Learning how to pitch yourself as a podcast guest shouldn’t feel like trying to get into the cool kids’ table in high school. But yet, there’s so much bad advice online about spraying your podcast pitch everywhere or how to go about getting noticed by podcast hosts.
You know what I mean, right? Think about those Instagram DMs that slide in with “Hey girl!” followed by an obvious and not-personalized copy-paste pitch in 60 seconds or less? Or the emails that immediately bombard you with a potential guest’s expertise without even describing what your audience would get from an episode with that person.
Listen, I get it. Pitching yourself is about as comfortable as wearing tight jeans to Thanksgiving dinner. But as someone who’s both pitched myself to shows AND received approximately eleventy billion pitches for Talk Copy to Me (potential exaggeration there), I’ve got some thoughts about what actually works.
The good news? Once you understand what hosts are actually looking for, pitching yourself as a podcast guest becomes way less scary. Today we’re going to talk about everything from crafting a value proposition that makes hosts sit up straight in their chair, to the art of following up without becoming that person who keeps texting “you up?” at midnight.
Ready to learn how to pitch yourself as a podcast guest without making hosts cringe? Let’s do this.
Clear Value Proposition: What’s In It For Their Audience?
Let’s get real for a second: Podcast hosts aren’t lying awake at night wondering how to help you grow your business through podcast guesting. (Shocking, I know!) What keeps us up is thinking about how to deliver value to our audiences.
So when you’re figuring out how to pitch yourself as a podcast guest, start by flipping your mindset. Instead of leading with “here’s why I’m amazing,” lead with “here’s how your audience will benefit from this conversation.”
Think about it like bringing a dish to a potluck. Nobody cares that you spent six hours perfecting your grandmother’s secret recipe. They care about whether the food actually tastes good. Your expertise is the recipe; the value to the audience is the delicious final product.
What hosts really want to see in your pitch:
- Specific problems you’ll help their audience solve
- Unique insights their listeners haven’t heard before
- Stories or examples that will resonate with their community
- Clear, actionable takeaways their audience can implement
If you’re looking for examples of what I mean, check out these Talk Copy to Me episodes:
- Do Cold Emails Work in 2023? with Laura Lopuch
- How Marketing Has Changed (And What You Need to Know) with Brittany McBean
When Laura pitched me, my initial reaction was that I wasn’t sure that the topic would be completely aligned with my beliefs or my audience’s needs. First, I get a lot of crappy cold pitches, so I was already slightly biased to the idea. Also, I tend to talk to my audience about a lot of organic marketing topics, and I wasn’t sure if reaching out to internet strangers would fit in my podcast strategy.
However, her pitch was thorough, addressed my hesitations, and had a clear value proposition as to how my audience would benefit from the conversation. So I gave it a go, and our conversation really changed my perspective on cold pitching. I think if it’s approached strategically (which is what Laura teaches), it can be a really cool thing.
I adore Brittany McBean, so I was so excited to see a pitch from her come through to talk about the many ways marketing has changed in the past few years (and continues to change!). Brittany had reached out to me before sending the pitch via social media (we were already connected, so it wasn’t cold outreach) to feel out my interest, and then followed up from that conversation with the most thorough pitch I’ve ever got from a guest (still to this day!). After reading exactly what she proposed we could cover in one episode and how my audience would benefit from this conversation, I was excited to say yes and encouraged her to book the interview in the near future because I wanted to get this episode up asap.
Interested in pitching Talk Copy to Me? Here’s how I feel about this specific podcast pitching point:
A clear value proposition is absolutely essential for getting my attention. When I review pitches that come through my form (more on that later!), I’m specifically looking for guests who understand that Talk Copy to Me is all about helping small business owners improve their marketing through better copy and content. If you can show me how your expertise will help my audience write better, market smarter, or understand their customers more deeply, I’m all ears.
But here’s the thing, don’t just tell me you’re an “expert in _____.” Show me why that expertise matters to my listeners.
For example, if you’re a systems expert, don’t just pitch me about systems. Tell me how better systems lead to better content creation. If you’re a mindset coach, connect the dots between mindset and writing compelling copy. See what I mean? Make it relevant to what my audience actually cares about.
Following the Guidelines (Yes, Really, It’s That Simple)
You know that friend who always shows up to your house an hour early, even though you specifically said “dinner starts at 7”? Or the stories you hear about people who bring their kids to an adults-only wedding? Well, podcast hosts feel the same way about people who ignore their pitching guidelines.
Most podcast hosts have created specific guidelines for pitching their show. Not because we love making rules (okay, maybe some of us do), but because we want to make the process easier for everyone involved.
