Alright, let’s be brutally honest, if you’re trying to build authority (and hey, maybe snag a few of those elusive, high-value backlinks), the struggle is real. You’ve probably heard the buzz about being a podcast guest or contributing blog posts on someone else’s site. I used to think, “If it’s not on Google, does it even matter?” But times have changed. These days, your credibility might just hinge on whether your voice, and your story, shows up somewhere ears are actually listening, or eyes are thoughtfully lurking.
So, which gives your brand more bang for your buck? Let’s roll up our sleeves and break down podcast guesting vs blog guest posting: the whys, the hows, the good, the bad, and a few embarrassing tales from the trenches (yes, including that time I blanked on a podcast and accidentally said my own name wrong, true story).
Ready to figure out where you should put your energy (and maybe finally get your name pronounced right)? Let’s immerse.
Why and How to Be A Podcast Guest
Why would you step out from the comfy anonymity of the written word and let the world hear your voice? Because podcast audiences are hungry for expertise, and, trust me, there’s something magnetic about being invited to share your thoughts on air, it beats yelling into the Twittervoid any day.
Let’s get practical. Most podcast hosts are searching for folks with real stories, hard-earned insights, or just a truly entertaining take on a niche topic. Your chance to shine isn’t limited to big-budget productions like “The Tim Ferriss Show.” There are thousands of micro-podcasts looking for guests, and sometimes those close-knit audiences lead straight to meaningful connections, and (let’s be honest) customers.
When I first nervously pitched a solo-preneur podcast, shakily typing out my value prop, I never expected a reply. Fast forward a week, and I was chatting about SEO, fielding DMs from listeners, and replaying my awkward “Hi, I’m…uh, me.” intro for days. Point is: the barrier to entry is lower than it seems, and the reward? Huge.
How to Step Up as a Podcast Guest:
- Pinpoint your expertise or unique story.
- Research relevant podcasts, think niche, not just numbers.
- Craft a pitch (don’t worry, we’ll get into this soon).
- Practice answering on-the-fly questions (bonus: record yourself to catch the “ums” and “likes”, future you will thank you).
Ready for the play-by-play comparison? Let’s talk real-world benefits of guest podcasting vs. guest blogging.
Benefits of Guest Podcasting Vs. Guest Blogging
Ready for some friendly competition? Let’s stack up guest podcasting and guest blogging side by side. You’ll be surprised by what makes podcasting (sometimes) the secret weapon you need.
1. Backlinks. Backlinks. Backlinks.
Here’s the headline: guest podcasting delivers SEO firepower, that sweet, juicy backlink from a podcast’s show notes often lands on your homepage or pillar piece (not lost in a blog author’s credits page.). After my first real podcast appearance, I noticed a referral spike in Google Analytics I never got from dozens of guest posts. And most hosts? They’re happy to link to your site, your lead magnet, and even your social.
Blog posts can net you links, sure. But you’re fighting for a spot among a sea of pitches, and sometimes competitors with deeper pockets snatch up the choicest placements.
2. Warm Introduction to a Captive Audience of Potential Customers
A podcast audience has already bought into the host’s expertise. When the host says, “I’ve invited Sarah, she’s brilliant at Facebook Ads,” that’s a trust shortcut. Blog readers scan and bounce: podcast listeners, by comparison, stick around. The voice-to-brain pipeline is just more direct. The best leads I’ve gotten? Honestly, not from bylined blog bios, but from actual listeners who said, “Heard you on XYZ Show.”
3. Two Forms of Social Proof
Not only do you get to say, “As heard on…” (cue humblebrag), but the episode itself lives forever as a shareable, embeddable asset. Unlike a forgotten old blog post, a podcast interview is evergreen, and it often pops up in Google results for your name.
4. Quality Content Asset You Can Use
That episode isn’t just for listeners, it’s leverage. I’ve sliced interviews into LinkedIn teasers, audiograms, even used clips as icebreakers in sales calls. Guest blogs? Sometimes the only re-use is padding your portfolio.
5. Being a Podcast Guest is Usually Free
Paid guest posts are a thing now (ugh, don’t get me started, $300 to get your “thought piece” published?.). Most podcast guest spots are free, except for maybe the cost of a mic upgrade. The bar to entry? Caffeine, confidence, and a pitch.
6. Less Competition to Get Featured
Let’s spill some tea: everyone knows how to pitch a blog post. But most folks are too shy (or doubtful) to pitch podcasts. Fewer pitches, more chances. I once got three bookings from a single afternoon of outreach, and I’m not exactly Tim Ferriss.
7. Not a Lot of Effort Required
Sure, you should prep, but you’re not crafting a 2000-word masterpiece (like this one). Recording a podcast is usually one conversation, say, 45 minutes max. Try that with guest blogging, unless you ghostwrite for a living (in which case, bless you).
8. Builds Your Network
There’s a difference between an editor who says “thanks” in email and a podcast host bringing you on as an actual conversation partner. These relationships have legs. Many of my strongest digital marketing friendships started from being interviewed.
9. Guest Appearances Can Easily Snowball
It’s like tattoos, once you start, hosts notice when you mention other shows you’ve been on. Momentum builds. Shows want proven, trusted guests. Sometimes, one fun chat leads to three more invites in your inbox. Blog guesting? Sometimes you’re lucky if anyone notices your last byline.
Still love writing? No beef there, guest blogging still matters (hello, authority-building and written backlinks.). But podcast guesting? The perks just have a little more flavor… and way more staying power.
