How to be successful at podcast guesting - all my trade secrets/I am spilling all the beans!
Looking for a marketing strategy that is fun, builds real trust, and exposes your business to a brand-new audience? Podcast guesting has become my secret weapon this year and it’s easier to start than you think. In this blog, I’m sharing my secrets including the approach that gave me a 100% success rate on my pitches so you can apply them to your own strategy.
How to find podcasts for your niche
Quality not Quantity
I have intentionally only approached a small number of podcast hosts. I don’t know about you but I want to appear on the podcasts that I really enjoy listening to and that talk about topics that I can relate to. So I take the time to listen to lots of different podcasts and find the ones that I like. These are the ones I want to be on! Also, I have to imagine the host and me getting on and enjoying our conversation. If I don’t think that will happen, I don’t apply.
Be Personal and Specific
Because I have got to know the host and the podcast, I can tailor my email to the host - I can talk about which episodes I have loved and what I gain from listening in. I also think about what topics have come up so that if an episode on something I would normally want to build my pitch around has already been done I can lean into something else. I think about what might interest the host and who their audience is and what they might want to hear about. It’s that simple.
How do I find podcasts like this?
This is the biggest question I hear. I don’t know where to start, where will I even find podcasts that will have me as a guest? Well, it’s all in the research! I have various ways of doing this and it’s easier than you think.
People I know have recommended a show
Through social media and it gets easier as the algorithm learns that you want to find hosts so shows you more of them
Use AI to build myself a shortlist of podcasts I might like or that serve my ideal audience
Simply search on a podcast platform for key words that relate to what you want to find
These are all simple and fairly quick ways of building your ‘listening list’ and then go and get listening!
It has to be something you enjoy
This whole exercise should be fun. I love listening to podcasts so constantly discovering new ones is no chore to me. You need to invest time in it so it has to be something you enjoy. It is also not going to be much fun if you don’t feel comfortable chatting away knowing your words will be out there forever. I know it’s not for everyone so don’t do it if that doesn’t align with you.
Be a fan
There is no shortcut to actually being a regular listener/knowing the podcast you are going to be on - podcast hosts can smell it if you are disingenuous!
I know there are plenty of guests that clearly haven’t done this but are still welcome and popular guests so it’s not to say my way is the only way. Experiment to find what works for you.
Bonus tip!
Often I will get to know the host along the way - reach out and tell them what I have enjoyed, leave a great review on a podcast platform, follow them on social media and engage. Long before I think about applying.
Tips for your pitch email
Remember to give all the relevant information to help the host say yes without making it too long!
Address the host by name - there is nothing more offputting than receiving an email where it is clear that someone doesn’t know your name!
Include a short introduction - make it snappy!
Refer to specific episodes you've enjoyed and what you liked about them to show you've actually listened.
Flattery goes a long way so if you have listened to a lot of episodes, implemented stuff from listening in, if it’s made you laugh/cry - tell the host! Genuine feedback really means a lot to a host.
Explain why you'd be a good guest highlight your specialist subjects or soap box topics, and suggest 3 potential topics. Remember if any have recently been covered, you might want to explore different angles to have a good chance of a yes.
Give evidence of you speaking: Share links to where the host can find you online, if you have appeared on previous podcasts include those links.
Pitch yourself (don't outsource): Avoid using third-party services to pitch for you. Sending the email yourself shows genuine interest and authenticity, outsourcing makes it seem like you are pitching to hundreds of other shows..
Offer to promote the episode: Tell the host how you plan to share the episode (e.g., your mailing list, LinkedIn, Instagram, on your website).. This makes it easier for them to say yes and shows you are invested in the success of the episode, not just your own gains.
If you are ready to start pitching but don't know where to start, a power hour with me might set you on the right track, or if you'd like backend/PA support within your business, head over to my website at www.izzwhizzva.co.uk/contact to book a discovery call or check out my other services. I’d love to know if you are encouraged to start your podcast appearance journey from this blog - email and let me know isabelle@izzwhizzva.co.uk