When you’re figuring out how to pitch yourself as a podcast guest, this is your lowest-hanging fruit. It’s the easiest way to stand out, simply because—wait for it—most people don’t bother following directions.
Think I’m exaggerating? Let me paint you a picture. Last week alone, I got two Instagram DMs, one LinkedIn message, and about three emails from people wanting to be on my show. Plot twist: I have a dedicated pitch form clearly linked on my podcast page. Guess how many people used it? Not one of them!
The good news is that just doing the bare minimum here (by following the guidelines) means that you’ll stand out. Just find out how the host wants to receive pitches (this is usually on their website or podcast page), and then—revolutionary concept incoming—do exactly that.
Interested in pitching Talk Copy to Me? Here’s how I feel about this specific podcast pitching point:
I mean, I think my feelings on this topic are pretty obvious. We’re all adults here. Let’s just appreciate the boundaries people set in their businesses (and podcasts!) and follow their guidelines.
In my case, I only consider one type of podcast pitch: the ones that come through the podcast idea pitch form that can easily be accessed at the bottom of my podcast page. I do not read pitches sent to me via social media or email. I’ve set up extremely specific processes in my business to supplement any ADHD tendencies, such as forgetting to respond to things or needing help with organization. My podcast workflow is very well organized, for both my own needs as a human, host, and business owner, and also for my guest experience.
All I ask is that you respect the boundaries and guidelines I’ve created.
There are no Talk Copy to Me episodes to reference you on this topic, because the people I’ve promoted on my show follow directions. Just follow the guidelines a podcast host sets out for pitches and you’ll be good. It’s as easy as that.
Researched and Tailored Pitches (AKA: Show Me You Actually Know My Show)
Let’s talk about dating apps for a second. You know those people who send the exact same message to everyone the come into contact with on the apps? “Hey beautiful. U seem nice.” Groundbreaking, isn’t it? Well, generic podcast pitches are the equivalent of that copy-paste dating app strategy—and just about as successful.
When you’re learning how to pitch yourself as a podcast guest, taking time to understand the show you’re pitching isn’t optional; it’s essential. Yet, so many potential guests jump straight to telling me about their “amazing entrepreneurial journey” without any idea if that’s even relevant to my audience. It’s an immediate turn off.
Here’s what thoughtful research looks like:
- You know the show’s typical episode format
- You’ve listened to enough episodes to understand the host’s style
- You can potentially reference specific episodes that resonated with you
- You understand what topics have already been covered (and how you can add something new)
- You get the show’s vibe and can match it in your pitch
Think of it like joining a conversation that’s already happening, not starting a whole new one.
Interested in pitching Talk Copy to Me? Here’s how I feel about this specific podcast pitching point:
I think I have very low expectations for podcast pitches, so when someone shows they’ve actually done their research, it really stands out. I don’t need you to quote every episode back to me, but I do need to see that you understand what Talk Copy to Me is about. If you pitch me about general business coaching without any connection to writing, marketing, or content creation, I know immediately that you haven’t done your homework.
The best pitches I receive mention specific episodes they enjoyed or topics they noticed I haven’t covered yet. Even better? When someone notices a theme in my content and can add a fresh perspective to it.
If you’re looking for examples of what I mean, check out these Talk Copy to Me episodes:
- Podcast Guesting and All the Copy That Comes With It with Angie Trueblood
Okay, so I’ve decided to only share my example with Angie here for a few reasons. First, I get a lot of incredibly bad pitches from people who have obviously not done their research when it comes to pitching my show. Often, these pitches are done via email, which you now know is already a no no in my book. So, their immediate misstep is not following the guidelines I’ve set up, but then—I’ll be honest with you—their pitches are often complete junk anyway and only focus on the guest themselves and why they’re so special…not how their expertise will help my audience.
Which is all I care about.
The episode I linked to above will help you improve your podcast pitch. And, if you’d rather not learn how to pitch yourself as a podcast guest and instead have someone else do it for you, then I give my highest recommendation to hire Angie’s team at The Podwize Group. This is not an affiliate link. I’m sharing it solely because I admire Angie as a friend and as a business colleague, and because I studied under her in her former group program about podcast pitching, and I can confirm that her method works.
Your Online Presence (But Not in a Creepy Stalker Way)
Podcast hosts do their homework. We’ll check out your website, maybe scroll your social media, and definitely listen to other podcast episodes you’ve been featured on before deciding on whether we’ll accept your pitch and invite you on the show.
But here’s the thing: Hosts aren’t looking for a massive following on Instagram or a celebrity status of some other type. We’re looking for consistency and clarity in how you present yourself and your expertise. We’re also looking to see if you promote the previous podcasts you were on to your audience.
