Podseeker Step-by-Step Guide

For PR professionals looking to secure guest spots on podcasts, Podseeker is an incredibly handy resource. Below is a step-by-step guide that walks you through how to make the most of its features, from signing up to sharing media lists and sending effective pitches.

1. Introduction / Getting Started

Podseeker is the all-in-one platform for discovering, pitching, and getting booked on top podcasts. Whether you're a seasoned PR professional or just starting out, Podseeker streamlines the process of finding shows that are relevant, active, and open to guest pitches.

Once you’re in, you’ll have access to the most effective podcast search engine and database designed specifically for podcast PR pros.

2. Searching for Podcasts

One of the main goals of Podseeker is to help you find guest-friendly podcasts in your niche. The platform’s search results are optimized to highlight shows that:

  • Have guests
  • Are active (i.e., regularly releasing new episodes)
  • Have a sizable and engaged audience

2a. Recommended Settings

When starting a search, you can use Podseeker’s filters to home in on the best possible show matches for your client:

  • Has Guest
    • Ensures the results only include podcasts that accept external guests.
  • Recency < 1 month
    • Focuses on shows that have released at least one episode in the past month.
  • Listeners (3,000 - 10,000)
    • Targets podcasts with a mid-range audience, giving you a balance of reach and engagement.
  • Category (e.g., Entrepreneurship, Wellness, Technology)
    • Allows you to zero in on niches that align with your client’s expertise.

By applying these “recommended settings,” you’ll cut down the noise and generate a list of potential shows that are more likely to be a good fit.

2b. Advanced Search: Exclude Filters

If your initial searches pull in too many irrelevant shows—or you want to eliminate extremely broad categories—Podseeker’s “Exclude” feature is your best friend. Here’s why and how to use it:

  • Why Exclude?
    • Sometimes, generic categories like “Business” or “Education” can make your results too broad. Excluding these large buckets can uncover more targeted sub-categories that fit your niche perfectly.
  • How to Use It
    • Type Your Main Keyword: For instance, “entrepreneurship,” “marketing,” or “personal finance.”
    • Select the Categories to Exclude: If you see “Education” or “Business” returning too many generic results, simply add them to the Exclude list.
    • Combine Other Filters: Continue using Has Guest, Recency, and Listeners Range to further refine your results.

With these filters, you’ll have a more curated list of shows that are likely to be a good fit for your pitch.

2c. Examples

Let’s say you’re targeting podcasts in the K-12 education space because your client is a thought leader in public schools.

Below is a screenshot of a search for “k-12” with these filters: “Has guest,” “Recency < 1 Month and 1-2 Months,” and “USA.”

Screenshot of search page before exclude filters

You’ll see shows such as K-12 Greatest Hits, Teachers in America, and Teachers Aid. These might be great fits if your client focuses on public school initiatives. However, notice that Making The Leap is geared toward Christian education. If that’s out of your scope, you can exclude the Christianity category. Here’s what happens after we exclude it:

Screenshot of search page after exclude filters

We now have 132 results instead of 136. “Making The Leap” and three other Christian-focused podcasts are gone from the list, making your curated search more aligned with your client’s needs.

3. Podcast Evaluation

Now that you have a refined list, the next step is to evaluate whether these shows are a good match for you or your client. Click on a podcast to view its details.

What You’ll Find

  • Show Status: Title, publisher, active status, and whether they invite guests.
  • Contact Information: Primary emails, contact pages, and other ways to reach out.
  • Categories & Tags: Helps you see if the podcast aligns with your topic and audience.
  • Estimated Audience Size: Gives you an idea of listener numbers.
  • Gender Skew, Ratings, Reviews: Useful data to gauge demographics and popularity.
  • Episode Info: Episode titles, topics, and guests, which can give you a feel for the show’s style and whether your expertise fits.
  • External Links: Website, RSS feed, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, social media channels.

Once you’re in, you’ll have access to a powerful search database designed specifically for podcast PR pros.

Why This Matters

  • Avoid Wasted Time: Quickly rule out inactive shows or those that don’t fit your subject matter.
  • Check Past Guests: If you see similar guests or topics that align with your expertise, that’s a good sign.
  • Listen In: If needed, listen to a sample episode right in Podseeker to get a feel for the host’s vibe and audience engagement.

4. Podcast Curation with Team Media Lists

Screenshot of team media lists

After you’ve identified a good lineup of shows, it’s time to organize your outreach. Podseeker’s Team Media Lists allow you and your colleagues to share and manage prospects together.

  • Add to a Media List
    • Quickly place a podcast you’ve vetted into a shared media list for easy tracking.
  • Collaborate as a Team
    • Some people might specialize in finding the shows, others in evaluating them, and still others in crafting the pitch. Having all these leads in one place keeps everyone on the same page.

You can create as many media lists as you need—think of them as buckets for leads at different priority levels (high, medium, and low). This structure helps you tackle the most promising podcasts first, while leaving room for “maybe” or “long-shot” opportunities.

5. Pitch and Get Booked

Here’s where all the legwork pays off. Pitching to podcasts effectively can be a bit of an art:

  • Timelines Vary: Some shows plan their entire season months in advance, while others welcome new guests continuously.
  • Relationship Building: It’s often about connections. Maintain contact over time—don’t just reach out once.
  • Compelling Pitch: Highlight your (or your client’s) expertise, how it complements the show’s current content, and what unique angle you bring.

Using Podseeker AI Pitch

For an extra edge, consider using Podseeker’s AI pitching tool:

  • Input Your Details: Provide information about your background, topics, or clients.
  • Personalize the Pitch: Let the AI know what makes you an ideal guest—share relevant experience or success stories.
  • Get an Outreach Template: Use the AI-generated pitch as a baseline, then refine with your personal touch for each podcast.

Remember: a tailored pitch stands out more than a generic, mass email.

That’s a wrap on this quick guide! By focusing on active, relevant podcasts and using Podseeker’s data-driven approach, you’re well on your way to finding the right shows to boost your podcast PR efforts. Good luck, and happy pitching!