Podcasts have come A LONG WAY since they first emerged in the early 2000’s. (See the full history of podcasting here.) Initially a niche medium, podcasts have grown in popularity over the years, with more and more people tuning in to their favorite shows. Today, there are over 2.5 million active podcasts and over 48 million episodes available, all covering a wide range of topics and interests. Over 81 million people in the US alone in 2021 listen to podcasts on a regular basis – WOW!!!
Podcasts have rapidly become a popular way to share information and ideas with a wide audience. If you’re a creator or marketer looking to reach a large and engaged audience, getting interviewed or featured on a popular podcast can be a GREAT WAY to do so. Not only can it help to drive traffic to your website, but it can also boost your credibility and introduce you to new listeners.
However, guys and gals, it’s important to note that getting featured on popular podcasts is not always easy. Many podcast hosts receive a large number of pitches and requests for interviews, and may only select a small percentage of them to feature on their show. To increase your chances of being selected, it’s important to do your research and tailor your pitch to the specific podcast and audience. Building relationships with podcast hosts and other creators in your niche can also help to increase your visibility and opportunities for collaboration.
So, read on, because today we’re sharing tips that can help you get noticed and featured on podcasts.
How To Get on Podcasts
Identify potential podcasts.
The first step is to find podcasts that are a good fit for your expertise and target audience. A simple Google search can be a starting point for finding a list of podcasts in your niche, as well as asking around. With numerous podcast options available, you will need to properly do your research to identify podcasts that align with your message, niche, and expertise.
Look for podcasts that your target audience listens to and identify where you can add value to the conversation. Use podcast directories or search engines like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts to find potential shows.
Listen to a few episodes.
Before reaching out to a podcast host, it’s a good idea to listen to a few episodes of their show. This will give you a better sense of their style and content, and help you determine whether you’d be a good fit for the show.
Listening to a few episodes of the podcast before will also give you a sense of the show’s format, tone, and audience. It will help you tailor your pitch and suggest a topic that’s relevant and interesting to the host and their listeners.
Gather contact information.
Once you’ve identified potential podcasts, gather the contact details for the podcast host or producer. Many podcasts will have a contact form or email address listed on their website.
You can also try reaching out to the host on social media. Most podcast hosts have a strong presence on social media as it is a medium for promoting their shows.
Craft a compelling pitch.
When you reach out to a podcast host, be sure to introduce yourself…briefly. You will need to explain why you feel you would be a good fit for their show. Your pitch should be short, compelling, and right to the point.
Highlight why you’re a good fit for the show, what unique insights or experiences you can bring, and what topic or angle you’d like to discuss. Personalize your pitch to show that you’ve done your homework by referencing recent episodes or guests that you enjoyed.
Build relationships with podcast hosts.
Building a relationship with a podcast host before pitching can increase your chances of getting on the show. Don’t stop at just contacting them and selling your pitch to them. There’s still more that can be done.
Engage with the host on social media, leave comments or reviews, or attend their events if possible. This will help you get on their radar and establish a rapport that can make your pitch even more compelling.
Be prepared for podcast interviews.
If you’re booked as a guest on a podcast, be sure to prepare. Research the podcast host and their audience, and think about what topics you want to cover. Make sure you have a clear message to convey and sound bites to share.
Come up with a clear outline or plan for your segment and be respectful of the host’s time and guidelines. You can also research common questions hosts are likely to ask in a podcast interview. Show up on time, dress appropriately, and speak clearly and confidently. If you need a little extra boost before your first show, try listening to some of these confidence boosting podcasts!
Follow up with show notes.
After your podcast episode airs, be sure to follow up with the host to thank them for the opportunity. You can also provide show notes or additional resources for podcast listeners to access. This will help in sealing subsequent invites to the same or other podcasts and is the perfect way to plug yourself to listeners.
Once you land the gig as a guest on a podcast, be sure to read our article on how to prepare for a podcast interview.
Getting on a podcast can be a game-changer for your personal or professional growth.
Being a guest on a podcast can be an excellent way to establish yourself as an expert in a field. It helps to get exposure to new audiences and promote your brand. While we cannot all be podcast hosts, there is enough room for most to feature in one episode or more as guests. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to landing podcast interviews that will connect you with new audiences.
Here at Dear Media, we hope you found these tips helpful! As you try these tips out, be sure to come back and let us in on how successful the search was. For more blogs like this one, head on over to the Dear Media Blog. And to stay up to date on new releases, be sure to give us a follow on Instagram. Until next time, we wish you the best of luck as you look to get on podcasts.
