The Ultimate Guide to Getting Booked on Podcasts: Mistakes to Avoid and Tips from the Pros

If you’re an expert in your field and looking to expand your reach, getting booked on podcasts is a great way to do it. However, with so many people vying for a limited number of spots, it can be difficult to stand out. In this article, we’ll explore the biggest mistakes to avoid when pitching yourself as a podcast guest and offer tips from successful podcast guests and booking agents.

Mistake #1: Sending a Generic Copy-and-Paste Email

The first and most common mistake people make when trying to get booked on podcasts is sending a generic copy-and-paste email. This approach is almost guaranteed to fail. Instead, take the time to craft a thoughtful and personalized message that communicates two things: that you’ve listened to the podcast before and that you’re a good fit for the show (and why).

Mistake #2: Hiring a Podcast Booking Agent

While it may seem like a good idea to hire a podcast booking agent to do the work for you, it’s not recommended. Podcast booking agents charge a lot of money and are often more concerned with getting their clients on as many podcasts as possible rather than ensuring a good fit. Instead, invest in an in-house freelancer or VA who knows your company well and can pitch you to podcasts that are a good fit.

Mistake #3: Making It All About You

When pitching yourself as a podcast guest, it’s important to find common ground with the host and audience. Use specific examples to show how your experience and accolades can provide value or entertainment for listeners. Rather than thinking of it as a promotion or sales pitch, consider how your journey can inspire and educate others.

Tips from the Pros

To get a better idea of what works when pitching yourself as a podcast guest, we spoke to successful podcast guests and booking agents.

 Here are some of their top tips:

1. Stand Out: Do something untraditional like sending the host a personalized gift or making a custom GIF.
2. Make it a Win for the Host: Research the podcast and build a custom freebie around the host and their audience.
3. Chase Quality over Quantity: Only pitch yourself to podcasts where you can provide and get value. Study the podcast and learn about the audience to discover how you can contribute.
4. Make a Strong Pitch: Suggest a couple of topics and explain how they add value to the podcast’s audience. Also, include a one-page podcast resume or press kit.
5. Follow Up: If you don’t hear back, follow up with more details about how you can contribute.

A Few More Words of Advice

Finally, when pitching yourself as a podcast guest, remember to show respect for the host’s time and effort. Do your homework, engage with them on social media, and think about how you can add value. If you approach podcast guesting as an opportunity to amplify your brand and spread goodwill, you’re much more likely to be successful.

In conclusion, getting booked on podcasts is a great way to expand your reach and share your message with a wider audience. By avoiding common mistakes and following the tips from successful podcast guests and booking agents, you can increase your chances of success and build long-lasting relationships with podcast hosts.

Research Your Target Podcasts

Before pitching yourself as a guest on a podcast, take the time to research the show and its audience. Listen to previous episodes and get a feel for the host’s style and the topics they cover. Check out the show’s website and social media profiles to learn more about their audience demographics and interests. This information will help you tailor your pitch and demonstrate why you’re a good fit for the show.

Be Specific About What You Can Offer

When pitching yourself to a podcast host, be specific about what you can offer their audience. Highlight your unique perspective or expertise and explain how it can benefit their listeners. Use examples from your past work or experiences to demonstrate your knowledge and credibility. The more specific and concrete you can be, the more compelling your pitch will be.

Build Relationships with Hosts and Producers

Building relationships with podcast hosts and producers can be a powerful way to increase your chances of getting booked on their shows. Follow them on social media, engage with their content, and offer value whenever you can. Share their episodes with your own audience and leave thoughtful comments or reviews. Over time, you’ll become a familiar and trusted presence, which can make it easier to pitch yourself as a guest.

Offer Value Beyond the Interview

When appearing on a podcast, don’t just think of it as a one-time opportunity to promote yourself. Instead, think about how you can offer ongoing value to the host and their audience. Offer to contribute guest posts or articles to the podcast’s website, or suggest collaborating on a project or event. By demonstrating your commitment to the show and its audience, you’ll be more likely to be invited back as a guest in the future.

Practice Your Interview Skills

Finally, remember that being a successful podcast guest requires more than just having great ideas and expertise. You also need to be a compelling and engaging speaker who can hold listeners’ attention. Practice your interview skills by recording yourself answering common questions or speaking on your topic of expertise. Listen back to your recordings and identify areas where you can improve your delivery, tone, or pacing.

By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to getting booked on podcasts and sharing your message with a wider audience. Good luck!

FAQ

Q: Why is it important to avoid sending generic copy-and-paste emails when pitching yourself as a podcast guest?

A: Sending a generic email shows that you haven’t taken the time to understand the show or its audience, and makes it less likely that the host will see you as a good fit. Instead, take the time to craft a thoughtful and personalized message that demonstrates your knowledge and interest in the show.

Q: Is it a good idea to hire a podcast booking agent to help you get booked on shows?

A: While it may seem like a good idea to hire a booking agent to handle the work for you, it’s often not the best approach. Booking agents can be expensive and may not prioritize finding the best fit for you and the podcast. Instead, consider investing in an in-house freelancer or VA who knows your company well and can pitch you to podcasts that are a good fit.

Q: What are some tips for making a strong pitch to a podcast host?

A: When pitching yourself as a guest, be specific about what you can offer the show and its audience. Highlight your unique perspective or expertise and explain how it can benefit their listeners. Use examples from your past work or experiences to demonstrate your knowledge and credibility.

Q: How can building relationships with podcast hosts and producers help you get booked on shows?

A: By engaging with hosts and producers on social media, sharing their episodes with your audience, and offering value whenever you can, you can become a familiar and trusted presence. This can make it easier to pitch yourself as a guest and increase your chances of getting booked on their shows.

Q: What are some ways to offer ongoing value to a podcast and its audience?

A: Beyond just appearing as a guest on a podcast, consider how you can offer ongoing value to the host and their audience. This could include contributing guest posts or articles to the podcast’s website, collaborating on a project or event, or promoting the show to your own audience.

Q: How can I improve my interview skills as a podcast guest?

A: Practice your interview skills by recording yourself answering common questions or speaking on your topic of expertise. Listen back to your recordings and identify areas where you can improve your delivery, tone, or pacing. You may also want to seek feedback from friends, colleagues, or a professional coach.