How to Get Featured on Podcasts to Grow Your Audience

build your audience May 06, 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of content marketing, podcasting has emerged as a powerful medium that’s not just trendy—it’s transformative.

As of today, there are over 5 million podcasts with more than 70 million episodes published.

What does that mean for you?

It means there’s a massive opportunity to get featured on podcasts and tap into loyal, niche audiences hungry for value, stories, and authenticity.

Unlike traditional media, podcasts offer a unique and intimate format.

Listeners tune in while driving, working out, or relaxing—giving hosts and guests a rare chance to form a connection that feels personal.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, coach, author, or content creator, becoming a guest on a podcast can skyrocket your reach and establish you as an authority in your field.

More importantly, podcasts are searchable—on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google.

That means your interview doesn’t just disappear; it stays there, attracting listeners and potential customers over time. In fact, podcast interviews can become long-term assets in your SEO strategy.

Pair that with the rise of tools like Podmatch and Rephonic, and you’re not just throwing darts—you’re using sniper precision to find the right podcasts.

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📋 Table of Contents (click to expand)

Benefits of Being a Podcast Guest
How to Find the Right Podcasts to Pitch
Preparing to Be a Great Podcast Guest
How to Pitch Yourself to Get Featured on Podcasts
Tools to Help You Get Booked as a Guest
Crafting a Personalized Podcast Outreach Campaign
What to Do Once You Get Booked on a Podcast
Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Get Featured
Conclusion
FAQs

What Makes Podcasts a Unique Audience Channel?

Let’s compare podcasts to other platforms. Social media posts disappear in minutes. Blogs take time to gain traction. YouTube needs serious production. But a podcast interview? It’s evergreen, easy, and authentic.

Listeners trust podcasters. That trust transfers to you when you're featured. You’re no longer a cold pitch—they’re already warmed up and listening. You become a trusted voice simply by association.

And here’s the kicker: podcast listeners are buyers. According to Edison Research, 54% of podcast consumers are more likely to consider brands they hear on podcasts. That’s a stat too juicy to ignore. When you appear on a podcast, you’re not shouting into the void—you’re speaking directly to people who are ready to take action.

Benefits of Being a Podcast Guest

Build Authority and Trust Instantly

You might have the best product or service on the planet, but if no one trusts you, they won’t buy. Being a podcast guest flips that switch. The host’s credibility rubs off on you, making your story more believable and your offer more attractive.

A single 30-minute podcast interview can establish you as an expert in your niche. Not through ads. Not through clickbait. But through meaningful conversation. It’s this storytelling element that hooks listeners and gets them to remember your name.

Plus, being featured on multiple podcasts compounds your credibility. Think about it—if someone Googles your name and finds 10 different podcast interviews, you immediately stand out as someone with value to share. It’s like social proof on steroids.

Tap Into Established Audiences

Imagine walking into a room filled with your exact target audience—already gathered, already engaged. That’s what being on a great podcast does for you. You get instant access to thousands of listeners who trust the host and are tuned in, ready to discover new ideas, people, and solutions.

Instead of grinding to build your own audience from scratch, you leverage someone else’s. That’s the magic of podcasting: strategic borrowing. And the best part? You can repeat this with multiple podcasts and reach different segments of your market each time.

When you find the right podcasts to appear on, it’s not just about numbers—it’s about relevance. Even a show with a few hundred listeners can drive better results than a generic blog post that gets thousands of views.

Generate Leads and Drive Traffic

A great podcast interview doesn’t just build your brand—it also drives traffic and leads. How? With a clear call to action (CTA). Whether it's a lead magnet, webinar, special offer, or booking link, you can guide listeners toward the next step with ease.

And remember, podcast episodes often include show notes with backlinks to your website and social media. That’s an SEO goldmine. Every time you're a guest on a podcast, you create another path leading back to your digital home base.

Listeners are also more likely to opt-in or follow you because they’ve already spent 30-60 minutes listening to you. That kind of attention is priceless and almost impossible to replicate in a Facebook ad or a blog post.

