How to Be a Guest on a Podcast

Podcasting has become one of the most powerful tools for building your personal brand, expanding your network, and establishing yourself as a thought leader. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, expert, or influencer, guest appearances on podcasts offer a unique opportunity to share your expertise with a wider audience. But how do you become a sought-after guest?

Before pitching yourself as a guest, it's crucial to listen to a few episodes of the podcast to understand its format and style, which will help you craft a relevant and appealing proposal.

Let us walk you through the essential steps on how to be a guest on a podcast, from identifying the right shows to preparing for your appearance and promoting the episode once it’s live. We’ll also dive into the benefits of podcast guesting, share insider tips on crafting the perfect pitch, and explore how leveraging guest booking agencies can help you secure your spot.

If you want to elevate your visibility and connect with a broader audience, read on to discover how to make the most of your podcast guest appearances and be the best podcast guest that shows will want to book again.

Why Be A Podcast Guest?

Being a guest on a podcast is more than just an opportunity to talk—it’s a powerful way to grow your personal brand, expand your network, and establish yourself as an authority in your industry. Whether you have a message to share or a book to sell, being a guest on a podcast is an excellent way to reach a new audience. Being a good podcast guest can enhance your networking opportunities and audience reach by making a positive impression and engaging effectively with the host and listeners.

It's no secret that podcasting has exploded in popularity. According to Ofcom, "Over 20% of UK adults now listen to at least one podcast a week". That's over 11 million people. So, by jumping in as a podcast guest, you can start reaching this huge number of people.

Here are six reasons why you should be a podcast guest if you still need some more convincing:

1. Brand Exposure and Thought Leadership

   Podcast appearances showcase your expertise to a targeted audience in your niche. Unlike social media or blog posts, podcasts offer in-depth insights, personal stories, and unique perspectives that establish you as a thought leader. When listeners hear your voice, they connect deeply, fostering trust and credibility.

2. Podcasts Offer Unmatched Long-Form Engagement

   Podcasts differ from traditional marketing by offering long-form, uninterrupted conversations. With episodes lasting 30 to 60 minutes, you can delve into details, tackle industry challenges, and provide actionable advice. This format allows your message to resonate more deeply with listeners than quick social media posts or brief mentions.

3. A Powerful Networking Opportunity

   Being a guest involves not only reaching an audience but also fostering relationships with podcast hosts and their networks. Many hosts are industry leaders who can facilitate collaborations and partnerships. One podcast appearance can create several connections and business leads.

4. A Cost-Effective Marketing Tool for Businesses

   Podcast guesting offers businesses a valuable marketing strategy at no cost. It promotes your brand organically without seeming sales-driven. Additionally, podcasts have evergreen value, allowing your insights to reach new audiences long after the interview.

5. Authenticity and Audience Trust

   Podcast audiences are loyal and engaged. Listeners form strong connections with hosts, and as a guest, you gain this trust. When introduced as an expert, their audience is more receptive to your message. This trust makes podcast guesting an effective way to build credibility and attract new followers or clients.

6. Repurposing Podcast Content for Maximum Reach

   A key benefit of being a podcast guest is that the content can be repurposed on various platforms. Your interview can be shared on social media, transcribed into blog posts, made into video snippets, and utilized in email marketing. This extends your message's reach beyond the original podcast audience.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Keep reading to learn not only how to be a guest on a podcast but how to be a great guest on a podcast!

5 Steps On How To Be A Guest On A Podcast

Here are five simple steps for being a good guest and engaging with podcast listeners. Are you a podcast host looking for inspiration? Read our ultimate interview guide to spark ideas and questions.

Step 1 - Define Your Expertise and Target Podcasts

Before reaching out to podcast hosts, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you bring to the table. Identifying your niche, expertise, and target audience will help you land the right podcast opportunities and ensure your message resonates.

