How to Find Podcasts to Be a Guest On: A Strategic Guide for Business Leaders

You're a business leader with valuable insights to share, and you know that podcast guesting could be your ticket to reaching new audiences and establishing thought leadership. But as you start exploring this opportunity, you hit your first roadblock: Where exactly do you find these podcasts? How do you know which ones are worth your time? And most importantly, how do you get them to say yes to having you as a guest?

If these questions are running through your mind, you're not alone. With research showing that there are approximately 17 people seeking to be guests for every active podcast host, the competition for guest spots is fierce. However, with the right approach, you can cut through the noise and secure valuable podcast appearances that align with your expertise and business goals.

Why Podcast Guesting Should Be Part of Your Marketing Strategy

Before diving into the "how," let's understand why podcast guesting deserves a spot in your marketing playbook:

1. Tap Into Established Audiences: Instead of building an audience from scratch, you get instant access to an engaged listener base that trusts the host's recommendations.

2. Build Authentic Connections: Unlike traditional advertising, podcast interviews allow you to share your story and expertise in a conversational, authentic way that resonates with listeners.

3. Enhance Your Authority: Regular appearances on relevant podcasts position you as a thought leader in your industry, making you more attractive to potential clients and partners.

4. Create Long-lasting Content: Podcast episodes have a long shelf life and can continue driving value months or even years after they're published.

Step 1: Define Your Podcast Guesting Strategy

Before you start reaching out to podcasts, you need a clear strategy that answers these crucial questions:

Who is Your Target Audience?

Start by identifying who you want to reach through podcast appearances. Consider:

• What industry are they in?

• What are their job titles?

• What problems are they trying to solve?

• What podcasts do they currently listen to?

What's Your Unique Value Proposition?

Define what makes you an interesting guest:

• What unique insights can you share?

• What success stories or case studies can you discuss?

• What controversial or innovative perspectives do you have?

• What actionable advice can you offer listeners?

What Topics Can You Discuss?

Create a list of topics that:

• Align with your expertise

• Provide value to your target audience

• Are currently relevant in your industry

• You can discuss confidently and passionately

Step 2: Find Relevant Podcasts

Now that you have a clear strategy, it's time to find podcasts that align with your goals. Here are several effective methods:

1. Use Dedicated Podcast Matching Platforms

Several platforms specifically connect podcast hosts with potential guests:

• PodMatch: A leading platform that uses an algorithm to match you with relevant podcasts actively seeking guests

• PodcastGuest: Helps you discover podcasts looking for guests in your area of expertise

• Guest.io: Connects experts with podcast hosts in various industries

• Podbooker: Another platform facilitating connections between hosts and potential guests

2. Leverage Online Communities

Communities can be goldmines for finding podcast opportunities:

• r/PodcastGuestExchange: A Reddit community where you can post your expertise and connect with podcast hosts

• LinkedIn Groups focused on podcasting and your industry

• Facebook Groups dedicated to podcast networking

• Twitter conversations around podcasting (use relevant hashtags)

3. Research Your Industry

Look for podcasts where your competitors or peers have appeared:

• Search for your competitors' names on podcast directories

• Check their social media profiles for podcast appearances

• Use tools like Listen Notes to search for industry-specific podcasts

4. Utilize Podcast Directories

Major podcast directories can help you discover relevant shows:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Google Podcasts

• Stitcher

When searching these platforms, use keywords related to:

• Your industry

• Your target audience's interests

• Specific topics you want to discuss

• Your geographical location (if relevant)

Step 3: Evaluate Podcast Opportunities

Not all podcasts are created equal. Before pitching, evaluate each potential opportunity using these criteria:

Audience Alignment

• Does the podcast reach your target audience?

• Is the content relevant to your expertise?

• Do the existing episodes align with your message?

Show Quality

• How consistent is their publishing schedule?

• What's the production quality like?

• How engaged are their listeners?

• What's their average episode length?

Host Credibility

• Is the host respected in the industry?

• Do they have a professional online presence?

• How do they interact with guests?

Step 4: Craft a Compelling Pitch

This is where many potential guests fail. According to experienced podcast hosts, they receive hundreds of generic pitches annually, with most going straight to the trash. Here's how to make yours stand out:

1. Do Your Research

Before pitching, listen to at least 2-3 recent episodes of the podcast. Pay attention to:

• The host's interviewing style

• Common themes and topics

• The type of guests they feature

• Any mentions of what they're looking for in guests

2. Personalize Your Outreach

Avoid the dreaded "blanket pitch letter." Instead:

• Reference specific episodes you enjoyed

• Mention insights from the show that resonated with you

• Explain why their audience specifically would benefit from your expertise

Here's a template that works:

Subject: Loved your episode on [specific topic] - Could I add value to your audience?

Hi [Host's Name],

I just finished listening to your episode with [Guest Name] about [Topic], and your discussion about [specific point] really resonated with me. 

As [your role] at [your company], I've helped [specific achievement or experience relevant to their audience]. I'd love to share insights about [proposed topic] with your audience, including:

- [Specific talking point 1]
- [Specific talking point 2]
- [Specific talking point 3]

I believe these insights would be valuable for your listeners because [specific reason tied to their audience].

Would you be interested in exploring this further?

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Step 5: Follow Up and Build Relationships

The Follow-Up Strategy

If you don't hear back within a week, it's appropriate to send a polite follow-up:

• Keep it brief and friendly

• Reference your previous email

• Add any new relevant information

• Maintain a professional tone

Building Long-term Relationships

Remember that podcast guesting isn't just about one-off appearances. Build relationships by:

• Engaging with hosts on social media before and after appearances

• Sharing their episodes with your network

• Referring other quality guests when appropriate

• Staying in touch even after your episode airs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Mass Pitching: Sending the same generic pitch to multiple hosts is a quick way to get ignored

2. Poor Research: Not understanding the podcast's audience and format before pitching

3. Making It All About You: Focusing on your achievements instead of listener value

4. Being Unprepared: Not having clear talking points or value propositions

5. Ignoring Technical Requirements: Not having proper audio equipment or a quiet recording space

Final Thoughts

Finding and securing podcast guest opportunities requires strategy, persistence, and authenticity. By following this guide and focusing on providing value to listeners, you'll increase your chances of landing meaningful podcast appearances that help establish your thought leadership and grow your business.

Remember: The goal isn't just to get on any podcast—it's to appear on the right podcasts where you can make a genuine impact on the audience while advancing your business objectives.

Start by implementing these strategies today, and don't get discouraged if success doesn't come immediately. Like any marketing effort, podcast guesting requires consistent effort and refinement of your approach based on results.

With dedication to this process and a focus on delivering value, you'll be well on your way to becoming a sought-after podcast guest in your industry.