How can you build credibility with unfamiliar podcast guests?

In the email pitch, tell them (based on your research): 1) Which platform you first discovered them on. 2) Which specific piece of content resonated with you. 3) What topics you want to ask them about that they're uniquely suited for. 4) What's in it for them! (including reach, i.e. your audience size on each platform)

Cuando invito a profesionales para ser entrevistados en mi sección de Comunicación y Coaching en el programa de radio en el que trabajo, primero les envío un correo presentándome y presentando la sección. Les doy detalles sobre la temática del programa, el público y porqué quiero entrevistarlos. Cuando me solicitan más información les doy detalles sobre cómo haremos la entrevista, la duración y el tipo de preguntas aunque nunca proporciono las preguntas por adelantado ya que eso restaría fluidez y naturalidad a las respuestas. También suelo ofrecer varias fechas en las que realizar la entrevista, aunque al ser una radio autonómica debemos adaptarnos a la disponibilidad del estudio.

I like to immediately ask the important question ("Would you be interested in being interviewed by me for the X podcast?") so that they don't have to scroll to the bottom to find out what you want. The context can come afterward, and that should be tailored to each person. Also share some credibility or social proof factors, like existing episodes (if you've published any), previous guests, or your audience size.

Ich finde, dass einfach zum guten Ton gehört, vorab Fragen an den Gast zu senden. Ich weise immer darauf hin, dass es nur zur Orientierung ist und wir dort weiter diskutieren, wo es im Gespräch spannende Punkte gibt. Damit fahre ich eigentlich sehr gut.

Some interviewers are worried that their guest won't be as spontaneous if they share questions ahead of time. The good news is that the vast majority of people are too lazy to write down all of their answers and then read off of them during an interview. This is NOT a real concern. So feel free to share questions ahead of time, especially the type that are prone to recency or availability biases, like "What's your favorite book?" You can also share the questions verbally right before the interview starts, while you're getting acquainted. It helps their brain start preparing.

Pro tip: Share a Google Drive folder of short clips extracted from the full episode that they can share on social media. Also good to have a 60-second "trailer" of the juiciest moments from the episode. Also, provide some sample copy/captions for their social post in case they're feeling lazy or uninspired.

A few other ideas to consider: - Link to press articles of you/your company to add credibility through the principle of authority - Link to a sample episode with them so they can get a feel for the vibe - Don't make it awkward for them to say no — leave an easy out, e.g. "If not, we totally get it — no hard feelings!"