Getting booked as a public speaker—and turning those engagements into income—requires a repeatable system. Whether you’re new or scaling, this proven 8-step process will help you secure more speaking gigs, grow your business, and get paid to speak.

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Step 1: Define Your Ideal Events and Audience

Start by identifying:

• Who your message is for

• What type of events or platforms suit your speaking style (e.g. conferences, podcasts, workshops)

• What problem you solve for organizers or audiences

Before you book any engagement, get clear on your niche. This foundational step is key to understanding how to book public speaking gigs that match your expertise and goals.

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Step 2: Find Aligned Events

With over 4 million data points, the SpeakerHUB database includes a wide range of opportunities to grow your visibility and revenue:

• Podcasts – Ideal for niche exposure, storytelling, and lead generation

• Associations – Great for recurring training, consulting, and long-term contracts

• Conferences – Offer high credibility, networking, and content for repurposing

• Media outlets – Position you as a thought leader through quotes and bylines

Use specific keywords related to your niche (e.g., "burnout recovery", "inclusive leadership") and don’t forget to filter by region, title, or industry.

Tip: Start with podcasts and associations while you wait for longer conference timelines.

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Step 3: Create Personalized Pitches

SpeakerHUB helps you create engaging pitches and outreach emails. But success still depends on:

• A strong subject line

• A short, relevant message (value-focused)

• A clear CTA (usually a meeting request)

Think of it as building a relationship, not just requesting a gig.

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Step 4: Master the Follow-Up Process

Most bookings happen after the first message. That’s why follow-up is essential.

Recommended schedule:

• Day 1: Pitch

• Day 3–5: First follow-up

• Day 7–10: Second follow-up

• Day 15+: Last check-in

To manage this easily, you can use our SpeakerCRM, which lets you:

• Track every pitch by status (New, Follow-Up, Reply, Booked)

• Add notes and reminders per contact

• Avoid double-pitching

• Stay focused and efficient

Step 5: Negotiate with Strategy

Once someone shows interest, don’t rush to accept any terms. This is your moment to maximize the opportunity—even if there's “no budget.”

You can negotiate:

• Book or product sales at the event

• A professional video recording

• Lead access or email list inclusion

• Referrals to other events or media

Use this stage to clarify deliverables and value on both sides. Read How to Turn “No Budget” Gigs into Business Growth Opportunities for smart strategies.

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Step 6: Prepare for the Event

Once the deal is in place:

• Confirm your session title, tech setup, and duration

• Request audience demographics or challenges

• Ask if you can bring materials, sell from stage, or offer bonuses

Also prepare a strong follow-up offer or CTA that fits the event format—don’t just speak and leave.

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Step 7: Shine During the Event and Offer a Product

During the event, aim to overdeliver. But don’t stop at just inspiring—use this moment to drive action.

Offer:

• A free resource tied to your talk

• A discount on a course or product

• A bundle of your book + consultation

• An invitation to a free discovery call
   

This is how you monetize momentum. For more ideas, check out Monetizing Your Speaking Career: Sales Strategies.

 

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Step 8: Maximize the Post-Event Momentum

Great speakers don’t disappear after the applause. They follow up.

Post-event checklist:

• Send a thank-you note and ask for a testimonial.

• Connect with attendees on LinkedIn

• Turn your talk into content (LinkedIn post, newsletter, podcast episode)

• Add the event to your speaker profile for social proof

• Ask the organizer for future opportunities or referrals

Speaking is a relationship business—treat every event as a door to the next one.

Speaking is a relationship business—treat every event as a door to the next one. And if you'd like a space to get feedback, stay consistent, and learn from other speakers doing the work, you’re always welcome to join our SpeakerHUB coworking sessions.