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

Podcast Monetization: The Hard Truth

So, you’re thinking about making money from your podcast? You’ve probably seen success stories of podcasters raking in sponsorships, selling courses, or even turning their shows into full-time businesses. But here’s the hard truth—monetizing a podcast isn’t as easy as slapping an ad in your episode and watching the money roll in.

The reality is, most podcasters don’t make a significant income from their shows—at least not right away. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If you go in with realistic expectations and a solid strategy, you can turn your podcast into a revenue-generating asset. Let’s break it down.

The Common Misconception About Podcast Monetization

Many new podcasters believe that once they launch, advertisers will magically appear, ready to pay for ad spots. But unless you have a large, engaged audience, sponsorships alone won’t sustain you.

Most brands are looking for podcasts with at least 5,000 to 10,000 downloads per episode before they’ll even consider sponsorships. And even if you land one, ad rates for smaller podcasts typically range from $18-$25 per 1,000 downloads (CPM)—which means if you get 1,000 downloads per episode, you’re making about $20 per ad.

Real Ways to Make Money from Your Podcast

If sponsorships aren’t the easy money-maker people think they are, what actually works? Here are some realistic monetization methods:

1. Listener Support (Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, Memberships)

If your audience is small but dedicated, direct listener support can be a great way to earn income. Platforms like Patreon and Buy Me a Coffee let fans support your show with small monthly contributions in exchange for bonus content, ad-free episodes, or other perks.

Reality Check: This works best if you’ve built strong relationships with your listeners and consistently provide valuable content.

2. Selling Your Own Products or Services

Many successful podcasters make money by selling their own stuff, not by running ads. This could include:

  • Online courses or coaching
  • E-books or exclusive content
  • Merchandise (shirts, mugs, stickers)
  • Consulting services

If your podcast is built around a niche, this can be one of the most profitable ways to monetize.

Reality Check: You need to build trust and authority first. If your audience doesn’t see you as an expert or isn’t engaged, sales will be slow.

3. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is when you promote products or services and earn a commission for each sale made through your unique referral link. This can be more lucrative than traditional sponsorships because you earn money based on actual conversions, not flat fees.

Examples:

  • Promoting podcasting gear through Amazon Associates
  • Recommending software like Buzzsprout, Riverside, or Descript
  • Partnering with brands that fit your niche

Reality Check: Choose affiliates that align with your audience. Generic affiliate links won’t perform well if they’re not relevant.

4. Paid Memberships or Exclusive Content

If your podcast offers highly valuable insights, consider creating a private membership community or launching a paid subscription podcast through platforms like Supercast or Apple Podcasts Subscriptions.

Reality Check: The content behind the paywall needs to be better than what you offer for free. Otherwise, listeners won’t pay.

5. Hosting Live Events or Virtual Workshops

Live podcast recordings, workshops, and networking events can be great income sources—especially if your audience is passionate and engaged. Some podcasters even charge for VIP access to Q&A sessions or behind-the-scenes content.

Reality Check: This works best once you’ve built a loyal audience willing to pay for direct interaction.

The Key to Podcast Monetization: Play the Long Game

Here’s the truth—most successful podcasters don’t make money overnight. It takes consistent effort, audience growth, and strategic monetization to generate real income.

Instead of chasing sponsors from day one, focus on:
✅ Building an engaged audience (a small, loyal audience is more valuable than a large, passive one)
✅ Creating high-quality content (better content = more listener retention)
✅ Testing different revenue streams (one size doesn’t fit all—try multiple strategies)

Monetization isn’t impossible, but it’s a long-term strategy, not a quick cash grab. If you’re in podcasting just for the money, you’ll likely burn out fast. But if you’re passionate about your content, focus on delivering value first, and stay patient, the money will follow.

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!

 

The Power of Batch Recording for Podcasters

For podcasters, managing time and maintaining consistency can be challenging. That’s where batch recording comes in. By recording multiple episodes in one session, you can streamline your workflow, reduce stress, and maintain a steady content schedule. Let’s explore the key benefits of batch recording and how it can revolutionize your podcasting process.

1. Maximize Your Productivity

Switching between tasks can disrupt your focus, especially when preparing for and recording podcasts. Batch recording minimizes these interruptions by allowing you to concentrate solely on recording for a set period. With your equipment set up and your mindset geared toward podcasting, you can accomplish more in less time.

2. Ensure Consistency

Consistency is key to building a loyal podcast audience. By recording episodes in advance, you ensure that your content is ready to go on schedule, even when life gets busy. Whether you’re traveling, under the weather, or managing other commitments, batch recording keeps your podcast on track.

3. Reduce Production Stress

Last-minute recording and editing can be stressful. Batch recording gives you breathing room by creating a buffer of completed episodes. This extra time can be used to polish your edits, plan promotional strategies, or simply take a break.

4. Enhance Your Storytelling

Recording multiple episodes back-to-back allows you to maintain continuity, especially if you’re covering a series of related topics or telling a multi-episode story. Your thoughts will flow more naturally, and you’ll have a clearer sense of how each episode connects to the next.

5. Save Time on Setup

Setting up your recording space and equipment can be time-consuming. Batch recording minimizes the need to repeat this process for every episode. By dedicating a single session to recording multiple episodes, you save time and energy.

Tips for Successful Batch Recording

  • Plan Ahead: Outline your episodes and prepare your notes or scripts before recording day.
  • Stay Organized: Keep track of your recorded episodes and their intended release dates.
  • Take Breaks: Schedule short breaks between episodes to stay fresh and energized.
  • Test Your Equipment: Double-check your setup to avoid technical issues during your session.

Ready to Boost Your Podcast Efficiency?

Batch recording is a game-changer for podcasters looking to streamline their process and maintain consistency. At PodProducer, we help creators like you optimize your workflow, from planning your episodes to refining your production strategy.

Explore our courses or contact us today to learn how to make batch recording work for you!