Guest to Guru, Part II: How to Write a Standout Podcast Pitch as a Wellness Expert
Landing a guest spot on a podcast is one of the most powerful ways to elevate your wellness business. In our last post, “Guest to Guru: How to Grow Your Wellness Practice with Podcasts,” we dove into the importance of setting clear goals and choosing the right podcasts. Now, let’s shift our focus to crafting the perfect pitch—the kind that lands you on the right shows and connects you with your ideal audience.
Here’s how to create a pitch that stands out in a sea of emails and gets you booked.
Do Your Homework: Know the Show Before You Pitch
Before you send off that pitch, it’s essential to do a little research. Podcasts have distinct vibes—some are chatty and casual, while others are structured and educational. Listen to at least one full episode of the podcast you plan to pitch. Notice the types of guests they feature and the topics they cover. This will give you insight into whether the podcast aligns with your message and how you can tailor your pitch to fit their audience.
Next, head to the podcast’s website to see if they have submission guidelines. Many shows specify how they like to receive pitches—some prefer email, while others use submission forms. Can’t find it? Try a quick search using phrases like “how to pitch [podcast name],” and you’ll likely find what you need.
The Three R’s of a Winning Podcast Pitch: Relate, Relay, Recap
Once you’ve done your research and confirmed the show is a good fit, it’s time to get to work on the pitch. To make it easy (and effective), follow the three R’s: Relate, Relay, and Recap. These steps will help you write a sincere pitch that grabs attention, delivers value, and leaves them wanting more.
Relate: Show You’re Tuned In
Start your pitch by building a connection with the host. Mention something specific from an episode—this shows you’ve taken the time to listen and aren’t just sending a generic pitch. Whether it’s a personal story the host shared or a standout guest, call out what resonated with you.
For example, you might say, “I really enjoyed your conversation with Dr. Jane on the power of nutrition for boosting moods. It clicked for me when you connected the stress and overwhelm people feel over the holidays to rich foods and alcohol—it’s something I see with my own clients every year.”
Keep this part short and authentic. Two to three sentences are enough to show that you’ve done your homework and that you genuinely care about the podcast.
Relay: Share What You Bring to the Table
Next, it’s time to relay what you can offer the podcast’s audience. Briefly state your credentials and area of expertise and then dive into the topics you want to discuss. Remember, your goal here isn’t to sell your services but to offer real value to the podcast’s audience. Show the host that you’ll educate, inspire, and engage their listeners with actionable insights.
Pitch two or three topics that align with the show’s content, and be sure to include specific takeaways their listeners will get from your episode. Use a subhead with bullets to draw the reader’s eye to the topics – the meat of your pitch – and make it easily skimmable.
For example:
Topic: How to Build a 5-Minute Mindful Morning Routine for Busy, High-Level Executives
Audience Takeaways:
- A three-step routine: Hydrate with a glass of lemon water, a 3-minute guided breathing exercise, and a 1-minute gratitude journal.
- Research-backed benefits: How hydration boosts cognitive function, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, and gratitude journaling shifts the way you take in information throughout your day.
- Practical tips for making it stick: How to seamlessly use habit stacking to integrate this routine into even the busiest morning schedules for lasting results.
If a guest has recently spoken on the podcast spoke about a topic similar to yours, be sure to take a different approach to the topic. For example, if the guest discussed managing stress through yoga and meditation, you could offer a fresh perspective by discussing how nutrition and gut health play a crucial role in stress management. You might position your topic as additional tips that build on the related episode.
Remember, podcast hosts love fresh content. If your topic was recently covered, consider holding off for a bit (while still keeping your unique angle) or pitch a different topic to keep things fresh.
Recap: Reinforce Why You’re the Perfect Fit
Finally, wrap up your pitch by briefly recapping why you’re the perfect fit for their show. Highlight how your expertise aligns with the needs of their audience.
For example: “As a certified wellness coach specializing in midlife, I understand the specific challenges your audience is facing and how to help them reduce stress and boost productivity in the midst of balancing career and family stressors.”
Be concise but confident—this is your chance to shine and remind the host why you’re the perfect guest for their show.
Hitting Send on Your Podcast Pitch
This might come as a surprise, but the best person to send the pitch is you. A host or gatekeeper is far more likely to consider a pitch coming from the guest themself over a publicity firm or assistant. When a pitch comes from a third party, it feels far less personal. No matter how well-known (or unknown) you are, a personal email shows genuine interest and is always your best bet.
Next Steps: Prepping for Your Guest Spot
Now that you know how to find the right podcasts and write strategic pitches, it’s time to prepare for your podcast experience and make the most of the opportunity. From turning listeners into clients to leveraging your guest spot in your marketing, our next post will walk you through everything you need to know to turn your podcast experience into measurable growth for your business.
For more help landing guest spots, reach out to our team.
