I want to get booked on podcasts, but I don’t know where to start
If you’ve recently discovered the benefits of podcast guesting and want to get booked on podcasts but feel a bit lost on where to begin, start by asking yourself:
- Why do I want to be a podcast guest?
- What topics do I want to discuss?
- Are my interview skills up to par?
Answering these questions will lay the groundwork for your strategy.
For example, if you’re clear on your message and target audience but feel shaky about your interview skills, start small. Try hosting brief Instagram Lives or practicing with friends to build your confidence before landing an interview on a top podcast.
Struggling with what to say? In that case, it’s best to explore your own expertise and passions. Once you’ve made a list of topics you can speak about confidently, it’ll be easier to find podcasts that are interested in those subjects. As a result, you can appear on shows that highlight your message and deliver excellent results for your business.
The secret to getting booked on podcasts: Know what hosts want
In this blog, we’ll dive into five powerful strategies to help you get booked on popular podcasts. Regardless of which path you choose, you must understand what makes a guest irresistible to podcast hosts so that you can increase your chances of securing more opportunities.
First and foremost, podcast hosts are incredibly protective of their audiences, and rightly so—they’ve built their shows on delivering exceptional value and captivating content. That’s why having a massive follower count alone won’t help you get booked as a podcast guest. Hosts are more interested in how well you fit with their podcast’s theme. It’s all about relevance and making sure you offer something that truly resonates with their listeners.
Additionally, hosts are on the lookout for guests who bring deep, insightful knowledge to the table. They want to feature people who can offer practical, valuable advice and fresh perspectives that will leave their listeners thinking, “Wow, I never thought of it that way!”
But it’s not just about what you know; it’s also about how you share it. Podcasts thrive on engaging and authentic conversations. Hosts love guests who can speak passionately, connect on a personal level, and keep the dialogue dynamic and lively. To truly shine as a podcast guest, be prepared to engage, excite, and connect with the audience in a way that feels real and relatable.
How to get featured on podcasts
Start pitching yourself
One of the most straightforward ways to get booked on podcasts is to put yourself out there. Research podcasts that align with your expertise and craft personalized pitches that highlight what makes you a perfect guest for their listeners. Make your pitch focused on the value you can offer rather than just promoting yourself.
Tips for pitching yourself to podcast hosts:
- Mention a specific episode you enjoyed and why it resonated with you.
- Clearly explain how your expertise fits with the show’s theme.
- Offer a few engaging topics you could discuss.
Hire a podcast booking agency
If you’re short on time or not sure where to start, working with a podcast booking agency can streamline the process. For example, at PodWritten, we are experts in securing guest spots for health and wellness businesses. We can craft compelling pitches on your behalf and do the legwork of outreach and follow-ups, saving you time and energy.
Our strategies help our clients get on top health and wellness podcasts because we have pre-existing relationships with podcast hosts and can identify the shows that are right for their message. Furthermore, we know how to position your story in a way that grabs the attention of hosts.
Leverage podcast swaps
If you host your own podcast, consider a swap! You appear on their podcast, and they guest on yours. This collaborative approach benefits both sides, giving you exposure to a new audience while sharing your expertise with their listeners. Plus, it can foster long-term partnerships.
The key here is to ensure that your podcasts have a complementary focus and that both you and your potential swap partner bring valuable insights to the table. Suppose you team up with a host podcast on sustainable living. In that case, you can discuss how people can integrate holistic wellness practices into a sustainable lifestyle on their show. And they come on your podcast to share insights on eco-friendly practices that can complement a holistic health routine.
Become a sponsor
If you’re ready to invest financially, sponsoring a podcast can be an excellent way to land an interview on shows with highly engaged audiences. As part of the sponsorship, you could be featured in an exciting interview. You could share the story behind your brand, highlight the impact you have on your clients’ lives, and connect with an audience who is genuinely interested in your services.
Do an ad swap
Not quite ready for a sponsorship or podcast swap? Try an ad swap. This involves exchanging promotional mentions with another podcast or business. They give you a shout-out on their show, and you return the favor by promoting their podcast or products to your audience.
Take a health and wellness retreat center as an example. They could partner with a podcast focused on self-care or meditation. While the podcast promotes their upcoming event in an episode, the retreat center mentions the podcast and the host’s online courses in their newsletter.
FAQs about getting booked on podcasts
Look for podcasts with content that matches your brand’s values and interests. Check their engagement levels and listener demographics to ensure they’re reaching the people you want to connect with.
On average, expect the process to take anywhere from a few weeks to three months. It depends on the podcast’s schedule, the quality of your pitch, and how well your expertise aligns with the show’s focus.
Typically, guests do not get paid to appear on podcasts. The value comes from the exposure and the opportunity to promote your expertise, services, or products. However, if you become a sought-after expert in your field, some podcasts might offer compensation or cover travel expenses for in-person interviews.
Listen to a few episodes of the podcast to understand the host’s style and the type of questions they ask. Prepare key talking points related to the episode topic and think about how you can offer value to the audience. For more information, check out our blog on how to be a good podcast guest.
Practice answering common questions about your expertise, and think of storytelling as a way to convey your message naturally. You don’t have to be perfect; authenticity and relatability often resonate more with audiences than polished speeches. If you’re really nervous, consider taking our interview coaching courses to help refine your skills. Send us an email at info@podwritten.com for more information.
Working with a podcast booking agency can be a smart investment if you’re busy running your business and don’t have time to pitch yourself or follow up on leads. Podcast booking agencies make it easier to land high-quality appearances. The time saved and potential for exposure may outweigh the cost, especially if getting featured on podcasts is a central part of your marketing strategy.
