Starting a full‑scale podcast can feel overwhelming: gear, editing, publishing, promotion. Decibel Podcasts argues that one of the easiest ways to begin is not by launching your own show immediately, but by appearing as a guest on someone else’s podcast.
By being a guest, you get real‑world exposure to the process (what it’s like being mic’d, recorded, edited, promoted) without carrying the full burden of show ownership.
Three Steps to Taking That First Guest Role
According to the blog:
- Make a list of suitable shows. Start with podcasts you’re familiar with or where your expertise aligns. Your network counts. Decibel recommends beginning with hosts or shows you already know or have worked with.
- Approach hosts with a personalised pitch. You’ll want to explain what value you bring, perhaps share past recordings or a short voice note to demonstrate your sound and style. The article emphasises updating your website and profile first so hosts know what you stand for.
- Use guest‑matching services. If direct outreach is hard, joining services like PodcastGuests or Podchaser Connect can help you get matched with shows seeking guests.
What This Means for Local Creators & Small Business Owners
- Build your presence before launching your own show. As a small business owner or local creator, appearing as a guest helps you reach someone else’s audience and build credibility—and you can do this while planning your own podcast infrastructure.
- Understand the podcast workflow. You observe the full cycle—prep, recording, editing, promotion—without full responsibility, so when you launch your own show you’re better prepared.
- Grow your network. Guesting introduces you to other creators and hosts, which sets up future collaborations, co‑hosting opportunities or cross‑promo arrangements.
- Validate your message. If you’re exploring whether to start your own show, being a guest lets you test the waters—see how your message resonates, what questions come up, what audiences respond to—before committing to your own series.
Actionable Next Moves
- Make a spreadsheet of 10‑20 podcasts in your niche or local region you could guest on.
- Update your online profile (LinkedIn, website) so it clearly reflects your area of expertise.
- Craft a brief guest pitch (subject line, value statement, previous links/voice note, promotion plan).
- Choose one guest‑matching service and set up your profile or listing.
- While you’re guest‑ing, sketch your own future podcast plan: topic, format, target audience, release cadence—so you’re ready when you decide to launch.
Final Thought
If starting your own podcast feels daunting, begin by being a guest. That low‑barrier entry allows you to gain experience, build confidence, and network—all of which feed into a stronger eventual show. The guest‑first strategy is smart, practical and often overlooked.
