Have you been churning out podcast pitches left and right, only to get a bunch of “no thank you” responses back? Or even worse, no responses at all?

You might be thinking that there’s something wrong with you, your pitch, your brand, what have you. But I bet that’s not the case. Your podcast pitches may be falling flat if you’re not doing your homework properly.

In this episode, I talk about some mistakes you might be making with your podcast pitches, plus how to rectify them — so you can start reaching new audiences and building authority via podcast interviews.

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Where podcast pitches go wrong

If you’ve already been sending out podcast pitches, then you already know why podcast interviews are great for your biz. Aside from broadening your audience and building your credibility, they also boost your SEO and make great evergreen content.

When you’re at a point in your speaker journey where you’re ready to take the podcast stage, you’re excited! You’re hyped up and want to book those interviews now.

While I am totally here for the enthusiasm and determination, it can affect your podcast pitches. You might write and send out pitches before you’re ready. Before you know what really makes an attention-grabbing, persuasive podcast pitch.

So before you hit “Send” on that next podcast pitch, I want you to think of this question: “What are you bringing to the table?” More specifically, how are you benefiting the podcast show, host, and audience?

Did your pitch answer that question? If so, hold up, because it’s time to edit that pitch.

Do your research on every podcast

Podcast interviews can benefit your business, but it’s not solely self-serving. You’re helping the podcast audience and host.

And if you don’t know what value you’re bringing to the table, your pitch won’t be very convincing. Hosts don’t want to know what the interview will do for you. They want to know what you are offering them.

It’s super important that you know as much as you can about the show, audience, and host before you pitch. I talk about this in an episode about being an in-demand podcast guest, but I’ll recap a bit here.

Before writing a pitch, you should know:

The podcast name and host name
Their website and contact info
Their instructions for pitching (Very important!)
Topics they cover
Categories the show is listed under
The style or format of the show
What other speakers have talked about on the show in the past

I think it goes without saying, but please listen to at least a few of the podcast episodes before pitching! It’ll help you decide whether you’re the right fit for the podcast by listening to the host and other guest speakers. You can also check out whether interviews are more formal, conversational, serious, funny, and so on.

Focus on relationships

I encourage you to do your homework before writing and sending your podcast pitches, but you know what else you should do? Focus on the person running the podcast.

Podcast hosts spend a lot of time, money, and resources to produce their shows. After all, it’s a part of their business. They have an audience and a platform that they care about. So, hosts are much more likely to approve a guest who they already have a relationship with! It makes sense to bring someone on the show whom you already know, like, and trust, right?

Podcasting has sparked so many business friendships over the years. Like, strong friendships that have led to amazing things, like collaborations, other opportunities, or even just a mention to an audience that I’d otherwise never have access to.

Relationship building is so crucial for speakers that it’s actually this month’s theme for The Speaking Strategy Academy, BTW. Podcast guesting is relationship-building. It’s just that you can get a head start by doing your research!

You don’t have to be besties with a podcast host before you pitch. (Don’t go trying to become friends with them just to get on their show; that’s icky.) But make an effort to get to know a host. Show them a little support before you blindly ask them to support you.

How can you start building relationships with hosts? Some ideas include:

Following them on social media
Engaging with their content
Listening to their show
Leaving a review for their show
Subscribing to their newsletter
Sharing their show with your friends and followers
Talking to them!

Don’t discount the value of professional relationships, y’all. They can do a lot for your biz and for you personally!

Get the support you need from The Speak to Scale Shop

If your podcast pitches have been falling flat, don’t lose hope. It doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with you.

Take the time to do your homework on every podcast. Choose podcasts that align with you and your business. Focus on creating personal relationships rather than selling yourself and getting booked. And explain what you can provide the podcast in your pitches — not the other way around.

Feeling lost or overwhelmed with the podcast pitching process? We have something in the works at The Speak to Scale Shop that can help you out!

Our Podcast Pitch & Guest Bundle will teach you all about the podcast pitching timeline, what your pitch should include, how to rock your interview, and more.