The Ultimate Guide to Nailing Your Podcast Guest Outreach: Turn "Who?" into "Wow!"

•Shagun Msitry
The Ultimate Guide to Nailing Your Podcast Guest Outreach: Turn "Who?" into "Wow!"

Ever found yourself scrolling through your contacts, wondering how you can convince those awe-inspiring experts to be guests on your podcast? Or maybe you're sitting there, staring at your screen, drafting and redrafting that outreach email, hoping it doesn't end up in the digital abyss of unread inboxes. We've all been there, wishing there was some magical formula to turn those "Who?" into "Wow!" moments with potential podcast guests.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the tried-and-true strategies that have not only worked for me but have also transformed the outreach game for countless other podcasters in the Digital Storytellers Network.

Crafting Your Pitch

First things first, let’s talk about the heart of your outreach: The Pitch.

It’s both an art and a science, blending personal touch with a strategic approach.

  • Personalize, Personalize, Personalize: Generic pitches are the white noise of the email world. Remember, you’re reaching out to a human who wants to feel special. Mention a recent achievement of theirs or express genuine admiration for their work. A little flattery, when sincere, goes a long way.
  • Value Proposition: What's in it for them? Make it clear. Whether it's access to your audience, a platform to promote their latest project, or an opportunity to share their story in a new way, ensure your pitch highlights the benefits, not just the ask.
  • The Subject Line: This is your foot in the door. Make it intriguing, clear, and personalized. Think “Invitation to Share Your Story with Our Engaged Audience” over “Podcast Guest Request.”
    • Example: One of my clients mentioned a specific episode where the potential guest's book was discussed, and how it sparked an engaging conversation. This not only showed that they were familiar with the guest's work but also that their audience was already interested.

Finding Potential Guests

Expanding your guest list can seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it can be a treasure trove of opportunity.

  • Leverage Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are goldmines for finding potential guests. Look for thought leaders in your niche and engage with their content before reaching out.
  • Podcast Guest Networks: Websites and communities where podcasters and potential guests meet can be incredibly useful. Make sure your podcast is represented there.
  • Referrals: Don’t underestimate the power of asking current or past guests for recommendations. It’s a vote of confidence and comes with a built-in endorsement.

The Follow-Up

So you’ve sent out your perfectly crafted pitches and...crickets. It happens to the best of us. Here’s how to follow up without being a nuisance.

  • Timing is Key: Give them enough time to respond, but don’t let it fall off their radar. A week to ten days is a sweet spot for a gentle nudge.
  • Keep It Friendly: A simple, friendly reminder that you’re excited about the possibility of collaborating can be effective. Reiterate the value proposition briefly.
  • Know When to Fold: If after a couple of follow-ups you don’t hear back, it’s okay to move on. Not everyone will be a fit, and that’s perfectly fine.

Turning “No” into “Not Now”

Rejection or non-responses are part of the game, but remember, a “no” is often just a “not now.” Keep building your podcast, growing your audience, and refining your outreach strategy. The podcasting world is dynamic, and today’s pass could be tomorrow’s enthusiastic yes. Quick Action Steps:

  • Personalize your outreach with specific references to your guest's work.
  • Highlight the value proposition clearly in your pitch.
  • Explore various platforms for finding potential guests.
  • Be persistent but polite in your follow-ups.
  • Stay positive in the face of rejection and keep refining your approach.

Podcasting is about connecting ideas, stories, and people.

Your next great podcast guest is out there, and with these strategies in hand, you’re well on your way to making those connections happen.

And hey, if you’re looking for a platform that supports your podcasting journey every step of the way, check out MyPodify

Our suite of tools, from the Podcast Idea Planner to the Show Notes Generator, is designed to make your podcasting process as smooth and successful as possible. Here’s to your podcasting success! 🍻