With so many people trying their hand at writing, it’s hard to be noticed by the masses. This is why marketing has become an important aspect of being a writer.
And as a writer, getting invited to a podcast is a big deal. It’s a rapidly growing medium, attracting thousands of listeners that might be interested in what you write.
What is a Podcast?
A podcast is an audio or video program that is made available for streaming or downloading. You can choose when and where to listen to it as long as you have access to the internet.
Podcasts are episodic in nature, with each episode typically revolving around a particular topic. One or more hosts present the content and guide the conversation.
So a podcast focused on writing might have different episodes that each tackle different genres, news, new releases, and more. They might also invite guests relevant to the topics being discussed, adding more value to their episodes.
This is where you come in. While a podcast host is usually knowledgeable about their niche, they also want to talk with other experts who can bring different perspectives, additional knowledge, and authority.
How To Get On a Podcast
Podcast interviews get you attention of an audience that would normally not engage with you. It’s a way to show your passion and expertise, letting you speak in depth about topics you enjoy and want to share.
Here are a few ways you can get on a podcast, speak about your experience as a writer, and convert their audience to future readers.
1. Engage with relevant communities.
Whether it is digital or physical, interacting with communities relevant to your niche is always a good thing. You get to speak with like-minded people, learn more about your niche, and market yourself as a writer.
And because they’re hotspots for things you’re interested in, you’ll likely find valuable information. Like a podcast you would love to listen to or be in, for example.
Podcasters might even be there, looking for topics to explore, listening to feedback, and searching for guests to interview.
While you shouldn’t join these communities just to market yourself as a guest, they’re good places where you can get the occasional golden nugget.
2. Look for relevant podcasts.
If you want to be more proactive though, you can start by searching for podcasts within your own niche. Make a list of them, find out what topics they’ve discussed, and check whether they’re worth pitching to.
It’s as simple as searching “blank podcasts” in Google. From there, you follow the trail until you make the decision of pitching.
3. Evaluate your targets.
There are a lot of things you need to consider before making a pitch. Making a checklist, and comparing which of your targets is most suitable, can streamline this process.
Your criteria will depend on your personal preference, but here are a few things you should always consider:
- Audience: How many subscribers do they have? From that number, what’s their average number of listeners per episode? Is their audience the kind of audience you’re targeting?
- Frequency: How often do they post episodes? Are they consistent in producing episodes?
- Topics: Are the topics they discuss the same or similar to your niche? Have they discussed anything you’re interested in as a writer?
But the one thing you should always check first is if they’re even looking for guests. Some podcasts don’t rely on guest interviews and it’s a waste of both of your time to pitch to them.
4. Collect the necessary data.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to a few potential podcasts, it’s time to collect the necessary data you need to pitch to them.
- Basic info: This includes the podcast and host’s name, their website, and contact information.
- Topics: Check out what topics they have discussed and the topics they’ve expressed interest in.
- Guests: Research who they have already invited to the podcast and who they want to invite. The latter could range from a specific person to “someone who’s knowledgeable about blank.”
A decent podcast would have links to everything on all the platforms they’re available on. While some of them might not have a website, they would definitely have a strong social media presence. Always check their bio.
The last two bullets are more research-intensive as you’ll probably have to watch some of their episodes. This is good, as you get to have a feel of their format, the host’s style, and how deep they dive into things.
It’s not necessary to be a fan of the podcast you’re pitching to. However, it never hurts to know more than surface-level information about them, even if it’s just a bit.
5. Formulate and send your pitch.
Podcasts are usually looking for topics that they haven’t explored yet, can catch their audience’s interest, and are value-laden.
Podcast episodes are usually in the 20-30 minute range, though some can last as long as several hours. If you think that you have an idea worth discussing in that kind of time frame, go for it.
Once you’re set on the topic, you need to write a good pitch. A pitch doesn’t need to be long and complex, it just needs to communicate your idea clearly and pique the podcaster’s curiosity.
Or if they’re actively looking for someone of your background, simply say you’re interested in being a guest.
A good pitch could go like this:
Subject: An idea for your show. Body: Hey name of host, Love what you’re doing with podcast name. I heard you’re looking for people to interview about a topic you’re an expert on. I’m a relevant information about yourself. Point them towards your website, or some of your works. Given my background and your interest in this subject, I think I’m the ideal guest you’re looking for. Let me know your availability and we’ll get something set up. Best, Your name
Be concise, focus on the highlights of your topic, and mention your background and expertise. The specifics can be hashed out later once the podcast expresses interest in working with you.
Why You Should Be A Podcast Guest
Podcasts are a conversational medium that allows you to connect with the host and their audience on a more personal level. This helps you build your brand by establishing your credibility not only as an expert in a specific niche but also as a person.
Through thoughtful discussions, people can learn more about your writing process, style, and message. They can also gain a deeper understanding of what drives you as a writer, from your inspirations to your personal journey.
This creates a lasting impression on people. You become more familiar to them, fostering a sense of loyalty and value that will make them engage more with you and your work.
What podcasts do you listen to? Share them in the comments below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
