Ask.

(Dramatic pause.)

Okay, it may not always be that simple. But if you don’t pitch yourself as a guest to a podcast host — or don’t reach out to inquire about guest blogging — you may never hear, be my guest.

People and companies who run blogs are always thinking about what to post next. Podcasters need fresh content, too. Most of the blogs I read and the podcasts I download publish something new at least 2–3 times a month. They could be waiting for someone to pitch them their next topic right now!

Guest Blogging 101

Last year, I reached out to a WordPress developer, Monterey Premier, to see if I could write for its blog. It wasn’t a shot in the dark because I noticed on the site they were open to featuring guest bloggers.

Monterey Premier didn’t know me at all, so I sent a short pitch over with an article idea about working remotely. They said yes, and I wrote How to Build Real Relationships While Working Remote.  

While I can’t say this guest post brought me new work, I did notice a traffic spike on my website for a week or two. Still, it was a worthwhile experience that only took me a few hours of writing and a half-hour max for me to format the article on Monterey’s WordPress site.

Whether it’s winning the lottery or scoring an opportunity to be a guest on someone else’s platform, you can’t win if you don’t play. Pitch yourself as a podcast guest, or offer to write a blog post for someone. Unlike a lottery ticket purchase, it doesn’t cost to ask! (Image from Arizona Lottery)

When My Business Coach Said, “Be My Guest”

Ilise Benun is a business coach for creative professionals — graphic designers, writers, marketers like me and other people who run a creative business.

I’ve been working with a business coach, Ilise Benun, for almost two years now. Ilise is a content-producing machine, and one avenue is her long-running and popular show, Marketing Mentor — the Marketing Podcast for Creative Pros.

I’ve had the opportunity to be on Ilise’s show three times now, and I probably wouldn’t have scored that first spot without suggesting a podcast topic to her. Last summer, when I sent Ilise an idea that played off her “generosity is a marketing tool” idea, I didn’t specifically ask for a guest spot. I only suggested a topic for a future podcast.

When Ilise responded later,  she said that I could be the one she interviewed for the show. Gulp. Fast forward to me getting over my nervousness — and here is our episode.

Since that time, I joined Ilise two other times to talk about CRMs and outsourcing work. (You’ll find those shows here.)

Benefits to “Guest-ing”

Guest-ing for a podcast or blog takes time, energy and courage if you’re not used to reaching out, but here’s the upside for your effort:

• You get exposure to a new audience. More people will discover you and see what you’re all about. They might hire you at some point, too. If you’re a new or experienced writer or a professional speaker or someone who hopes to go pro, these one-time gigs can be part of your content marketing strategy. Plus, they’re great for your LinkedIn, website and resume. They make for good networking conversations, too.
• The experience will shape you a little or a lot. Doing something that’s outside your comfort zone stretches you and helps you grow. Beyond that, who knows what could happen when you ask to be a contributor? The sky’s the limit.
• You earn a new connection. You and the blog owner or podcast host could hit it off so well that you go on to partner in a future endeavor. At a minimum, you have a new LinkedIn connection to keep in touch with. And that’s always a good thing.
• Your brand gets a boost. What better way to grow or polish your personal and business brand than talking about an area of expertise on someone else’s platform! Get one guest experience under your belt, and it’s much easier to go for the second.
• Doing something for free feels good. Unless you’re contacting someone who offers to pay for a guest interview or article, your contribution is a gift — and I say give til it hurts. 🙂 As my coach Ilise says, generosity is a marketing tool. My take on this: Your gratis act might grow to generate more than just goodwill.

Want to write for someone else’s blog or snag a guest spot on a podcast? Sometimes it’s as simple as asking — so, what are you waiting for?

What Should You Say in Your Request?

I could write an entire blog post on how to make your pitch compelling. And maybe I will someday. The TL;DR (short) version is this: Know something about the person’s blog or podcast! At a minimum, that means read several of the articles or listen to two podcast episodes to make sure your pitch references why you’re a great fit.

Be genuine, direct, add some personality and ask for the order — something like this:

Hello, John, from [add your city or something personal about your location — I sometimes say,” Hello from 110-degree Arizona!”].

I enjoy your [blog or podcast name] and how you consistently deliver great content to your audience. Your perspectives on [key topic they cover] inspired me to reach out to you today with an idea for your show — [as briefly as possible, summarize your idea].

I have expertise [or informed opinions] in this area and would love to be a [guest blogger or podcast guest]. I can relate to your [readers’ or listeners’] interests in [repeat the key topic]and believe I can offer [help, hope or new advice they haven’t heard before].

Think I’d be a good fit for your [blog or podcast name], John? I hope so, and I look forward to your reply!

[NOTE: If you have an example of a guest post you wrote or if you’ve been on a podcast, include this in your note.]

Are You Ready to be someone’s guest?

I hope these tips inspire you to make the big ask. Be sure and let me know how it goes when you do. And just in case you think I’m saying you will get a yes every time you ask, I’m a realist who knows that’s not possible — but my glass-half-full self says to go for it, friend!