How to Land Big-Name Guests for Your Podcast (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)
Getting a well-known guest on your podcast can feel like an impossible task, especially when you're just starting out. You might think, “Why would they want to come on my show?” But the truth is, even big-name guests are open to new opportunities—if you approach them the right way.
Landing high-profile guests can take your podcast to the next level, bringing credibility, expanding your audience, and creating engaging content. The key is to make your podcast worth their time. Here’s how to do it.
Why Big-Name Guests Matter
Bringing well-known figures onto your podcast does more than just boost your ego—it can significantly impact your show’s growth.
Credibility Boost – Having industry experts, influencers, or celebrities as guests signals to your audience that your podcast is worth listening to.
New Audience Exposure – Your guest’s existing fan base may tune in, leading to increased visibility and potential new subscribers.
Better Content – High-profile guests bring valuable insights, making your episodes more engaging and informative.
Networking Opportunities – Building relationships with key figures in your industry can open doors for future collaborations.
How to Make Your Podcast Attractive to Guests
Before reaching out to potential guests, ensure that your podcast is appealing and professional. Big-name guests won’t agree to an interview if your podcast feels unorganized or lacks direction.
1. Define Your Audience and Niche
Guests are more likely to say yes if they know they’re speaking to a well-defined audience. Make sure your podcast has a clear topic and listener base. Instead of saying, “I run a business podcast,” be specific—“I host a podcast helping small business owners scale their companies through digital marketing.”
2. Build a Professional Online Presence
Your podcast doesn’t have to be massive, but it should look polished. Have a well-designed website, active social media accounts, and a solid back catalog of episodes. If your show is relatively new, focus on making your existing episodes high quality before reaching out to big guests.
3. Make the Interview Process Easy
Big-name guests are busy. If agreeing to an interview feels like work, they’ll say no. Have a straightforward booking process, provide clear expectations, and ensure the interview requires minimal effort on their part.
Where to Find and Reach Out to Potential Guests
Once your podcast is in good shape, it’s time to start looking for guests.
1. Leverage Social Media
Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram are great places to connect with potential guests. Engage with their content before reaching out—comment on their posts, share their work, and build rapport.
2. Attend Industry Events
Networking events, conferences, and meet-ups provide opportunities to meet influencers in your niche. In-person connections can be more effective than cold emails.
3. Use Guest Booking Platforms
Websites like Podchaser, MatchMaker.fm, and PodcastGuests.com connect podcasters with potential guests. Many influencers actively look for podcast opportunities through these platforms.
4. Ask for Introductions
If you’ve had previous guests with strong industry connections, ask them to introduce you to others. A warm introduction carries more weight than a cold pitch.
Crafting the Perfect Guest Invitation
Once you’ve identified a potential guest, it’s time to send a pitch. The key to a great invitation is making it clear, concise, and valuable to the guest.
What to Include in Your Pitch:
Personalized Greeting – Address them by name and reference something specific about their work.
Why You’re Reaching Out – Clearly state why you think they’d be a great fit for your show.
What’s in It for Them? – Explain how appearing on your podcast benefits them.
The Details – Include how long the interview will take and how it will be conducted (Zoom, in-person, etc.).
A Simple Call to Action – Ask if they’d be open to the idea and provide a direct way to book.
Example Email Pitch:
Subject: Invitation to Be a Guest on [Podcast Name]
Hi [Guest’s Name],
I’m [Your Name], host of [Podcast Name], where we talk about [specific topic]. I’m reaching out because I’d love to have you on as a guest.
I recently saw your [blog post/book/interview] on [specific topic] and thought it would be a perfect fit for my audience of [briefly describe your listeners].
The interview would take about [time length] and can be done over [Zoom, phone, etc.] at your convenience. I’d love to introduce your work to our audience and highlight [something specific they’re working on].
Would you be open to a quick chat about it? Let me know what you think, and I’d be happy to send over available dates.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Podcast Name]
[Your Contact Info]
How to Handle Rejections and No Responses
Not every guest will say yes, and that’s okay. Here’s how to deal with setbacks.
1. Don’t Take It Personally
Many guests decline due to scheduling conflicts, not because they’re uninterested in your podcast.
2. Follow Up (But Don’t Be Pushy)
If you don’t hear back after a week or two, send a polite follow-up. Sometimes emails get lost, and a quick nudge can make all the difference.
3. Keep the Door Open
If a guest says no, respond graciously and let them know they’re welcome anytime in the future.
Best Practices for Interviewing Big Guests
Once you land a high-profile guest, you want to make the most of the opportunity.
Prepare Thoughtful Questions – Research their work and ask insightful questions beyond what they’ve already answered in past interviews.
Keep It Conversational – Don’t just fire off a list of questions. Engage naturally to create an enjoyable discussion.
Make It Easy for Them to Share – Provide social media assets, links, and suggested captions to encourage them to promote the episode.
The Bottom Line
Securing big-name guests may seem daunting, but it’s achievable with the right approach. By positioning your podcast as valuable, crafting compelling invitations, and handling rejections professionally, you’ll increase your chances of landing top-tier guests.
Want help refining your podcast strategy? Soundwaves Audio is here to guide you. Let’s get your podcast sounding professional and ready to attract high-profile guests.
Visit soundwavesaudio.com to learn more!
