How to Get Yourself on Podcasts: The Ultimate Checklist for Landing Guest Spots
Getting featured on podcasts is a fantastic way to amplify your voice, build your brand, and connect with new audiences. But let’s get one thing straight—it’s not about spamming a bunch of hosts with generic emails. Nope, we’re doing this the TWONINE way: bold, strategic, and unapologetic. Here’s your step-by-step guide to landing those podcast guest spots, from finding the right shows to sliding into those inboxes like a pro.
Step 1: Get Your Pitch Game Tight
Before you even think about contacting a podcast host, do some groundwork:
Know Your Unique Angle:
What makes you worth listening to? Think about the stories only you can tell, the knowledge you bring, and how it’s relevant to the podcast’s audience.
Write down 3-5 key topics you can speak on and 2-3 personal stories that make you stand out.
Create a Podcast Guest One-Sheet:
This is your digital resume for podcasting. Include a short bio, key topics, high-quality headshot, and links to past podcast appearances (if you have them).
Pro Tip: Throw in a few testimonials from previous podcast hosts, even if it’s just “Great guest, would interview again!”
Step 2: Hunt Down the Right Podcasts
Now, let’s find the shows where your voice will fit like a glove. Don’t waste time pitching to podcasts that have nothing to do with your expertise—be strategic.
Podcast Directories to Stalk:
Podchaser: Think of it as IMDb for podcasts. Search by topic, see where similar guests have been featured, and make a hit list.
MatchMaker.fm: A platform specifically designed to connect podcast hosts and guests. Set up a profile, browse the opportunities, and start reaching out.
PodcastGuests.com: Sign up for their newsletter, and you’ll get regular updates on shows actively looking for guests.
Listen Notes: A super powerful search engine for podcasts. Use keywords related to your niche and see which shows come up.
Go Where They Hang Out:
Join Facebook groups and LinkedIn communities where podcast hosts hang out. Look for groups like “Podcast Guest Collaboration” or “Podcasters’ Paradise.”
Engage in these groups—not just to promote yourself, but to offer value. When people see you as a helpful contributor, they’ll be more likely to invite you onto their shows.
Follow the Guest Trail:
Find a guest who’s similar to you in niche and expertise. See where they’ve been interviewed using Google search (just type: "[guest name] podcast guest"). Make a list of those podcasts—they’re more likely to be interested in you too.
Leverage Social Media:
Don’t underestimate Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for finding and connecting with podcast hosts. Search for hashtags like #PodcastGuest, #PodcastInterview, #PodcastHost to find relevant posts.
Engage with Their Content: Before sliding into their DMs, like and comment on their recent posts. Show genuine interest in their work. A thoughtful comment goes a long way toward making your name stand out in their notifications.
Slide Into Their DMs: Once you’ve engaged with a few posts, send a DM introducing yourself and suggesting a collaboration. Keep it casual but professional—“Hey [Host], love your recent episode with [Guest]. I think your audience might appreciate a conversation on [your topic]. Let me know if you’d be open to it!”
Step 3: Get Into Their Inbox Like a Pro
Once you’ve got your list of dream podcasts, it’s time to slide into those inboxes. But don’t send some weak, copy-paste pitch. Here’s how to craft an irresistible message:
Find the Right Contact Info:
Check the podcast’s website for a contact page—many have specific emails for guest inquiries.
Stalk their social media—Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter are goldmines for finding a podcast host’s DMs.
If you can’t find an email, send a direct message on Instagram. Keep it casual but professional, and always lead with value.
Crafting Your Killer Pitch:
Subject Line: Keep it intriguing but relevant—“Podcast Episode Idea: How to [Insert Value Here] for Your Audience” or “Loved Episode #45—Here’s How I Can Add Value to Your Show.”
Intro: Mention their show specifically—nobody likes a generic pitch. “Hey [Host’s Name], I’ve been a fan of [Podcast Name] for a while. Your episode with [Guest Name] about [Topic] really spoke to me.”
What You Bring to the Table: Highlight your expertise and why it’s relevant to their audience. “I’d love to share insights on [specific topic], including [unique story or case study]. I think it would resonate with your listeners because [reason].”
Episode Ideas: Make it easy for them. “Here are a few ideas I think could fit your show: [List 2-3 specific episode ideas].”
Call to Action: “Would you be open to a quick chat to see if I’d be a good fit?” or “Let me know if this sounds like a good fit, and I’d love to make it happen!”
Timing Matters:
Best times to send your pitch? Tuesday-Thursday, mid-morning or early afternoon. Avoid Mondays (too chaotic) and weekends (you’ll get lost in the shuffle).
Step 4: Track Your Outreach Like a Boss
Create a Simple Spreadsheet:
Columns should include:
Podcast Name: The name of the podcast you’re reaching out to.
Host Name: The name of the host or the main contact.
Email/Contact Info: Their email address or social media contact details.
Date Sent: The date you sent the initial pitch.
Follow-Up Date: When you plan to follow up if you haven’t heard back.
Status: Options like “Pending,” “Accepted,” “No Response,” or “Not Interested.”
Notes: Any additional notes, like comments from the host or next steps.
This helps you stay on top of who needs a nudge and who’s already given you a green light.
Outsource the Tedious Stuff:
Hire a virtual assistant on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to help with research and logging contact details. For a small investment, you can save hours of digging through websites and finding the right email addresses.
Let them handle the tracking while you focus on crafting that perfect pitch and preparing for interviews.
Step 5: Crush the Interview and Leave a Mark
Now that you’ve got the spot, it’s time to shine.
Listen to 2-3 Episodes: Get a feel for the host’s style, their go-to questions, and the general flow of the show. It’ll help you come in prepared and make the convo feel more natural.
Prep Your Talking Points: Don’t script it—podcasts aren’t TED Talks. Focus on 3-5 key messages you want to deliver and stories that bring them to life.
Check Your Setup: Use a quality mic (no AirPods, please) and test your internet. A professional sound makes a huge difference.
Step 6: Post-Interview Hustle
Don’t ghost the host after your interview—that’s amateur hour.
Send a Thank-You: Shoot a quick email to the host thanking them for having you on. “Really enjoyed our conversation on [topic]. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to support the episode.”
Share Like Crazy: Promote the episode on your social media, email list, and website. Tag the host, use relevant hashtags, and encourage your followers to listen.
Ask for a Referral: If the interview went well, ask the host if they know of other shows that might be a good fit. A warm introduction can be worth its weight in gold.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Cold Email Like a Boss
Cold emails can work wonders if you do them right. Don’t send a long novel—keep it short, punchy, and to the point. Make sure you’re offering value, not just looking for airtime.
By following this checklist, you’ll go from podcasting nobody to guest spot superstar. Remember, landing a podcast feature isn’t about luck—it’s about having a strategy, showing up with value, and knowing how to work the angles. Now, go out there and get those mics hot.
Ready to Take Your Brand to the Next Level? Let’s Get You in Front of the Right Audience.
Landing podcast guest spots is just the beginning. At TWONINE MARKETING, we don’t just help you get your foot in the door—we kick the whole door down. Whether you need a killer pitch, personalized outreach strategies, or a full-blown podcast guest campaign, we’ve got you covered. Let’s make sure you’re not just heard, but unforgettable.
Click here to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can amplify your voice and grow your brand through strategic podcast placements, social media marketing, and more.
Don’t wait—let’s make some noise together.
