from the sidelines–jump into discussions, share your thoughts, and join in on conversations.
Build relationships with other podcast hosts and producers by actively participating in these online talks. Making real connections with people in the podcasting community can lead to different opportunities. By taking part in these online discussions, you not only learn more, but also become an important part of the podcasting community. As you share your thoughts and team up with others who have similar interests, you get a better chance for collaboration, guest appearances, and other important connections that can help you book podcast speaking tours
5. Offer a Giveaway
Suggesting a book giveaway for podcasts is a great way to connect with the audience. This approach makes hosts more likely to invite you as a guest because it adds value for their listeners. The excitement of a giveaway makes your podcast appearance more appealing to the hosts. It lets you share your thoughts and expertise and also shows appreciation to the audience by giving free books..
Also, a giveaway is a smart promotional tool for your book, creating interest and potentially boosting sales and visibility.
6. Create a Speaker Reel
Consider creating a speaker reel. Compile snippets from previous podcast interviews, radio appearances, or public speaking engagements. A well-thought-out speaker reel can be a convincing tool when you are trying to book a podcast tour. When you contact a podcast host, sharing your reel makes your pitch stronger and boosts your chances of getting featured on podcasts.
7. Consider Hiring a Publicist
If you want more people to know about your work and reach a larger audience, consider hiring a specialized publicist, especially one who is good at promoting books and getting authors on podcasts. Bringing in a pro like this is not just a regular expense–it is making a smart investment that goes beyond the usual way of marketing.
Publicists can come up with persuasive pitches to land you spots on podcasts that match the theme of your book. Also, they can be on top of what’s happening in the world of books and podcasts, they can adjust strategies to take advantage of new opportunities.
Hiring a publicist may cost you money but consider it as an investment. By bringing in a professional who understands both book and podcast opportunities, you are setting yourself up for a smart and effective way to boost your author presence in today’s competitive media world.
Let Spirit Media help you in this process. Request a call today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your podcast tour goals.
