Influential Voices of Authority Help With Getting Booked As A Guest and Choosing Content – Episode 195
I recently asked my tribe about the one thing they are struggling with most. This week, we are going to answer the questions and help you get over a few hurdles.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
One issue that is giving me trouble is the technical side of affiliate marketing.
There were many times when I wanted to give up my production and your show and enthusiasm kept me going! You are such a valuable resource for podcasting, thanks for giving meaningful and worthwhile content to make my podcasts better!
You're awesome!
Elikqitie
"E"
EKJ: I have found the key to affiliate marketing is the help you provide your audience with your content before the pitch.
Pat Flynn does this best. He will provide 50 minutes of great content you can use on your show. Then, he will spend 10 minutes pitching you on a program that will help you do just that.
When Pat was rolling out his affiliate training program, he spent most of his time on the podcast episode teaching his listeners where to share affiliate links. At the end of the show, he rolled out the details of the course.
This style feels natural. It doesn't drip of a sales job. Pat offers great help. Then if you would like more, check out the program. If not, no problem.
Listeners could use the info on sharing affiliate links without ever taking the course. As a listener, I felt I received value from the episode, even though there was a pitch at the end. A little give and take.
Had the episode been nothing but what the program can do for you, people would feel like they were listening to a time share hard sell. I am sure you have heard those programs that say, "If you want the details, buy the program." This is the opposite. Help before you pitch.
With regard to the technical side, make sure you are selecting products you love. Find products that use an affiliate service you understand.
Pat says, "You can serve and sell."
If you find many of the products or services in your niche use JVZoo or ClickBank or Amazon or Commission Junction, learn all you can about that one service. Study a few to determine which one you understand. Then, become a pro at that one.
Most affiliate programs give you a unique link to the program or service. When a person clicks on the link on your site, the affiliate site tracks the visitor back to you. That is how you get credit for the sale.
You simply put this link on your website. If you are using Wordpress, this would go within a post. You can add a button, graphic or URL link. The affiliate site will give you the choice.
You want to find products or programs you love first. Never become an affiliate for something you haven't used or are not passionate about.
Then, set up the funnel. Sign up for the affiliate program. Get your custom link. Create a blog post on your website about it. Hyperlink it with your custom link. Now, promote it.
Don't make it harder than it is. Pat Flynn's information about affiliate marketing is a great place to start. Check out his free resource "Affiliate Marketing the Smart Way".
GETTING BOOKED
My biggest challenge is getting booked on other shows (radio and podcast) as a guest expert. What is best way to do this?
Dr. Mike Lorence
CEO & Founder
Path For Growth
EKJ:
There are two ways to become a guest on a show. One is leg work. The other is an interview service.
If you want to do the work on your own, you need to create the relationship first. You cannot show up on a blind date and ask to get married. You need to build familiarity and trust first.
You can do this by commenting on their social media posts. You can answer questions in the comments on those posts. You might consider sending them information they might find interesting or useful.
As Gary Vaynerchuk says, "Jab, jab, jab, right hook." Give, give, give and then ask.
Find topics and subject matter that will interest your prospective host. What are they talking about on their show? What topics interest them? Where might there be gaps in their knowledge that you might fill?
When you find these interests, send them articles and content from others first. Give them resources they can use.
After you have started the conversation, work toward asking for the interview. Explain how you might help their audience with a topic within your expertise. How might you elaborate on a topic they have recently discussed or something in the news that fits their genre.
When you reach out, make it easy for the guest to say yes. Demonstrate knowledge of their podcast. Mention your area of expertise. List some sample questions they might ask that you can answer. Show benefit to the host and audience. Then, direct them to some of the shows you have appeared on in the past for social proof.
The biggest mistake I see people make when they are requesting to be a guest for interviews is the lack of knowledge about the podcast. I get many e-mails saying, "Hey, Erik. I would love to be an interview on your show. Here is my content." It is obvious that this person has never listened to my show, because they would realize I have never interviewed anyone.
The other, much easier way is to hire a service. There are a few that do this sort of thing. It is their job to get you on podcasts. Check out:
You can also search "podcast interview booking service". You will see many results. If you go this way, check their references regardless of who you select.
I am not an affiliate for any of these sites. These are just sites that show up in my inbox every now and then.
You can spend time or money. You might choose a bit of both to see which works best for your niche.
CHOOSE YOUR CONTENT
I am struggling with knowing which content to put out.
- Richard Chelson
EKJ:
This could be taken two ways. Either you are having trouble coming up with topics, or you are having trouble deciding which topics would be desirable for your audience.
Let's take each one separately.
If you are having trouble finding topics to discuss, your passion may not be your passion. Gary Vaynerchuk talks about this in his book "Crush It". Gary suggests you come up with 50 blog post ideas before you start. This should take you about 10 minutes. If it takes longer, maybe your passion isn't what you think it is. You should have a topic that you can discuss for days.
Don't let the curse of knowledge get in your way. You may be thinking, "Everyone knows that." Think back when you were just started. What didn't you know? What is the first thing your listener needs to know to get started? Start there with your topics. Brainstorm and let them flow.
Now, if you have topics, but are not sure if your audience cares, I would first suggest you are approaching it in the wrong direction. You need to care first. If you are only looking for topics your audience enjoys, there is a good chance you could become bored.
You need to be interested in order to be interesting.
If you have topics that you love, but aren't sure about your audience, look for discussions around that topic. Search groups and forums for questions. What is your audience already asking elsewhere? What do people ask you?
If one person has the question, there is a good chance others have it as well.
Do you have a question regarding your podcast? E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let's see what we can do.
You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com.
Let's turn your information into engaging entertainment.