Dummy-Proof Podcast Pitching Tips 🎙
I have to apologize now,
This newsletter has been my (unplanned) labor of love over these past 35 editions… and let's admit things have been pretty emotional around here for a while. 🙃
If you're new here, this newsletter is a hot and spicy mix of honest advice, entrepreneurial truths, genuine conversations, and a healthy does of business tips.
You're probably like, "This is great Taylor, so why are you apologizing?”
Like I said, I've been in my feels lately – from goals and physical/mental wellness to sharing all my deepest entrepreneurial thoughts that come my way. And I've been in these feels so much it's been a HOT MINUTE since I've dished up some fresh educational content.
* In fact the last time I gave you some implementable tips/tricks was this edition sharing three things to do in your business before the new year (surprise, it's the new year 😅).
While I was racking my brain of topics I could dive into, I was reminded of one of my own goals for 2023 and it let me to one specific topic…
PODCASTING! 🎙
Whether you're a die-hard podcast listener, you run a podcast yourself, or you've been a podcast guest before, you know there is major power in podcasting.
According to this stat, the number of podcasting listeners is said to reach 100 million active listeners in the U.S. alone in 2023. 😮 That is millions and millions of opportunities to tell your story, connect with your audience, and pitch your genius.
Podcasting is one of the most powerful marketing tools. It can expose you to new audiences, allow you to build an incredible network, and truly give you the chance to connect in an intimate setting with people from all over the world.
One of my goals this year is to continue to secure guest podcast interviews, while also building my own podcast. (I'll be honest, it's a lot of work 😰) And I know this might be a goal for you too.
Whether it's your first guest interview on a podcast or you've done a few but are looking to expand your reach in 2023, there's one thing you have to nail: and it's the pitch.
After being a guest on over a dozen podcasts and releasing over 25 episodes of my own on Ironically Serious, I've been on BOTH ends of pitching (I've done the pitching and I've been pitched to).
I won't toot my own horn here (🥳), but I've seen what works and what doesn't. And you know ya girl doesn't gatekeep ⤵️
Podcast Pitching for Dummies
(a quick and painless guide)
* literally so quick, < 5 minute read
CHOOSE WITH INTENTION
Before you even pitch to a podcast, ask yourself, “What is my goal with this collaboration?" Yes, it is slightly self-serving (you want to get on a podcast to build your network, promote an offer, gain authority, etc) but you have to figure out what you are bringing to the table for the podcast host and audience. Does your story fit the topics discussed on the podcast? Is your expertise something the audience would benefit from? Do you think you'd vibe with the podcast host? There are MILLIONS (yes, millions) of podcasts out there. The more aligned you are with the podcast's topics/audience/etc., the easier it will be to pitch to.
PITCH WITH PURPOSE
Just like you would pitch an opportunity or a major collaboration, you should pitch to a podcaster as well. Podcast hosts go through many lengths to create content, publish episodes, and market their podcasts to the right audiences. Having you on their show isn't any small thing – their inviting you to their stage and trusting you'll bring the right knowledge and discussion to create an exciting episode. Pitching with purpose means to pitch in a way that is professional, painless, and gives the podcast host everything they need to decide if you are the best fit to be a guest. You should have a few main goals for your pitch 1) show your understanding of the show's main purpose/audience 2) share your authority and 3) give value as to why you'd be a good fit for the show.
PERFECT YOUR PITCH
I get it – pitching can be a little nerve racking, but I've seen (and sent) pitches that are crafted well and others… not so much 🥴 Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to your pitch:
1) Do more research. Once you know you'd be a great fit for the podcast, DO YOUR RESEARCH ➡️ Does the podcast have guests, and if so are they taking on new ones? Do they create seasons or do they have new episodes being released now? Do they have specific information on their website/social media about guest interviews? Again, you're a professional and so are they, so treat your pitch as such. If the podcast or podcast host has a website, you might often find pages related specifically to the podcast and even for guest interviews. If they have a guest form, fill that out. If they ask you to email, email them. If you can't find either, you can resort to a professional DM on Instagram. Respect the host's time and be sure you're paying attention to details (I've even seen before on contact pages that say "not accepting guest pitches at this time," and that's perfect because it didn't waste my time or theirs.
2) Organize your pitch. For the love of god, let's not send an entire 3 paragraphs about your life story and how you plan to tell it on the podcast. Just as we're being intentional and purposeful with the podcasts we choose to pitch to, we should also be intentional with the actual content of our pitch. Focus on key points (i.e. who you are, what you do, why you like the podcast and think you'd be a good fit, examples of your topics, and a link to media kit or speaking page).
3) Show you actually listened. It can feel tempting to craft a stellar pitch and slap a different podcast name on it each time, so you can mass pitch but I'm telling you now… DON'T DO IT. Do yourself a favor and listen to an episode or two of the podcast before pitching. This will not only make sure it's a good fit to you (i.e. do you actually like the podcast and flow?) and this will give you some ammunition to use in your pitch. Ex: “I loved listening to your episode with Dr. Jane Doe sharing all about mental health. I myself have been through difficult times, and her tips about therapy truly resonated with me.” Doesn't that sound thoughtful?
Pro-Tips:
* Create a media kit – this could be a PDF you attach or a link to a website page. This is a perfect way to keep your pitch short and sweet without overwhelming it with an extensive bio and credentials. Take a peek at my speaking page here to see everything I include in mine.
* If you have previous speaking arrangements that are recorded (whether it's a podcast episode, your voice on Instagram highlights, a video of a webinar/class/etc.) add that to your pitch and/or your media kit. If you and the podcast host have never met, they may want to hear how you speak.
* But BE HONEST. If you've never been on a podcast or haven't had any recorded speaking opportunities yet, no sweat. We all had our first one. Just be transparent with the podcast host and offer an alternative, such as meeting on Zoom or a call before recording.
I hope this dummy-proof guide for podcast pitching helps you get some SERIOUS podcasting time this year (I'm rooting for you). 🎉 And if you want to take a stab at pitching, why don't you pitch to be a guest on my podcast? 😉
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You know I always love throwing fashion articles down here, but I could't skip this tribute to the worst fashion trends of 2022. I whole-heartedly agree with #2 and #6 – sorry not sorry 🤧
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Show yourself some love today, babe.
YOU'VE EARNED IT.
As always,
Taylor