How to Get Booked on Podcasts: The Podcast Guest Strategy Most Skip

Podcast guesting is one of the most effective ways to build your personal brand, grow your audience, and establish yourself as a trusted expert. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, coach, author, or speaker, being a guest on the right podcasts can introduce you to podcast listeners who are already interested in what you have to say.

But getting on podcasts isn’t just about sending dozens of pitches and hoping for the best.

After more than 20 years in public relations, I’ve learned that the people who consistently get booked aren’t always the most well-known. They’re the ones who have a clear message, compelling story, and know how to position themselves as the right guest for the right audience.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to connecting with podcast hosts – from preparing your brand and creating your media assets to finding the right shows and securing great interviews.

Why Podcast Interviews Matter

Podcast interviews are more than a marketing tactic—they’re a powerful visibility strategy.

A single interview can help you:

  • Build credibility and authority in your field.
  • Expand your reach to those who may never have discovered you otherwise.
  • Grow your email list, community, or client base.
  • Strengthen your personal brand and thought leadership.
  • Achieve seo benefits with organic traffic to your website.
  • Create content you can repurpose across your website, newsletter, and social media.

Unlike a social media post that disappears in a day, media interviews are a great way to grow and they continue to work for you long after they’re published.

Step 1: Build Your Personal Brand First

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people trying to get media coverage before they’re clear about what they want to be known for.

Sometimes they’ve already invested in a podcast booking agency or hired a publicist, expecting interviews to solve their visibility problem. But when their messaging isn’t clear, their positioning is weak, or they don’t have compelling brand themes, the results are often disappointing—and so is the return on investment (ROI).

A great strategy can open doors, but it can’t tell your story for you. If you haven’t done the foundational work of clarifying your brand and what makes your perspective valuable, even the best podcast booking agent can only take you so far.

That’s why my philosophy is

Inner Work. Branding. Visibility. In That Order.

When you have a strong foundation, every media opportunity and every dollar you invest in visibility works harder for you.

Podcasters aren’t looking for someone who does everything. They’re looking for someone who can bring a valuable conversation to their audience.

Visibility amplifies what’s already there. The clearer your personal brand, the easier it is for producers to understand why their audience will benefit from hearing your story.

If you feel that you need to build that foundation first the Superfan Attraction™ Academy may be for you.

Step 2: Create a Podcast Guest Media Kit

Think of your media kit as streamlining the process. Make it easy for hosts.

When a podcaster is considering you for a guest appearance, they want to quickly understand who you are and how to introduce you to their audience.

Your podcast media kit should include:

  • A professional headshot
  • A short bio
  • A longer speaker or media bio
  • A compelling introduction
  • Suggested interview topics
  • Links to your website and social media
  • Links to previous appearances (if you have them)

Having these assets ready not only saves time but also makes you look professional and prepared.

If writing about yourself feels harder than writing about your business, my Magnetic Intro and Magnetic Short Bio guides can help you craft messaging that’s clear, engaging, and podcast-ready.

Step 3: Develop Topics Hosts Want to Feature to Build Authority

Hosts don’t book people.

They book conversations.

Instead of promoting yourself, start pitching ideas and talking points that will educate, inspire, or entertain their listenership.

Think about:

  • Frequently asked questions from your clients
  • Common myths in your niche
  • Lessons you’ve learned through experience
  • Stories that illustrate your expertise
  • Actionable tips listeners can apply right away

Aim to develop five to ten signature topics that connect back to your expertise while allowing room for different conversations on different shows.

If you’re unsure what those signature topics should be, my Visibility Themes & Topics workbook and AI tool helps you identify the conversations you want to become known for.

Step 4: Find Podcasts That Are a Good Fit

on air microphonePodcast discovery can be an overwhelming process. Remember that not every show is the right show.

Rather than focusing on getting on the most successful podcast, look for shows whose audience aligns with the people you want to reach.

A few ways to discover outlets include:

  • PodMatch
  • Listen Notes
  • MatchMaker.fm
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Google searches
  • Looking at podcasts where people in your industry have already appeared

As you research shows, ask yourself:

  • Is this audience a good fit for my expertise?
  • Have they interviewed guests like me before?
  • Can I bring a fresh perspective to the conversation?
  • Would I genuinely enjoy talking with this host?

A well-researched list of 25 aligned podcasts is far more valuable than sending generic copy and paste to hundreds of shows.

Step 5: Connect to Podcasters with a Personal Approach

Podcast hosts have overflowing inboxes.

