As the years go by, podcasting has increasingly evolved as a personal branding powerhouse. It’s now one of the best ways to build thought leadership and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Pitching to be a guest on a podcast can open up new opportunities for you to reach a new audience, share your ideas, and build your personal brand.
But how do you go about it? How do you ensure your pitch stands out from the hundreds of others the show’s host receives?
Here’s how:
1. Do your research
Before you even start drafting your pitch, it’s important to research the show you want to be a part of.
Listen to a few episodes and understand exactly:
What topics do they cover?
Who are their regular guests?
What format do they use?
What’s their tone and style?
By understanding the show and its audience, you’ll be able to tailor your pitch to be a perfect fit.
2. Find an angle
Your pitch needs an angle—something that will make the host want to have you on the show. This could be
A recent newsworthy event you’re involved in,
An interesting angle or a new take on a popular topic, or
A controversial opinion you have.
Whatever it is, your angle should be something that will make the host sit up and take notice—not roll their eyes.
3. Keep it short and sweet
Your pitch should be short and to the point.
The host likely receives hundreds (if not thousands) of pitches, so you want to ensure they can skim and understand yours instantly.
The email subject line is especially important—it should be clear and concise so the host knows exactly what your pitch is about.
4. Include a call to action
Your pitch should include a clear call to action for the host.
For example, you might say something like, “I’d love to come on your show and chat about X” or “I’d be available for a 20-minute chat on X date at X time.”
By including a call to action, you make it easy for the host to say yes—and make the whole process that much smoother (and more likely to come to fruition).
5. Offer to send additional information
If you have a website, a blog, social media profiles, or other relevant information, mention it in your pitch and offer to send it to the host.
This will give them a chance to learn more about you and your work—and help them make a decision about whether to have you on the show.
6. Follow up—but don’t be pushy
If you don’t hear back from the host within a week or two, it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up once or twice.
But don’t be too pushy—no one likes feeling like they’re being hounded. A simple, “Just wanted to make sure you received my previous email” should suffice.
7. Don’t be an imposter
A surefire way to get your pitch ignored? Act like a big-name podcaster when you’re not.
Podcast hosts can spot a fake a mile away—so unless you’re a genuine fan of the show (and not just trying to use it as a platform to boost your own ego), don’t bother pitching.
Podcasting is about relationships and building a connection with your audience. If you’re not genuinely interested in being a part of the show, the host will be able to tell—and they’ll likely ignore your pitch altogether.
They might even call you…
8. Don’t be sus
A word of caution: don’t be sus. Podcasting is a close-knit community, and word travels fast.
If you act entitled, pitch a show that’s clearly not a good fit, or are pushy and demanding, you’ll quickly develop a reputation as being “sus”—and that’s not something you want.
9. Make Among Us references
If you want to really stand out, make an Among Us reference.
It shows that you’re down with the kids, and you’re cool, hip, and happening. Plus, everyone loves Among Us, so you’re guaranteed to score some extra points.
Okay, sorry, this last one’s a joke. I gotta keep myself entertained somehow when I’m cranking out this world-class content.
But maybe not. Making an Among Us reference would definitely make your pitch stand out, so I can’t promise you won’t see an Among Us-themed pitch down below.
Proven Pitch Templates to Score Guest Spots
I won’t lie, you’re about to witness the greatest pitches of all time.
Why? Because:
They’re short
They get straight to the point
They offer a unique angle
They include a call to action
They’re funny
Seriously, these pitches are so good they almost write themselves. All you need to do is fill in the blanks with your own information—and you’re good to go.
1. “I’m a big fan…”
Hi [name],
I’m a big fan of your podcast and I’ve been enjoying the recent episodes on [topic]. I was thinking it might be interesting to have a chat about [angle or topic] on the show.
I’d love to come on your show and chat about [topic]. I’d be available for a 20-minute chat on [date] at [time].
If you’re interested, I can send over some additional information, including my website and social media profiles.
Thanks,
[Your name]
2. “I was thinking…”
Hi [name],
I was thinking it might be interesting to have a chat about [angle or topic] on the show. I’d love to come on your show and chat about [topic].
I’d be available for a 20-minute chat on [date] at [time]. If you’re interested, I can send over some additional information, including my website and social media profiles.
