You were great on that podcast, but now what?

How to get invited onto podcasts and climb the podcast ladder.

They’re everywhere, right? Everyone’s listening. Some people are hosting. And if you’re smart, you’re thinking: “Hmm… maybe I should get on one.”

And yes ,you should.

Podcasts are one of the best ways to build your personal brand. You get to speak in your own voice, share your story with depth, build trust with someone else’s audience, and if you do it right… you get invited to more.

But here’s what most people don’t realise:
The real work begins after the interview is over.

Most guests treat it like a “one and done.” They show up, chat, thank the host, maybe post a link once and then disappear.
But if you want podcasts to actually grow your brand, open doors, and position you as someone people want more of?

You need a strategy.
(Don’t worry, I’ve got you.)

The podcast ladder (and how to climb it)

I recently watched a video by Daniel Priestley where he broke this down perfectly. (You can find it here, start at 10.07 to see the podcast pyramid) The short version? Don’t start with Diary of a CEO or The Tim Ferriss Show. You’ll get ignored.

Why? Because those hosts get hundreds of pitches and they don’t want people who are trying to get on the show. They want people who’ve already proven themselves on other shows.

That’s the secret. You don’t ask for the big podcast. You earn it by making your way up the ladder, one great episode at a time.

Here’s how that works:

Step 1: Start with the podcasts you can get on now.
Smaller shows, niche audiences, or people in your network. These hosts are usually thrilled to have thoughtful guests and will give you space to shine.

Step 2: Treat every episode like your TED Talk.
Don’t wing it. Don’t sell. Come prepared. (But not with cue cards, not with a script, don’t be a robot) Tell stories. Be generous. Be memorable. Let the host walk away thinking, “Wow, that was one of the best conversations I’ve had.”

Step 3: When the episode goes live… promote the hell out of it.
Most people think the host is responsible for getting listeners. Nope. That’s your job too.

Post it on LinkedIn. Share a clip on Instagram. Write a newsletter about what you talked about. DM it to a few people who’d love it. Post again a week later with a different hook.

If your episode becomes one of the most listened-to on that show? The host will probably ask you back. And more importantly, other hosts will notice.

That’s how you climb the podcast ladder, not by pitching Diary of a CEO, but by earning your way there.

So should you start pitching yourself?

Yes, but do it right.

✅ Find podcasts you genuinely love (or at least listen to).

✅ Lead with value, what can you share that helps their audience.

✅ Add proof, like a previous episode, a talk, or even a LinkedIn post that resonated.

✅ Suggest 1–2 potential topics or titles to make it easy to say yes.

You don’t need a giant platform to start. You just need to start and be the kind of guest you’d want to listen to.

Want help pitching yourself, or turning one interview into a personal PR moment? That’s exactly what my company, Brandfixers, help clients with. Reach out and I’ll show you how to turn your next podcast appearance into a branding goldmine.

/M.