The quickest way to get ignored is to send the same generic email to everyone.

Instead, personalize every email.

A strong outreach strategy should include:

  • A brief introduction.
  • Why you’re reaching out to their show specifically.
  • Two or three topic ideas that would resonate with their audience.
  • A short bio and link to your brand assets.
  • A simple invitation to continue the conversation.

Keep your email concise and focused on the value you’ll bring to their listeners—not on promoting yourself.

Step 6: Follow Up Professionally

Don’t assume “no reply” means “no.”

Everyone is busy.

If you haven’t heard back after a week or two, circle back and send a polite follow-up.

Keep it short, friendly, and professional.

If you still don’t receive a response after another follow-up, move on. Focus your energy on building relationships with collaborators who are a better fit rather than repeatedly chasing one opportunity.

Step 7: Be the Guest Podcasters Recommend

Getting booked is only the beginning.

The best guests are the ones hosts remember and would gladly send a referral to someone else’s show.

Prepare before the interview by listening to previous episodes and understanding the show’s audience.

During the conversation:

  • Share stories, not just facts.
  • Offer practical takeaways.
  • Be conversational instead of sounding rehearsed.
  • Respect the show’s format and timing.

After the episode airs, promo it enthusiastically, thank the podcasting team, and stay connected. Great podcast guesting isn’t just about one interview—it’s about building long-term relationships.

Common Mistakes That Keep People from Being A Guest On A Podcast

If you’re struggling to land your first interview, one of these mistakes may be holding you back:

  • Pitching before your messaging is clear.
  • Sending generic emails to every podcast.
  • Making the offer all about yourself instead of the audience.
  • Suggesting broad, generic topics.
  • Not having a professional bio or photos ready.
  • Giving up after one unanswered email.
  • Focusing only on a popular podcast instead of finding the right fit.

Small improvements in your positioning  can make a significant difference in your outreach success.

Case Study: Turning Appearances into a Strategic Visibility Plan

Career strategist, grief specialist, and speaker Laverne McKinnon was already an expert guest on some shows through her existing network. But she wanted to be more intentional about growing her visibility and reaching her target audience.

Together, we refined her positioning, strengthened her story, and developed a more strategic podcast guesting plan focused on shows that aligned with her expertise and goals.

As Laverne shared:

“Before working with Diane, I was getting podcast bookings here and there, but it was all inbound. I wanted to be more intentional about growing my presence and expanding awareness of my work—especially to invite new audiences to my Substack.

I’d worked with another booker before, but Diane brought sharper questions and a more strategic approach to shaping my pitch. I also really appreciate her tenacity and creativity—she doesn’t just go through the motions; she’s always thinking about new angles and opportunities.

The best part? Getting on shows that actually feel aligned. And reaching listeners outside of my usual ecosystem has made the investment in podcast guesting feel absolutely worth it.”

Laverne has been featured on podcasts including Women in the Middle, The Next Best Thing, Lessons From a Quitter, Retirement Wisdom, Mindset Mastery, and Sweet But Fearless.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get podcast guest bookings if I don’t have a large audience?

You don’t need a large following to get booked. Podcasters are looking for guests who can offer valuable insights, tell engaging stories, and connect with their audience. A clear message and thoughtful communication matter far more than your follower count.

How many outlets should I target?

Focus on quality over quantity. A personalized pitch to 10-20 well-aligned shows is usually more effective than sending hundreds of generic emails.

How long does it take to get on a podcast?

It varies. Sometimes you will get a response within days, while others schedule guests months in advance. Consistency, patience, and a strategic approach are key.

Ready to Get Booked on Podcasts As A Guest?

Podcast guesting is one of the most effective ways to build your personal brand, grow your visibility, and connect with new audiences, but success starts long before you send your first pitch.

If you need help strengthening your messaging, my Visibility Toolkit includes resources like the Visibility DNA Decoder, Magnetic Intro, Magnetic Short Bio, and Visibility Themes & Topics to help you become podcast-ready.

If you’d rather have expert guidance, I offer Done-With-You Podcast Guesting Strategy coaching to help you refine your positioning, create your media one sheet, develop your podcast topics, and build an outreach plan.

Or, if you want someone else to handle the outreach, my Done-For-You Podcast Booking Service researches aligned podcasts, crafts personalized pitches, and secures interviews that support your visibility goals.

PR strategy isn’t about sending more emails.

It’s about becoming the kind of guest podcasts are excited to say yes to.