Identify Your Niche and What You Can Offer

Start by defining your area of expertise. What topics can you confidently discuss? What unique insights or experiences would make for engaging conversations? Natural, engaging conversations that captivate the audience are crucial, as they not only enhance the listening experience but also facilitate audience growth through shared expertise. Whether you’re a business owner, industry expert, or creative professional, having a clear value proposition will make you more appealing to podcast hosts.

Consider:

• What problem do you solve, and for whom?

• What makes your perspective unique?

• Can you provide actionable advice, entertaining stories, or industry insights?

Research Podcasts That Align with Your Industry or Interests

Not every podcast will be a good fit, so take the time to research shows that align with your expertise. Look for podcasts that:

• Cover topics related to your industry or area of interest

• Have an engaged and relevant audience

• Regularly feature guest interviews

Find potential shows on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Reading episode descriptions, host bios, and listener reviews can also help you determine whether a podcast is a good match.

Check Podcast Audience Demographics and Past Guests

Understanding a podcast’s audience will help you tailor your pitch effectively. Consider:

• Who listens to this podcast? Are they potential clients, customers, or industry peers?

• What kind of guests have been featured before? Do you bring a fresh perspective?

• Does the podcast have a casual or formal tone?

Selecting the right podcasts will increase your chances of securing a guest spot and making a meaningful impact on listeners.

Step 2 - Crafting a Standout Pitch

Once you’ve identified the right podcasts, the next step is to contact the hosts with a compelling pitch. Podcast hosts receive numerous requests, so making your pitch stand out is key to securing a guest spot.

Personalize Your Pitch to the Host

A generic, copy-paste email won’t cut it. Take the time to personalize your outreach:

• Mention the host’s name and show title.

• Reference a recent episode you enjoyed and why it resonated with you.

• Explain why you’re a great fit for their audience and how your insights will bring value.

By showing that you’ve done your homework, you demonstrate genuine interest and increase your chances of getting a positive response.

Key Elements of a Strong Podcast Guest Pitch

Your pitch should be concise, engaging, and to the point. A great pitch includes:

• Who you are – Introduce yourself in a single sentence. Mention your expertise, credentials, or unique angle.

• Why you’re relevant – Highlight what makes you a great guest for their specific audience.

• What you’ll bring to the conversation – Suggest 2-3 compelling topics you can discuss, making it easy for the host to see how you fit into their content.

• A clear call to action – End with a simple ask: “I’d love to explore the possibility of being a guest. Let me know if you’d be interested!”

Step 3 - Leveraging Guest Booking Agencies

Guest booking agencies can streamline the process of securing podcast appearances. These agencies connect experts, business owners, and thought leaders with podcast hosts who are looking for engaging guests.

How Guest Booking Agencies Simplify the Process

Guest booking agencies act as matchmakers, helping you find the right podcasts without the legwork of researching, pitching, and following up. They offer several advantages:

• Access to a network of podcasts – Agencies have established relationships with podcast hosts, making it easier to get booked.

• Saves time and effort – Instead of manually reaching out to dozens of podcasts, agencies handle the outreach for you.

• Increases your credibility – Hosts are more likely to trust and consider guests recommended by a reputable agency.

• Professional pitching – Agencies craft and refine your pitch to highlight your expertise in the most compelling way.

Find the Right Agency:

We tried The Best Podcast Guest, and I think they are great. Whether you're a podcast host searching for a guest or a guest searching for a show, this agency helps individuals and businesses connect.

Using a guest booking agency isn’t essential, but it can significantly increase your chances of landing high-quality podcast appearances—especially if you’re short on time or new to the podcasting world.

Step 4 - Preparing for Your Podcast Appearance

Landing a podcast interview is just the beginning—now it’s time to deliver a compelling and professional performance. Preparation is key to keeping the conversation engaging, providing value to listeners, and leaving a lasting impression on both the host and the audience.

Research the Podcast and Host

Before your interview, take the time to:

• Listen to previous episodes – Get a feel for the show’s tone, format, and audience.

• Understand the host’s style – Are they casual and conversational, or more structured and formal

• Know the typical episode length – This will help you pace your responses and avoid rambling.