Thanks,
[Your name]
3. “I’d love to…”
Hi [name],
I’d love to come on your show and chat about [topic]. I have a lot of experience with this topic and I think your audience would find my perspective interesting.
I’d be available for a 20-minute chat on [date] at [time]. If you’re interested, I can send over some additional information, including my website and social media profiles.
Thanks,
[Your name]
4. “Well, well, well…”
Hi [name],
Well, well, well…if it isn’t the one and only [name of host].
I was thinking it might be interesting to have a chat about [angle or topic] on the show. I have a lot of experience with this topic and I think your audience would find my perspective interesting.
I’d be available for a 20-minute chat on [date] at [time]. If you’re interested, I can send over some additional information, including my website and social media profiles.
Thanks,
[Your name]
5. “Well, in that case…”
Hi [name],
I was thinking it might be interesting to have a chat about [angle or topic] on the show.
I have a lot of experience with this topic, and I think your audience would find my perspective interesting.
And if you’re not interested, well, in that case, I won’t waste any more of your time.
I’d be available for a 20-minute chat on [date] at [time]. If you’re interested, I can send over some additional information, including my website and social media profiles.
Thanks,
[Your name]
6. “I’ve loved your work since…”
Hi [name],
I’ve loved your work since I was a kid. Your [blog, podcast, book, etc] was [inspirational, helpful, funny, etc].
I was thinking it might be interesting to have a chat about [angle or topic] on the show. I’d love to come on your show and chat about [topic].
I’d be available for a 20-minute chat on [date] at [time]. If you’re interested, I can send over some additional information, including my website and social media profiles.
Thanks,
[Your name]
7. “I thought it’d be interesting to…”
Hi [name],
I was thinking it might be interesting to have a chat about [angle or topic] on your show. I have a lot of experience with this topic, and I think your audience would find my perspective interesting.
I’d be available for a 20-minute chat on [date] at [time]. If you’re interested, I can send over some additional information, including my website and social media profiles.
Thanks,
[Your name]
8. Among Us reference
Hi [name],
I’ve been a big fan of your show since I started listening to it back in [month] last year.
(Plus, your recent episode on [topic] was among the best I’ve ever heard! Seriously, the way you swung it was so sus.)
Anyways, I’ve been thinking it might be interesting to have a chat about [angle or topic] on your show. I have a lot of experience with this topic, and I think your audience would find my perspective interesting.
I’d be available for a 20-minute chat on [date] at [time]. If you’re interested, I can send over some additional information, including my website and social media profiles.
Thanks,
[Your name]
9. “Well, on that note…”
Hi [name],
I was thinking it might be interesting to have a chat about [angle or topic] on your show. I have a lot of experience with this topic, and I think your audience would find my perspective interesting.
But if that doesn’t pique your interest … well, on that note, I should probably stop wasting your time.
I’d be available for a 20-minute chat on [date] at [time]. If you’re interested, I can send over some additional information, including my website and social media profiles.
Thanks,
[Your name]
10. “I came up with an idea for a segment…”
Hi [name],
I’ve been a fan of your show for a while, and I’ve been thinking it’d be interesting to have a chat about [angle or topic] on your show.
I have a lot of experience with this topic, and I think your audience would find my perspective interesting. Plus, I came up with an idea for a segment that I think would be really fun and interesting.
I’d be available for a 20-minute chat on [date] at [time]. If you’re interested, I can send over some additional information, including my website and social media profiles.
Thanks,
[Your name]
11. “Your show is among the best…”
Hi [name],
Your show is among the best in the business,
I was thinking it might be interesting to have a chat about [angle or topic] on your show. I have a lot of experience with this topic, and I think your audience would find my perspective interesting.
I’d be available for a 20-minute chat on [date] at [time]. If you’re interested, I can send over some additional information, including my website and social media profiles.
Thanks,
[Your name]
One last thing…
There’s one crucial tip I left out for scoring guest spots—don’t be afraid of rejection.
In other words, don’t be afraid to ask. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. You know what they say—the worst someone can say is no.
(And even if they do say no, that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. You can always ask again later.)
If you want to be a successful podcaster, blogger, or YouTuber, you need to accept that a certain amount of rejection is inevitable. The key is to keep moving forward, regardless of how many people say “no” along the way.
Keep putting yourself out there, and eventually, you’ll find the right people who are interested in what you have to say.
