Making it easier to interview subject matter experts!
In content, interviewing experts can help you add a depth to your content, and it's easy once you get hang of it. But, if it's your first time, you can make it better with some help...
Heya creative minds,
You’ve got a topic on which you need to write content, but as soon as you start your research, you realize how saturated the entire web is.
So, to make your content unique and add depth to it — you decide to interview subject matter experts.
Think of it like adding toppings to a pizza. You've got a great base, but you want to add some extra flavor and depth.
Now, I know what you might be thinking - "But where do I even start?"
Don't panic, because I've been in your shoes. I remember the first time I interviewed someone; I went in with the bare minimum preparation.
But thankfully, she was calm and understanding enough to help me with it. Hence, it all went well…… Phew!
So, to make it easier for you, I’ve created a step-by-step approach that you can use to make your interviewing process super smooth.
Step 1: Do your research
Before you dive into the interview, make sure you do your research on the subject matter.
It's like getting ready for a first date - you want to know what you're getting into and have some thoughtful questions prepared.
Plus, researching will save you from asking basic questions and you can get some unique saucy information that will help you make your piece better.
Step 2: Create a rough outline
Preparing for an interview with a subject matter expert is challenging.
Hence, it's important to research, and creating a detailed content outline will help you to ask targeted questions that elicit thoughtful responses.
Not only will this help you stay focused during the interview, but it will also be a valuable reference guide for your writing process.
Trust me, your interviewee and audience will thank you for it!
Step 3: Identify and reach out to experts
Now that you have a clear outline of the topics you want to cover, it's time to reach out to potential subject matter experts.
This could be someone in your network, industry associations, or social media platforms like LinkedIn.
Not only will this help you gather more information on the topic, but it will also help you build relationships in your industry.
You can also explore other resources like:
Industry associations
Slack communities,
or social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, where you can search for experts in your field.
Step 4: Prepare open-ended questions
To create an effective interview, it’s important to prepare a list of open-ended questions that allow the expert to share their insights and experiences.
Remember to ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into their responses and get more valuable insights.
Here are some sample questions you can ask:
What is that one notion in this industry you feel is over-rated or under-rated?
Why do you think this particular thing became so popular?
What one point would be better if talked more about?
What’s your ideal process for X?
How has your experience in this industry evolved over the years, and how do you see it changing in the future?
In your opinion, what is the industry's biggest challenge currently, and how do you think it could be overcome?
What do you think sets apart successful professionals in this industry from those who struggle to succeed?
Can you share a time when you faced a significant setback or obstacle in your career, and how did you overcome it?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the industry, and what sources do you rely on for information?
What advice would you give someone just starting their career in this industry?
These are common talking points, but you need to ask more laser-focused questions related to the topic to get unique, detailed, and experience-driven answers.
Take the time to follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way to conducting a successful subject matter expert interview. Best of luck!
See you soon!
If you’ve any questions, feel free to reply to this email, and if this newsletter was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to it.