Introduction
Podcast interviews are a proven method for unlocking a treasure trove of high-quality backlinks and elevating your online presence.
They can enhance your credibility and drive organic traffic to your site.
In this blog, I will show you how to build high-quality SEO backlinks with podcast interviews and go from microphone to metrics.
So, let’s dive right in and learn everything about it!
Note: This is a guest post written by Nathan Hirsch, a serial entrepreneur focused on simplifying entrepreneurship with proven systems and SEO strategies for scaling B2B businesses.
What are Podcast Backlinks?
My experience as an entrepreneur has taught me that many people struggle to understand that not all backlinks are created equal.
They often experience challenges identifying high-quality backlinks that can truly enhance their podcast SEO strategy.
Technically, podcast backlinks are links that direct users from a podcast episode or show notes to your website. They are critical in driving traffic and enhancing your SEO.
How do podcast backlinks differ from the standard backlinks in SEO? Podcast backlinks are unique because of their structural relevance, niche audience access, authority, multimedia impact, and engagement opportunities.
What Makes Podcast Links Valuable?
Here are the reasons why podcast links are valuable.
● Targeted Audience Reach: I have had the privilege of being on 800+ podcasts and can authoritatively say that podcast listeners are interested in specific topics. They are highly engaged with specific topics, making backlinks a direct pathway to a relevant audience that’s more likely to convert.
● Enhanced Authority: Podcasts are a credible source of information, especially when the host and guests are experts in their fields. Listeners gain practical advice from experienced participants. Therefore, appearing as a guest in a podcast is a positive signal to listeners that you are an expert or sought-after leader in your field.
● Natural Context: Podcast interviews are conversational, and links are typically embedded in conversational content. This provides an easier opportunity to incorporate links on relevant keywords naturally without the incumbrance of formal written grammar.
● Diverse Traffic Sources: Experienced SEO experts will tell you diverse traffic sources are crucial for a well-rounded online presence. You can utilize podcast backlinks to access a unique audience that may not discover your content through traditional search engines. This also helps to mitigate risks associated with algorithm changes that can impact search rankings.
● Social Sharing Opportunities: Podcast episodes often end up being shared on social media posts to offer an extended forum for discussing a certain topic. This makes podcast backlinks valuable because they can increase the potential for additional exposure when promoting episodes.
● Longevity of Content: A podcast’s long shelf life attracts listeners and drives traffic to your site long after the episode airs.
● SEO Benefits: Backlinks from a reputable podcast can significantly enhance a website’s authority. Podcast links can also organically grow your audience, thus offering a proven long-term strategy for SEO.
● Networking Opportunities: Guest appearances are crucial because they can open doors to further collaborations and partnerships. This means podcast links can amplify your reach beyond the initial podcast audience.
How to Build Podcast Backlinks
Building podcast backlinks is a lengthy process with its fair share of challenges, especially for first-timers. Fortunately, it is doable, and here is a guide for implementing a successful podcast backlinking strategy.
Step 1: Find Podcasts Relevant to Your Expertise
The sheer number of podcasts available on the internet makes it overwhelming for anyone to narrow down their preferred niche.
The key to finding an ideal podcast lies in valuing quality over quantity in your filtering process. You should prioritize finding high-quality podcasts that are worth engaging in rather than opting for podcasts without depth or relevance.
Step 2. Research the Host’s Contact Information
You need the host’s contact information before initiating any formal communication. Common places to search for the host’s contact information include their podcast website, social media profiles, podcast directories, and email finder tools.
Other places where you are likely to get a host’s contact information include networking events or listening to mentions during an episode. However, you should anticipate hurdles like outdated contact information, spam filters, and overwhelming choices on how to reach the host.
Alternatively, you can save yourself the hustle and take advantage of my A-list of 750+ podcasts compilation. The list contains relevant information such as the name of the podcast, podcast host, best email to use, website, and link to the podcast.
Step 3: Create Pitch Materials to Use
The next step on the list is gathering relevant materials and crafting your pitches. You should address the following points when creating your pitch materials:
● Define Your Value Proposition: The main thing here is to articulate what unique insights or expertise you can bring to the podcast audience. You should clearly highlight how you can build on the podcast theme.
● Tailored Outreach: Using a template and pasting generic responses is tempting. However, generic outreach messages will get you little to no resonance. After all, why would the host give you time when you can’t invest time to craft a compelling message? You can use a template but customize each pitch based on the podcast’s niche, audience, and previous episodes.
● Compelling Subject Line: I can’t emphasize enough the importance of first impressions whenever you interact with people. You should get the host’s attention by crafting an engaging, appealing subject line that succinctly conveys the benefit of having you as a guest.
● Concise Bio: You should sell yourself as an expert in the Bio section. You should include a brief description that establishes your credibility, relevant experience, and any notable achievements related to your niche.
