Being a guest on a radio show is one of my favorite ways to get exposure for my business and books as well as the authors and business owners, etc., that I represent and do publicity for. It’s easy. It’s usually done at home and can bring amazing results. Plus, with BlogTalkRadio, Toginet, and other internet radio sites, there are so many great shows out there to pitch to.
But to be successful, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here are my tips for a successful radio interview:
- Listen to the radio show if you aren’t familiar with it. They normally have archived shows. You don’t need to listen for hours and hours of it, but it will help you become familiar with them and be able to be a more informed guest. For example, I was interviewed on a business radio show recently. By listening in earlier I discovered that they joke around a lot and it’s more light and fun. The guest on there that day I happened to listen in didn’t do his homework so he sounded cold and rehearsed. In preparing, I tried to come up with some light and fun comments and it worked.
- During the interview – allow the host to speak and direct the call. You’ve heard those interviews where you hear the guest just ramble on and on (and on and on and on) and the host can’t to get a word in. BAD FORM!
- Create soundbytes. Just brief statements of what you want to make sure you get out. Especially pay attention to the part where you get a minute to tell about your books, or products and services. By preparing the soundbyte in advance, you can talk about your products and give the benefits without sounding so promotional.
- Prepare for the show and have a checklist that you run down right before the show. This is especially helpful if you don’t do these often and even more so if it is LIVE! A few examples on your checklist might include: 1) Dog out of room; 2) Note on door – do not knock; 3) Cell phone or phone ringer off; 4) Log out of Skype (before the show) as it will distract you if you get an instant message and you can actually hear that ping you get when a message comes in; 5) Water to drink; and 6) All the notes you need on the desk (and only those notes.)
- Announce that you are going to be on the show to your list, tweeter followers, Facebook, etc. Also announce it approximately an hour before the show or closer to the show. Don’t think just because you told them yesterday they will remember (they won’t, believe me!)
- Be prepared but flexible. Take your cue from the host and follow suit. Also, make sure you know their name and a little about them. Makes a big difference.
- Always address the host or producer by name if you have it.
- Prepare a bio for the host and make sure it’s not just on and on about how great you are. BORING!!
- Shows will often ask you to send in questions. These are so helpful for you while you are on the air. It’s like a test at school when you get a cheat sheet … you already know the answers. (Now that’s what I’m talking about!)
Now make sure you also put those interviews up on your site. If you are like me and don’t know how, hire someone to do it for you.
See how easy it can be to be on the air. I highly recommend you use this as a marketing tool for your business.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Diana Ennen is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and co-author of So You Want To Be a Work-At-Home Mom: A Christian’s Guide to Starting a Home-Based Business with Jill Hart and also VA the Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA (Kelly Poelker). Follow her on Twitter @dianaennen.
