A PodMatch Overview for Hosts and Guests (why I 💛 it!)

As an author, are you ever overwhelmed by the thought of finding podcast guests or landing guest spots on other shows? 

Trust me, you’re not alone. 🙋🏻‍♀️

The back-and-forth emails, the countless hours browsing potential guests or shows, and don’t even get me started on the cold pitches … ugh, the nightmare! 

That's why when I discovered PodMatch, it felt like all my podcasting prayers had been answered. 🙏🏼

Whether you're a host looking for stellar guests or a guest aiming to land interviews on great shows, PodMatch is the service for you!

Apple / YOUTUBE / spotify / YOU CHOOSE

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

What is PodMatch?

Simply put, PodMatch is like a matchmaking service, but instead of pairing singles looking for love, it connects podcast hosts with potential guests and vice versa. 

Alex Sanfilippo, who also hosts the Podcasting Made Simple show, is the brain behind this genius idea. And if you've been following my content, you know I've raved about Alex’s wisdom several times from hearing him speak at Podcast Movement and the Spark Conference.

He's a genius and SO passionate about podcasting!

Who is PodMatch For?

PodMatch is perfect for authors looking to build their audiences and market their books. 

If you are a podcast host, PodMatch is a great way to connect with guests to collaborate with and share on topics you want to cover.

If you are an author, you may be looking for shows to guest on to serve audiences full of your target readers. PodMatch makes it easy to search and find those podcasts that are in alignment with your message.

PodMatch offers a simple month-to-month membership, so there are no long-term commitments to stress you out. As a podcast host you can even get started for as low as $6 a month like I did. Even their highest membership tier (at the time of this writing) is only $62 a month. Trust me, it's really priceless!

Though I’ve primarily used PodMatch as a host, I can’t wait to test the waters as a guest too. The platform has introduced me to 17 amazing guests so far, and I wasn’t even actively looking for them! 

Sometimes things just align perfectly, don’t they? 

Tips for Podcast Hosts to Maximize PodMatch

Using PodMatch as a podcast host is like having a personal assistant scan potential guests for you. 

The best part? You get only three guest matches at a time so you’re not overwhelmed. That's right, only three. It’s manageable, it's convenient, and you can review them whenever you have the time. You click ‘match' if you’re interested, or ‘pass' if you're not. It’s as simple as that!

But guess what? You can also search for other guests manually if their automated suggestions aren’t hitting the mark for you. Depending on the membership tier, you even get advanced search capabilities and other cool features.

Make Your PodMatch Profile Shine

Y'all, your profile on PodMatch is everything. Think of it as your first impression on a podcast host (or guest) you are pitching.. 

Lead with what's in it for the listener.

It’s all about showing the value you bring right off the bat. 

Instead of saying, “Best-selling author,” try something like “I help readers xyz”.

Don't forget to use keywords in your PodMatch profile.

If your expertise is in mental health, parenting, or Christian living, make sure it's crystal clear so the platform can do its job effectively at matching you with hosts and guests.

Upload your best pictures and not just headshots.

If you’re an author, throw in some fun shots with your book. The host will appreciate the variety when it comes time to promote your episode.

Link Your Lead Magnet on PodMatch.

When you're setting up your PodMatch profile, don’t forget to include your email lead magnet. Hosts love it because it makes their job easier when they’re putting the show notes together. 

Plus, it might just pique their interest enough to check out what you’re offering themselves, which is an added bonus.

Allow PodMatch to save you time.

The beauty of PodMatch is it works for you behind the scenes. If you don't want to take time to search out shows to pitch, sit back and let it do its magic.

One of my clients, Healey, who is an author and busy mental health professional, has been on 15 shows in a very short time thanks to PodMatch. She expressed in a recent strategy session that she didn't have time to pitch herself to guest on shows. Well surprise surprise, she'll be sharing her success in an upcoming podcast episode, so stay tuned! 🥳

Please don’t mass pitch in the PodMatch DMs.

If you want to pitch hosts in addition to the automatic matches, please please don’t just copy and paste your PodMatch bio into the DMs to pitch hosts. We can see right through those cookie-cutter messages, and it's honestly a bit annoying. Luckily PodMatch limits the number of messages you can send to help avoid this.

When you're ready to pitch, put relationships first and take the time to tailor your message to each host you reach out to. If your pitch doesn’t quite fit their current needs, but the host still takes the time to reply thoughtful feedback, consider it part of your relationship-building journey. Those responses are golden!

Using PodMatch for Book Marketing

Now, authors, let’s talk strategy for a second. When you’re knee-deep in a book launch, you want to get on as many relevant shows as possible, right?

But think outside the book too. 

You might be able to speak on podcasts about broader topics that intersect with your expertise. As a special needs mom, I could talk about autism, balancing business and caregiving, and so much more. Consider these topics too when creating your profile.

The broader your reach on PodMatch, the more likely you are to find readers in places you wouldn’t have thought to look.

More PodMatch Perks I love

As if the above wasn't reason enough to use PodMatch, here's a few more perks I love.

Active profiles only

Alex keeps the PodMatch platform as valuable as possible so members get deleted if they haven’t been active in 30 days. No worries about ghosting or no replies.

Affiliate Income and Commissions Available

Alex really wants to support independent podcasters so PodMatch offers both an affiliate program for all members and a commission program for podcast hosts.

Depending on the membership tier of your PodMatch guest, you can even earn a small commission when your episode goes live. How cool is that?

Whether you’re an author looking to expand your audience or a podcast host wanting to streamline your guest-hunting process, PodMatch is the tool you didn’t know you needed. 

Go on, give it a shot and see what you think.

And if you do sign up, let me know! I’d be happy to give your profile a quick audit and share tips based on my experience as a Podcast Host.

Cheering you on, one podcast at a time,

Kim

Try out PodMatch

Book a Strategy Session with Kim

🎙️ Create your podcast pitching strategy (#32)
🎙️ How to Pitch a Podcast (#34)
🎙️ Get your home base ready before pitching (#47) 
🎙️ Avoid the mistake of cold mass pitching (#57)
🎙️ Avoid the mistake of cookie cutter pitches (#58) 

Hear from guests I connected with on PodMatch: