Hey, Podcasters! Quick question: Have you created an elevator pitch for your podcast? You should! A podcast elevator pitch is a key tool in the podcaster’s toolbox!
Whether you’re introducing yourself and your show at a podcast event, or pitching your podcast to a potential sponsor — you need to be able to capture their attention and get them on the same page as quickly as possible, so that you can go in with your proposition — whatever that may be.
And the best way to do that is with an elevator pitch.
What is a Podcast Elevator Pitch?
An elevator pitch, in general, is a concise and compelling description of ‘something’ – this could be yourself as a personal brand, your business, the company you work for, or your podcast. It’s basically a “sales pitch” that can be delivered in a short amount of time, typically around 30 to 60 seconds. The length of an elevator ride. Hence the term.
And the purpose is to capture the attention of whoever you’re talking to. And then create the opportunity for a more in-depth follow-up conversation.
An elevator pitch for your podcast serves as a snapshot that communicates the unique value, content, and appeal of your show in a way that sparks interest and encourages some sort of follow-up. And it’s in the follow-up that you can then lay out your proposition, your request for sponsorship or partnership, or whatever it is that you’re looking for.
Why Do You Need a Podcast Elevator Pitch?
In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to effectively communicate your ideas in a concise and compelling manner is an important skill. Time is precious. You need to be able to capitalize on the time you’re given whenever you meet with potential guests, sponsors, or networks.
Whether you’re at a podcast conference, meeting potential sponsors at a podcast event, or in an actual elevator with your dream guest (stranger things have happened!) you need to be able to “pitch” your show in a way that grabs whoever’s attention and opens the doors for further talks.
But besides being an amazing asset for those “elevator” moments, having a great podcast elevator pitch ready to go is useful in plenty of other situations, too!
Whenever you need to submit a quick overview of your show, pull on your podcast elevator pitch!
Use it when you submit your show to different podcast awards programs.
Or add it to your media kit, or add parts of it to your email sign-off or your social media bios.
Related read: Podcast Awards 2024: How to Get Your Podcast Nominated
The bottom line is that having an excellent and effective podcast elevator pitch ready to go is incredibly beneficial, elevator or not!
Want to create an elevator pitch for your show? Then keep reading! As we walk you through how to create the perfect podcast elevator pitch!
The Key Components of an Effective Podcast Elevator Pitch
1. Clarity and Focus
You start creating your amazing podcast elevator pitch by beginning with your focus. You need to first clearly define the purpose of your pitch. Whether it’s looking to land sponsors, pitching ad space on your podcast, seeking collaboration opportunities, or even pitching yourself as a speaker at an upcoming podcast event, clarity is key. You want to focus and zero in on the most essential aspects of your show. Those defining factors that make your show unique. List all of these. Then pick the ones that best align with the purpose of your podcast elevator pitch.
Bonus Tip!
While you’re in the process of creating your podcast elevator pitch, it might be a good idea to craft a couple of different versions. The bulk of the pitch would be the same. But depending on what you hope to achieve with the pitch, the focus might change. So taking the time to create a few versions could pay off big in the long run!
2. A Compelling Hook
Next up, you want to craft a compelling hook to help you start your podcast elevator pitch off with a bang! A captivating hook helps to grab attention and pique curiosity. And it keeps your audience “on the line” so that they’re engaged and focused on what comes next.
Your hook could be anything that helps ‘set the scene’ for your pitch. It could be a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic, or even a funny or heart-warming anecdote relevant to the purpose of your pitch.
3. Value Proposition
Next up, every elevator pitch has a value proposition. If your focus is the “why” of your pitch, the value proposition can be viewed as the “what” of your pitch.
It’s here that you clearly and succinctly articulate the value you offer or the problem you solve. Again, this should be aligned with the purpose of your pitch.
But when it comes to thinking of your value proposition, think about the answers to the following questions:
- What sets you apart?
- What makes your podcast unique?
- How do you stand out from other shows in your niche?
- What could your show offer potential sponsors?
- What makes you as the host different and unique?
Finding the answers to these types of questions will help you zero in on your value. And from there, you can build the value proposition into your podcast elevator pitch.
4. Authenticity and Passion
Number 4 is another essential element of an effective elevator pitch…authenticity and passion. If you want your elevator pitch to do its job and create that opportunity for a longer conversation, you need to be authentic.
We get a read for people pretty quickly. And someone who is being fake or insincere in their elevator pitch is not getting any further than the floor they’re getting off on!
So allow your pitch to highlight your passion for your podcast. Remember, passion is contagious and will leave a good lasting impression! Helping you land that follow-up!
5. Tailored to the Audience
Next, you want to tailor your elevator pitch to whoever it is you’re addressing. We’ve already shared that creating a number of different versions is a great idea, and this is why. You can then pull from your different versions so that you’re tailoring each pitch to whoever it is that’s on the receiving end.
Is it a marketer who likes stats? Lean in on your show’s metrics.
Is it a brand that your audience loves? Highlight the loyal community you’ve built around your show.
Remember the majority of the pitch will likely stay the same. But you do need to be able to think on your feet a little and tailor it to whoever you’re pitching to, and matching your points to their values.
6. Call to Action
Finally, wrap up your podcast elevator pitch with a clear call to action. (CTA). Think about what you want to achieve with your elevator pitch, and then frame your CTA around that. It’s best to be fairly direct here. Not pushy or manipulative. But straightforwardly state what you’re looking for as the next step, and invite the person you’re talking to to then take the next step.
And to round off the post, here are some bonus tips to help you take your podcast elevator pitch to the next level. (Pun intended. Obviously.)
4 Bonus Tips for the Perfect Podcast Elevator Pitch
- Practice, Practice, Practice: This goes without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway. For your podcast elevator pitch to actually be effective, you’re going to have to practice it! Practice delivering your pitch until it flows naturally and effortlessly. You want to feel really comfortable delivering it “on demand”, and this will only happen through practice.
- Keep it Concise: Keep your podcast elevator pitch short and sweet. This helps you get to the heart of your show quickly, without diluting your pitch with unnecessary information. Remember, your aim is to convey maximum impact in minimal time.
- Find the Balance Between Features and Stats: Another insider tip for mastering the art of the podcast elevator pitch is to understand the balance between features and stats. And then, taking that a step further, understanding how to play those to your benefit. Your elevator pitch should include both the stats that sponsors are usually looking for, in terms of download numbers, audience size, etc. But it should also show the ‘intangible’ metrics such as your loyal audience, the trust you’ve built up, and the way your podcast meets the needs of your audience. Get a quick read on the person you’re delivering your pitch to, and then find the balance between sharing stats vs sharing features.
- Ask for Feedback and Adapt: Finally, but importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and input. When it comes from people you trust like your mentors, friends, or family, constructive criticism is invaluable! Use their feedback to refine your pitch or adapt it where necessary and you’ll have the perfect podcast elevator pitch for your show.
And That’s It on the Podcast Elevator Pitch!
A great podcast elevator pitch is a must-have tool in the podcaster’s toolbox! The time it takes to craft an amazing elevator pitch will pale in comparison to how often you will use it. Whether that be when you’re reaching out to potential sponsors, looking for new guests, or using it to open doors at podcasting events or networking opportunities.
By following these guidelines and putting in the effort to craft a compelling and memorable pitch, you’ll be well-equipped to make every second count and leave a lasting impression on your audience. So, polish your pitch, step into that metaphorical elevator with confidence, and seize the opportunity to let your podcast shine!
Want to learn more about elevator pitches? Check out this video!
