My Guest Podcasting Strategy and Workflow

Guest podcasting is something I’ve recently gotten into, and I’ve been loving it! I’m an introvert, so this was definitely a challenge to get out of my comfort zone, but it’s been such a great thing for my confidence and business.

If you’ve been interested in guest podcasting or have never heard about it until now, let me share my experience and process with you.

Key Takeaways:

• Why guest podcasting is a great strategy for creatives.
• How to prepare to be a guest on a podcast.
• A workflow to pitch podcasts.
• A promotion strategy after the episode goes live.

Why Guest Podcasting?

Guest podcasting is one of the best backlink strategies out there. Your website will be linked in the show notes, earning you a backlink from sites like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Most podcast hosts also post their episodes on their websites, providing a backlink there, too.

I also love it because I can connect with other creatives in a genuine way. We chat and get to know each other before the interview, and collaborate on promotion strategies. I’ve had discovery calls with some hosts before! There are many opportunities beyond a backlink.

You’re also providing your audience with additional value. I don’t have a podcast, so my audience is exposed to a new way to learn from me. I’m also recommending a resource to them that they may not have heard of (the podcast AND the host).

I spend about 15 minutes a week on my guest podcasting strategy (unless I’m recording an episode), and it has greatly helped my business grow.

Prepare Before You Pitch

Before pitching podcasts, it will make your life much easier if you prepare a few things first.

1. Find Podcasts You Want to Be On

Make a list of podcasts you might want to be a guest on. Be strategic about this – their audience should align with yours.

Here are some ways to find podcasts to pitch:

• The business podcasts you already listen to
• Social media
• Does anyone in your network have a podcast?
• Has anyone in your network been on a podcast?
• Google
• This list right here!

You can really go down a rabbit hole and find some good guest podcasting opportunities!

2. Collect Bio Materials

Every podcast host will ask for your links and bio when you’re booked as a guest. Have these prepared ahead of time so you can quickly send them over. 

Some people prefer to put together a media kit in Canva, Google Drive, or a hidden landing page. I have my materials in a Google Doc and will send them over when the host asks for them.

Here are the things you should have ready to go:

• A 3-5 sentence bio about yourself
• A few headshot options
• Links to your website, social media, and freebie

3. Have Topics to Pitch

Any good pitch also includes topic ideas. Don’t make the podcast host do the work for you! You should have 2-3 topics to pitch to them. Then, they can learn more about your expertise and pick a topic that best aligns with their audience and current strategy.

I used ChatGPT to help me come up with some guest podcasting topic ideas. When someone books one of my topics, I remove it from my rotation. I don’t want to be talking about the same things over and over again!

Pitching Podcasts

Now that you have your materials prepared, it’s time to pitch some podcasts! Start at the top of your list. 

Visit their website and see if they have a button to be a guest on their podcast. If you don’t see it, simply fill out their contact form. Your third option is to DM them on Instagram.

Fill in the requested information and select a few of your topic ideas that best align with their podcast and audience.

Use this pitch template:

“Hi (name)! I hope you are having a good day. 

Are you currently accepting podcast guests?/I would love to be a guest on your podcast! I have a few topic ideas that I think would really resonate with your audience. Here they are:

(insert 2-3 ideas)

Let me know your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.

Have a great day!”

Now it’s time to wait and see if they respond. Not everyone will, and that’s okay. It’s all part of the process! 

The Podcast Interview

So you’ve booked a guest podcasting opportunity – amazing job! The host has likely chosen one of your topics and scheduled a time to interview you.

I usually ask for a list of questions in advance so I can prepare. I write out my thoughts in a Google Doc to make sure I clearly explain my points and have examples ready to go.

Hosts will often ask follow-up questions based on what you say, so don’t use your notes as a script. Feel confident enough in the topic to freely talk about it.

After the interview has wrapped, the host will provide you with the estimated publication date, allowing you to align your promotional strategies.

Promotion Strategy

I always promote my guest podcast episodes. It shows my appreciation to the host and that this is something I do! You never know who is watching – maybe someone with a podcast will listen to the episode and want me as a guest.

Since blogging is my thing, I will write a blog post about the topic we discussed. I use my Google Doc notes to help me outline it. Then, I embed the episode into the blog post so people can listen to it right then and there. Here is an example.

I also share the episode with my email list and on Instagram. 

In the best-case scenario, the host will also promote the episode on their end. I’ve had some people invite me to be a collaborator on their Instagram posts and tag me in their stories. The additional exposure is invaluable.

Start Pitching!

Guest podcasting is a great way to increase your backlinks, connect with other creatives, and give your audience additional value that you might not otherwise.

Spend some time this week preparing your materials, and then start pitching! 

And if you have a podcast where I could be a guest, please let me know! I would love to share my expertise in blogging and SEO with your audience.

FAQs About Guest Podcasting

Do guests on podcasts make money?

No, this is something you’re doing for free. However, it’s a marketing strategy that could bring you new clients and opportunities.

What equipment do I need to be a guest on a podcast?

A high-quality microphone and a quiet space! Some podcasts also record video as part of their promotional or repurposing strategy, so be prepared to be on camera, too.

How long is a typical podcast interview?

Most interviews last 30-45 minutes. You spend a few minutes chatting with the host beforehand, the majority of the time recording the episode, and a little bit wrapping up at the end.