How to Get on Podcasts (and Why It’s One of the Smartest Ways to Grow Your Platform)
If you’re a Christian author, speaker, podcaster, or ministry leader who feels called to share your message with more people, one of the most effective ways to expand your reach is through podcast guesting.
Being a guest on a podcast allows you to reach brand-new audiences, display your thought leadership, and open doors to new opportunities: from connecting with an ideal client to catching the attention of a publisher.
Podcast guesting isn’t just about promotion. It’s about impact. It’s a chance to go deeper than you can on social media, tell meaningful stories, and help others through authentic conversations that reflect your mission.
If you’ve ever wondered how to get on podcasts and start positioning yourself as a trusted voice in your niche, this guide will walk you through the exact steps to take.
Why Podcast Guesting Is a Smart Way to Grow Your Platform
Being a guest on a podcast does more than share your message. It grows your authority and visibility.
Showcase thought leadership
Thought leadership simply means sharing your expertise and perspective in a way that educates, inspires, or challenges others. When you share that through long-form conversations, listeners get to know not just what you do, but why you do it - and that builds lasting credibility.
Borrowed audiences accelerate growth
When you appear on another person’s podcast, you’re being introduced to an audience that already trusts the host. That borrowed trust transfers to you, expanding your visibility and helping you connect with new followers, readers, and clients.
Promote what you’re creating
Podcast interviews are a natural place to share about your book, program, or upcoming launch, without feeling overly promotional. When you show up with value and purpose, hosts naturally want to help you spread your message.
Boost your website’s SEO
Each time a host links to your website or book in their show notes, it creates a backlink, which is a signal that helps Google recognize your site as credible. Over time, these backlinks improve your search visibility, helping more people find you when they search for what you do.
Build meaningful relationships
Podcast guesting also opens doors for collaboration, community, and connection within your niche (and beyond). Networking through genuine conversation can lead to opportunities that you never expected.
Step 1: Know Your Core Message and Audience
Before you start pitching podcasts, clarity is key.
Define your signature message. What do you most want people to take away from your story or experience? That message should guide every interview and make it easy for hosts to see the value you bring.
Identify your audience. Who do you want to reach? Knowing this helps you choose podcasts that align with your mission and values.
Craft your elevator pitch. Prepare a 1–2 sentence summary that clearly states who you help, what you do, and why it matters. You’ll use this everywhere, from your media page to your first conversation with a host.
Podcast guest tip: The clearer you are about your message, the easier it is for podcast hosts to picture you as the right fit for their audience.
Step 2: Build a Website That Positions You as a Credible Guest
Before a podcast host ever says yes, they’ll probably Google you.
A strong, professional website signals credibility and makes it easy for hosts to learn about your background, see your mission, and access the information they need to feature you confidently.
What to include:
Short and long bio
Professional headshots
Book details or current offers
Speaking topics or signature messages
Past podcast appearances or media features
A clear booking link or contact form
If possible, create a dedicated media page that includes everything a host might need: headshots, bios, links, and topics you love to discuss.
SEO tip: Make sure your website links are easy for hosts to include in their show notes. These backlinks help boost your website’s authority and improve your visibility in search engines.
Step 3: Find the Right Podcasts to Pitch
Not every podcast is the right fit… and that’s a good thing.
Start by looking for podcasts whose audiences and values align with yours, even if they’re smaller or niche. Often, these hosts are eager for quality guests and have deeply engaged listeners.
Use directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and ListenNotes to search by topic, keyword, or audience.
If you’re an author: Reach out 8–12 weeks before your book launch to align your interview schedule with your promotional timeline. Many podcasts record and schedule episodes weeks in advance.
Don’t underestimate mid-sized shows. Every interview builds your experience, confidence, and exposure - and one great appearance often leads to more invitations.
Step 4: Pitching Best Practices (So Your Email Doesn’t Get Deleted)
The key to a great podcast pitch is personalization.
Here’s how to stand out:
Lead with something genuine. Reference the host’s mission, recent episode, or why you love their show.
Keep your intro short and clear. Who you are, what you do, and how your message serves their audience.
Show mutual benefit. Explain how your topic will add value for their listeners, not just promote your brand.
Provide suggested topics. Offer 1–2 clear talking points or questions you could cover.
Link to your media page. Make it easy for them to learn more or grab your bio/headshot quickly.
Avoid:
Generic “I loved your last episode” openings
Overly self-focused language
Vague topics (“I could talk about anything”)
Missing links or media assets
When you make the host’s job easy, you make saying “yes” easy, too.
Step 5: Time Your Pitch Strategically
Timing can make or break a great opportunity.
For launches:
Pitch 8–12 weeks before your release.
Record interviews 4–6 weeks before launch.
Align episode publishing dates with your promo calendar.
For evergreen topics: Pitch year-round, and consider batching outreach once per quarter to stay consistent.
Step 6: Be a Stellar Podcast Guest
Getting the invite is just the beginning - now it’s time to shine and figure out how you can make the most impact!
Before the interview:
Research the show’s tone, format, and flow.
Prepare a few key stories or examples that bring your message to life.
During the interview:
Be conversational, not scripted.
Focus on serving the audience with practical takeaways or inspiration.
Mention your freebie, website, or book naturally when it fits the conversation.
After the interview:
Follow up with a thank-you note.
Share the episode across your channels and tag the host.
Ask them to include a link back to your website in their show notes (another valuable backlink!).
Step 7: How Podcast Guesting Boosts Your Visibility (and SEO)
Podcast guesting creates a ripple effect:
High-quality backlinks: Every show note link to your site strengthens your SEO.
Thought leadership: Multiple guest appearances establish your expertise and build trust.
Search visibility: The more your name appears online, the more Google recognizes your authority.
Organic reach: Podcast interviews extend your message beyond social media (without paying for ads).
Over time, these effects compound into a visibility flywheel: More appearances → More backlinks → Higher visibility → More opportunities.
Ready to Start Pitching Podcasts?
Getting on podcasts doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With clarity in your message, a professional online presence, and a personalized pitch strategy, you’ll be well on your way to landing your first (or next!) interview.
If you’re ready to strengthen your online presence before you start pitching, explore our Website Design and SEO Services to ensure your digital home reflects the same credibility and mission you share through your voice.
