How to Get Podcast Guests (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)

One of the best ways to make your podcast more engaging is by bringing on great guests—but if you’re just starting out, it can feel intimidating. Why would someone agree to be on your show if you don’t have thousands of downloads yet?

The good news? You don’t need a massive audience to attract quality guests. You just need the right approach. In this post, I’ll walk you through proven strategies to land great podcast guests, even if your show is brand new.

1. Start With Your Existing Network

You’d be surprised how many interesting people you already know who would make great guests. Start by reaching out to:

Friends or colleagues with expertise in your niche
Fellow creators, entrepreneurs, or industry professionals
People you’ve interacted with on social media

How to ask: Keep it casual. A simple message like:
“Hey [Name], I’m launching a podcast about [topic], and I’d love to feature you in an episode. I think your insights on [specific topic] would be super valuable. Would you be interested?”

Even if they say no, they might refer you to someone who says yes.

2. Use Podcast Guest Directories

If you don’t know where to start, there are platforms designed to connect podcasters with potential guests. Some great options include:

Podchaser Connect – A directory of podcast guests and hosts
MatchMaker.fm – A free service that helps match you with potential guests
Podcast Guests – A platform that connects experts with podcasters

These directories make it easier to find guests who actually want to be interviewed.

3. Engage With Potential Guests on Social Media

Before cold-pitching a guest, warm up the connection by engaging with them on social media. Follow them, comment on their posts, and share their content. This helps you get on their radar before you send an invite.

When you finally reach out, they’ll already recognize your name—making them more likely to say yes.

4. Make Your Invitation Irresistible

Big-name guests don’t just say yes because you asked—they say yes because they see value in the opportunity.

Here’s how to craft a compelling invitation:

Be clear and concise – Don’t send a long email; get to the point.
Explain what’s in it for them – Will they get exposure? Promote their book or course?
Show that you’ve done your homework – Mention something specific about their work.

Example invite:
“Hi [Name], I’m a huge fan of your work, especially [mention something specific]. I host a podcast called [Podcast Name], where we talk about [topic]. I’d love to have you as a guest to discuss [specific topic]. My audience would really benefit from your insights, and it’d be great exposure for [their project]. Let me know if you’d be interested!”

5. Start Small & Work Your Way Up

If you’re dreaming of interviewing big industry leaders, that’s great—but start with guests who are more accessible. As you build a track record of great interviews, it’ll be easier to book higher-profile guests.

Consider reaching out to:

Up-and-coming creators or entrepreneurs
Authors who just released a book (they’re actively looking for promo opportunities)
Industry experts who may not be “famous” but have valuable insights

Once you’ve had a few solid interviews, you can use them as social proof when pitching bigger names.

6. Make the Interview Process Easy

Guests are more likely to say yes if you make the process quick and seamless.

Use a scheduling tool like Calendly to let them pick a time that works for them.
Offer a simple recording setup (Zoom, Riverside.fm, or Zencastr work well).
Send them questions in advance so they know what to expect.

The easier you make it, the more likely they’ll say yes—and even recommend other guests.

7. Ask Guests for Referrals

At the end of every interview, ask:
“Do you know anyone else who would be a great fit for this podcast?”

Most guests have connections who would also love to be featured. This is one of the fastest ways to build a pipeline of future guests without cold outreach.

8. Keep Improving & Follow Up

If a guest says no, don’t take it personally. Timing might not be right, or they may be busy. Politely follow up in a few months.

Also, keep improving your podcast. As your content gets better and your audience grows, you’ll naturally attract bigger and better guests.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Huge Audience to Get Great Guests

Getting podcast guests—even when you’re just starting out—is about offering value, being persistent, and making the process easy.

Start with your network
Use guest directories
Engage with potential guests on social media
Craft a strong invitation
Make scheduling easy
Ask for referrals

Podcasting Reality Check: Are You In Tune with Your Audience?

Podcasting has exploded in popularity. Many people are eager to share stories and connect with others through this medium. However, one common mistake aspiring podcasters make is overlooking what their audience truly wants to hear. They dive in, driven by passion and the desire to share their experiences, but fail to consider whether those experiences resonate with listeners. This often leads to a podcast that lacks the spark needed to capture and retain an audience.

The Allure of Podcasting

The appeal of podcasting is undeniable. Social media is flooded with clips from podcasts and advertisements claiming that podcasting is a get rich quick scheme..(more on that another time). It offers a unique platform for storytelling, allowing individuals to share their insights, experiences, and the narratives of others. Yet, simply wanting to tell stories isn’t enough to create a successful podcast. Many podcasters find themselves grappling with the reality that their stories may not be as interesting or engaging as they initially believed. I can’t even count how many times I’ve been asked, “How can I increase my listeners and my subscribers?”

Understanding Your Audience

One crucial part of podcasting is really getting to know your target audience. It’s not enough to think that what you find interesting will automatically captivate your listeners. You need to do your research. If you ask friends or family, they’ll likely be supportive and encourage you to follow your passions. But let’s be honest—are they actually going to listen to every episode? Sorry to say it, but in my experience, they often don’t. It is essential to do your own research of the podcast space and your specific niche.Look for others who are doing something similar to what you want to do. Do they have the kind of following you’re hoping to build? What topics are they tackling? Tune into other podcasts in your niche to get a feel for what resonates with your potential audience.

Creating Compelling Content

So, what makes a story compelling? It’s about more than just sharing personal experiences. A great story includes elements like relatability, conflict, resolution, and emotional connection. Successful podcasts often focus on these elements, weaving narratives that keep listeners engaged. Take the time to craft your stories thoughtfully, considering what your audience will find relatable and entertaining. Too often I see hosts invite a guest and let them share their story, but the host isn’t guiding the guest to the topics that will bring value to their audience. The key here is VALUE. Focus on the content that will engage your audience and have them wanting more. You might be thinking, “Well, I don’t want to offend my guests by cutting out their tangents or specific stories…” I say, GET OVER IT. If you want to increase subscribers and listeners, you need to provide the most value and compelling content.

Finding Unique Angles

In a saturated market, it’s essential to find unique angles or themes that differentiate your podcast from others. Explore your niche and think creatively about how to present familiar topics in a fresh light. This approach will not only make your content more interesting but also attract a dedicated audience eager for your unique perspective.

The Importance of Quality

Good production quality and presentation skills are vital for any podcast. Listeners are more likely to stay engaged if they can hear your content clearly and enjoyably. Invest time in improving your audio quality and editing. A polished product shows your audience that you care about their listening experience. This doesn’t mean I’m telling you to rush out and buy all the most expensive, top-quality equipment. Too often, I see people purchasing the best of the best gear just because they see top podcasters using it, but they have no idea how to set it up correctly. As a result, they’re not using their high-end equipment to its full potential and end up with mediocre quality. Use the resources available to you—hire a professional, watch YouTube videos, and take the time to find the information out there.

Iterating and Evolving

Podcasting is an iterative process. Be open to feedback and willing to adapt your content based on your audience’s responses. Pay attention to which episodes resonate most and be ready to evolve your podcast to better meet your listeners’ needs. This adaptability can lead to a more engaged audience and a successful podcast in the long run.

Conclusion

Remember that the key to success in podcasting lies in understanding and catering to your audience. While sharing your stories is essential, it’s equally important to consider what your listeners truly want to hear. By focusing on their interests and continuously improving your content, you can create a podcast that not only shares stories but also captivates and engages.

Looking for help with your podcast or are wanting to get started? Reach out to PodProducer.com to get help today!