Questions with a Podcast Booking Agent

Spencer Carpenter / Outlier Audio
  • 5.0 (47)
  • HOW TO
Questions with a Podcast Booking Agent

Spencer Carpenter is the founder of Outlier Audio, a podcast booking agency. Spencer has booked over 1,500 interviews that have garnered millions of downloads for talented Celebrities, Entrepreneurs, Pro Athletes, Authors, Investors, and Top Keynote Speakers. Questions with a Podcast Booking Agent is designed to be quick and actionable advice where Spencer answers common questions on how to get booked on podcasts, dos and don'ts, and industry trends. Head over to Spencer's LinkedIn where you can submit a question on any of his posts - https://bit.ly/3z

  1. 10/24/2024

    Empowering Others Through Podcast Connections

    When I transitioned from the music industry, I knew I wasn't going to be booking artists at venues like Madison Square Garden or Coachella anymore. But I discovered a new stage where I could make a meaningful impact. Now, I help individuals get featured on top podcasts that truly move the needle for them. These aren't just any podcasts—they're platforms hosted by people they admire, offering opportunities to add credibility and reach wider audiences. What drives me is supporting talented people, whether they're entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, or innovators striving to make a difference. It's not always about business. Some are out there doing incredible work for important causes, and I have the privilege of amplifying their voices. I may not be changing the world single-handedly, but I can help those who are. By connecting them to platforms where they can share their stories and insights, I'm contributing to positive change and helping spread information that can transform lives. This is what my business is all about: facilitating connections that enable others to inspire, inform, and make a lasting impact.

    1 min

  2. 10/23/2024

    The Different Levels of Podcast Booking Agents

    Q: Are there levels to podcast booking? Navigating podcast booking can be complex. Whether you're new or experienced, securing the right podcast appearances is crucial. Here's a breakdown to help you choose the best approach: 1️⃣ Virtual Assistants (VAs) and In-House Assistants Pros: Cost-effective; often already on your team. Good for initial, easy-to-get opportunities. Cons: May lack industry connections and specialized knowledge. Likely to secure spots on smaller podcasts with limited reach. Ideal For: Those starting out or testing the waters without significant investment. 2️⃣ Specialized Podcast Booking Agencies Pros: Expertise in specific niches like coaching, consulting, or book promotions. Better connections leading to higher-quality podcast placements. Cons: Costs vary; may require a retainer. Not all agencies cover every industry or specialization. Ideal For: Professionals ready to invest in targeted exposure within their field. 3️⃣ Full-Service PR Firms Pros: Access to top-tier podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience, The Rich Roll Podcast, and Call Her Daddy. Offer comprehensive services beyond podcast booking. Cons: Significantly higher costs. Not necessary for everyone, especially if your topic is niche. Ideal For: High-profile individuals seeking mass exposure. Key Considerations When Choosing a Podcast Booking Service Subject Matter: Is your topic widely appealing or niche? Target Audience: Do the podcasts reach your ideal listeners? Career Stage: Your position can determine whether a VA, specialized agency, or PR firm suits you best. Budget: Higher-tier services come with higher costs; assess your investment capacity. Expectations: Even top agents can't book you on major podcasts if your topic doesn't resonate broadly. Final Thoughts There's no one-size-fits-all solution. The best approach depends on your goals, industry, and resources. When you're ready: Research Thoroughly: Find agencies specializing in your area. Schedule Consultations: Talk directly with potential booking agents. Assess Fit: Choose a partner who understands your industry and can realistically help you achieve your podcasting goals.

    3 min

  3. 10/22/2024

    Identifying Podcasts That Have Your Ideal Audience

    Q: How can you ensure your booked podcast booked is appropriate for you and your intended audience? Will it be able to spread your message and extend your reach? Booking a podcast is just the first step; making sure it's the right fit for your message is crucial. Here's how to ensure you're connecting with your ideal listeners: Define Your Topics Identify 3-5 unique, value-driven topics you want to speak about. These topics should highlight your expertise and appeal directly to your target audience. Research Podcasts Aligning with Your Topics Use keywords from your topics to search for podcasts that cover similar subjects. This helps you niche down and find shows where you can have expert-level conversations. Focus on Niche Over Size Niche podcasts allow you to dive deep and showcase your expertise, enhancing your reputation. Larger podcasts might have bigger audiences but are often less specialized, which may not yield the ROI you're looking for. Be Cautious of Paid Appearances Some podcasts charge fees for guest spots, boasting large listener numbers. Unless the audience is highly relevant, paying for such appearances may not be cost-effective. Leverage Free Opportunities Many quality podcasts don't charge guests. By carefully selecting these platforms, you can reach your ideal audience without incurring extra costs. Assess Before You Invest Determine your goals upfront—whether it's brand awareness, lead generation, or industry positioning. This clarity will guide you in choosing the right podcasts to approach. Final Thoughts By honing in on your topics and strategically selecting podcasts that align with them, you ensure your message reaches those who value it most. This approach not only saves you money but also maximizes the impact of your appearances. Remember, it's about quality over quantity—engaging the right listeners is more valuable than speaking to a broad but uninterested audience.

