Booking high-profile guests is not about luck; it is about sales. Most podcasters send terrible pitches. They write long, selfish emails saying, "I'd love to pick your brain" or "I want to feature you." These emails get deleted. High-value guests are busy. To get a "Yes," you need to flip the script. In this episode, Mark breaks down the "WIIFM" (What's In It For Me) framework for pitching guests. Learn how to write short, value-driven emails that respect their time and clearly explain why appearing on your show helps them achieve their goals.
Show Notes
The "Selfish Pitch":
"I'm a big fan" and "I want to interview you" are about you, not them.
The "Pick Your Brain" Insult:
Why this phrase implies you want their expertise (which they sell) for free.
WIIFM (What's In It For Me?):
The guest wants exposure, book sales, or SEO. Highlight that.
The Perfect Pitch Template:
Subject: Interview request regarding [Their New Book/Project].
Line 1: Specific compliment (prove you know them).
Line 2: The value (Audience size or specific niche relevance).
Line 3: The Ask (Time commitment).
The "Easy Yes":
"We only need 20 minutes" and "I will send questions in advance."
Mark at onpodium.com
Listen On
Also In Season 1
-
The Milestone Episode (How to Celebrate Without Being Self-Indulgent)
Reaching Episode 50 is a massive statistical achievement in an industry where mo -
Why Your Audience is Lonely (Building a Podcast Community)
A podcast is a one-way street. You speak, and thousands of people listen in tota -
Why Nobody Buys Your Podcast Merch (The "Inside Joke" Strategy)
When a podcaster gets their first 500 listeners, they usually get overly excited -
Can I Play That Song? (A Podcaster's Guide to Copyright and Fair Use)
"If I only play 10 seconds of a song, it's considered Fair Use, right?" Wrong. T