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Supercharge Your Audience Growth with the Guest Video Traffic Playbook

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Episode Summary:
Host Jonathan Milligan shares the powerful “Guest Video Traffic Playbook” that helped him gain 6,500 email subscribers in just two weeks—without spending a dime on ads. In this episode, Jonathan breaks down how hosting and guesting on virtual summits and video interviews can rapidly grow your audience, boost your authority, and open doors to new opportunities.

Key Topics Covered:

• The story behind Jonathan’s first virtual summit and how it exploded his email list.
• Why being both a guest and a host of video interviews is the fastest way to grow your network and credibility.
• The pitfalls of waiting for interview invites and the importance of proactive outreach.
• How technology and virtual events have made it easier than ever to connect with new audiences.

The Guest Video Traffic Playbook:

1. Build Your Digital Stage:
   • Create a strong online presence and register on speaker networks like HeySummit.
   • Craft a compelling speaker profile that highlights your expertise and availability.
2. Become a Detective:
   • Use Google to find virtual summits in your niche.
   • Reach out to past summit hosts and ask about future opportunities.
3. Ride the Wave:
   • Promote every interview you land across your website, social media, and email list.
   • Leverage momentum from high-profile appearances to secure more interviews.
4. Become the Host:
   • Organize your own virtual summit by inviting experts, setting a date, and preparing a simple registration page.
   • Collaborate with guests to promote the event and maximize reach.
5. Execute with Excellence:
   • Conduct engaging interviews, make it easy for people to register, and ensure every guest brings value to the audience.

Action Step:
Create your “Guest Expert One Pager”:

• Get a professional headshot.
• Write a punchy 2-3 sentence bio.
• List 3-5 hot topics you love discussing.
• Brainstorm 5-7 questions hosts could ask you.
• Include links to previous interviews or content.
• Add your contact info and availability.
• Register on speaker networks and use your one pager to pitch yourself for interviews.

Key Takeaways:

• Proactively seek out interview opportunities—don’t wait to be discovered.
• Use the momentum from each appearance to secure more guest spots and grow your audience.
• Hosting your own virtual summit can dramatically accelerate your list growth and establish you as an authority.

Connect:
For more resources and to get the physical editions of the “Your Message Matters” series, visit platformgrowthbooks.com.

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Podcast Show Notes: Chapter 16 – The Guest Podcasting Traffic Playbook

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Episode Summary:
In this episode, Jonathan shares how the pandemic forced him to pivot his book launch strategy from live events to guest podcasting. He reveals how appearing on 100+ podcasts became his “Hidden Stages” strategy for reaching new audiences and how you can use guest podcasting to grow your own influence—no book required!

Key Topics Covered:

• The challenge of launching a book during the pandemic and the shift to podcast guesting.
• Why guest podcasting is a powerful way to access “hidden stages” and engaged audiences.
• Common pitfalls: cold emailing big shows, accepting every invite, and wasting time on low-impact appearances.
• The smarter approach: using podcast matching services to find relevant, established shows.

The Guest Podcasting Playbook:

1. Sign Up for Podcast Matching Services:
   Use platforms like Pod Match to connect with shows that fit your expertise.
2. Optimize Your Guest Profile:
   Craft a compelling bio, include social links, and showcase previous appearances for credibility.
3. Tailor Your Pitch:
   Research each show, listen to episodes, and customize your outreach to match the host’s style and audience.
4. Prepare Engaging Content:
   Develop stories, case studies, and actionable advice. Create a “one sheet” with discussion topics.
5. Deliver Value in Interviews:
   Focus on actionable insights and personal stories to inform and inspire listeners.
6. Promote Your Appearances:
   Share interviews on social media, write blog posts, and repurpose content to maximize reach.
7. Follow Up and Build Relationships:
   Thank hosts, stay in touch, and nurture connections for future opportunities.

Action Step:
Complete the 24-hour guest podcasting launch:

• Sign up for a matching service.
• Build your guest profile.
• Research and select 5 target podcasts.
• Draft tailored pitches and a one sheet of topics.
• Practice your delivery and send your pitches.

Key Takeaways:

• Guest podcasting is a high-leverage strategy for audience growth, especially when traditional methods are limited.
• Focus on value, promotion, and relationship-building to maximize your impact.
• Consistency and preparation turn podcast guesting from a one-off tactic into a long-term growth engine.

Connect:
For more strategies and resources, visit Jonathan’s blog and subscribe to the Market Your Message Show.

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Podcast Show Notes: Market Your Message Show – Chapter 15: The Guest Blogging Traffic Playbook

Episode Summary:
Host Jonathan returns from his July sabbatical to continue the "Your Message Matters" series, focusing on building your audience. This episode dives into guest blogging and, more importantly, how to leverage media mentions for explosive audience growth.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why Jonathan takes a July sabbatical and the importance of work-life balance.
• The story of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" and how media mentions transformed its success.
• The pitfalls of traditional guest blogging: time-consuming, uncertain results, and low ROI.
• The smarter alternative: using media mentions to reach larger audiences with less effort.

The Media Mentions Playbook:

1. Sign Up for HARO (Help a Reporter Out):
   Get daily emails with journalist queries looking for expert input.
2. Be Selective:
   Focus on queries that match your expertise and target audience.
3. Craft Snappy Responses:
   Keep answers under 150 words, clear, and quotable.
4. Polish Your Bio:
   Make it short, relevant, and include a link to your blog.
5. Play the Numbers Game:
   Respond to multiple queries daily to increase your chances.
6. Track and Follow Up:
   Use a spreadsheet to log submissions and follow up on potential publications.
7. Amplify Your Mentions:
   Share your media mentions across social media, your website, and newsletters.

Action Step:
Set up your HARO account, pick 3-5 relevant queries, craft concise responses, and track your progress. Make this a daily habit to build credibility and visibility.

Key Takeaways:

• Media mentions are more efficient and impactful than traditional guest blogging.
• Consistency and focus on high-impact strategies are crucial for audience growth.
• Leverage existing platforms to boost your authority and SEO.

Connect:
For more tips and resources, visit Jonathan’s blog and subscribe to the Market Your Message Show.