[FAQ]

What are some effective ways to find and reach out to potential guests for an interview podcast?

I host an interview-style podcast and I’m always looking for ways to find great guests who would be a perfect fit for my audience. I feel a bit stuck sometimes on where to look for potential guests beyond my immediate network.

What are some of your most effective strategies for finding relevant experts or interesting people to interview in 2025?

Also, and this is the big part, what’s the best way to actually reach out to them? What should I include in that initial email or message to make it professional and increase my chances of getting a positive response?

Any advice on the whole guest outreach process would be awesome. Thanks!

[Jeff Bullas]

Finding and successfully booking great guests for your podcast involves a combination of methodical research and professional, personalised outreach.

First, let us talk about finding potential guests. A very effective method is to look for guests who have appeared on other podcasts in your niche or in complementary fields. This confirms that they are open to the format and are likely experienced speakers.

Second, you should use social media platforms strategically, particularly LinkedIn and Twitter/X. You can search for keywords, job titles, or relevant hashtags to identify experts and thought leaders in your subject area.

Third, keep an eye on new book releases in your field. Authors with a new book are almost always looking for promotional opportunities and typically make for well-prepared and articulate guests.

Fourth, you can explore podcast guest matchmaking services. There are several online platforms specifically designed to connect podcast hosts with individuals who are actively looking to be guests on shows.

And fifth, do not overlook your own existing network. Ask past guests or professional contacts if there is anyone they would recommend. A warm introduction is always more powerful than a completely cold outreach.

Once you have identified a potential guest, the way you reach out is critical. Your pitch, which is usually best sent via email or a direct LinkedIn message, needs to be well-crafted. First, it must be personalised and concise. Always address the person by their name and demonstrate that you have done your research by mentioning a specific article they wrote, a talk they gave, or a project they worked on. This shows genuine interest.

Second, you need to clearly and briefly introduce your podcast. Explain who your audience is and what your show is about, and provide a direct link so they can easily check it out.

Third, and very importantly, explain why you think they would be a great guest for your specific audience. This highlights the value for them, which is exposure to a new, relevant group of people.

Fourth, make your request clear and straightforward. Suggest a specific topic or angle you would like to discuss and propose a time commitment, for example, “a 30-45 minute remote recording to discuss your recent work on X.”

Fifth, you should make scheduling as easy as possible. Instead of engaging in a lot of back-and-forth emails to find a time, it is highly efficient to provide a link to a scheduling tool like Calendly.

If you do not receive a reply after about a week, it is generally acceptable to send a single, polite follow-up message. The key to successful outreach is a personalised, respectful, and value-driven approach that makes it very easy for a busy person to say yes.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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