Securing traditional media coverage for your podcast is one way to boost your show’s visibility, attract new listeners, and add impressive credentials to your show’s resumé. But how can you make your pitch stand out in a rapidly evolving news cycle? Whether you’re hoping to land an interview in the New York Times, get featured in a blog related to your podcast, or be included in a list of “must-listen” shows, there are a few key strategies that can help you craft a compelling media pitch.
The Podglomerate has attained countless press hits and interviews for our clients over the years, and we’re here to share five tips to help you pitch your podcast to the media and receive the coverage your show deserves. And if you’re looking for more ideas for growing your show and connecting with audiences, be sure to check out our other guides here.
1. Tailor Your Outreach to the Right WritersÂ
Before you send out your pitch, take the time to research the writers, bloggers, or journalists you’re reaching out to. Make sure they’re already covering topics that align with your podcast’s themes. For example, if your show focuses on entrepreneurship, reach out to writers who frequently cover business, startups, or career development. By targeting the right people, you’ll significantly increase your chances of a positive response and relevant coverage.
We also recommend personalizing each pitch using a writer’s name and highlighting a recent article that led you to believe they’d be a great fit for your pitch. It not only shows that you did your research and understand their work, but it’s a great way to segue into why they should care about your podcast.
2. Keep Your Pitch Short and Include a Clear Call-to-Action
Journalists and bloggers receive countless pitches daily, so it’s important to keep yours concise and to the point – we recommend limiting your email to 250 words or less. Provide enough information to pique interest without inundating the reader with unnecessary details. One great way to do this is by including hyperlinks or attaching supplementary materials like press releases or one-sheets so they have additional info available, if needed.
Make sure to include a clear call-to-action, whether it’s scheduling an interview, writing an article, or featuring your show in a podcast round-up. A well-crafted, brief pitch is far more likely to get noticed than a long, rambling email. Even consider putting the ask in bold, so it stands out. Here are some examples:
- Would you be interested in developing coverage about the podcast?
- Would you be interested in featuring the podcast in a future list of “best business shows”?
- Would you be interested in interviewing me about insights I’ve learned from interviewing the world’s top business professionals on my podcast?
3. Highlight Credentials and Accolades
In your pitch, be sure to include any relevant credentials, accolades, or impressive stats about your podcast. Whether it’s the number of lifetime downloads, chart rankings, notable guests you’ve interviewed, or awards your show has won, these details help establish your credibility. Media outlets are more likely to cover shows that have proven themselves and gained recognition.
If your show is new and doesn’t have a proven track record yet, don’t worry. You can instead include prominent notes from your background, even if it’s unrelated to your show. Don’t be afraid to include your own achievements in your pitch.
4. Make It Clear Why You (or Your Show) Are Newsworthy Right Now
The media thrives on timely stories. When pitching, highlight why your podcast is newsworthy at the present moment. Are you launching a new season or series? Featuring a high-profile guest? Tackling a hot-button issue or aligning your content with a cultural trend? Whatever it is, ensure your pitch communicates why now is the perfect time for coverage.
One great way to write effective pitches is by staying up-to-date on the news. Pick a handful of outlets every day and peruse the headlines so you always know what topics are trending or if there’s a current event you’d be a subject-matter expert on. Journalists are often looking for expert sources to speak to the latest happenings, so put yourself in the right place (their inbox) at the right time (when it’s most newsworthy)!
5. Share a Variety of Talking Points Aligned to Your Expertise
A well-rounded pitch goes beyond promoting your podcast or highlighting your own achievements. We recommend offering a variety of angles for how the media can approach the story. Share key topics or themes you’re passionate about that relate to your podcast’s subject matter. This gives writers multiple ways to approach the story, making it easier for them to see how your expertise fits with their content needs.
Let’s take that entrepreneurship show for example. As the host, you can share 3-5 ideas for the shape this interview can take:
I’d be happy to speak to a variety of topics covered on my podcast, including:
- Why entrepreneurs should focus on improving their negotiation skills and my top tips for doing it
- Lessons most first-time business owners learn the hard way – and how you can avoid making the same mistakes
- How I overcame my fear of public speaking and now run a company with 100+ employees
By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of landing media coverage that helps your podcast reach new audiences. Remember, building relationships with media outlets takes time, so stay consistent, make your pitches personal, and be patient as you wait for the right opportunity.
Have questions? Interested in working with The Podglomerate to help grow your audience? Email us to learn more about our services.
