A Simple Guide with 5 Easy Steps and Best Practices on How to Become a Guest on Popular Podcasts in Your Niche and Use It to Grow Your Business or Brand Effectively

Hello! Do you have a story, a business, or a skill you want to share with the world? Maybe you are a coach, a creator, an expert, or someone who has learned important life lessons.

Getting on a podcast is one of the best ways to do this. Imagine talking directly to a group of people who are already interested in your topic. It is like being invited to speak to a friendly, ready-made community and a great way to build your brand.

But how do you get invited? It can seem confusing. Maybe you have sent emails and heard nothing back.

Do not worry. This guide will show you a simple, step-by-step way to become a podcast guest. We will use 5 easy-to-follow steps. We have also updated this guide with a lot of new and important information that many people do not know about. This new information will help you succeed where others fail.

Let’s get started!

Your Old Blog Title: How to Be a Guest on a Podcast

In our old blog, we talked about the basic ideas. We said you should:

• Find podcasts that are right for your topic.

• Send a nice email to the podcast host.

• Talk about your ideas for the show.

This was a good start. But it was missing many secrets and details. We have now researched the top advice on the internet from successful podcast guest experts and hosts.

This new, longer guide will not only give you the steps but will also show you exactly how to do them. We will compare the old and new information so you can see what you were missing. This will save you time and help you get a "yes" from your dream podcasts, boosting your personal branding.

Step 1: Find the Right Podcasts (The Smart Way)

Old Information: Find podcasts in your niche (your topic area).

Why This Was Not Enough: The word "find" is too simple. Searching for "podcasts about health" will give you millions of results. It is a waste of time. The new way is not just to find podcasts, but to find the right fit for you and your business.

New and Better Information: Your goal is to find podcasts where you can provide real value to the audience. A smaller podcast with a loyal, engaged audience is often much better than a huge podcast where your episode gets lost. You are looking for a new community to join, not just a stage to stand on, which is a key part of strategic branding.

How to Find the Perfect Fit (The Exact Process)

1. Make a "Dream List" of Keywords:
   First, think of all the words related to what you do and your business.

   • If you are a life coach, your words could be: personal development, mindset, goal setting, mindfulness, happiness, productivity.

   • If you run a baking business, your words could be: baking, small business, entrepreneurship, food, cakes, home business.

2. Use Podcast Directories (Websites for Podcasts):
   Now, go to websites that list podcasts. The best ones are:

   • Apple Podcasts: The biggest directory.

   • Spotify: Another very big platform.

   • Podchaser: A website just for discovering podcasts.
     Type your keywords into the search bar on these websites. See which podcasts appear.

3. The "Guest" Search Trick:
   This is a powerful secret for any aspiring podcast guest. Go to Google and type this exactly:
   "your topic" podcast guest
   For example: "mindfulness" podcast guest or "small business" podcast guest
   You will find pages that list podcasts looking for guests on your topic. This is a goldmine!

4. Listen to Your Competitors and Friends:
   Think about other people who have a similar brand. Have they been on podcasts? Go to their website. Often, they have a "Press" or "As Seen On" section. You will see a list of podcasts they have been on. These are podcasts that already want someone like you!

How to Know if a Podcast is a Good Fit

Do not just add every podcast to your list. You need to check them. Here is what to look for:

• Do They Have Guests? First, check if they even have guest interviews. Some podcasts are only the host talking.

• Are They Active? Check the release date of the last episode. If the last episode was 6 months ago, it might be a "dead" podcast. Look for podcasts that published a new episode in the last few weeks.

• Listen to an Episode: Listen to one or two episodes. Ask yourself:

  • Do I like the host's style?

  • Is the conversation deep and interesting?

  • Can I imagine myself having a good conversation with this host?

  • Do I have something new and valuable to offer their listeners?

This new way of searching saves you time and helps you find shows where you will really fit in as a podcast guest. You will not be wasting your time on podcasts that are not right for your brand.

Step 2: Become a Friend, Not Just a Stranger

Old Information: Send a cold email (an email to someone you don't know).

Why This Was Not Enough: Podcast hosts are busy people. They get dozens of emails every week from strangers saying, "I want to be on your show." Your email can easily get lost or deleted. The new way is to stop being a stranger before you ask for something.

New and Better Information: Before you send your "pitch" email, you need to build a relationship. This means showing the host that you are a real fan of their work and part of their community. This makes the host much more likely to notice you and your brand and say "yes."

How to Build a Relationship (Step-by-Step)

1. Follow and Engage on Social Media:
   Find the podcast and the host on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

   • Follow them.

   • Like their posts.

