How to Be a Podcast Guest That Hosts Invite Back (and Why It Grows Your Business)

Being a guest on someone’s podcast might not seem like a huge deal at first—but trust me, it’s one of the most powerful (and underrated) ways to grow your business. You get to share your expertise, connect with a new audience, and build trust in a way that just doesn’t happen through a single social post or ad.

Whether you’re new to podcast guesting or you’ve done a few episodes already, this blog will help you show up prepared, confident, and ready to make the most of every opportunity. It goes hand-in-hand with my YouTube video where I cover six practical tips to help you become a podcast guest that hosts want to invite back again and again.

And if we haven’t met yet, Hi! I’m Brittany, a mom of four, podcast host, and online marketing strategist. I help busy entrepreneurs grow their businesses using simple, sustainable strategies that actually work (even when you’re juggling all the things). 

Let’s dive into how you can make a podcast guest part of your growth strategy—without overcomplicating it.

Why Being a Podcast Guest helps you Grow your Business?

Showing up as a guest on someone’s podcast is so much more than a one-time interview—it’s a long-term growth strategy. You get to introduce yourself to a new audience, build genuine relationships, and position yourself as an expert in your field. And when you do it right, that one episode can lead to more visibility, more leads, and more trust.

Here’s why podcast guesting is such a powerful tool for entrepreneurs:

• Networking: You’re not just connecting with the host—you’re getting access to their entire audience. That’s instant warm traffic.

• Lead generation: When you offer a free resource or lead magnet during the episode, listeners become subscribers. Now you’re building your email list while providing value.

• Visibility & SEO: Most hosts will link to your website, Instagram, or freebie in their show notes. If the episode is also shared on a blog or YouTube, you get the bonus of long-term discoverability through search.

• Collaborations: A great interview often leads to more opportunities—referrals, partnerships, even future clients.

And guess what? You don’t need your own podcast to start showing up this way. 

Many shows are published on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and even YouTube Podcasts—which means by being a guest, you tap into those platforms without managing them yourself.

And if you want to start your own show someday? 

You can grab my Podcast Setup Checklist to get a clear, simple roadmap to launching your podcast with confidence.

6 Things You Must Do Before (and After) Being a Podcast Guest

If you want to be a podcast guest that gets invited back (and recommended to other hosts), preparation is everything. 

Here are six key steps that will help you not only feel confident behind the mic—but also make a lasting impression.

1. Get Clear on the Conversation Topic

Before anything else, confirm what the episode is actually going to be about. If the host invited you, they may already have a topic in mind. But if you pitch yourself, it’s important to clarify the direction of the conversation so you’re aligned from the start.

Think about your main areas of expertise and what aligns with their audience. 

For me, I regularly speak on topics like social media strategy, email marketing, podcasting, and being a mompreneur. Strong, specific titles like “List Building Secrets” or “Crafting Authentic Emails That Convert” can help the host promote the episode and give you a clear angle to speak from.

2. Research the Podcast & the Host

Don’t just show up—get to know the show.Take time to listen to at least one or two episodes. This will give you a feel for the host’s style: is it casual and conversational, or more structured and interview-style? Do they love storytelling, or do they lean toward Q&A? Are there certain questions they ask every guest?

This step will help you tailor your energy, responses, and examples so the conversation flows naturally—and so the host feels like you “get” their audience.

3. Prep Your Recording Space

You don’t need fancy podcast equipment to be a great guest, but quality audio goes a long way. Here’s what I recommend:

• Use a professional microphone if you have one (even a plug-in USB mic is great)

• Wear headphones to reduce feedback and echoes

• Choose a quiet space with minimal background noise

Bonus Tip: Ask the host if they’ll be recording video for YouTube or social media clips. If so, make sure you’ve got good lighting (like facing a window or using a ring light) and a tidy background.