How to Find the Right Podcasts to Pitch

Use Tools Like Rephonic and Podmatch to Filter and Search

If you’re serious about getting featured on podcasts, you need to treat it like a strategic campaign—not a guessing game. That’s where tools like Rephonic and Podmatch come in. They take the legwork out of finding the right podcasts and streamline the entire podcast outreach process.

Rephonic gives you deep insights into podcast listener numbers, categories, overlap with other shows, and social reach. You can check if a show is active, how many episodes it has, and even what type of audience it attracts. It’s like having X-ray vision into podcasting.

Podmatch, on the other hand, is like Tinder for podcasters and podcast guests. You set up a profile, define your expertise, and it automatically matches you with shows that are looking for people like you. No cold emails, no spammy messages—just smart matchmaking to help you get booked as a guest.

With filters to narrow down topics, audience size, geography, and even podcast frequency, these tools help you find the right podcasts that match your niche and marketing goals. You’re not just looking for shows—you’re targeting opportunities.

Research Podcast Listener Numbers and Relevance

While it’s tempting to chase after the top podcasts with massive audiences, it’s often better to start with smaller, more focused shows that speak directly to your ideal clients. Why? Because relevance trumps size.

Listener numbers are important, sure—but they don’t mean much if the audience isn’t aligned with your message. A podcast about SEO might have fewer listeners than a general marketing show, but if your service is SEO-specific, that smaller podcast is gold.

Rephonic gives you estimated listener stats, but also look at episode engagement, social shares, and Apple Podcasts rankings. Read the reviews. Are people engaging with the content? Are guests similar to you? That’s a sign it’s a good fit.

If you really want to dig deep, check LinkedIn for the podcast host or producer. Look at their connections, recent guests, and social media presence. This kind of background check helps you personalize your pitch later on.

Look for Shows in Your Niche With Engaged Audiences

Niche podcasts are the hidden gems of guest appearances. These shows may not top the Apple Podcasts charts, but their listeners are hyper-engaged and loyal. If you're in a niche industry—health tech, personal finance, real estate investing—there are likely dozens of shows looking for guests just like you.

Start by searching on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and even Google with keywords related to your expertise. Use terms like “best [your niche] podcasts” or “top podcasts for [your audience]” and make a list. Then plug those into Rephonic to get more data.

Don’t forget to listen to a few episodes before you pitch. Understand the flow, the tone, the type of guests they usually have. This insight will be a goldmine when crafting a compelling pitch.

Preparing to Be a Great Podcast Guest

What Podcast Hosts Are Looking For

If you want to get featured as a guest, it’s not enough to just be willing—you need to be worth featuring. Podcast hosts don’t care about your resume; they care about the value you bring to their audience.

Here’s what they want:

A compelling story
A clear area of expertise
Actionable insights
Good energy and a conversational tone
A strong online presence they can promote

Think like a podcast host. Their job is to keep listeners engaged, entertained, and informed. If you bring dry facts, overly promotional talk, or vague anecdotes, you’ll lose them. But if you show up with authenticity, clarity, and useful takeaways, you’ll be a hit—and likely get invited back or referred to other podcasters.

Be easy to work with. Respond quickly. Fill out their forms. Show you’ve listened to their show. All of this builds trust and positions you as a great podcast guest [1].

How to Craft Your Story and Talking Points

Don’t wing it. Every guest appearance should be backed by a core message and 3-5 key talking points. What’s your origin story? What insights do you want to share? What takeaway should the listener remember?

Structure matters. Think in terms of:

The problem you solve
Your unique perspective
Real-life examples or case studies
Tips or tactics listeners can use right away

This isn’t a pitch for your product—it’s a value-driven conversation that naturally leads back to what you offer. Practice your story but don’t memorize a script. Be human, not robotic. People resonate with emotion and authenticity far more than polished perfection.

Bonus tip: Keep a one-sheet ready. This is a short document that includes your bio, topics you can speak on, links to past interviews, and how to contact you. It saves the host time and makes you look super professional.

