How to Get Booked on Podcasts (and What Most People Get Wrong)

Podcast interviews are one of the most powerful ways to build your personal brand, grow your audience, and connect with new communities. But with hosts receiving dozens of pitches a day, how do you actually stand out and make it worth their time and yours?

I hosted a live Recognized Expert session with longtime community member Jeffrey Shaw, who’s hosted more than 670 episodes of his own podcast and has appeared on more than 100 others. He shared invaluable behind-the-scenes insights into what separates a great guest from a forgettable one, and how you can position yourself to get booked on the right shows.

Here are four of the biggest takeaways:

Don’t outsource the most important part

Jeff shared that he rejects 95 percent of pitches from booking agents, because most of them are generic, irrelevant, and poorly targeted. The truth is, you are almost always your best advocate. A strong pitch shows that you’ve done your homework. It demonstrates how your topic is uniquely relevant to that show’s audience. And it makes the host's job easier by being short, clear, and compelling.

Nail your pitch by leading with the topic

One of the most common mistakes is making the pitch all about you. Hosts aren’t looking for your full bio. They’re looking for a reason to care. Instead, open with a concise, curiosity-sparking description of your topic. Then connect the dots. Why is this relevant for their show, and what unique insight or experience do you bring to it? Save your supporting credentials for the second half of the message.

Think about where you’re sending people

When podcast listeners like what they hear, they’ll often want more, but many guests fail to give them a clear next step. Don’t just point people to your website. Instead, create a dedicated, memorable URL that links to a highly relevant lead magnet. Jeff’s example is lingoReview.com, where he offered a free website brand audit connected to his book. A strong call to action builds your list and deepens your impact long after the episode airs.

It’s never too early to start pitching

If you have a book or product launch coming up, don’t wait. Many podcast hosts record episodes months in advance. Jeff recommends working backward from your launch date. Plan for your interview to air four to six weeks before your release, and start pitching five to six months in advance. That way, you're aligning with production schedules and not missing out on prime opportunities.

There’s a lot more we covered in our session, from how to choose the right shows to how to refine your message over time. But the biggest takeaway was this. Podcast guesting isn’t about “getting featured.” It’s about being helpful, relevant, and easy to work with. That’s what earns you the invitation and makes the host excited to promote you.

For more practical insights on building your personal brand, getting your message out, and creating opportunities that align with your goals, join my email newsletter at https://dorieclark.com/subscribe.