Email template
The show interviews guests, its audience overlaps with your buyers, and you have a story or expertise the host hasn't covered recently. Below: the template, a filled-in example, why it works, common mistakes and the follow-up to send if there's no reply.
Subject: Guest idea for {podcast name}
Hi {first name},
I listened to {episode title} and {specific moment or point} stuck with me.
I'm {your name}, {role} at {company}, where {one line of relevant experience}. A few things I could talk about:
- {talk idea one}
- {talk idea two}
{One line of proof: a past episode, a talk, a dataset.} I'm happy to work around your recording schedule.
Would either of these suit an upcoming episode?
Thanks,
{your first name}
The situation: A weekly podcast about research and study habits. A recent episode had a guest arguing that people should read less and note more. The product is Margin, a fictional notes app for researchers.
Subject: Guest idea for Notes on Notes
Hi Jordan, I listened to episode 41 on reading for research, and Dr. Patel's point about reading less and noting more stuck with me. I'm Ana, head of research at Margin, where we've interviewed 200 researchers about how they take notes. A few things I could talk about: - Why most research notes are never read again, and what the people who reuse theirs do differently - What changed for researchers who switched note apps mid-PhD I gave a talk on this at a library conference last spring. I'm happy to work around your recording schedule. Would either of these suit an upcoming episode? Thanks, Ana
Send once, four to seven days later, in the same thread. Add one new reason; don't repeat the pitch.
Subject: Re: Guest idea for {podcast name}
Hi {first name},
One more angle in case it fits better: {a topic tied to a recent episode or a timely event}.
If your guest list is full, no problem at all.
Thanks,
{your first name}
A template saves time on structure, not on research. Every placeholder should become a detail only this editor would recognise: their name, the post, the section and why your product helps their readers. Send it from a properly authenticated outreach domain, one email per prospect, and stop after one or two follow-ups.
Podcast show notes are one of the steadier sources of links for founders, because the guest's site is linked on every episode page. Build your list of shows with the prospecting search strings, and draft each pitch with the pitch email generator. If the host also writes a newsletter, a newsletter mention request is a smaller ask, and if the show takes written contributions, try the guest post pitch examples.
Doing this for dozens of posts a week is where most outreach stalls. BacklinkGenie finds the posts, writes a pitch like the example above for each one, and sends it from a mailbox it manages for you once you approve. See how it works.
Make a list of interview shows your buyers listen to, listen to two or three recent episodes of each, then pitch the host with specific topics that suit their audience. Start with smaller shows, use recordings to prove you're a good guest, and work up from there.
Usually, yes. Most shows publish show notes or an episode page that links to the guest's site. The link is a side benefit; the bigger value is reaching an audience that already trusts the host.
An episode you listened to, who you are in one line, two or three topic ideas written for the show's listeners, one line of proof, and an easy question. Leave out long bios and attachments until the host asks.
Pitching a guest post template
For blogs that accept contributed articles: three specific topic ideas, proof you can write, and one easy question.
Asking for a newsletter or podcast mention template
For curated newsletters and podcasts in your niche that feature tools, launches or resources.
Pitching a story to a journalist template
For reporters who cover your topic: one newsworthy angle, the facts that back it, and what you can provide.
Link outreach email checker
Paste your filled-in version and see what an editor or spam filter will object to.
Outreach subject line tester
Check the subject for length, mobile cut-off and spam triggers.
All outreach email templates
Every template on one page: 19 situations from listicles to paid-link replies.
Paste your URL. The agent finds lists, comparison pages, resource pages and guides where your product fits, checks each site and finds the editor to contact. Free, no card.
