Podcast Guesting: 10 Ways to Find Podcasts Where You Can Pitch Yourself



There's nothing like sharing your enthusiasm for your projects through a podcast. When you are interviewed - whether it's on camera or audio-only - you get to share your expertise, as well as talk about your books and your business. Plus, it's so much fun!

As an extrovert, I love interviewing - I host the #GoalChat Twitter chat, #GoalChatLive show on Facebook and LinkedIn, and The DEB Show podcast - and being interviewed. 

The challenge for authors, experts, and entrepreneurs is finding good podcasts, along with hosts who ideally share your interest, values, and energy.   

Last month, I wrote about how to be a good guest on a podcast, video show, or blog. In this post, I will share tips for finding podcasts to pitch.

But I am getting ahead of myself...
 

Here are 10 Ways to Find Podcasts to Pitch 

 

1. Check Your Podcast Player. What podcasts do you listen to? Are any of them a good fit for you as a guest? As a fan of a podcast you pitch, you are at an advantage, since you know the show.

Get Recommendations. You can ...

2. Ask Your Friends. Who has a podcast? Who listens to podcasts? 

3. Post to Social Media. (Same questions as #2.)

4. Ask Hosts. The podcast community is small. After you are interviewed, see if the host can recommend you as a guest to any friends.

5. Check Your Peer's Media Pages. See where your friends, as well as your competitors, have been interviewed.  

6. Suggest Podcast Swaps. Interview your peers and ask that they do the same. 

Do Podcast Networking

7. Join Facebook and LinkedIn Groups. There are plenty of social networking groups dedicated to matching podcasts with guests. Do a search. 

8. Sign Up for Podcast Matchmakers. Options include 

9. Go to Podcast Meetups. Groups, such as Speakers Playhouse and Podcasters Connect & Collaborate, run the speed-dating version of podcast pitching. 

10. Attend Online Mixers. Meet new people, so you can expand your network. You never know who the people you meet know... Then go back to #2 and #3.

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Before pitching a podcast, be sure to listen to at least a few episodes. You want to have a sense of the person you are talking to and their beliefs. For instance, if you are a vegetarian cookbook author, the Meat America Podcast would not be a good fit. (Yes, a googled it. That podcast does exist!)

Once you find a podcast you like, write a review, tweet about it, and interact with the host on social media. That way, when they receive your pitch, it will not be from a total stranger.

When you pitch, you want to stand out. Be sure to personalize your email: call the host by their (spelled-correctly) name and reference something specific as to why you like the show. Share who you are, why you are a great fit for their podcast, and talking points. Bonus points for referencing your social media following and how you plan to promote the episode.

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When you pitch yourself to be on a podcast, let your enthusiasm shine through. After all, you are doing the hosts a favor, as they are always on the lookout for great guests! 


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What's your best tip for finding podcasts to pitch? Please share in the comments.


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Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A writer, editor, and project catalyst, Deb works with entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives to set goals and manage their projects through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and online support. She is also the author of Write On Blogging and Purple Pencil Adventures; founder of Write On Online; Vice President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Women's National Book Association; host of the #GoalChat Twitter Chat, #GoalChatLive on Facebook and LinkedIn, and The DEB Show podcast. She speaks on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.


16 comments:

lastpg said...

Thank you for your informative post. The suggestions are very helpful. I am keeping the post in my Podcast file for hopefully soon to be use!

Debra Eckerling said...

Fantastic! You are welcome. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!

maryhagenauthorrommance.com said...

Thank you for your suggestions. I know nothing about podcasts and I'll do some skimming.

Mplcreative said...

Debra, I enjoyed your post. It's so helpful. It also helps to keep a database of the podcasts that you are interested in pursuing. Thaks for the information.

Mindy

Carolyn Howard-Johnson said...

I have always loved podcasts (since the beginning!) and streaming radio shows (especially those that also get aired via radio! They are my "bunny-slipper" book promotion opportunity. Do you all know Kathleen Kaiser? Adanna Moriarity? They do a podcast and feature authors. Mine is up soon. Google them. Tell them I sent you. Partake of their list of guests for great advice--kinda like this WritersontheMove blog! (-:

Hugs,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
The Frugal Book Promoter

Karen Cioffi said...

Debra, this is such helpful information on podcasts. I'm thinking of jumping on the podcast wagon and these tips will be invaluable.

Carolyn, thanks for the Kathleen Kaiser and Adanna Moriarity tip!

Terry Whalin said...

Debra,

With these ten tips, Debra, you have something for every author. Well-done. I did a podcast interview last week and enjoy them--but the author has to know how to pitch to get the invitation then do a great interview (so they get asked to return a second time).

Terry

Debra Eckerling said...

Mary, best of luck with your dive into podcast guesting!

Debra Eckerling said...

Mindy, great idea! Keep a chart of your podcast wish list, and also track your activity as you pursue them!

Debra Eckerling said...

Will look them up. Thanks, Carolyn! Yes, it's nice to do fun off-camera promos ... tho plenty record video too!

Debra Eckerling said...

You totally should, Karen! You are welcome and good luck!

Debra Eckerling said...

Thanks for your comment, Terry! And, yes, that's where my post on being a good guest comes in. The gist: Show your value, follow instructions, and promote, promote, promote!

deborah lyn said...

Thank you Debra
Your tips are helpful and informative, showing us the best ways to pitch and find!

Debra Eckerling said...

Thanks for your comment, Deborah! Much appreciated!

Kayleen Reusser said...

I have tried to contact the podcaster Carolyn Howard-Johnson mentioned (Kathleen Kaiser), but it was returned as undeliverable two times. I had the correct email podcast@kathleenkaiser.com
Anyone know other contact info?

Karen Cioffi said...

Hi, Kayleen. Kathleen Kaiser's website is: https://www.kathleenkaiser.com/

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