Interested in pitching Talk Copy to Me? Here’s how I feel about this specific podcast pitching point:
I believe in looking at the whole picture when it comes to someone’s online presence. Having 100K followers on Instagram isn’t going to sway me if your content doesn’t align with my audience’s needs. What I’m really looking for is how you communicate your expertise across different platforms.
When I review potential guests, I pay attention to:
- How you explain complex topics on your website
- The way you engage with your audience (regardless of size)
- Your previous podcast appearances (if any)
- Whether you actively share and support content you’re featured in
Some of my favorite guests had modest followings, but absolutely knocked it out of the park with their episode because they knew how to communicate their expertise clearly and authentically. It’s quality over quantity every single time.
If you’re looking for examples of what I mean, check out these Talk Copy to Me episodes:
- How to Repurpose Podcast Content to YouTube with Krystal Proffitt
- What to Do Without Social Media with Hillary Rae
Krystal was recommended to me as a potential expert for an episode I was doing on repurposing podcast content to YouTube and because she’s built quite the online presence, she made it easy for me to decide that she was the right person to bring on the show. I could review Krystal’s audio podcast feed. I could check out her YouTube channel, and I was able to see how she showed up on social media and in her website copy, too.
Hillary’s episode is so important here because she doesn’t have a social media presence for podcast hosts to review! And this shouldn’t affect how she’s viewed by podcast hosts.
If anything not using social media for her business gives her a unique perspective to bring to the interview. In Hillary’s case, she was recommended to me from someone I trust, which gave her one point. Then, her website message was clearly articulated and interesting. And because an online presence goes beyond a person’s site and social platform, I expanded my reach to listen to previous podcast episodes that Hillary was on to see how she presented herself. Now, I wasn’t on Hillary’s email list, which she uses heavily as a marketing asset for her business, but email communication is an excellent thing to consider when you’re reviewing podcast guests. Why? Because she uses her email list to promote the podcast episodes she’s on. Where this may be evident on another person’s social media platforms, it’s important to weigh someone’s email presence if they’re running their business without social media.
The Art of the Follow-Up (Without Being That Person)
We’ve all been there: Staring at our sent folder, wondering if our emailed podcast pitch got lost in the void. When you’re figuring out how to pitch yourself as a podcast guest, the follow up part feels a bit like texting after a first date. How long do you wait? Should you play it cool? What’s the line between interested and desperate?
Look, following up on your podcast pitch isn’t complicated, but it does require some finesse. You want to demonstrate genuine interest without becoming the equivalent of that person who keeps DMing “wyd” on LinkedIn at midnight. The key is to be professional, purposeful, and patient.
The sweet spot for follow-ups usually looks like this:
- Wait at least two weeks after your initial pitch
- Keep your follow up brief and friendly
- Reference your original pitch
- Add any relevant updates or new wins
- Accept “no” gracefully if you receive it
Remember: Most podcast hosts are juggling multiple roles in their business or they outsource some of this podcasting workflow to their team or a contractor. Your pitch might be sitting in a “to review” folder while they’re handling client work, creating content, or actually recording episodes. Patience isn’t just a virtue here—it’s a necessity.
Interested in pitching Talk Copy to Me? Here’s how I feel about this specific podcast pitching point:
Let me be completely honest with you—I am always grateful for follow-ups. Like, genuinely grateful. As someone with ADHD, keeping up with everything can be challenging, and sometimes pitches get stuck in the “Review” section of my podcast workflow despite my best intentions.
A kind, professional follow-up actually helps me stay organized and ensures I don’t miss out on potentially great guests for the show.
There are no Talk Copy to Me episodes to reference here because, well, following up properly means you’re still in the pitching phase! Anyone who already made it as a guest on this podcast has completed the process. Just be sure to follow up respectfully, without being a pest, and you’ll be fine.
Want to increase your podcast guest appearances? Here’s my advice
Look, learning how to pitch yourself as a podcast guest isn’t about adopting fancy tactics or secret formulas. It’s about being thoughtful, professional, and genuinely interested in the show you’re pitching. When you lead with value for the audience, respect the host’s guidelines, do your research, maintain a solid online presence, and follow up appropriately, you’re already ahead of 95% of the pitches we get.
Every podcast host wants their show to be amazing, and we’re actively looking for guests who can help make that happen. So stop overthinking it, focus on what you can genuinely offer the audience, and start pitching yourself with confidence.
Your perfect podcast match is out there. You just need to show them why you’re the guest they’ve been waiting for.
Curious what podcasting software I use? My two favorite platforms are Buzzsprout and HelloAudio. I use them both for my business. Talk Copy to Me is hosted on Buzzsprout and my private podcasts are on HelloAudio.
Both of those links above are affiliate links and may also give you discounts on your purchase (because I referred you).
Featured image by Sebastian Pandelache