4. Ground Yourself Before You Hit Record

It’s totally normal to have some nerves—especially if you’re new to podcasting. Give yourself a few extra minutes before recording to get settled. Deep breaths, affirmations, or even a little dance party (yes, really!) can help you feel more present and confident.

The more relaxed you are, the better your energy will translate through the mic—and that makes for a better episode.

5. Come With a Value-Packed Freebie

One of the best ways to turn listeners into leads is by offering something helpful and free during the episode. A lead magnet or opt-in related to the conversation builds trust and gives the audience a next step if they want to learn more.

Just make sure to check with the host first—some are fine with you promoting a freebie or service, and others prefer a more conversational approach. Either way, have a landing page or link ready, and make it easy for listeners to find.

Example: If we were talking about podcasting, I’d share something like “Ready, Set, Go: Your Step-by-Step Checklist to Launching a Podcast.” 

(Hint: You can actually download that here 😉)

6. Promote the Episode Like a Pro

Your job doesn’t end when the mic turns off. After the episode airs, help promote it!

• Share it on Instagram Stories or your feed

• Tag the host and thank them for having you

• Include it in your email newsletter

• Pull a quote and turn it into a Reel or carousel

• Direct people to listen or grab your freebie

For more tips on how to leverage your guest episodes in your marketing check out this blog post. Not only does this support the host (which they’ll appreciate!), it also boosts your own credibility and gives your audience even more ways to learn from you.

How to Get Invited on More Podcasts

So, you’ve had a great guest experience—now what? If you’re ready to keep the momentum going and land even more podcast opportunities, there are a few simple steps you can take to start pitching yourself proactively.

1. Don’t Wait to Be Asked—Start Pitching

Many hosts are open to guests, especially if your expertise aligns with their niche. Start by identifying podcasts with an audience similar to your own. Then, reach out with a personalized message that shows you’ve listened to their show and explains why your topic would be a great fit.

Pro tip: Podcast pitching works best when it’s thoughtful—not pushy.

2. Build a Simple Media Kit

If you’re planning to pitch more than once, it’s helpful to have a mini podcast media kit. Here’s what to include:

• A clear, professional headshot

• A short bio (about 75–100 words)

• 2–3 possible interview topics with compelling titles

• A few sample questions or talking points

• Links to your past interviews or your own podcast if you have one

This helps hosts feel confident saying yes, and it saves everyone time in the back-and-forth.

Want to know how podcasts can help you grow your business and make real connections? Read this blog: 

Free Resource: Ready to Launch Your Own Podcast?

If being a guest has you thinking, “Hey… maybe I could host my own podcast,”—you’re absolutely right. 

That same preparation and confidence you bring as a guest will serve you so well as a host too.

Whether you’re still in the “just thinking about it” stage or ready to record your first episode, I’ve got you covered with my free Podcast Setup Checklist—a simple, step-by-step guide to help you launch your podcast with clarity and ease.

And if you want a little more support with the strategy side—like content planning, naming your show, or setting up your guest process—check out my Podcast Launch Services designed for busy entrepreneurs who want to launch smart, not scrappy.

You don’t need a studio. You don’t need to do it alone. Let’s get your voice out into the world.

Your Podcast Guest Era Starts Now

If you follow these six simple steps, you won’t just be another guest—you’ll be the kind of guest hosts remember, recommend, and invite back. 

From choosing the right topic to promoting the episode after it airs, you’re now equipped to make every podcast opportunity count.

Whether you’ve been a guest before or you’re gearing up for your first one, I’d love to hear from you—drop a comment below and tell me what tip you’re most excited to try or what podcast you’d love to be on.

And if you haven’t yet, be sure to watch the YouTube video embedded below for a quick walk-through of everything we covered:

Want to grow your brand through podcasting—whether as a guest or a host? Grab my free Podcast Setup Checklist here, or check out my Podcast Launch Services here for more hands-on support.

You’ve got a message worth sharing—let’s make sure it gets heard.