5 tips for how to rock your next radio interview

The radio interview is an often overlooked method for getting valuable exposure before tens of thousands of potential customers, depending on the reach of the radio station.

The following tips will help you make the most of your opportunity:

1. Use a regular land line, or "wired" telephone. Cell phones can often sound like you're talking under water or in a cave. Talking on a land line avoids dropped calls and helps you sound your best.

2. Have a note pad handy when you speak. Write on it the name of the host so you can talk conversationally. As in, "Well, Joe, glad to be here." 

3. Have your two or three key message points in front of you. Make sure you weave them into your responses whenever possible.

4. Be sure to have your website and phone number handy as well. But, don't just wait and throw out your contact information at the end. Try to refer to your website during the discussion. You might say, for example, "I don't have the time to get into the details, but you can find out more on our website...."

5. Listen to the station and program ahead of the interview so you know what listeners will have heard leading up to your segment. It could very well be a guest with a viewpoint opposite of yours.

Don't overlook radio interviews. They're quick and effective ways to communicate your message, and they're free.