    3 min

  4. 10/17/2024

    Podcasts are a Place for Entrepreneurs to Perform Like Rockstars

    For many professionals, their job titles often define them, overshadowing the unique talents and skills they bring to the table. Their expertise is recognized only within close circles, rarely celebrated on a broader platform. During quarantine, this realization hit me harder. Just like artists, entrepreneurs and professionals were confined, unable to attend conferences, meetups, or expos. Traditional avenues to showcase their expertise had vanished overnight. That's when I saw podcasts as the virtual stage where entrepreneurs could perform and shine. 🎙 A New Performance Space: Podcasts became the medium where professionals could share their stories, insights, and skills with the world, breaking free from the limitations imposed by the lockdown. 🤝 Connecting Experts to Audiences: I began reaching out to individuals, offering to coordinate their podcast appearances. By helping them craft compelling pitches and unique topics, we unlocked new opportunities for them to showcase their expertise. ✨ The Snowball Effect: What started as a small initiative quickly gained momentum. More professionals embraced podcasts as a powerful tool to amplify their voice, connect with wider audiences, and perform beyond their usual spheres. The Takeaway: Podcasts aren't just for entertainment—they're dynamic platforms for professionals to demonstrate their prowess, share knowledge, and engage with communities worldwide. If you've got a skill or story that's been confined to your immediate circle, consider stepping onto the podcast stage. It's time to let your talent resonate far and wide.

    1 min

  5. 10/16/2024

    Mistakes to Avoid When Email Podcast Hosts!

    Q: Mistakes when reaching podcast through email Wondering how to effectively reach out to podcast hosts without stumbling over common pitfalls? Here's what you need to know: 1. Personalize Your Outreach Double-Check Names: Ensure you have the correct names of the host and the show. Mistakes here can make a poor first impression. Address Assistants Properly: If you're contacting an assistant, use their name appropriately. 2. Do Your Homework Align Subject Matter: Research the podcast to confirm that your expertise fits their content. Quality Over Quantity: Pitch only to shows where you can provide genuine value. 3. Craft Relevant Pitches Stay On-Topic: Make sure your proposed topics are relevant to the podcast's audience. Avoid Generic Pitches: Tailor each pitch to the specific show to increase your chances of acceptance. 4. Follow-Up Wisely Timing Matters: Wait at least a week to nine days before sending a follow-up email. Be Patient: For a second follow-up, consider waiting an additional week and a half. Respect Their Schedule: Hosts may be busy with other commitments; excessive follow-ups can be off-putting. 5. Accept Non-Responses Gracefully Don't Take It Personally: If you haven't heard back after two follow-ups, it's likely they're not interested. Limit Your Follow-Ups: Stick to two follow-ups to avoid seeming pushy. 6. Maintain Professionalism Avoid Being Pushy: Overeagerness can deter hosts from considering you. Understand Their Workload: Many hosts receive numerous pitches and may not have time to respond to all. Key Takeaways Accuracy Is Essential: Correct names and relevant content show professionalism. Patience Pays Off: Give hosts ample time to respond before following up. Professional Courtesy: Respect their time and decisions to leave a positive impression. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll improve your chances of securing podcast appearances and building meaningful industry connections.

