How to Get Featured in Podcasts to Grow Your Business as an Executive Leader
Let me share a quick personal story.
When I launched SoloGrit, I was searching for ways to reach a wider audience and realized podcasts might be the perfect avenue.
They are a fantastic medium for creating simple content that can last for ongoing value and building thought leadership to drive referrals to your business.
People listen to them while commuting, working out, or doing chores, making them an ideal space to share insights.
The problem?
Where do you start?
After dozens of ignored emails and cringe-worthy pitches, I finally cracked the code: it’s all about strategy, relevance, and mutual value.
In this GRIT Guide, we’ll walk through a step-by-step plan so you can get featured in podcasts and grow your executive or solopreneur business.
Why Podcasts Are a Powerful Growth Tool
- Personal Connection: Hearing your voice builds trust and familiarity with potential clients.
- Targeted Reach: Each podcast has a specific niche. If you pick the right shows, you’re directly speaking to your ideal audience.
- Evergreen Content: Podcast episodes remain available indefinitely. Someone might discover your episode months—or even years—after it airs.
Simple Steps to Get Featured on Podcasts
Step 1: Identify Your Niche & Potential Podcasts
Not every podcast audience is your audience. Going too broad may waste time on listeners unlikely to convert into clients or referrals.
What You Should Do:
- Clarify Your Expertise: Write down the core topics you can speak passionately and knowledgeably about (e.g., leadership strategies, fractional executive tips, scaling a solopreneur business).
- Search Podcast Directories: Use tools like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Listen Notes. Target shows in your industry or adjacent fields where your insights can add value.
- Create a Shortlist: Start with 10–15 podcasts that match your niche, have decent listenership (you can gauge by social proof, reviews, or host activity), and align with your brand values.
Step 2: Build Your Podcast Pitch Kit
A well-structured pitch makes you stand out to busy hosts. Think of it as your “podcast resume.”
What You Should Do:
- Craft a Short Bio: A concise, punchy paragraph that highlights your credibility (e.g., “Fractional executive with 15+ years in scaling SaaS startups”).
- List Key Talking Points: Offer 3–5 topic ideas you can discuss confidently. Show how these topics solve a problem or offer fresh insight for the host’s audience.
- Include Social Proof: Mention any notable achievements, press features, or relevant credentials. If you’ve been a guest on other podcasts, share those links.
Step 3: Personalize Each Pitch
Podcast hosts receive generic pitches all the time. A custom approach shows respect for their platform and sets you apart.
What You Should Do:
- Research the Host: Listen to at least one recent episode. Note the host’s interview style, their audience’s main concerns, and any gaps you could fill.
- Reference Specific Episodes: In your email or pitch message, mention what you liked about a recent show. This isn’t flattery—it’s demonstrating genuine engagement.
- Tie Your Expertise to Their Audience: Explain why your topic fits their show well. For example, “I noticed you cover leadership challenges for remote teams. I can share proven tactics from my work as a fractional COO for distributed companies.”
Step 4: Make the Host’s Job Easy
Hosts often juggle a lot of tasks—booking guests, editing, and promoting. The less work you create for them, the more likely they will say “yes.”
What You Should Do:
- Provide Question Prompts: Outline sample questions or angles that help structure the conversation.
- Share a Professional Headshot: Make sure it’s good quality and shareable.
- Prepare a Brief Description for the Episode: This can be the basis for the show notes, saving the host time on writing.
Step 5: Follow Up Politely & Persistently
People get busy, and emails slip through the cracks. Polite follow-ups increase your chances of getting noticed.
What You Do:
- Time Your Follow-Up: Wait 7–10 days after your initial pitch. If there is no response, send a concise reminder.
- Be Respectful, Not Pushy: Restate your topic ideas briefly, but don’t guilt-trip the host or spam them with daily messages.
- Offer Flexibility: Mention that you’re open to scheduling at their convenience or adjusting your angle based on their latest audience feedback.
Step 6: Prepare Thoroughly for the Interview
A great performance on the show increases your credibility, leading to potential leads or opportunities.
What You Should Do:
- Revisit the Show’s Format: Is it Q&A or conversational? Do they keep episodes to 30 minutes or go over an hour?
- Draft Key Talking Points: Jot down bullet points—stories, examples, or case studies that illuminate your insights.
- Test Your Tech: If you’re recording remotely, ensure your mic, webcam, and internet connection are solid.
Step 7: Leverage Each Appearance Post-Interview
After the episode airs, you have a valuable piece of content to share and repurpose.
What You Should Do:
- Promote on Your Channels: Post snippets or quotes on LinkedIn, Twitter, or your blog. Tag the host and show.
- Send a Thank-You & Stay Connected: Email the host expressing gratitude for the opportunity. Ask if you can return the favor by featuring them in your content, if applicable.
- Repurpose the Content: You can turn key insights from the episode into a short article, a LinkedIn post series, or an infographic.
🫵 Weekly Challenge
👉 Book Your First (or Next) Podcast Appearance
- Create a Hit List: Identify 5 podcasts relevant to your niche or industry.
- Draft Your Pitch Kit: Write a short bio, craft 3–5 talking points, and compile any social proof.
- Personalize & Send: For at least 2 shows on your list, do in-depth research and email a tailored pitch.
- Follow Up: If you don’t hear back within 10 days, send a friendly reminder.
- Prep for Success: Once you land a slot, plan your talking points and do a quick tech rehearsal to avoid surprises.
Getting featured on podcasts is an incredible way to build credibility, expand your network, and reach potential clients.
However, it’s not about a shotgun approach.
It’s about carefully curating the shows and delivering real value to their audience.
Doing your homework, being authentic, and making the host’s life easier will increase your odds of snagging more invites and new business.
📌 Community Bonus
- If you’re part of the SoloGrit community, post in the SoloGrit community about the event you’re joining or what you learned from it.
- Engage with peers by providing encouragement or feedback on their updates.
- Midweek, post an update on your progress to celebrate small wins and inspire others.
Together, we grow with G.R.I.T.
Cosmin Gabriel
I'm on a journey to connect Leadership Solopreneurs to succeed together through a SoloGrit mindset.
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