Podcast Collaboration: What to Know
“When you need to innovate, you need collaboration.” – Marissa Mayer
There is a lot of truth to that statement. Collaboration can bring some great opportunities, new friends, and engagement for your show and brand.
We’ve discussed podcast collaboration on our Instagram before which you can check out here. Now I want to go even deeper on what is collaboration for podcasting, when to begin, types of collaborations, and how to actually get started today.
What is Collaborating
Collaborating for podcasting is a great way to grow your show and expand to new potential listeners. But for many, there are a ton of questions to get sorted out before getting started. First I want to start with the basics, what is collaborating when it comes to podcasting?
To put it simply you are teaming up with…
other podcasts
businesses
other works (blogs, YouTube, magazines, etc.)
To share your expertise with them, their listeners and vice versa. You are sharing your knowledge with their audiences and listeners. Putting yourself out there can be scary, but you’ve got this! Getting your name out there and showing your knowledge can be helpful for building authority. But it can also be great to have people collaborating on your show too. It gives your listeners a variety of information and gives them a reason to keep coming back.
When to get Started with Podcast Collaboration
Now that you know what collaborations are when it comes to podcasting. The next question that usually comes up is when to get started.
And the answer is: there really is no specific time. You can be brand new to podcasting or very well-versed with your show at this point, either way, you can get started at any time.
As long as you are wanting to grow and collaborate with others, then the time is now!
Make sure to do research on what your listeners (or potential listeners) are wanting to hear and begin looking for people or businesses within those industries to start your collaboration journey. A great place to start is with podcasts that have similar audiences or topics as you.
Types of Podcast Collaborations
You’ve got the what and the when covered. But, when it comes to collaborations there are a few different types that you could include in your marketing strategy. These are some common ones:
Guesting on another podcast show. And then they can also come onto yours! This can be in your same industry, similar, or something that has a similar listener base - get creative with it. But as I mentioned above, it’s a great way to show your expertise to their audience and them to yours.
Do Show Shout Outs/Cross Promotion. A shout-out is just a little blurb during the episode to their listeners about how they love your show (or it’s similar to their show) and they should listen to it. Then you could do one as well in return, that's where cross-promotion comes in.
Create content. This is a great way to expand to other media sources. Create guest social posts, newsletters, blogs, magazine articles, etc. to help spread the word and show your expertise. And if you can and it makes sense to do so, point to your podcast in that content to have potential listeners circle back to you.
Go local. Look locally for ways you can collaborate with businesses + media outlets in your area. Could you jump on the local radio, write a blog, or hit up the local newspaper, then, in turn, they could be on your show or you can shout them out. Explore your different options, see what would be most beneficial for your audience, go from there, and see where you can offer help to others.
How to Get Started with Podcast Collaboration
You now have all the pieces for collaborating but how do you begin trying to collaborate? There are a few things you should consider:
Create your collaboration plan. You don’t need to do it all. Focus on a few that would most benefit you and your audience then figure out who you’ll be reaching out to.
Create a podcast media kit. This is a great way to highlight your show and how you would be a great fit to collaborate with.
Write a nice pitch. You want to catch their attention and give them a reason to say yes!
Have your promo materials ready. Having this is good for when it’s gone time. Many shows and other collaborators will need this information so you may as well have it already gathered. This may include images, videos, audiograms, bio about yourself or your show.
Get collaborating! Begin reaching out and putting your pitch and media kit to the test. If you did your research and found people who would benefit your listeners and you could benefit them in some way, then it shouldn’t take too long before you get your first yes.
If you need any help setting podcast collaboration up for your own show, reach out to us. And let us know what is one of your favorite ways to collaborate.
Aleea