Pro tip: If the host has interviewed someone in your industry before, listen to that episode to see what angles have already been covered.

Structure Your Key Talking Points

While you don’t need a word-for-word script, having a clear structure will help you stay on track. You must consider your core message and understand what you want the audience to take away from listening to this episode. Think about any personal anecdotes or examples from real life that make your message more relatable. And, of course, if you have any practical tips the audience can apply after listening, these always go down a treat!

If the host shares questions in advance, take time to think through your answers, but keep them natural—podcasts are all about authenticity!

Optimize Your Audio Setup

Good audio quality is essential for a professional-sounding interview. Here’s our top tips to get it right:

1. Use an external microphone – A USB mic like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x or a quality headset can make a big difference.

2. Find a quiet space – Avoid background noise, echoes, and distractions.

3. Wear headphones – This helps prevent audio feedback and keeps the conversation clear.

4. Check your internet connection – If recording remotely, use a wired connection or ensure strong Wi-Fi to prevent dropouts.

Most podcast hosts will appreciate it if you do a quick tech check before recording. This ensures a smooth interview without interruptions. By preparing thoroughly, you’ll feel more confident and ready to deliver an engaging and high-quality podcast appearance.

The podcast may have a production team, like Saspod, working behind the scenes and checking the audio setup before you start recording. If you are a podcast host looking for this service, get in touch today and see how we can help you become a better podcast host.

Step 5 - Promoting Your Episode

Your podcast guest work starts once the episode airs! To really learn how to be a guest on a podcast (and a great one too!), you need to get promoting. To maximize the benefits, actively promote it and engage with the audience. A well-promoted episode broadens your reach, builds credibility, and opens new business opportunities.

Share the episode on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Instead of just posting a link, add a personal touch: share what made the conversation meaningful, highlight key takeaways, or pose a fun question to spark discussion. Tag the host and use relevant hashtags for better visibility. Include the episode in your email newsletter with a brief intro on its value.

Beyond sharing the link, engage with the audience. Respond to comments on social media and keep conversations going. Many podcasts have communities, like Facebook groups or Discord channels, where you can discuss your episode. Sending a thank-you message to the host, publicly or privately, helps nurture future collaborations.

Repurposing content from your episode can also extend its impact. You can transform key moments into video clips for Instagram Reels or TikTok, create quote graphics, or write an in-depth blog post. Breaking down your insights into a Twitter thread or slide deck makes it easier for different audiences to digest.

Promoting your episode is about more than downloads; it’s about establishing yourself as a valuable voice in your field. By sharing, engaging, and repurposing content, you ensure your podcast appearance continues to benefit you long after the recording ends.

Building Long-Term Podcasting Relationships

Securing a single podcast guest spot is great, but building lasting relationships with hosts and their audiences can unlock even greater opportunities. Podcasting thrives on genuine conversations and ongoing connections, making it more than just a one-time marketing tool.

After your episode airs, stay engaged with the host by sharing the podcast on your platforms, thanking them publicly, and keeping in touch. A simple follow-up email expressing appreciation can go a long way. If the conversation went well, you might even suggest future collaborations, such as a follow-up episode or a guest appearance on another show they recommend. Many podcast hosts appreciate returning guests who bring fresh insights and value to their audience.

Beyond the hosts, consider how you can remain active within the podcasting community. Engaging with listeners, networking with other guests, and staying visible in podcast-related discussions can help you land new opportunities. The more you immerse yourself in this space, the easier it becomes to get invited to more shows. Over time, learning how to be a guest on a podcast becomes less about pitching and more about being part of an ecosystem where your expertise is naturally sought after.

Consistency is key. The most successful podcast guests are those who treat podcasting as a long-term strategy rather than a one-off experience. By building strong relationships, providing real value in each appearance, and maintaining an active presence, you’ll continue to grow your influence and create more opportunities for yourself. Whether you're just starting or refining your approach, mastering how to be a guest on a podcast is about more than just getting booked—it’s about becoming a trusted voice in your industry.