When it comes to booking podcast interviews, there are two main ways to go about it: by yourself or with the help of a podcast booking agent. Both have their pros and cons, so how do you know which is the right choice for you? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each approach:
Booking podcast interviews by yourself
When it comes to booking podcast interviews by yourself there are certain benefits if you do it yourself or if you can’t afford an agent to do it for you. These are a couple:
Having more control over who you interview and when
When you book podcast interviews by yourself, you have more control over who you interview and when. This can be a good thing if you want to interview specific people or if you want to be more selective about the shows you appear on. It can also be helpful if you need to schedule around other obligations since you can choose interviews that fit your schedule.
However, there are also some drawbacks to booking podcast interviews by yourself. For one, it can be time-consuming to find and reach out to potential guests. It can also be difficult to get booked on popular shows since they often have a long list of potential guests.
Choosing the format of your interview
When you book podcast interviews by yourself, you have more control over the format of your interview. This can be a good thing if you want to interview specific people or if you want to be more selective about the shows you appear on to promote your passion project. It can also be helpful if you need to schedule around other obligations since you can choose interviews that fit your schedule.
You can choose to have the interviews in person, over the phone, via Skype, etc. It offers you the ability to be more flexible.
You can negotiate your rate
When you book podcast interviews by yourself, you have more control over the rate you charge. This means that you can ask for more money if you think it is worth it. You can also ask for other things like a free trip or products. However, it’s important to remember that not all hosts are willing to pay more for guests. So be prepared to negotiate and be willing to walk away if you’re not getting what you want.
Hiring A Podcast Booking Agent
Don’t be fooled that this job is easy. As much as you don’t want to spend your money on hiring a podcast booking agent they still know how to do this job very well. By hiring them, you avoid the following:
It can be time-consuming to research and contact potential interviewees
Although it can be helpful to book podcast interviews by yourself, it can also be time-consuming to research and contact potential interviewees. This is especially true if you want to interview a specific person or if you want to be booked on popular shows.
Podcast booking agents have experience and connections that can make the process of booking podcast interviews much easier. They already have a list of potential guests and they know which shows are looking for guests. This means that you can spend your time focusing on other things, like preparing for your interview.
These are mostly people who have been in this business for a very long time and have contacts who can help you. Therefore, the search is easier for them, while it takes a large part of your time. You can read more about it.
Agents have the industry knowledge and can help strategize your campaign
As the podcasting industry continues to grow, more and more businesses are looking to cash in on the popularity of this medium. However, this is not as easy as it looks.
It takes a lot of work to produce a quality podcast that will engage listeners and encourage them to come back for more. This is where podcast agents can be extremely helpful. A good agent will have a wealth of industry knowledge and experience that can be used to help strategize campaigns and connect podcasters with the right people.
In addition, an agent can provide invaluable feedback on scripts and episodes, helping to ensure that a show is of the highest possible quality. For businesses looking to get started in podcasting, working with a knowledgeable and experienced agent is essential.
If you don’t have any contacts in the podcasting world, it can be difficult to get started
It can be difficult to start with podcasting if you don’t have any contacts because it’s a very saturated market. With so many podcasts out there, it can be hard to make your show stand out from the rest.
If you don’t have any contacts in the podcasting world, it can be difficult to find people who are willing to appear on your show. You may also find it difficult to get booked to promote your project on popular shows. This is because hosts often receive dozens of requests from potential guests each week.
Working with a podcast booking agent can help overcome all of these challenges.
A good agent will have connections in the industry and know which shows are looking for guests and will also help you find guests for yours.
They can also help promote your show by sending out pitch letters and reaching out to their network of contacts. If you’re serious about starting a podcast, working with an agent is a great way to increase your chances of success.
How Much Do Booking Agencies Charge?
The cost of booking an agent varies depending on the agency. However, most agencies charge a commission based on the amount of money the guest earns from the interview. This commission can be anywhere from 10-25%, so it’s important to factor this into your budget.
Some agencies also charge a flat rate for their services, which can range from $200 to $1,000 per month. It’s important to read the contract carefully before signing up with an agent, as some agencies require a long-term commitment.
So, should you book podcast interviews by yourself or hire a podcast booking agent? The answer depends on your budget and your goals. If you’re serious about podcasting and want to increase your chances of success, hiring an agent is a good option.
Conclusion
Podcasting is a great way to reach a wide audience and connect with potential customers. However, it’s not as easy as it looks. There are a lot of factors to consider when starting a podcast, from choosing the right topics to promoting your show. That’s why it’s important to have professionals by your side.
