Chapter 1 Understanding Podcast Pitches

While my podcast may be on the smaller side, I frequently receive requests from individuals eager to be guests. Additionally, I get inquiries from those keen to recommend potential guests for my show. Some of these individuals are compensated to find podcasts willing to host guests, a topic I discuss further in another Medium article. However, some seem to be reaching out without any financial incentive.

When I encounter the following questions, I can't help but feel a bit alarmed:

1. Do you have guests on your podcast?
2. What kind of guests are you interested in?

At first glance, these questions might appear reasonable. However, they reveal a lack of preparation and awareness.

Before reaching out to a podcast, it's crucial to explore its website. Delve into the show notes, examine the visuals, and listen to a couple of episodes. Engaging with my podcast should feel enjoyable rather than burdensome. If you're genuinely interested in the subject matter, you'll naturally want to absorb all the content I've shared.

By doing your homework, you'll quickly ascertain whether the podcast features guests. In my case, I do invite guests but not on a frequent basis. I prefer to engage individuals I know personally and believe will contribute meaningfully to discussions.

Moreover, you’ll discover how I collaborate with guests, focusing on their narratives and the impact of storytelling on their marketing strategies. Importantly, you’ll realize that I’m not actively seeking guests, as my episodes don’t typically revolve around a guest each week.

I once had someone approach me, saying, "I know several individuals who would make excellent podcast guests. What should I inform them about your show?" The appropriate response is, "Encourage them to listen to a few episodes of my podcast and perhaps check out my blog. Signing up for my emails will also help them grasp my interests."

I would add, "Anyone aspiring to be a guest should propose two or three potential topics. Just suggesting one is insufficient, as I may already be covering that topic."

When you pose those initial questions, it signals a one-size-fits-all approach, wasting both your time and mine. Avoid spending time elaborating on your accolades. Your achievements are irrelevant if you cannot propose a compelling topic for discussion.

For further insights, check out this related article: Crafting the Perfect Pitch for Podcast Appearances.

I'm Cathy Goodwin—a storyteller, author, copywriter, and strategist. You can find my podcast, Strategic Storytelling, at this link.

Chapter 2 Common Pitfalls in Podcast Pitching

The first video, "9 Bad Pitch Archetypes to Avoid in Your Own Pitches," discusses the missteps to avoid when reaching out to podcasts.

The second video, "Polish My Pitch Podcast Episode Twenty-Two with Natalee Fisher, Promotional Product Company Owner," offers valuable insights on refining your pitch strategies.