Building a Strong Online Presence Before Outreach

Before you even send that first pitch email, make sure your digital footprint is guest-ready. That means your LinkedIn, personal website, and social media accounts should reflect who you are and what you do clearly.

Podcast hosts will Google you—count on it. If your online presence is scattered, outdated, or nonexistent, it hurts your credibility. Make sure your LinkedIn profile includes keywords related to your expertise. Include a banner or pinned post that mentions you're available for guest interviews.

Have a media page or a podcast guest page on your site with your bio, headshot, interview topics, and links to past appearances. It acts as a portfolio and increases your chances of getting booked.

If you have previous interviews—even if they’re small—link to them. Hosts love seeing social proof. And don’t forget testimonials. A quote from a host saying you were a “fantastic guest” goes a long way.

How to Pitch Yourself to Get Featured on Podcasts

Writing a Compelling Podcast Pitch

Crafting a podcast pitch is a bit like writing a dating profile: short, punchy, and clearly focused on why you’re a great match. Your goal? Capture the podcast host’s attention in the first few lines.

A great podcast pitch isn’t about you—it’s about what you bring to their audience. Open with a sentence that shows you’ve listened to the podcast. Mention a specific episode or a previous guest you admired. This shows that your outreach isn’t a copy-paste job.

Here’s a quick structure for a killer podcast pitch:

Personalized opening: Mention the podcast and why you’re reaching out.
Credibility statement: Who are you and what makes you relevant?
Value offering: What can you talk about? Why would their audience care?
Call to action: Invite them to connect, schedule a call, or share interest.

Avoid overloading your pitch with your resume. Highlight a couple of podcast topics you can speak on and why they’re relevant now. And always include a link to your one-sheet or guest bio.

Example opening:

“Hey [Host Name], I loved your recent episode with [Guest Name] on [Topic]—I particularly resonated with the point about [Insert Takeaway]. I’d love to be a guest on your show and share some real-world insights on [Your Topic] that your listeners can use right away.”

This simple structure can increase your chances of getting booked dramatically.

Using a Podcast Pitch Template That Converts

Want to save time and still personalize your outreach? Use a podcast pitch template as a foundation. Here’s a simple one that works:

Subject: Potential guest for [Podcast Name] – [Your Expertise/Topic]

Hi [Host Name],

I’ve been listening to your podcast and really enjoyed your episode with [Guest or Topic]. It struck a chord because [personal reason].

I’d love to join you as a guest and share my experience with [specific topic], especially how [teaser benefit for their audience]. I've spoken on similar shows like [name a show if possible], and I focus on actionable strategies your audience can implement right away.

Here are a few topics I can dive into:

[Topic 1: with a benefit-driven hook]
[Topic 2: with a tip or result]
[Topic 3: with a practical insight]

If you're open to it, I’d be happy to send more details or schedule a quick chat.

Thanks for your time and the value you bring through your podcast.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Website/Socials]
[Link to your guest sheet or calendar]

Tweak this template per show. Make sure it sounds like you and not a robot. Hosts get dozens of pitches—make yours easy to read, personable, and full of value.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Podcast Outreach

Do:

Personalize every pitch.
Mention a past episode you enjoyed.
Focus on how you’ll serve their audience.
Include links to your content or guest sheet.
Follow up politely after a week.

Don’t:

Send a mass email blast.
Talk only about your product or book.
Pitch without listening to the show.
Forget your call-to-action (CTA).
Send lengthy, resume-like bios.

Think of your pitch like a first impression. You want to be professional, valuable, and easy to work with.

Tools to Help You Get Booked as a Guest

Using Podmatch to Automate Podcast Outreach

Podmatch has exploded in popularity because it cuts out the manual process. Instead of sending emails into the void, Podmatch automatically matches podcast hosts with guests based on their profile, keywords, and audience needs.

Once you set up your Podmatch profile, you’ll start getting matched with podcasts looking for someone with your skills and topics. Each match includes the show’s description, past episodes, and a pitch option. You can apply in one click or customize your pitch right in the platform.

