Get Blunt and Get Results: How to Write Pitch Subject Lines that Actually Get OPENED

When you’re pitching a guest spot on a podcast or a speaking gig, or even sending a weekly newsletter, a subject line like “Interested in Booking Your Podcast” or “Information about Speaking” is going to get tossed into the pile of 1,000 other ‘Yeah, no’s.’

Take a look at the last ten subject lines of emails you’ve sent that fall into that pitch category. How deep did you dive? What results did you get?

The goal here is to really hook the host/booker so they can’t help but open your pitch.

I recently gave feedback in our Podcast Pitch Perfect mini-course (it’s free–more details at podcastpitchperfect.com!) around this very same idea.

Take 'How can I support your work?' for example. Chances are A LOT of folks in ALL industries can (and probably do) use this same line. Which means that the host is likely to scroll right past it in their inbox.?

You need to both clarify what it is you're pitching (in this case, the participant had a VERY unique topic, which is a good thing!) AND draw them in to learn more.?

Not knowing more about what they actually offered, I sent three examples of how that pitch could be elevated to include a level of detail to spark the reader’s interest.

What did I add?

Detail. Intrigue. Interest. Flair.

Yes, flair.

Why Pitch for Podcast Guesting

Let’s take a step back for a sec. Why are you interested in being a guest on someone’s podcast anyway?

Is it to grow your brand’s reach with other people’s audiences??

Promote a new offer, book, website?

Share your knowledge? Enter into a satisfying, productive, and inspiring conversation?

All are valid–and all these reasons definitely change how you should be approaching your pitch.

(By the way, if you can’t answer that first question, it might be a sign to get in touch with a visibility and messaging partner who can help you get your ship out of dry dock!)

Podcasting continues to emerge as THE platform for storytelling, connecting, and educating in niche communities. For guests, being on an even remotely well-known podcast can mean reaching thousands of engaged listeners.

TL;DR: You want to get that guest spot.

Magnetic Subject Lines: A Simple Formula

Just. Kidding. There’s no specific formula, per se, because the magic is in imagining what it is that this specific person wants to hear, might be intrigued by, and might be interested in.

Your email subject line, then, should be 100% tailored to the person you believe will be clicking that Open button.

Here are a few ways to bring richness into that first impression.

1. Capture interest.
2. Convey relevance to the show’s audience.
3. Promote urgency (like adding in a month or date. Please don’t write the word URGENT. There’s no need for panic.)
4. Personalize the subject line.
5. Be concise (50 characters or fewer).
6. Lead with value. (Always.)
7. Generate curiosity (this may or may not be asking a question).

Next Steps

Want some feedback on your very own pitches? Our team is here for it! You got this!

Podcast Pitch Perfect is The Whitter Group’s free mini-course that leads you step-by-step to create the, ehem, perfect podcast pitch.

Learn more: podcastpitchperfect.com.

Want more personalized advice? Need a foundation for your messaging before you jump into the podcast guesting world? Book a call with our team to learn more about how we can get into the nuts and bolts of your messaging and visibility strategy. Find a date on our calendar here.