Podcast hosts and editors get a lot of pitches. Most of them sound the same: “I’m an expert in X and I’d love to be on your show to share my story.” Most of them get ignored.
The pitches that work do something simple. They make it easy for the host to say yes, by showing exactly what their audience will get out of it.
Why bother
Podcasts, features, and guest articles are one of the most efficient ways to be seen by people who don’t know you yet, and heard in more depth than a social post allows. A good interview lets people hear how you think, which builds trust faster than almost anything else you can put online. And the content keeps working: you can share it, link to it, and point prospects to it for years.
Pick the right shows
Bigger isn’t always better. A smaller show whose listeners are exactly your clients is often worth more than a large general one. Look for:
- An audience that overlaps with the people you serve
- Guests similar to you, at similar stages
- A show that’s still actively publishing
- A host who actually interviews, rather than just reading ads
And listen to a couple of episodes before you pitch. Hosts can tell immediately when you haven’t.
Write a pitch that’s about them
A good pitch is short and specific. It answers the host’s real question: “Why would my audience want to hear this?”
- Personalize the opening. Mention a specific episode and what you liked about it. One sentence is enough.
- Offer two or three specific topics. Not “my journey,” but “Why most small businesses don’t need a CRM yet, and what to use instead.” Specific, useful, slightly opinionated.
- Explain why you’re credible on it. A sentence on your experience, not your whole bio.
- Make it easy. Link to a one-page media kit or a previous interview so they can hear you.
- Keep it short. If it doesn’t fit on a phone screen without much scrolling, cut it.
A simple template
Hi [Name],
I really enjoyed your episode with [guest] on [topic], especially the part about [specific point].
I’m [name], and I [what you do] for [who you serve]. I think your listeners would get a lot out of one of these:
1. [Specific topic]
2. [Specific topic]
3. [Specific topic]Here’s a recent interview so you can hear how I talk: [link]. Happy to work around your schedule.
Thanks,
[Name]
Be a good guest
Getting booked is half the work. Being invited back, and recommended to other hosts, is where the real value builds.
- Show up on time with decent audio.
- Answer questions directly and use real examples.
- Don’t pitch your offer every few minutes. Mention it once, when asked.
- Share the episode when it comes out, and tag the host.
- Send a thank-you note.
Start close to home
You don’t have to start with cold pitches. Community features are a great way to build your first few appearances. WEN regularly features women business owners and experts. If you’d like to be considered, submit your story on the Get Featured page.
For more on getting visible, read How to Build Visibility Without Feeling Salesy.
