How to Get on Podcasts as a Guest: A Complete Beginner's Guide
In short: To get on podcasts as a guest, use matching platforms like PodMatch, research mid-size shows in your niche, send personalised pitches with 2–3 topic ideas, build a media kit, and repurpose every episode into content that compounds your visibility.
· Podcast Guesting · 5 min read
What is podcast guesting?
Podcast guesting means appearing as a guest on someone else's podcast to share your expertise with their audience. It's one of the most effective ways for experts and business owners to build authority and generate leads - without ads or building a following from scratch.
A 30-minute conversation can introduce you to thousands of potential clients and keep generating results for months or years.
Why it works
- Trust transfer - you inherit the host's credibility instantly
- Long-form connection - 30–60 minutes of your voice builds real trust
- SEO - show notes link to your site; episode titles get indexed
- Low cost, high return - costs only your time, and every episode compounds
- Networking - relationships with hosts open doors to referrals
Where to find shows
Matching platforms
- PodMatch - algorithm matches you with hosts looking for guests
- MatchMaker.fm - browse thousands of shows by category
- PodcastGuests.com - newsletter listing shows currently seeking guests
Manual research
- Search Apple Podcasts and Spotify for keywords in your niche
- Google your competitors + "podcast" to find shows they've appeared on
- Search LinkedIn for hosts posting guest calls
- Browse directories like ListenNotes, Podchaser, or Rephonic
Which shows should beginners target?
Start with mid-size podcasts (10–50 reviews on Apple, or 500–5,000 downloads per episode). They're well-produced, actively looking for fresh voices, and more likely to say yes to a first-timer. Once you have 3–5 episodes under your belt, pitching bigger shows gets much easier.
How to pitch
Make it easy for the host to say yes. Keep your pitch short, personalised, and value-driven:
- Open with a personal reference to a specific episode you listened to
- State your value proposition in 2–3 sentences with one credibility marker
- Suggest 2–3 episode topics framed as ready-to-use titles
- Close with a low-pressure ask - offer a media kit or quick call
Example
"Hi [Host], I loved your episode with [Guest] on [Topic] - especially [detail]. I'm [Name], a [role] who helps [audience] [outcome]. I've [credibility]. A few topic ideas: [Topic 1], [Topic 2], [Topic 3]. Happy to send a media kit if any sound like a fit."
Prepare for the interview
- Build your messaging framework - core thesis, 3 pillars, signature stories, memorable close
- Practise delivery - slow down, use pauses, vary your energy, smile
- Sort the logistics - decent Usb mic, headphones, quiet room, test 24 hours before
After the episode
- Promote - share on social, tag the host, pull quotes for LinkedIn
- Build your media kit with the new appearance as social proof
- Track results - traffic, followers, enquiries
- Keep pitching - aim for 1–2 appearances per month for real momentum
When to get help
You can absolutely start on your own. But if you want to skip the trial-and-error, get booked on higher-profile shows faster, and build a system that turns appearances into paying clients - that's exactly what we do at pwrfully.
Keep reading
PWRFULLY, podcast guesting and communication coaching. Auckland, New Zealand.