Want to get more eyeballs on your amazing content? (And no, I’m not referring to Aunt Mildred’s “eyeball” cake decorations at Thanksgiving.) The trick is simple: Get the big names in your industry to share your work. You might be wondering—how in the world do I make that happen? Well, hold onto your coffee because we’re diving into the art of how to interview authority figures and ride the waves of their massive influence!
Why Interview Authority Figures? (Yes, It’s Worth the Nerve-Wracking Ask!)
Think about it. When you feature an influencer or authority figure in your industry, they’re likely to share YOUR content. And not just with their golden retriever; we’re talking about their loyal audience—the people who hang onto their every word or post. That means more exposure for you, all while you get to bask in the reflected glory of their credibility.
But interviewing an influencer isn’t just about riding their coattails (okay, maybe a little). It shows your audience that you’re serious about bringing them top-notch insights from the best in the business. Plus, influencers usually LOVE seeing their name in lights… or pixels. It’s a win-win. Just don’t forget to spell-check their name, okay?
Where to Find Influential People to Interview
Let’s get the magnifying glass out. Influencers are everywhere, but here are some hot spots to check:
- Facebook or LinkedIn Groups: As Pat Flynn from the Smart Passive Income podcast wisely points out, people running groups are always looking for growth opportunities. They’re like gardeners, except instead of watering plants, they’re nurturing their online communities and egos (kidding…sort of).
- Industry Blogs: Who’s popping up in the guest-writing section of your favorite blogs? These folks are practically begging to share their wisdom.
- Conference Speakers: If they’ve got the guts to stand on a stage, odds are they’d love to chat with you one-on-one. Or one-on-Zoom, because, you know, 2023.
- Podcasts: Scour your industry’s podcasts for guests you’d love to interview. Bonus points if they’ve got a killer radio voice.
How to Approach an Influencer Without Sounding Desperate
Let’s be real—cold-emailing influencers can feel like sliding into someone’s DMs and hoping not to get ghosted. But don’t sweat it; we’ve got you covered:
- Do Your Homework: Don’t ask them a question they’ve answered 597 times already. Dig into their blog, podcast, or social media posts to understand their expertise.
- Personalize Your Pitch: Skip the “Dear Influencer” salutation. Use their name, mention their work, and let them know why YOU want to feature them. Make them feel special without sounding like a stalker!
- Keep It Short: Don’t write a novel. Nobody wants to scroll through your life story to figure out what you’re asking for. TL;DR: Be Concise.
Tips for Conducting a Killer Interview
So, you’ve landed the interview. You’ve danced around your living room in victory. Now what? Time to prep. Because if you wing it, you’ll regret it faster than eating gas station sushi.
- Ask Thoughtful Questions: This isn’t your moment to rehash, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Dig deeper into their experiences, strategies, and lessons they can share with your audience.
- Keep It Conversational: Don’t be a robot reading a script. Be curious, engage in the conversation, and show them you’re genuinely interested.
- Take Notes or Record: You’ll want to capture their golden nuggets (not the fast food kind) accurately. Tools like Otter.ai can help with transcriptions.
For more practical tips, check out this SmartBlogger guide. It’s like the Rosetta Stone for interviewing influencers.
Get Graphic (In a Good Way!)
Remember, nobody wants to share a drab, grey-wall-of-text interview. Add some eye candy, like beautiful graphics or photos that scream, “Look at me! I’m share-worthy!” This includes:
- Attention-Grabbing Featured Images: Make sure they look stunning when they pop up on social media (because they will).
- Custom Graphics: Charts, captions, memes—get creative! Tools like Laughingbird Software are perfect for creating scrolling-stopping designs.
After the Interview: The Sharing Goldmine
Here’s the magical part: Once your polished interview is live, the influencer will WANT to share it. Why wouldn’t they? It’s a stellar shoutout for their business, product, or service.
Make it easy for them to share by providing:
- Shareable Links: Send them direct links to the post. (Yes, some people need things handed to them. It’s fine.)
- Pre-Written Posts: Draft a couple of tweets, LinkedIn posts, or Instagram captions they can tweak and use.
- Trackable Results: If you’re fancy, track their content’s engagement and show what a stellar job they’ve done.
Long-Term Relationships: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
If you knocked their socks off with this interview, they might want to work with you again (and not just because you sent a heartfelt thank-you email). Relationships with influencers are like wine—they get better with time. Keep nurturing those connections, and you could find yourself with exclusive insights, shares, or partnerships down the line.
FAQs
How do I get influencers to agree to an interview?
Just ask! Seriously, you’d be surprised how many influencers are open to interviews. Show them what’s in it for them—more exposure, a chance to promote their work, or just the satisfaction of being seen as the expert they are (cue applause).
Do I need fancy equipment to record the interview?
Not at all! Most influencers would rather chat casually than feel like they’re in a studio. A good microphone and Zoom (or even your smartphone) will work just fine.
What if the interview flops?
It happens. People flub interviews more often than they’d like to admit (no judgment). Salvage it through excellent editing or pull quotes that still shine, and learn for next time.
So there you have it—the ultimate guide to interviewing authority figures like a pro! Now grab your notepad and get out there. Because the world needs more great stories, and heaven knows, your audience needs more fabulous YOU. Good luck and remember—add a dash of fun, a dose of prep, and a sprinkle of graphics magic!
