If you’ve ever sent out podcast guest pitches only to hear crickets, you’re not alone.
In fact, the majority of podcast guest pitches are ignored.
Not because hosts aren’t interested in new guests, but because the way most people pitch fails to capture their attention.
The reality? Podcast hosts receive dozens, sometimes hundreds of pitches every week.
If yours looks like all the rest, it’ll end up in the trash.
The good news is that with the right approach, you can make your pitch stand out, earn respect from hosts, and start getting booked consistently.
In this guide, we’ll break down why most pitches fail, what podcast hosts actually want, and how you can craft a pitch that positions you as the expert they want to feature.
And if you want to go even deeper, check out our companion guide: How to Get Booked on Top Podcasts as a Founder or CEO.
Why Podcast Guesting Is So Powerful
Before diving into mistakes and fixes, let’s remind ourselves why podcast guesting is worth the effort.
- Trust Transfer: When a host introduces you, you borrow their credibility with their loyal audience.
- Long-Form Storytelling: Unlike quick social posts, podcasts let you share your expertise and story in depth.
- Evergreen Content: Episodes live online indefinitely, driving new leads for months and years.
- SEO Benefits: Most shows include backlinks in show notes, boosting your authority online.
But you can only enjoy these benefits if you actually land the interviews. And that starts with a winning pitch.
Why Most Podcast Guest Pitches Get Ignored
1. They’re Generic
One of the top reasons hosts hit delete is because the pitch is obviously copy-pasted. Hosts can smell a template from a mile away.
Example of a Bad Pitch:
“Hi, I’d love to be on your podcast. I’m an expert in business and leadership. Let me know if you’d like to have me as a guest.”
This doesn’t tell the host anything about you, your value, or their audience.
- They’re All About You (Not the Audience)
Hosts care about their listeners first.
If your pitch focuses only on your achievements without tying them back to audience benefit, you’ll get ignored.
Red Flag Phrase:
“I want to promote my new book…”
Instead, flip the script to show how your book helps their listeners.
3. They Don’t Fit the Show
Many pitches fail simply because the person didn’t bother to check if they’re even a fit.
If you pitch a fitness podcast about SaaS growth strategies, you’re wasting everyone’s time.
4. They’re Too Long or Too Short
A three-page email won’t be read. But a one-line email doesn’t show credibility. Most hosts prefer concise, well-structured pitches.
5. They Lack Social Proof
If you haven’t appeared on other podcasts, that’s okay, but you should still demonstrate expertise, case studies, or results.
Without proof, hosts will hesitate.
- They Miss a Call to Action
Some pitches forget to actually ask for the booking.
A strong close makes it easy for the host to respond with a yes.
What Podcast Hosts Actually Want
Now that you know the mistakes, let’s break down what hosts are really looking for.
- Relevance: Does your expertise align with their audience’s needs?
- Engagement: Will you be an interesting, conversational guest?
- Value: Will listeners walk away with actionable takeaways?
- Professionalism: Are you prepared, reliable, and easy to work with?
- Promotion: Will you share the episode with your own audience?
If your pitch highlights these qualities, your chances of getting booked skyrocket.
How to Craft a Pitch That Stands Out
Step 1: Research Before Pitching
Spend 10-15 minutes listening to an episode, reading the show description, and following the host on social media.
Mention specifics in your email so they know you’re not spamming.
Step 2: Lead with Connection
Start your email by referencing a specific episode or insight.
Example:
“I really enjoyed your episode with Sarah on scaling a business while raising kids. I loved the part where you talked about managing burnout, it resonated with my own experience helping CEOs create work-life balance.”
Step 3: Position Your Expertise as Value
Make it clear how your message benefits their audience.
Instead of saying:
“I’ve been featured in Forbes.”
Say:
“I help entrepreneurs avoid burnout by designing systems that free up their time, a topic that aligns perfectly with your audience of small business owners.”
Step 4: Suggest Topics
Offer 2-3 suggested interview topics to make it easy for the host to envision the conversation.
Step 5: Show Social Proof
This could be previous podcast interviews, media mentions, or case studies.
Even testimonials or client results can work if you’re new to media.
Step 6: Make It Easy to Say Yes
Close with a direct invitation, like:
“Would you be open to having me as a guest? I’d love to bring value to your listeners.”
Include your podcast one-sheet or links to your website for quick reference.
Example of a Winning Podcast Guest Pitch
Here’s a structure you can model:
Subject: Guest Idea: Helping Entrepreneurs Build Stress-Free Growth Systems
Hi [Host Name],
I really enjoyed your recent episode with [Guest] on [Topic]—especially your point about [specific takeaway]. It sparked an idea I think your audience would love.
I help [specific audience] achieve [specific result], and I’d love to share proven strategies that your listeners can put into action right away.
Here are a few potential topics:
- [Topic idea #1]
- [Topic idea #2]
- [Topic idea #3]
I’ve been featured on [podcasts/media], and I make it a priority to share every appearance with my audience on LinkedIn, Instagram, and email.
Would you be open to discussing a guest spot?
Best,
[Your Name]
Extra Tips for Standing Out
- Create a One-Sheet: Hosts love when everything is in one place (bio, headshot, topics, links).
- Build Relationships on Social Media: Comment on hosts’ posts before pitching.
- Be Consistent: Follow up politely after 1–2 weeks if you don’t hear back.
- Repurpose Content: After your interview, share clips and tag the host, it makes them more likely to recommend you to others.
When to Consider Professional Help
DIY pitching works, but it’s time-consuming.
If you’re a busy founder or CEO, outsourcing saves time and ensures you’re booked on the right shows.
That’s where Command Your Brand comes in. Our team:
- Builds a tailored podcast guesting strategy
- Creates pitches that stand out
- Leverages relationships with top hosts
- Ensures every appearance aligns with your brand goals
Most podcast guest pitches get ignored because they’re generic, self-focused, or irrelevant.
But with the right approach, personalized outreach, value-driven messaging, and clear positioning, you can stand out in the inbox and start landing high-quality podcast interviews.
Podcast guesting is one of the most powerful ways to build authority, connect with new audiences, and grow your brand.
Don’t let a weak pitch hold you back.
Want to take the guesswork out of it? Check out our guide: How to Get Booked on Top Podcasts as a Founder or CEO.
At Command Your Brand, we help experts like you land meaningful podcast interviews without the wasted effort.
From crafting standout pitches to securing top shows, we handle the strategy so you can focus on showing up and delivering value.
👉 Ready to stop getting ignored and start getting booked? Book a strategy call with Command Your Brand today.