   • Comment meaningfully. Do not just write "Great post!". Write a real comment. For example, if they share an episode, you could write: "This was a fantastic conversation! I really liked your point about [mention a specific point]. It made me think about [add your own thought]."

   • Share their episodes on your own social media and tag them. Say why you enjoyed it.

2. Sign Up for Their Newsletter:
   Many podcasts have a website with a free newsletter. Sign up for it. This shows you are genuinely interested in their content.

3. The "Warm-Up" Message:
   After you have liked and commented on a few of their posts, you can send a small, friendly direct message (DM). This is NOT the pitch email.

   Example of a Warm-Up DM:

   "Hi [Host's Name], I just listened to your episode with [Previous Guest's Name] about [Topic]. The advice on [specific piece of advice] was so helpful for my business. Thank you for creating such great content! I'm a big fan."

   That's it. No request. Just a genuine compliment. This puts your name on their radar in a positive way. Now, when your email arrives a week or two later, your name might look familiar.

This new step is very important for branding. Hosts remember people who are already fans of their show. It shows you care about more than just promoting yourself.

Step 3: Write a Perfect Pitch Email That Gets a "Yes"

Old Information: Send an email with your idea.

Why This Was Not Enough: A bad email is the number one reason people get rejected. A bad email talks only about yourself: "I am great, I have this business, I want to be on your show." The host does not care about that. They care about their audience.

New and Better Information: Your email must be perfect. It is not about you. It is about the podcast host and their audience. You need to show that you know their show and that you have a valuable, specific idea that will benefit their listeners.

The Breakdown of a Perfect Pitch Email

1. The Subject Line:
   This is the first thing the host sees. It must be good so they open the email.

   • Bad Subject Line: Guest Pitch

   • Bad Subject Line: Interview Request

   • Good Subject Line: Topic Idea for [Podcast Name]: How to [Solve a Problem]

   • Great Subject Line: Loved your episode on [Specific Episode Topic] - Idea for your show

2. The Email Body:
   Here is a simple template you can use. Just fill in the blanks.

   Subject: Idea for [Podcast Name]: How to [Help Listeners with a Problem]

   Hi [Host's Name],

   I hope you are having a great week.

   I'm a big fan of [Podcast Name]. I especially loved your episode with [Previous Guest's Name] about [Specific Episode Topic]. Your question about [mention a specific question the host asked] was so insightful.

   The reason I'm reaching out is because I'm an expert in [Your Topic, e.g., building confident teams, mindful eating, sustainable fashion]. I noticed you haven't yet covered [Your Specific Topic Idea] in detail, and I think it would be incredibly valuable for your audience who are always looking for [what the audience wants, e.g., practical business tips, ways to improve their health].

   I would love to offer a conversation on the topic of: [Your Specific Topic Idea].

   On this episode, we could dive into:

   • Idea 1: The 3 common mistakes people make with [your topic] and how to avoid them.

   • Idea 2: A simple 5-step framework for [achieving a specific goal related to your topic].

   • Idea 3: How to [solve a specific problem] without feeling overwhelmed.

   My goal is to provide your listeners with actionable steps they can use immediately. I believe this aligns perfectly with your mission to [mention the podcast's mission, e.g., help people live better lives].

   A little about me: I am a [Your Job Title] and I have [mention a big achievement or story, e.g., helped over 200 people build their confidence, built a 6-figure business from my kitchen table]. [Add 1 more sentence about your experience].

   You can learn more about me here: [Link to your website or LinkedIn profile].

   Thank you so much for your time and for the incredible content you create. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Podcast Name] as a podcast guest.

   Best regards,

   [Your Name]
   [Your Title]
   [Your Website]

   See the difference? The new email is friendly, shows you know the podcast, and explains clearly how you will help the listener. It makes the host's job easy.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Interview Like a Professional

Old Information: Be ready to talk.

Why This Was Not Enough: "Being ready to talk" is not enough. Great guests prepare very well. This makes the interview smooth, fun, and valuable for everyone. A well-prepared guest makes the host look good, and the host will love you for it.

New and Better Information: Your preparation is what separates amateurs from professionals. It reduces your nervousness and makes you sound confident and authoritative, strengthening your personal brand.

Your Pre-Interview Checklist

1. Confirm the Details:

   • What is the date and time? (Confirm your time zone!).

   • How long will the interview be?

   • What platform will you use? (e.g., Zoom, Skype). Download the software beforehand.

   • What is the host's phone number? (In case of technical problems).

2. Ask for the Questions:
   Politely ask the host if they can share the main questions or talking points they plan to ask. Most good hosts will do this. It is not for you to write a script, but to prepare your thoughts.