If you're new to podcasting or outreach in general, Podmatch is a game-changer. It saves time and gives you access to a vetted list of hosts who actually want guests. No cold emails, no chasing contact info.

You can also leave reviews after interviews, which boosts your profile and increases your visibility to other hosts.

Rephonic’s Podcast Database for Strategic Research

Rephonic is the podcasting world’s equivalent of a secret weapon. It lets you analyze podcasts based on audience overlap, listener numbers, show category, and even geolocation.

Want to find the right podcasts where your audience hangs out? Use Rephonic’s 3D audience graph. It shows which other shows share listeners with a podcast you like. This is perfect for building a podcast tour or discovering niche shows you’ve never heard of.

You can also search by keyword, filter by language, or even sort by listener count. If you’re serious about getting booked on high-quality shows, Rephonic gives you the data you need to pitch like a pro.

Leveraging LinkedIn and Google Search to Find Podcasts

Don’t underestimate the power of good old-fashioned searching. A quick Google search with keywords like “top podcasts for [your topic]” or “podcast guest needed [industry]” can uncover gems.

LinkedIn is also a goldmine. Search for terms like “podcast host,” “podcaster,” or the show name. You can often find personal connections, past guest posts, or even direct email addresses.

Use advanced search filters to narrow results by industry or location. Then connect, engage with a few of their posts, and send a respectful message introducing yourself as a potential guest. This kind of personal touch goes a long way.

Crafting a Personalized Podcast Outreach Campaign

How to Structure Your Outreach Emails

Think of your outreach campaign as a finely tuned sequence—not a one-off message. Your email structure should be concise, customized, and consistent. Start with a warm intro that references the show and a specific episode. Then transition into your ask and explain what value you offer their audience.

Structure your outreach emails like this:

Subject Line: Grab attention without being clickbait. Ex: “Podcast Guest Idea – Actionable SEO Tips for [Podcast Name]”
Intro Paragraph: Mention the host’s recent content and compliment it genuinely.
Who You Are: Explain your expertise and why you’re credible.
Your Pitch: Offer 2–3 tailored topics, keeping it aligned with their podcast’s theme.
CTA: End with a soft ask—request a reply or a link to book a time.

Bonus tip: Send from a real email—not a generic one. A personal address builds trust.

Finding the Right Contacts and Email Addresses

You can have the best pitch in the world, but if you don’t send it to the right person, it won’t matter. Start by checking the podcast’s official website or Apple Podcasts listing—many include direct contact info.

If it’s not listed, go detective mode:

Google “Contact [Podcast Name]”
Check LinkedIn for the host or producer
Use tools like Hunter.io to find verified email addresses

Another sneaky trick? Look at the show notes. Some podcasts include their preferred contact method right there.

For high-performing outreach campaigns, build a spreadsheet with the podcast name, host name, email, topic ideas, and follow-up status. Organization is key when you’re scaling to dozens—or hundreds—of podcast pitches.

Following Up Without Being Pushy

No response doesn’t mean no interest. Podcast hosts are busy. Maybe your email got buried. That’s why follow-ups are essential.

Here’s how to follow up without being annoying:

Wait at least 5–7 days.
Keep it short.
Reiterate your pitch with one new value point.
Stay polite and professional.

Example follow-up:

“Hi [Host Name], just checking in to see if you had a chance to review my earlier message. I’d still love to chat about guesting on [Podcast Name] and bringing fresh value to your audience. Let me know if it’s a good fit—or if now’s not the right time!”

Send one or two polite nudges, and then move on. The key to great podcast outreach is persistence without pressure.

What to Do Once You Get Booked on a Podcast

Prepping for Your Podcast Interview

You got the yes—awesome! Now the real work begins. Preparation is what separates forgettable guests from great podcast guests. Don’t assume you can wing it. Even if you’re an expert, you want to be polished and precise.

