Podcast Pitch Email

Craft and send personalized pitch emails to podcast hosts requesting a guest appearance for your founder.

Tool Options

| Tool | Method | Best For | |------|--------|----------| | Instantly | Automated sequence with merge fields | Pitching 10+ hosts at Baseline/Scalable | | Gmail / Workspace | Manual send from founder's address | Smoke test (5-10 pitches), high-priority targets | | Smartlead | Automated with inbox rotation | High-volume outreach at Scalable | | Mailshake | Email + social touchpoints | Multi-channel sequences |

Pitch Email Copy Framework

Email 1 — The Pitch (Day 0)

Subject: Guest idea for {{podcast_name}}: {{pitch_angle_short}}

Hi {{host_first_name}},

I listened to your episode with {{recent_guest_name}} on {{recent_episode_topic}} — {{specific_observation_about_episode}}.

I'm {{founder_name}}, founder of {{company}}. We {{one_line_what_company_does}}.

I'd love to come on {{podcast_name}} to talk about {{pitch_topic}}. Specifically:

- {{talking_point_1}}
- {{talking_point_2}}
- {{talking_point_3}}

{{social_proof_line — e.g., "I've spoken at X, been on Y podcast, wrote about Z"}}

Happy to send over a one-sheet with my bio and episode angle if helpful.

{{founder_name}}

Rules:

• Under 150 words
• Reference a specific episode to show you actually listen
• 3 concrete talking points (not vague "I can talk about growth")
• One line of social proof
• No attachments in first email

Email 2 — Follow-up (Day 5)

Subject: Re: Guest idea for {{podcast_name}}: {{pitch_angle_short}}

Hi {{host_first_name}},

Following up on my note about coming on {{podcast_name}}. I thought of another angle that might fit: {{alternative_angle}}.

If the timing isn't right, no worries at all — I know you're busy. Would love to connect for a future season too.

{{founder_name}}

Rules:

• Offer a different angle (shows flexibility)
• Give an easy out (reduces pressure, increases reply rate)
• Maximum 2 follow-ups total (podcast hosts get pitched constantly; 3+ emails = spam)

Email 3 — Final bump (Day 12)

Subject: Re: Guest idea for {{podcast_name}}: {{pitch_angle_short}}

{{host_first_name}}, last note from me on this. If any of these topics fit a future episode, I'm easy to book: {{calendar_link}}.

Happy to be a resource even without a guest spot — feel free to reach out if you need a quote or perspective on {{topic_area}}.

{{founder_name}}

Instantly Setup

Create the campaign

Using the instantly-campaign fundamental:

1. Create a new campaign named podcast-guesting-{date}
2. Upload the enriched host list from Clay
3. Map merge fields: host_first_name, podcast_name, recent_guest_name, recent_episode_topic, specific_observation_about_episode, pitch_topic, talking_point_1-3
4. Set sending schedule: Tue-Thu, 9am-11am in host's timezone (podcast hosts often record mid-week)
5. Daily send limit: 10 per account (low volume, high personalization)
6. Enable reply detection

Reply handling

• Positive (interested, send more info, let's schedule): Move to Attio, tag "podcast-booked", send one-sheet
• Soft positive (not now, maybe next quarter): Tag "podcast-nurture", add to quarterly re-pitch list
• Negative (not interested, not booking guests): Tag "podcast-declined", do not re-pitch
• Booking form redirect (they ask you to fill out their form): Flag for manual form submission

Manual Send (Smoke Test)

For the first 5-10 pitches, send from the founder's personal Gmail or Workspace account. This is higher-trust (personal domain, not a sales tool) and appropriate for Smoke test volume. Copy the pitch framework above, personalize each one by hand, and track in a spreadsheet or Attio.

Error Handling

• Bounce: Remove from list, try alternate contact method (Twitter DM, LinkedIn)
• No reply after 3 emails: Mark as "no response" — do not re-pitch for 6 months
• Out of office: Pause the sequence and restart when they return
• "We don't take pitches": Respect it. Remove permanently.