How to Get a “Yes” Every Time You Invite Guests Onto Your Podcast

Landing great guests is one of the fastest ways to grow your podcast and build credibility. But there’s a big difference between sending an invite that gets ignored and one that gets an instant, enthusiastic “Yes!” The secret? It’s not about your show — it’s about them. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to structure invitations so guests are eager to join you, using proven persuasion principles.

The Mindset Shift: It’s About Them, Not You

Most podcasters open their invites with a long description of their show. That’s a mistake. According to legendary marketer Dan Kennedy, people make decisions based on self-interest. When inviting guests, lead with their wins — not yours. Your invitation is essentially a sales pitch for their time.

Step 1: Lead with Clear, Tangible Benefits

Guests care about how being on your podcast will help them. Highlight benefits like:

Exposure to a targeted audience they want to reach
Evergreen content that continues to promote them
SEO & social media visibility from your promotion
A platform to share their story or offer

Example Line:

“We reach 3,500+ entrepreneurs every week who are actively looking for solutions like yours.”

Real Invite Example:

“I’d love to have you on the show to talk about how you built [Company Name]. Our listeners are early-stage founders hungry for insights on growth, hiring, and systems. Episodes like yours tend to get 500–1,000 listens in the first week, and they keep growing from there.”

Step 2: Add “Good Stuff” — Your Ethical Bribes

Give them extra reasons to say yes:

Professional editing that makes them sound great
Custom graphics they can share
Links to their website or offer in your show notes
Inclusion in your email newsletter

Example Line:

“You’ll get a promo pack with audiograms and shareable graphics so you can spotlight the episode easily on your own platforms.”

Real Invite Example:

“After we record, I’ll send you a personalized promo kit with video clips, quote graphics, and links. You’ll also be featured in our email newsletter that goes out to 2,000+ subscribers.”

Step 3: Build Trust with Proof

Show them it’s worth their time:

Share notable past guests
Mention audience size or engagement stats
Reference partnerships or press mentions

Example Line:

“Our recent guests include NYT bestselling authors, TEDx speakers, and top-ranked coaches.”

Real Invite Example:

“The last few guests included [Notable Guest 1], [Notable Guest 2], and [Notable Guest 3] — we’d love to add your voice to the mix.”

Step 4: Make the Process Easy

Reduce friction so they can say yes without hesitation:

Offer remote recording options
Give a simple outline of topics
Provide a one-click booking link

Real Invite Example:

“We record via Riverside or Zoom (your choice), and I’ll guide the entire 30-minute conversation. You just show up, and I’ll handle the rest.”

Step 5: Use Positive Urgency

Create a friendly reason to act now:

*”We’re finalizing next month’s guest lineup this week.”
“Only two interview slots left for September.”

Urgency works best when it’s tied to benefits:

“If you’d like the episode to launch in sync with your book release, I recommend we schedule this week so we can hit your timeline.”

Step 6: Give Them a Simple Next Step

Never end your invite without telling them exactly what to do next. Keep it one clear action:

Click to book a time
Reply with interest

Example Line:

“If you’re in, just click here to grab a spot that works for you.”

Real Invite Example:

“If this sounds like a fit, you can grab a time that works for you using this link: [Calendly Link]. I’m excited to make this happen.”

Full Sample Invitation

Subject: Invitation: Share Your Expertise with [Your Audience Name]

Body: Hi [First Name],

I host [Podcast Name], a show for [audience] who want real-world insights on [topic or theme].

I’d love to have you on the show to discuss [their area of expertise], especially how you [relevant achievement or story].

Here’s what you can expect:

Targeted Exposure: We reach [X number] of [audience] per episode
Done-for-You Promo Kit: After the episode, I’ll send you audiograms, quote cards, and links you can share
Effortless Process: Recording is remote, easy, and only 30 minutes. I’ll guide the entire conversation.

If you’re in, just grab a time that works for you here: [Calendly Link]

Thanks again, and I hope to connect soon, [Your Name]

How to Get Others to Help You Find Guests

Give your network a quick pitch they can share:

“I host a podcast called [Podcast Name] for [audience]. I’m looking for guests who [criteria]. It’s a great chance for them to reach a targeted audience and be featured in evergreen content. Here’s my booking link: [Booking Link].”

Final Tips for Consistent Yeses

Keep it short but packed with value
Personalize every invite with something specific about them
Follow up politely if they don’t respond

Big takeaway: The faster they can see “what’s in it for me,” the faster you’ll get that yes.