Pitching yourself to a podcast can be an effective way to reach new audiences, build your brand, and establish yourself as an expert in your field. Podcasts have become increasingly popular in recent years, and many people rely on them as a source of entertainment, information, and inspiration.

Appearing as a guest on a podcast can give you the opportunity to share your knowledge, insights, and experiences with a broad audience. Helping you establish yourself as a thought leader and build your reputation in your industry.

Here are some tips for crafting a successful podcast pitch:

Research the podcast

Before you approach a podcast host or producer, it’s essential to understand the show’s content, tone, and format. This will help you tailor your pitch to the specific interests and needs of the podcast and increase your chances of being selected as a guest.

Three ways you can research the podcast are:

1. Listen to several episodes: Pay attention to the topics the podcast covers, the type of guests they typically feature, and the show’s overall tone. This will help you understand whether your expertise and perspective fit the podcast.
2.  Read the show notes, website, and social media profiles: This can give you a better understanding of the podcast’s target audience, goals, and values. Look for information about the host or hosts, the format of the show, and any upcoming episodes or topics. This can help you tailor your pitch to the podcast’s interests and needs.
3.  Research the podcast’s audience: Look for information about the podcast listeners’ demographics and interests. This can help you understand whether your expertise and perspective would be relevant and valuable to the audience.

Highlight your expertise

Podcast hosts are looking for guests who can provide unique insights, knowledge, and expertise to their audience, and the top podcasts receive thousands of guest requests daily. Showcasing your experience and qualifications and explaining why you would be a valuable guest for the podcast is necessary.

Here are some tips for highlighting your expertise:

1. Identify your area of expertise: Determine the topic or subject area you have the most experience and knowledge. This could be related to your profession, industry, or personal interests.
2.  Showcase your qualifications: Explain your qualifications, credentials, or certifications related to your area of expertise. This can include relevant degrees, certifications, or professional experience.
3.  Highlight your achievements: Describe any notable achievements, awards, or recognitions you have received in your field.
4.  Provide examples: Give specific examples of how you have applied your expertise to solve problems or achieve results. This can help the podcast host and listeners understand the practical value of your expertise.
5.  Be confident: Showcase your confidence and enthusiasm for your area of expertise. This can help the podcast host and listeners understand your passion for the topic and make you a more compelling guest.

Be concise 

Podcast hosts and producers receive numerous pitches daily, so you want to ensure your pitch is concise and grabs their attention. Highlighting the key points that make you a great guest for the podcast is critical to making your pitch stand out and increasing your chances of being selected.

Here are some tips for keeping your pitch short and to the point:

1. Start with a clear and attention-grabbing subject line: The subject line is the first thing the podcast host or producer will see, so make sure it communicates the purpose of your email and grabs their attention. A subject line like “Expert in [your topic] available for interview” or “Pitch for your podcast on [your topic]” is clear and to the point.
2. Introduce yourself briefly: Keep your introduction short and to the point. Explain who you are and your area of expertise in one or two sentences.
3. Explain why you’re a great guest: Highlight the key points that make you a valuable guest for the podcast. Focus on what you can bring to the podcast, rather than what you hope to gain from the experience.
4. Provide evidence of your expertise: Provide specific examples, achievements, or credentials that demonstrate your expertise in your field. Remember that brevity is key, so only include the most relevant and compelling evidence.
5. Keep it brief: Keep your pitch short and to the point. Ideally, your pitch should be no more than a few paragraphs or a few sentences.

Share your previous experience

If you have prior experience as a guest on other podcasts or have relevant media experience, mentioning it in your pitch can effectively demonstrate your expertise and increase your chances of being selected as a guest.

Here are some tips for mentioning your previous podcast or media experience in your pitch:

1. Highlight your most relevant experience: If you have been a guest on other podcasts or have relevant media experience, focus on the most relevant experiences to the podcast you are pitching to. This will demonstrate that you have the expertise and knowledge that aligns with the podcast’s audience.
2. Share links or samples: If possible, provide links to your prior podcast appearances or media work. This allows the podcast host or producer to access your work and assess your expertise quickly.
3. Use social proof: If you have received positive feedback or reviews from your previous podcast or media appearances, share those. This social proof can further demonstrate your credibility as a guest.
4. Be humble: While it’s important to highlight your prior experience, be humble and don’t come across as arrogant or overly self-promotional. Focus on the value you can bring to the podcast and its audience.

Follow up

If you have not heard back from the podcast host or producer after your initial pitch, following up after a week or two is okay. Following up can demonstrate your interest and persistence in being a guest on the podcast.

Here are some tips for following up after your initial pitch:

1. Be polite and respectful: When following up, it’s important to maintain a polite and respectful tone. Refrain from being demanding or pushy; this can be a turn-off for the podcast host or producer.
2. Reiterate your value: In your follow-up email, reiterate why you believe you would be a great guest for the podcast. Remind the host or producer of the key points you highlighted in your initial pitch and how your expertise can benefit their audience.
3. Keep it short: Keep your follow-up email short and to the point. A long and detailed email may be ignored or deleted if the host or producer is busy. 
4. Be patient: Remember that podcast hosts and producers are often busy and receive numerous pitches and follow-up emails. It may take some time for them to respond, so be patient and respectful of their time.

Be Yourself And Add Value

Remember, podcast hosts, are looking for guests who can provide unique insights and valuable information to their audience. Increase your chances of being selected as a guest by highlighting your expertise and demonstrating your relevance to the podcast.

 

Jevon Wooden, CEO of Live Not Loathe, is a business coach, keynote speaker, author, and Bronze Star Recipient passionate about marketing, sales, technology, and helping motivated entrepreneurs and businesses increase clarity, confidence, and cash flow while having more time to focus on what matters.