To invite a guest on your podcast, write one short message to one person. Say what caught your eye, what the episode would be about, who listens, and what you need from them. If you're wondering how to invite a guest on your podcast and actually get a yes, the two things that help most are showing you chose them for a reason and making the yes easy.
If you still need names, start with how to find podcast guests. This guide picks up once you know who you want.
What goes in a good podcast invitation?
A good invite covers five things in around 120 words.
- Why them. Name a specific talk, article, post or episode. One sentence that could only be written about this person.
- The episode idea. One clear topic beats "we'd love to chat about your journey". A busy person can picture a specific conversation and decide.
- Who listens. Describe your listeners in plain words. Use a number if it helps.
- What it takes. The format, the length and whether it's audio or video. "45 minutes, on video, from your laptop."
- The next step. One small action, like replying yes or picking a time.
Leave out your life story, your show's full history and any mention of "exposure". Link one episode, the best match for this person. They won't read your website, but they may click one link.
What are some invitation templates you can copy?
Treat these as a starting point. If you could send the same text to ten people by changing only the name, it isn't ready.
Cold email to someone you don't know
Subject: Your [talk or post] and an episode idea for [show name]
Hi [name],
Your [post on X] changed how I think about [specific point]. I host [show name], a [weekly] show for [who listens], and they keep running into this same problem.
Would you come on for 45 minutes to talk about [specific angle]? It's recorded remotely, so all you'd need is a laptop and headphones. This episode gives you a feel for the show.
If you're up for it, here's a link to pick a time: [link].
[Your name]
Short version for LinkedIn or X
Hi [name], I host [show name] for [who listens]. Your take on [specific point] would make a great episode. Would you be open to a 45 minute interview? Happy to send details.
Warm intro through a mutual contact
Hi [name], [friend] said you'd be a great person to talk to about [topic]. I host [show name], for [who listens], and I'd love to have you on for an episode about [specific angle]. Could I send you the details?
Asking a past guest for a referral
Hi [name], thanks again for the episode on [topic]. Listeners are still writing in about it. Who's the one person you think I should talk to next? If you're happy to introduce us, I'll keep it short.
The referral is the most underused of the four. A guest who had a good time already knows your show, and their introduction means more than anything you could write yourself. We cover this and other sources in how to find podcast guests.
How do you invite someone when your show is small?
Be honest, and sell the fit instead of the size. Don't dress up small numbers or say you're "growing fast" with nothing to back it up. People tend to check.
Small shows have real things to offer. You've got a specific audience, a host who actually did the reading, a lot of time for one topic and a chance to talk about something bigger shows won't touch. You can also offer clips they can use, a link to their work, or a transcript they can turn into an article.
Pick your targets sensibly. A person with a book or a company launch is looking for places to talk. So is someone new to public speaking who has real knowledge. People one or two steps ahead of your listeners tend to answer more often than the top name in your field, and they often make better episodes because they still remember how hard it was.
When should you follow up, and how?
A short follow-up is normal, since plenty of people miss the first message. Give it four days to a week, reply on the same thread so they have the context, and add something small.
Hi [name], just bringing this back up in case it got buried. No pressure if the timing's wrong. If it helps, we could also record in [month].
One follow-up is usually enough. A second one is fine after a month or two if you've got a new reason, like an episode on the same subject. The same logic applies from the other side of the table, which we go through in how to follow up after a podcast pitch.
What happens after they say yes?
Reply fast, because the yes can cool. Send a booking link or two or three specific times, with the time zone written out. Follow that with a confirmation that has the link, the length, and what they'll need. Our guide on how to schedule podcast guests has the sequence, and the guest checklist is ready to paste into that email.
Mention in that first message that you're recording, and how you'll use it. Nobody should learn that on the day. Then, before you record, read up on what to ask in an interview so the time they gave you turns into something worth publishing.
What makes people ignore an invite?
Invites that get ignored tend to make the same few mistakes.
- It's long. If it fills a phone screen, it'll wait until later, and later doesn't come.
- It's about you. Your mission and your milestones aren't the reader's problem.
- It's vague. "Pick your brain" gives them nothing to say yes to.
- It's obviously a mail merge. Wrong name, wrong topic, or a compliment that fits anyone.
- It asks for too much up front. Don't ask for a form, a bio, a headshot and three dates in the first message. Ask for those after the yes.
- It went to the wrong place. A general inbox may never reach them. Look for a publicist, a booking contact or the channel where they actually post.
Finally, keep track of who you've asked. A simple spreadsheet is enough. If you'd like to see who's open to being asked first, you can search people who want to be guests by topic on Prends at find podcast guests. Someone who has already raised their hand is a much easier yes than a cold email.