Drawbacks of guest podcasting over guest blogging
Let’s not sugarcoat, podcast guesting isn’t all high-fives and instant stardom. Here are the flip sides:
1. You Can’t Outsource It, and it’s Not Scalable
With guest blogs, you can sometimes get a ghostwriter to do the legwork. Podcasting? It’s your voice, your stories, your flubs (yup, every “uhh”). There’s no “podcast ghost voice.” If you want to scale, tough luck.
2. Guest Podcasting Is Not For Everyone
Nervous Nelly on the mic? It’ll show. Podcasting rewards confidence, a bit of charisma, and a knack for chatty storytelling. I spent my whole first interview thinking about my sibilant S’s (and, honestly, if my laugh sounded as weird as it does in recordings). If being “on” makes you sweat, guest blogging lets you craft and polish in private.
3. Podcast Guesting Requires Some Investment
Let’s talk gear: A halfway decent USB mic (Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB mini, $100-ish) is pretty much required if you don’t want to sound like ‘90s dial-up. Throw in some time for prep, a little sound-proofing, and perhaps a Zoom Pro subscription, and it adds up. Not ruinous, but yeah, it’s an investment guest blogging just doesn’t demand.
Bottom line: Podcasting is personal. It’s less about cranking out content at scale and more about showing up, genuinely and vulnerably, for an invested audience. Make sense?
How to Become A Podcast Guest
If you’re feeling that pod-itch (no, it’s not contagious), here’s some real talk about how to land your first, or tenth, podcast guest gig… without embarrassing yourself, or, at least, not more than the rest of us.
How to Find Relevant Podcasts to Be a Guest On
Start niche. A million downloads isn’t the goal, your perfect audience is. I’ve had better ROI from appearing on a regional marketing show than chasing after monster podcasts where I’m one of thirty guests. Where do you begin?
- Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Search keywords related to your area (bonus points for “new shows” looking for guests).
- Podcast marketplaces like Podchaser or tools like Podcast Backlinks help you zero in on shows welcoming experts.
- Social media threads, there are always calls for guests.
Pro tip: Don’t ignore indie podcasts just because they “only” have a few hundred listeners. Smaller shows often mean more engaged fans.
How to Find Podcasters’ Email Addresses
Most hosts list their contact or guest inquiry info on the show’s site or in episode notes. Can’t find it? Try these:
- Use contact forms.
- LinkedIn profiles (sometimes with an email in the “About”).
- Tools like Hunter.io or Voila Norbert for finding emails associated with podcast domains.
- Good old-fashioned DMs: A well-crafted DM can work wonders, just don’t lead with your pitch in the first line. Say you’re a fan.
What Should You Say in a Podcast Guest Pitch
Short answer: Keep it punchy, personalized, and don’t be a robot (no, “Dear Podcast Host, I am writing to…” nonsense).
Here’s a quick template I’ve used with success:
- Start with a genuine compliment (“Loved your episode with Jane Doe on email disasters.”).
- Show you know the show (reference a specific episode/topic).
- Briefly state your expertise (“I help SaaS startups kill churn with quirky email campaigns, happy to share insider fails and wins”).
- Propose 2-3 specific angles that fit their listeners.
- Add your links, previous guest spots (if any), and thank them for considering.
Personal story: My highest response rates came when I made the host smile in my opener. One time, after referencing a hilarious gaffe I heard on their show, I was invited on with, “Anyone who laughed at that joke is my kind of guest.”
Sending Your Pitch and Following Up
Sent your pitch? Wait a week. If no answer, send a gentle, friendly nudge (“Just making sure I didn’t land in spam city, totally get how busy things get.”).
Don’t get discouraged by silence. Some pods queue months ahead. And if it’s a “no,” ask politely for feedback. Sometimes they’ll point you to other, better-fit shows (true story: I landed my favorite spot ever this way).
Preparation matters. If you get a yes, ask for an outline or sample questions in advance. Don’t wing it on topics you know little about (I learned the hard way: let’s just say, I don’t “do” crypto).
A little charm, specific value, and genuine connection go a long way, and sometimes open bigger doors than you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions about Podcast Guesting vs Blog Guest Posting
What are the main differences between podcast guesting and blog guest posting?
Podcast guesting involves sharing your expertise in audio interviews, reaching engaged listeners directly, while blog guest posting focuses on contributing written content to other websites. Both methods build authority, but podcasts often offer stronger audience trust and more memorable personal branding opportunities.
Which is more effective for building backlinks: podcast guesting or blog guest posting?
Podcast guesting can be more impactful for building backlinks since most hosts add links to your site in episode show notes, which can boost SEO and referral traffic. Blog guest posting also offers backlinks but may face more competition and less persistent visibility over time.
How do I choose between being a podcast guest and writing guest blog posts?
Consider your strengths and audience. If you enjoy speaking, podcast guesting is ideal for personal connection and credibility. If you prefer crafting written content, guest blogging may suit you better. Explore both to maximize reach and authority in your field.
Are there any drawbacks to podcast guesting over blog guest posting?
Yes, podcast guesting isn’t easily outsourced; you must appear personally, which requires time, preparation, confidence, and sometimes equipment investment. Additionally, it may not suit those uncomfortable speaking live, whereas guest blogging allows for editing and privacy.
Is podcast guesting more scalable than guest blogging for authority building?
Guest blogging is generally more scalable because you can outsource or write multiple posts. Podcast guesting typically requires your direct participation, so scaling is limited by your availability and willingness to appear on shows.
What’s the best way to pitch myself as a podcast guest?
Personalize your pitch by referencing a specific episode or insight, clearly state your unique expertise, and propose topics relevant to their audience. Keep it concise and authentic, offering past interview links if available. Politeness and a touch of personality help you stand out.