Here’s your podcast prep checklist:

Confirm the recording time, platform, and format.
Review the podcast’s latest episodes.
Outline your 3–5 talking points.
Write out your CTA.
Test your mic and camera (if video).

Also, be ready for curveballs. Some hosts go off-script. That’s okay—just return to your main message when needed.

Have a glass of water nearby, silence notifications, and keep your bio handy in case the host forgets your intro.

Working With the Podcast Host

Remember, this is a collaboration, not a speech. Treat the host like a partner. Be conversational. Ask them questions. Compliment their format. This builds rapport and increases the chance they’ll promote your episode harder—or refer you to other podcasters.

Send over your headshot, bio, and links right after recording. Make it easy for the host to feature you well. And always say thank you—both privately and publicly.

After the show airs, tag the host on social media, comment on the post, and respond to any listener feedback. The more engaged you are, the more value the host sees in having had you on.

Promoting Your Appearance for Maximum Reach

A podcast interview is a marketing asset. Don’t let it gather dust. Once the episode is live:

Share it on all your social platforms.
Email it to your list.
Embed it on your website or blog.
Pull quotes and make graphics for Instagram or LinkedIn.
Turn the audio into an audiogram or reel.

Mention the podcast in future outreach pitches. Show you’ve been on real shows with real hosts who trusted you with their audience.

Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Get Featured

Overly Generic Pitches

If your pitch looks like it was written for 50 other shows, it’s getting deleted. Period. Personalization isn’t optional—it’s required. Take 5–10 minutes to customize every message. That small effort leads to 10x better results.

Generic pitches scream “I don’t actually care about your podcast, I just want airtime.” And no podcast host wants to feel used.

Not Listening to the Podcast Before Pitching

Nothing makes you lose credibility faster than saying, “I’d love to be on your podcast!” and not knowing what it’s about. Before pitching:

Listen to 1–2 full episodes.
Mention something specific you liked.
Understand the format and audience.

Doing this proves you respect the host and their content—and sets you apart from 95% of the other pitches they receive.

Not Bringing Value to the Table

If you’re only there to sell your product, you’re doing it wrong. Podcasting is about value-first, promotion-second. Always ask: What can I offer that this audience will truly benefit from?

Bring stories, strategies, and actionable insights. That’s how you become a great podcast guest. And ironically, that’s what brings in the leads, followers, and sales anyway.

Conclusion

Getting featured on podcasts is one of the most powerful ways to build authority, expand your reach, and grow your business. It’s not just about pitching—it’s about positioning yourself as a valuable guest who enhances the host’s show and delivers value to their listeners.

By using tools like Rephonic, Podmatch, and good old-fashioned research, you can find the right podcasts that align with your brand and message. Pair that with a compelling pitch, strong storytelling, and authentic engagement, and you’ve got a recipe for consistent guest appearances.

Make podcasting part of your long-term strategy. Treat each interview like a mini-masterclass. Promote it like a product launch. And keep refining your approach with every episode.

Get booked, get featured, and get known.

FAQs

What are the best tools to find podcasts to appear on?

Rephonic and Podmatch are top-tier. Rephonic offers audience data and relevance filters, while Podmatch matches you with podcasts based on your profile. Both streamline podcast outreach.

How do I write a good podcast pitch?

A great pitch is short, personalized, and focused on value. Mention a specific episode, explain your expertise, and offer 2–3 talking points. Always include a clear CTA and a link to your media kit.

How many podcasts should I aim to be featured on?

Start with 5–10 relevant shows in your niche. Quality over quantity. As you gain experience and credibility, scale up to a full podcast tour with 20+ appearances over time.

Should I pay to be a podcast guest?

In most cases, no. Plenty of high-quality podcasts are happy to host knowledgeable guests for free. But in certain niches, paid guest spots may be worth considering if the audience is highly targeted.

What if I don’t have a big following?

That’s okay! Hosts care more about value than vanity metrics. Focus on your story, insights, and the relevance of your message. A strong pitch and great energy can outweigh a small audience.

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