Layer 3: follow-ups that actually work 🎙️

Layer 3: follow-ups that actually work 🎙️

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Clear pitches still get ignored. Here's why — and the simple fix.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

 

Hi Newsletter Subscribers,

 

Over the last two weeks, we've been building a simple, layered approach to podcast pitching.
 
Quick recap:
🧱 Layer 1 — Clarity
Who you are, what you'd talk about, and why it matters.
 
🕰️ Layer 2 — Timing
Why this conversation makes sense right now.
If those two layers are in place, there's one final piece that quietly determines whether opportunities move forward… or just fade away.
 
Layer 3: follow-up.
 
And this one matters for guests and hosts alike.
 

😬 Why follow-ups feel awkward (and why they matter)

Most people avoid follow-ups because they're worried about:
 
😕 sounding pushy
😬 being annoying
🚫 reminding someone who already decided “no”
 
So they stay silent and assume no reply means no interest.
 
In reality, no reply usually means:
 
⏰ the message was read at a bad moment
💭 it was interesting but not urgent
📥 it got buried
 
A good follow-up doesn't pressure.
It simply re-opens the loop.
 

🎙️ Guest: follow-up template (modular + low pressure)

Send this 7–10 days after your original pitch.
 
Use only the parts that still make sense — everything here is optional by design.
 
Hi (Host Name),
 
Just wanted to gently follow up in case my note below got buried.
I reached out about chatting on (Podcast Name) around [brief topic reminder].
 
(Optional — include only if still relevant)
If helpful for context, this was connected to [light timing anchor or recent theme] you've been exploring.
 
(Optional)
I've included a short one-pager with topic ideas and background here, in case it's useful:
(single link)
 
Totally understand if the timing isn't right — just wanted to close the loop.
 
Thanks again,
(Your Name)
 
Why this works
✨ it reminds the host who you are
✨ it reminds them why you reached out
✨ it includes context without forcing effort
✨ it gives an easy out
✨ it doesn't re-sell or over-explain
 
One follow-up like this is professional.
More than one usually isn't needed.

🛑 When guests should stop following up

There are clear stopping points:
 
🛑 the host explicitly says no
🛑 the host asks you to check back later and you ignore that
🛑 you've already followed up once
 
Silence after a clean follow-up is usually your answer — and that's okay.

🎧 Host-side follow-ups (equally important)

Hosts also leave loops open — often unintentionally.
 
Clear follow-ups save time, reduce awkwardness, and keep relationships intact.
 
Here are three simple templates hosts can actually use.

✅ Inviting someone on

Hi (Name),
 
Thanks so much for reaching out — this feels like a great fit.
 
I'd love to explore having you on the show.
 
Can you share your availability over the next few weeks and any preferences around topics or format?
 
Looking forward to it,
(Your Name)

❌ Polite “not a fit right now”

Hi (Name),
 
Thanks for reaching out and for the thoughtful pitch.
 
It's not quite the right fit for the show at the moment, but I appreciate you taking the time to get in touch.
 
Wishing you all the best with your guesting.
 
Take care,
(Your Name)
 
Clear, kind, and closed.

🔀 Redirecting to another podcast (underrated move)

Hi (Name),
 
Thanks for reaching out — while it's not the right fit for my show, I actually think your topic could be a great match for (Other Podcast / Host).
 
You might want to reach out to them and mention I suggested it.
 
Wishing you luck,
(Your Name)
 
This:
 
✨ helps the guest
✨ strengthens your network
✨ makes you memorable
 
It's one of the most generous things a host can do.

🧠 The full layered strategy (now complete)

🧱 Be clear
🕰️ Be timely
🔁 Follow up calmly
 
Most people stop after the pitch.
Very few close the loop well.
 
That's where momentum actually lives.

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✅ This week's move

Guests:
✍️ Pick one pitch you sent earlier this month
🔁 Send one thoughtful follow-up
 
Hosts:
📬 Close one open loop — yes, no, or redirect
That alone puts you ahead of most people.
 
Happy Collaborating,
__
The Podcast Collaborative Team 
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