If you’ve been wondering whether podcast guesting is actually worth your time, let me tell you… it. Is. And not just in the “some expert said it works” kind of way. I teamed up with copywriter Emily Aborn and podcast pro Ande Lyons to talk about how podcast guesting can actually work as a solid marketing strategy, not just a one-off visibility boost. We covered what makes a great pitch, how to prep for interviews (without overdoing it), and the kind of energy that gets you asked back again.
Resources
- Podcast Guesting Bundle by Emily Aborn → resource Emily offers for crafting pitches and topics
- Podmatch
- It’s like a dating site but for hosts and guests for podcasts. If you’re looking for podcasts to guest on, you plug in some information and it attempts to find you shows that match! It’s hand down one of the most useful tools for finding podcast shows.
- Qwoted → Where journalists hang out.
- Related Podcast Episodes
- Emily Aborn’s Podcast → Small Business Casual
- Ande Lyons’ Podcast → Don’t Be Caged By Your Age
- Ande Lyons’ Podcast → New England Podcasters Group
- Tool of the Week → Postamatic
- This tool sits right inside Google Sheets. It is a service that automate publishing posts to your Google Business Listing! You can download your reviews too; which is handy when you want to search for certain words to put them in your marketing. I’ve used this for clients to schedule posts out one and two months at a time.
- Recommended Podcast 👉 Are you Being Gaslit? Here’s How to Know For Sure from the Michelle Chalfant Show
- Episodes I Like Playlist for this and other recommended episodes
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Podcast guesting is one of those marketing strategies that feels both exciting and overwhelming. You know it can help you grow your visibility, but where do you even start? And once you do land a guest spot, how do you make it count?
I sat down with copywriter Emily Aborn and podcaster/coach Ande Lyons to talk about what it really takes to be a great podcast guest, not just another name in the pitch pile.
Why Podcast Guesting Works
Guesting on podcasts isn’t just about getting in front of someone else’s audience… it’s about building credibility, deepening relationships, and making marketing feel simpler.
Emily put it perfectly:
“When you’re a guest, you’re not just talking about yourself. You’re there to help the host shine and to serve their listeners with value.”
Ande added her own perspective:
“Being a guest increases your expert status. It’s social proof. It shows you belong in the conversation and your voice matters.”
Start With the Right Pitch
Most pitches fail because they’re all about the guest, not the audience. If you want to stand out, your pitch has to show that you get the podcast and that you’re ready to bring something useful to the table.
Emily shared a common mistake she sees:
“So many people spray and pray. They send the same generic pitch over and over without ever listening to the podcast or checking if the host even accepts guests.”
Instead, she recommends:
- Listen to at least two episodes before pitching.
- Mention something specific you liked or learned.
- Suggest 2–3 topics you can speak on. Bonus points if you include bullet points a host could use as show notes.
Make It About the Listeners, Not Your Story
Yes, your story is important. But it’s not the main event. Hosts (and their audiences) want to know how your expertise can help them right now.
Ande explained it like this:
“Don’t just show up and say, ‘I overcame this and built a six-figure business.’ Everyone has a story. What matters is how you connect it back to helping the listener.”
That means thinking about your “soapboxes”… those topics you could talk about in your sleep, and framing them in ways that solve a problem or spark curiosity.
Be Professional and Prepared
Guesting may feel casual, but it’s still a professional opportunity. A few quick ways to show up prepared:
- Test your audio. No one wants to listen to someone who sounds like they’re in a tin can.
- Wear something presentable if it’s on video (yes, one guest actually showed up shirtless outside).
- Treat it like a sacred appointment, not “just another Zoom call.”
As Ande put it:
“Please send audio and video snippets when you pitch. There’s nothing worse than realizing someone is talking to a rock once you hit record.”
Choose Shows That Align With Your Goals
Not every podcast is a good fit. And saying yes to the wrong shows can waste your time. Before pitching, ask yourself:
- Does the audience align with the people I want to reach?
- Is the host’s style a good match for me?
- Do they produce consistently, or are they sporadic?
- Does this feel like a mutual exchange of value or am I just filling a slot?
Barb’s perspective:
“I learned the hard way not to guest on every show that invited me. Some podcasts were all about quantity over quality, and I didn’t enjoy the experience.”
Keep the Relationship Going
Being a podcast guest doesn’t end when the episode airs. Share it. Thank the host. Stay connected.
Emily explained why this matters:
“Sharing the episode is one of the best ways you can support a host. It not only helps them grow, but it shows you care about the relationship beyond your own visibility.”
Ande added a brilliant pro tip:
“After you’ve been on someone’s podcast, give them a LinkedIn recommendation. And if you’re a host, do the same for your guest. It’s a small gesture that makes a big impact.”
Wrap It Up With One Clear Call to Action
When the host asks where people can find you, resist the urge to list everything you do. Pick one clear next step.
Barb shared her approach:
“Since they’re already listening to a podcast, I point them to mine. It’s the easiest next step and keeps them on the platform they’re already using.”
You could also send listeners to a specific freebie or resource, but keep it focused. One call to action is all you need.
The Takeaway
Podcast guesting is more than just a visibility hack. It’s a long-term marketing strategy that builds credibility, strengthens relationships, and connects you with the right people.
To stand out as a guest:
- Pitch with the audience in mind.
- Show up prepared and professional.
- Align with the right shows.
- Share and support after the episode airs.
- Keep your call to action simple.
As Ande reminded us:
“Claim your seat. Your voice matters. You deserve to be there.”
Podcast guesting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up in a way that helps the host, serves the listeners, and positions you as the go-to expert in your space.
Next Up
If you’re looking for even more simple, low-effort ways to improve your website marketing, check out my episode 15 Quick-ish Actions to Help Improve Your Website Marketing. It’s a list of easy actions you can chip away at when you’ve got a little time and want to see real progress.
