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In short: To find guests for a business podcast, start with your own network: clients, partners, suppliers and local experts. Then send a short, clear invitation that explains the topic, the audience and what the guest gains.
Guests bring fresh ideas and new listeners to your show. Even so, many hosts struggle to fill their calendar after the first few episodes. The fix is usually a simple system rather than more luck.
This guide covers where to look, how to ask and how to make guests want to come back.
Where Can You Find Guests for a Business Podcast?
The best place to find guests for a business podcast is close to home. Start with people who already know you. For example, happy clients, referral partners and suppliers often make great guests. They know your industry, and they usually say yes.
Next, look at your local business community. Perth has plenty of chambers, networking groups and industry events. In addition, LinkedIn is useful for finding people who already share opinions in public.
Finally, ask every guest who they would recommend. One good guest often leads to two more.
What Makes a Good Guest to Find for a Business Podcast?
A good guest has something useful to say to your audience. Fame matters far less than relevance. Ideally, they can share clear stories, practical tips or a strong point of view.
It also helps if they are comfortable talking. Still, you do not need a polished speaker. With a short brief and a relaxed host, most people open up within a few minutes.
How Should You Invite Guests You Find for a Business Podcast?
Keep the invitation short. Explain the episode topic, who listens and why you chose them. Then share the practical details, such as the date, location and length.
Also mention what they get. For instance, guests receive a professionally filmed episode and clips they can share. That is a real benefit for their own brand.
Lastly, make saying yes easy. Offer two or three time options during studio hours, which are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm.
How Do You Prepare Guests You Find for a Business Podcast?
Send a short brief a few days before the session. Include the episode goal, the rough outline and any questions you plan to ask. However, avoid sending a full script, because it can make answers sound stiff.
On the day, give them time to settle. Our studio is at Level 1A, 32 Harrogate St, West Leederville. Your producer will handle the microphones, cameras and lighting. As a result, your guest can simply focus on the chat.
How Do You Keep Guests You Find Returning to a Business Podcast?
After the episode goes live, send your guest the link and a few clips. Thank them publicly when you post. In turn, they are far more likely to share it with their network.
Furthermore, keep a list of past guests for future panel episodes. A returning guest can be a great way to follow up on a popular topic.
How Do You Build a List to Find Guests for a Business Podcast?
A simple spreadsheet saves a lot of stress. Create columns for the name, business, topic idea, contact details and status. Then add every possible guest as soon as you think of them.
Aim to keep at least ten names on the list at any time. That way, a cancellation never leaves you with an empty recording slot. In addition, review the list each month and group guests by theme.
For example, a Perth marketing agency might plan a month on local hospitality. It could invite a café owner, a restaurant manager and a hospitality recruiter. As a result, the episodes feel connected and are easier to promote.
What Should Your Guest Invitation Say?
Here is a short structure you can adapt.
- Open with why you chose them. Mention something specific they have said or done.
- Explain the show in one sentence, including who listens.
- Share the topic and two or three questions you plan to cover.
- Give the practical details: the West Leederville studio, the length and some time options.
- Close with what they receive, such as the edited episode and short clips.
Keep the whole message under 150 words. Busy people say yes faster when the ask is clear.
How Do You Interview a Guest Well?
Good interviews feel like conversations. So start with an easy question about their background. It helps them relax before the bigger topics.
Next, listen more than you talk. Follow up on interesting answers rather than racing to the next question. For instance, “Can you give me an example?” often unlocks the best story of the episode.
Also watch the time. A one-hour booking includes warm-up and short resets, so plan around 40 to 45 minutes of conversation. Finally, end by asking where listeners can find them.
What If a Guest Is Nervous?
Nerves are normal, especially on camera. Fortunately, a few simple steps help.
First, chat off-camera for a few minutes before recording. Second, remind them that small stumbles can be edited out. Third, let them know they can pause and restart an answer at any time.
. Third, let them know they can pause and restart an answer at any time.
Our producers also help here. They give gentle delivery feedback and keep the technical side out of the way. In turn, guests usually forget about the cameras within the first ten minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead should I book guests?
Aim for two to four weeks ahead. That gives them time to plan and gives you time to prepare a brief.
Should I pay podcast guests?
Most business podcasts do not pay guests. Instead, guests gain exposure, content and a chance to share their expertise.
Can a guest join without coming to the studio?
In-person recording usually gives the best result on video. That said, it is worth asking our team about your options when you book.
What does a guest session cost?
Studio hire is $435 an hour, including a producer valued at $150. First-time one-hour bookings cost $285, because the producer is complimentary.
How many guests should I have per episode?
One guest is easiest for most new hosts. Once you feel confident, you can try a small panel of two or three guests on a shared topic.
What if a guest cancels at the last minute?
Keep a backup plan. For example, record a solo episode on a topic you know well, or invite a guest from your list who lives nearby.
Should I send questions to guests in advance?
Yes, but only the main ones. That way, guests can prepare stories while still sounding natural on the day.
Ready to Host Your First Guest?
Finding guests gets easier with a simple system. Book a studio session at Podwave Studios in West Leederville, and give your guests a professional experience they will want to share.