● Highlight Mutual Benefits: Explain how your insights will benefit the podcast host and audience. Suggest specific topics or angles you could discuss that would be relevant to the podcast’s audience.
● Previous Appearances: You should mention previous podcast interviews or media appearances to showcase your experience and comfort level in front of an audience.
● Engagement Metrics: Include supportive metrics like data on your own audience or engagement levels from previous appearances further to demonstrate your potential impact on the host’s podcast. You can also include statistics or case studies to act as a testimonial on the effectiveness of how past interviews have helped you improve SEO and domain authority.
● Call to Action: This is where you can politely convey your request to the host on actionable tasks like scheduling a call, sending more information, or inviting you as a guest.
Step 4: Pitch and Land the Podcast Interview
Here are essential points to highlight in your pitch to land a podcast interview:
● Use a Professional Email Address: It is tempting to send your pitch proposal via your personal or generic email. However, I highly recommend sending your podcast interview pitches from a professional email address that reflects your name or brand. It earns you extra credit points to showcase how seasoned you are in your niche.
● Include Supporting Materials: Ensure you add supporting documentation, such as media kits, bios, headshots, and links to previous appearances or relevant content. This will add gravitas to your pitch proposal and act as a supportive case study. Neatly arrange your attachments to enhance the flow of thought.
● Flexibility with Scheduling: Professional podcast hosts value their time, and it is courteous to consider their schedules. Express your willingness to accommodate the host’s schedule, making it easier for them to consider you as a guest.
● Be Open to Feedback: You should be open to ideas from podcast hosts if they express interest but suggest a different topic or angle. The suggestions usually help the host align your needs with their brand.
● Proofread Your Email: A polished email depicts professionalism, so ensure you carefully proofread your podcast interview pitch for spelling and grammatical errors before sending it to the host.
● Be Patient: Remember that A-list podcasts have a regular and consistent airing schedule. That means their diary might be booked for months on end, so allow some time for the host to respond. An appropriate time to wait before sending a follow-up email is usually a month.
● Landing the Interview: Your stars will align eventually if you follow these guidelines. I know this for a fact because I have done it several times with amazing results. Ensure you reply to the host to indicate your enthusiasm and ask any pertinent questions relating to the show or topic.
Step 5: Nail the Podcast Interview
Here are a few tips to help you excel in any podcast interview and get credible backlinks:
● Before the Interview: Ensure you research the podcast topic, understand your audience, prepare your key message, and anticipate common questions you might get from the host or audience.
● During the Interview: Portray authenticity while exuding positivity in your engagement with the podcast participants. Stay on topic, highlight your expertise, and maintain a professional yet approachable tone throughout the interview.
● After the Interview: After the interview, follow up with a vote of thanks message to convey your appreciation of the podcast host and listeners.
Step 6: Get a Podcast Backlink on the Show Notes
Requesting a podcast backlink becomes less awkward if you indicate your expectations in the interview pitch proposal. The podcast hosts are more inclined to grant your request if you communicate beforehand rather than ambushing them after the interview.
You can politely ask if they could include links to your website or relevant resources in the show notes. Provide the exact links you’d like included to make it easier for the host to incorporate them in the episode notes.
Step 7: Develop an Ongoing Relationship
Here are a few tips to help you build a strong and long-term relationship after a successful podcast interview:
● Collaborate on Future Projects: Adopt a proactive approach by suggesting potential collaboration ideas, such as guest blogging, co-hosting a webinar, or contributing to their next episode.
● Regular Check-Ins: Relationships and networks fade and eventually fail if you do not touch base every few months to see what the host is doing. You can use this opportunity to also share updates about your work with the host.
● Attend Events Together: In-person interactions offer deeper connections, so consider attending if the host participates in conferences, webinars, or networking events.
● Engage on Social Media: Social media platforms offer an excellent environment to engage with the host’s content and show support without exuding an overbearing vibe.
Final Tips for Landing Podcast Links
You are now adequately prepared to land quality podcast links that can enhance your domain authority. Below are a few nuggets to consider in your quest to be an authority figure in your niche:
● Be Selective: Implement a rigorous and highly selective process when selecting podcasts relevant to your niche. Ensure the podcast you seek aligns with your brand and style.
● Craft a Compelling Pitch: Refer to the above notes to ensure you have the best podcast interview pitches.
● Highlight Your Expertise: This is not bragging, so do not shy away from highlighting your best attributes and including links to previous interviews or content to demonstrate your deliverables.
● Follow Up Strategically: Don’t forget to mention your website or resources during the conversation whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Summary
It is evident from the onset that landing quality podcast links can be a painstakingly lengthy process. But it can be achieved with a dedicated strategy.
Work with me today if you’re interested in being a client, sponsor, or partner!
