If you read my last blog then you’ll know that podcast guesting is a fantastic way to market and build your brand. It can help you expand your target audience, establish credibility, create valuable content for your own audience, and even generate sales.

But of course, before any of that can happen you need to first be invited onto podcasts, and that – like anything in business – takes some time and effort. The good news is, I have a simple four step process that will save you some time, and it’s also something you can easily build into your marketing strategy to do on an annual (or even more regular) basis. Let’s get straight into it!

1 – RESEARCH & CREATE YOUR LIST

Before pitching for any show, do your research. Pull together a list of podcasts that you feel could be a good fit for your brand – make the list as big as you like! For example, if you’re a website designer then you may want to search for shows that discuss website design, online marketing or SEO (depending on your areas of interest and expertise).  But make sure you think outside the box too – if you’re a female entrepreneur then you may want to search for shows that interview women in business. Or if you’re a mum you could search for podcasts that interview mums in business.  Just use good old google, or search directly on popular podcast platforms such as Spotify and iTunes. 

Once you have your list, make sure you’re familiar with the host and the type of guests they interview.  Listen to a few episodes to get a feel for their style, and check if they even accept podcast guest applications.  Have a think about what topics they’ve already covered, and what new topic or angle you could bring to the show.  If you can come up with something of value and show you’ve done your homework, then your pitch is much more likely to be successful.

BONUS TIP: If you can develop a relationship with the host before you pitch, you’ll be more likely to get a response. Listen to their interviews then engage with them on their social media, share their episodes, or write them a review.

2 – WRITE UP YOUR PITCH

There are two keys to a great pitch:

1 – Make it personal. Mention the host in your copy so it doesn’t sound like a template that’s been sent to a stack of other shows.

2 – Submit it through their preferred channel.  Some hosts will have a page on their website for applications, and others will specify their preferred method.  If they don’t include this info, then go with email.

WHAT TO INCLUDE:

1. Introduce yourself
2. Explain what you do
3. Say why you’d love to be interviewed on their podcast
4. Suggest some topics that you think would add value
5. Add links to any previous podcasts you’ve been on if possible
6. Finish with a thank you!

3 – REMEMBER TO FOLLOW UP

Give people anywhere from a few weeks to a month to reply, as some may be extremely busy and take a while to get back to requests. Either way though, it’s super important to follow up.

If you get a no, that’s okay! For every no you get, it will increase the probability that your next response will be a yes – so don’t give up.  Being told no is much better than not asking at all.

4 – REACH FOR THE STARS!

Finally, what’s your DREAM podcast to be featured on?  Put them on your list and reach out to them. What have you got to lose?

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Psst!  Guess what?  In September I’ll be running a ‘Pitch for Podcasts’ challenge with my Shine members where we’ll be working through this process together over a few weeks. You’ll get access to the template I use myself to apply for podcasts, as well as the spreadsheet I use to track my applications and any guest spots I take up.

So if you’re interested in doing this in the company of like-minded women, or would just love some extra encouragement and accountability, come join us! Sign as a monthly or annual Shine member and you get your first 30 days free, so it’s a great way to check out the membership and do something productive for your business at the same time.