Examples of Poor Pitches

Here are a few types of pitches that have landed in my inbox:

1. The Professional Pitch

   One pitch came from a highly qualified individual, complete with a meticulously crafted email that resembled a glossy brochure. While the effort put into showcasing qualifications was apparent, it became clear that this template was blasted to multiple podcast hosts. This impersonal approach often leads to missed opportunities.

2. The Selfie Pitch

   Imagine receiving a message that reads, "I'd love to be on your podcast. I'd be an amazing guest." This approach is centered on the sender rather than the podcast's value, which is a fundamental misstep.

3. The Oblivious Pitch

   Some pitches simply state, "I’d like to be a speaker in your series. Check my website." or "Here’s a list of blog topics I could write for you." Unfortunately, these topics often lack relevance to the blog or podcast, demonstrating a lack of research.

Creating an Effective Pitch

To enhance your chances of success, follow these steps:

1. Explore the Podcast or Blog

   Before reaching out, familiarize yourself with the podcast or blog content. Note that I rarely host guests, but if you still wish to pursue it…

2. Engage with Existing Content

   Listen to episodes or read blog posts. This not only informs you about the style and topics but also shows genuine interest.

3. Compose a Thoughtful Cover Letter

   Begin with a personalized greeting:

   "Hi, Cathy. I love your podcast! After listening to several episodes, I left you a review. I understand that you don't feature many guests, but I believe I could be a good fit for a future show. For example, I noticed episodes like 'Your Mess Is Not Your Message' and 'Replace Catchy with Persuasive.' I specialize in storytelling to challenge conventional views and have a unique approach that may resonate with your audience."

Include links to your previous speaking engagements or relevant content. This tailored approach can also be adapted for guest blogging inquiries.

4. Seek Clarification When Needed

   If you're unsure about the content needed, consider sending a brief message asking for more information about potential topics.

5. Recognize Audience Fit

   Understand that not everyone will be suitable for every audience. For example, if the demographic skews heavily male and your focus is on women, it’s likely you won’t be a match.

To provide further insights into pitching effectively, check out the following video resources:

The first video titled "How to Successfully Pitch Your Client (Or Yourself!) as a Podcast Guest" offers valuable strategies and tips for creating an engaging pitch that resonates with hosts.

The second video, "How to Get Podcasters to Say 'Yes' to You Being a Guest," dives deeper into techniques that ensure your pitch stands out and garners attention from podcast hosts.