In 2013, Jessica Rhodes sent her first podcast pitch email – on behalf of her dad.

She had just left her door-to-door fundraising job and was looking for a way to work from home while raising her newborn. Her dad, a business coach and early podcaster himself, suggested she start a virtual assistant business. He became her first client, and one of her early tasks? Get him booked on podcasts.

Back then, podcast guesting wasn’t a thing. Hosts weren’t used to receiving pitches. No one had a one sheet. Jessica was, quite literally, creating a new category from scratch.

Since that first pitch, Jessica has built the world’s first and leading podcast booking agency, Interview Connections. Her team has booked over 30,000 interviews for more than 800 clients. And she’s learned a lot about what makes podcast guesting actually work.

In our recent conversation on Business Origin Stories, Jessica generously broke down her best strategies for turning visibility into real growth, and I’m breaking them down for you here.

Start with Strategy,
Not Just Story

Podcast guesting can grow your business, but only if you treat it as a strategy.

Too often, entrepreneurs jump on podcasts hoping for exposure. But without a clear goal, target audience, and call to action, visibility doesn’t translate to sales.

Here’s where Jessica recommends starting:

• What’s your goal? Be specific. Are you looking for more clients? Wanting to build your email list? Launching a book?

• Who’s your target audience? Get crystal clear. “Business owners” is not enough. What kind of business? What stage are they in? What do they struggle with?

• What do you want to be known for? This informs the questions you want to be asked—and the stories and value you’ll bring to the table.

Think Like a Host

Hosts aren’t just doing you a favor by giving you airtime — they’re trusting you with their audience. Make it easy for them to say yes by sending a clean, compelling pitch that includes:

• A short bio
• 3-5 topics you can speak to
• Suggested questions
• A headshot

And once you’re on the mic? Respect the space. Good guests know how to:

• Bring energy and intention
• Share stories, not just advice
• Keep the host in the conversation
• Land the plane (i.e. know when to stop talking)

Jessica says it simply: “You imprint in people’s minds when you share something that creates emotional connection.”

Don’t Skip the Call to Action

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when guesting on podcasts? They don’t give the audience anywhere to go next.

A good call to action is aligned with your goal and meets listeners where they are in the journey.

Here are two smart options Jessica sees working well:

1. Book a call (for high-touch services or sales-ready leads)

2. Offer a freebie (for listeners who are curious but not ready to jump in)

And your CTA doesn’t have to be complicated. Her advice: make it clear, make it easy, and make sure it serves your people.

What Happens After the Interview Matters Most

Jessica calls it the “green room moment” – those few minutes after the recording stops, when you’re still face-to-face with the host.

That relationship? It’s gold.

“The ROI often doesn’t come from the audience,” she told me. “It comes from the host.”

That could mean an invitation to teach inside their membership, speak at their event, or collaborate in ways you never expected. But only if you nurture the connection, stay in touch, and genuinely show up to serve.

Make the Most of
Every Interview

One interview can become dozens of touchpoints for your brand. Repurpose your appearances into:

• Audiograms or video clips for social media
• Email content with key takeaways
• Blog posts (like this one!)
• Snippets for your website or speaker page
• Quotes of graphics for LinkedIn and Instagram

The key is to keep sharing. Not everyone will hear the full episode, but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from your message.

You Don’t Need a
Bigger Audience

If you’ve ever felt like the best kept secret in your industry, podcast guesting might be the bridge you’ve been looking for. When done well, it connects you to aligned audiences, builds genuine relationships, and positions you as a trusted voice in your space.

But it doesn’t happen by accident.

It takes practice, clarity, and the willingness to share your story again and again.

Because visibility without intention is just noise. But when you show up with strategy? That’s when your story starts to work for you.

Want the full conversation with Jessica?

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and hear exactly how to make your next podcast interview your most powerful marketing move yet.

And be sure to download Jessica’s ULTIMATE Interview Connections Podcast Prep Checklist.