How can you find the right shows to feature your expertise as a podcast guest?

One option is to use the growing selection of podcast-matching sites. These platforms streamline the process by connecting hosts and guests based on their interests and goals. They use advanced algorithms and extensive databases to ensure hosts and guests find the perfect match, instilling confidence in your ability to find the right podcast.

This article introduces top-rated podcast-matching sites that can help you get accepted to a podcast as a guest. I have not included the prices because those are subject to change according to your chosen plan. I have included links to the sites so you can connect directly to learn more.

I've listed them in alphabetical order.

Guestio

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada,Travis Chappell has built Guestio as a booking platform that connects high-profile guests with podcast hosts. It features a range of guests, from celebrities to industry experts, and facilitates the booking process with built-in scheduling and payment systems. This platform is handy for hosts looking to attract well-known figures to their shows and for well-known guests who are already stepping into top-ranking shows.

MatchMaker.fm

MatchMaker.fm is the UK-based platform launched by entrepreneur James Mulvany. Guests and podcast hosts can create profiles and connect based on mutual interests. It's very popular as it offers a free basic plan with limited messaging and paid plans with more features. It makes sense to register with MatchMaker. The only issue is that due to the free entry-level, many guests may have different high-quality content than you do. An investment in a paid plan will help you stand out from the crowd.

Padverb

Padverb is a platform designed to connect podcast hosts with potential guests. Based in New York, founder Anna Heskell has developed a platform which allows users to create detailed profiles highlighting their skills, experiences, interests, and target audiences. I like the innovative way that is shows overlapping interest areas visually, along with potential matches between host and guest. Padverb of course offers advanced search filters and automated matchmaking features to ensure relevant and beneficial connections for hosts and guests. 

PodMatch

PodMatch functions similarly to a dating app but for podcasters. Alex Sanfilippo and Alecia Sanfilippo, a husband-and-wife team, run the Florida-based platform. It uses algorithms to match podcast hosts with potential guests based on their profiles, ensuring a good fit. This platform's primary focus is streamlining the booking process.

Podmatch lets users find, pitch, and schedule interviews directly through the platform.

PodcastGuests.com

PodcastGuests.com allows hosts to find and book guests for their shows. You can join the platform for free and be included in a directory that podcast show hosts can browse. Brian Scully, the founder, sends out regular emails featuring new and available guests, which they claim go to 47,000 experts and podcasters. Certainly, I receive the emails, and they are full of potential guests.

Podcast Hawk

Podcast Hawk simplifies getting booked as a podcast guest by automating the outreach process using AI. It allows users to identify suitable podcasts and simultaneously send pitches to multiple shows. The platform offers various pricing plans, including features such as contact downloads, advanced search filters, and numerous active campaigns. Stewart Townsend, one of the co-founders, came onto the UnNoticed Entrepreneur show and I was really impressed with the vision, and the functionality. It's one of the newer entrants to the market but the core AI based proposition is already well established. You can watch the interview here [although his internet was not too good!]

Rephonic
 

Rephonic gives you listener demographics and podcast information across more than three million podcasts. The platform provides everything that you need for podcast research and outreach, including the contact info you need including email addresses and social media accounts.  James Potter is the founder,  who is in London. However the company is registered as Babadan Labs which is a fully remote company headquartered in the United States, and is also behind Reletter and Rate This Podcast. Rephonic  requires a monthly subscription, but has a lot of additional background information about podcasts including demographics, and Apple podcast charts. 

Respona

This platform is the one of the most capable, and it also offers a lot more than podcasts. Farzhad Rishidi  was a guest on the UnNoticed Entrepreneur podcast, and explained how Respona was spun out of Visme, the design site. The main function of the site is link building, but they have also built a powerful podcast matching engine. A particularly strong feature is that you can type in the name of a person and find all the podcasts that they have appeared on, and then have the AI generate pitch emails for you which are then sent to the podcast hosts, referencing the person who had appeared on that show.  

Conclusion

These platforms provide a variety of valuable services for anyone looking to expand their reach through podcast guest appearances. Each offers unique features to facilitate and optimise the booking process, empowering you to choose the best fit for your podcasting journey.

To build a personal connection with a host it is still really important to research the host, the show, and to write a personalised pitch letter. These matching sites will help you to find the host, but not convince the host to take you onto their show.

So remember, a podcast is a performance, and if you want to be on stage then prepare yourself to be the golden guest.