How to Get Free Publicity on Radio Talk Shows

Appearing on Radio Talk Shows is a Great Way to get publicity. And one of the best parts is, you don't have to leave home to do it. Most radio hosts will interview you on the phone.

With that said, here are 5 steps you can use to get on the air:

1. Contact the show's producer.  Once you have a particular show in mind, call the general business number for the station, not the line into the studio, and ask for the name of the producer, with proper spelling, and their email address.  If the person who answers the phone doesn't know, which often happens at radio stations,  ask to speak to someone in the programming department. Usually, someone there will have the answer.

2. Call the show's producer or send an email. Both methods work well. A phone call will help break the ice but you will still have to follow up with an email pitch, usually your press release will do.

3. Be prepared for the audition. Practice your elevator pitch if your initial communication was by email. If a producer calls you, it means he or she is interested and they want to get a sense of how you sound and respond to questions before they decide to book you.

4. Practice answering a few basic questions about yourself and your topic ahead of time on tape.  Producers are looking for lively guests who are informative and entertaining.  If your topic is a serious one, let  your voice reflect it, without being too somber or stiff.  If you are passionate about a topic, such as a cause, let it show.  But don't be obnoxious or overbearing, regardless of the subject.  Listen to a variety of radio talk shows, paying attention to how the guests perform.  Think about what you like and dislike about each of them, then compare that with a practice tape of  yourself. Make any adjustments you think necessary. Also ask for honest feedback from people whose opinion you respect. Remember, your goal is to get positive publicity, not embarrass yourself in front of tens of thousands of people.

5. Only pitch one show in each market (town or metropolitan area).  If you get turned down, then contact the next radio show on your list in that market.  If you are approaching national shows, it's okay to contact them all at the same time, but don't mention it unless asked. It's usually best to answer questions from the media honestly, but there is no rule that says you have to volunteer information.

Danek S. Kaus is the author of "You Can Be Famous: Insider Secrets to Getting Free Publicity." He has helped clients to get free publicity through such media as CNN, USA Today and the New York Times, as well as hundreds of newspapers, magazines and radio and TV talks shows. Learn more publicity secrets at his site: http://getfreepublicitynow.com.