3. Do Your Technical Check:

   • Microphone: Use the best microphone you can. A USB microphone is not very expensive and sounds 100% better than your computer's built-in mic.

   • Internet: Connect your computer to the internet with a cable (Ethernet) if possible. It is more stable than Wi-Fi.

   • Location: Find a quiet room with no echo. Rooms with carpets, curtains, and furniture are better than empty rooms.

   • Camera: If it is a video interview, check your lighting. Sit facing a window or use a lamp in front of you. Make sure your background is tidy and not distracting.

   • Headphones: Always wear headphones. This prevents echo and feedback.

4. Prepare Your Talking Points:
   You have the questions from the host. Now, prepare short notes for each question.

   • What are the 3 main messages you want the audience to remember?

   • Prepare a story or an example for each of your main points. Stories are memorable.

   • Keep your notes nearby during the interview.

5. Test Everything:
   The day before, do a test call with a friend. Check your sound and video. This will make you feel calm on the day of the interview.

This new preparation makes you look professional and reliable, which is great for your branding. Hosts will love you and will likely ask you to come back.

Step 5: After the Interview, Be a Great Partner

Old Information: Say thank you after the interview.

Why This Was Not Enough: Saying "thank you" is polite, but it is the minimum. Your job is not finished when the interview ends. The most successful podcast guest experts help the host promote the episode. This makes you a valuable partner, not just a one-time guest.

New and Better Information: By promoting the episode, you help the host get more listeners. This makes the host very happy. They will remember you as the amazing guest who helped them, and they will recommend you to other hosts, amplifying your brand.

How to Be a Promotion Superstar

1. The Thank You Email:
   As soon as the interview is over, send a short thank you email.

   "Hi [Host's Name], thank you so much for the wonderful conversation today. I really enjoyed it and I'm so excited for your audience to hear it. Please let me know when the episode is live so I can share it with my community!"

2. When the Episode is Live:
   When the host tells you the episode is published, spring into action! Your goal is to share it everywhere.

3. Share on Social Media (The Right Way):
   Do not just post the link. Create a nice post.

   • On Instagram/LinkedIn/Facebook:

     • Write: "I was so excited to be a guest on the [Podcast Name] podcast! We had a deep conversation about [topic of the episode]. In this episode, you will learn [list 2-3 key takeaways]. Thank you [Tag Host] for having me! Listen to the full episode at [Link] or click the link in my bio."

     • Create a short video (a "Reel" or "Short") talking about your favorite moment from the interview.

     • Use the podcast's official photo or art when you share.

   • On Your Website: If you have a blog or a "Media" page, add the podcast interview there.

   • In Your Newsletter: If you have an email list, send an email to your subscribers telling them about your podcast feature.

4. Engage with Comments:
   When you share the post, people will comment. Make sure you reply to their comments! This shows you care and makes more people see the post.

This new step is very powerful for your branding. The host will see that you are helpful and that you understand how partnerships work. They will be eager to have you back and will tell their host friends about you.

What to Do If You Get Rejected (Or Get No Reply)

This is a very important topic that our old blog did not cover. Do not be sad if a host says "no" or does not reply. It happens to every podcast guest.

• If you get no reply: Wait for 7-10 days. Then, send a very short and polite follow-up email.

  "Hi [Host's Name], I'm just following up on my email below about a potential guest interview. I know you're very busy! Just wanted to make sure you saw this. Thanks again for your time."
  If you still get no reply after the follow-up, move on. It is not personal.

• If you get a "No": Be very polite and professional. Reply back:

  "Hi [Host's Name], thank you so much for getting back to me and for considering it. I understand. I'm still a big fan of the show and will continue listening. If you have any other guests who you think would be a good connection for my business, I'd be grateful. Best of luck with the future episodes!"
  This kind of polite reply can surprise a host and they might even recommend you for another show.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Becoming a Great Podcast Guest

Becoming a podcast guest is not magic. It is a process that anyone can learn. The old way was a good start, but it was too simple.

The new way, with these 5 detailed steps, is much more effective and will get you real results for your business and brand.

Let us remember the steps one more time:

1. Find the Right Podcasts: Be a detective. Look for active podcasts with the right audience.

2. Become a Friend: Engage with the host on social media before you ask for anything.

3. Write a Perfect Pitch: Make your email all about the host and their listeners, not about you.

4. Prepare Like a Pro: Test your tech, know your points, and make the host's job easy.

5. Be a Promotion Partner: Share the episode enthusiastically when it is published.

If you follow these simple steps, you will have a much better chance of becoming a guest on your favorite podcasts. You will share your story, help new people, and grow your brand.

Good luck! You can do it.