    3 min

  6. 10/15/2024

    Unexpected Benefits of Being on Podcasts

    Q: What’s the most unexpected benefit of being a podcast guest? One of the unique advantages of podcasts over other marketing channels is the unexpected opportunities that can arise from sharing your story. While traditional marketing efforts like ads focus on ROI—raising capital, boosting sales, or growing your mailing list—podcasts offer benefits you might not anticipate. For example: New Collaborations: A podcast host might express interest in forming an affiliate partnership or exploring other collaborative ventures with you. Charitable Contributions: Listeners may reach out to support your charitable causes, such as donating proceeds from their annual events to your charity. Investment Opportunities: Hosts or listeners could offer to fund your projects or deals, providing capital that you were seeking in ways you hadn't imagined. These outcomes aren't guaranteed for everyone, but they highlight how podcasts can open doors that other forms of marketing might not. By building rapport and authentically telling your story, you connect with people on a deeper level. This connection encourages others to engage with you beyond the typical customer relationship. Podcasts allow you to: Build Trust: Sharing your experiences and insights helps establish credibility with your audience. Expand Your Network: Engage with hosts and listeners who can become valuable contacts in your industry. Create Lasting Impact: Your message can inspire others to take action, leading to meaningful opportunities. While not every podcast appearance will result in these hidden benefits, the potential for unexpected and rewarding outcomes makes podcasting a powerful addition to your marketing strategy. It's about more than just promoting your business; it's about forming genuine connections that can lead to extraordinary possibilities.

    2 min

  7. 10/10/2024

    Why You Can't Have Just Anyone Book Your Podcasts

    When booking podcast appearances, not all assistance is equal. Delegating this task to a virtual assistant or someone unfamiliar with entrepreneurship might seem convenient, but it can lead to missed opportunities. 🔑 Shared Entrepreneurial Spirit Relatable Representation: Someone who understands entrepreneurship can authentically convey your journey, resonating with hosts and listeners. Insightful Pitching: They speak the entrepreneurial language, crafting pitches that highlight your unique experiences and make your message stand out. 🎯 Tailored Topic Development Depth of Understanding: Their passion allows them to uncover insights and angles a general assistant might miss. Audience Alignment: They know what entrepreneurial audiences seek—innovation strategies, overcoming failures, growth hacks—and position you accordingly. 🤝 Building Meaningful Connections Network Access: Immersed in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, they have connections with relevant podcasts, ensuring you're featured where it counts. Authentic Engagement: Their enthusiasm leads to genuine interactions with hosts, fostering stronger relationships and more impactful appearances. 🚫 Limitations of General Assistance Surface-Level Pitches: Without deep understanding, pitches may lack nuance and fail to capture your true value. Misaligned Opportunities: A general assistant might not identify podcasts that align with your goals, leading to less effective engagements. ✨ Invest in Aligned Expertise Your entrepreneurial journey deserves representation by someone who truly gets it. Partnering with an agent who shares your passion ensures your podcast appearances are strategic and authentic.

    1 min

  8. 10/09/2024

    Niche Podcasts are THE Shortcut to Expert Status

    Alex Sanfelipo one time asked me: Is it better to be a guest on a niche podcast that perfectly aligns or to be on a podcast with bigger overall reach?  Whether you're new to podcasting or a seasoned guest, incorporating niche podcasts into your schedule is a game-changer. Here's why: Deep Dive into Expertise In-Depth Conversations: Niche podcast hosts are often industry insiders. They ask insightful questions that go beyond the surface, allowing you to showcase your deep knowledge. Showcase Your Experience: Discussing specific stories and nuanced topics highlights your expertise and the breadth of your experience. Establish Yourself as an Authority Go Beyond General Topics: While broad podcasts are great for reaching a wider audience, they often stick to generalities. Niche podcasts let you delve into specifics, helping you stand out as an expert. Demonstrate Industry Insight: Engaging with a specialized audience reinforces your position within your field. Leverage SEO Benefits Enhanced Online Presence: Even smaller niche podcasts boost your visibility. Being featured on shows titled around your expertise improves search results when people look you up. Perception Matters: Potential clients or employers see your association with industry-specific platforms, adding to your credibility—even if they haven't listened to the episode. Don't Overlook Smaller Shows Value Beyond Size: A podcast with just a few episodes and reviews can still offer significant benefits. Strategic Appearances: Focus on podcasts that align closely with your niche, regardless of their audience size. Takeaway Prioritize niche podcasts to deepen your impact and solidify your authority in your industry. Their targeted reach and the opportunity for in-depth dialogue make them invaluable additions to your podcasting strategy.

    2 min
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5
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

Spencer Carpenter is the founder of Outlier Audio, a podcast booking agency. Spencer has booked over 1,500 interviews that have garnered millions of downloads for talented Celebrities, Entrepreneurs, Pro Athletes, Authors, Investors, and Top Keynote Speakers. Questions with a Podcast Booking Agent is designed to be quick and actionable advice where Spencer answers common questions on how to get booked on podcasts, dos and don'ts, and industry trends. Head over to Spencer's LinkedIn where you can submit a question on any of his posts - https://bit.ly/3z

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