The podcasting world is booming, and 2025 is still shaping up to be a game-changer for businesses looking to stand out.
At Marketer on the Run, we’re seeing firsthand how brand and reputation building through podcasting can elevate businesses, we’re excited to share why business owners should jump into the mix by pitching themselves as podcast guests.
Let’s break down the stats and explore why this is your moment to shine.
The Podcast Boom in Numbers
The podcast industry is on fire, with over 4.42 million podcasts worldwide and a global listener base projected to hit 584.1 million by mid-2025. In the U.S. alone, 55% of the population aged 12+ tunes in monthly—that’s 158 million potential connections!
With the market size expected to grow from $30.03 billion in 2024 to $38.36 billion this year, and a staggering projected value of $131.13 billion by 2030, the opportunity for businesses is undeniable. Listeners are spending an average of 7 hours a week with their favorite shows, making podcasts a powerful platform for reaching engaged audiences.
What’s driving this growth? The rise of video podcasts—40% of U.S. weekly listeners now prefer the visual format—combined with a 27.6% compound annual growth rate, fueled by smart devices and on-demand content. Genres like business and technology are surging, with a 34% year-over-year increase in streams, appealing directly to entrepreneurs.
This isn’t just a trend—it’s a cultural shift, and businesses can ride the wave.
Why Pitch Yourself as a Podcast Guest?
For business owners, pitching as a podcast guest is a strategic move with big payoffs. Here’s why:
- Build Authority and Trust: With 70% of U.S. adults having listened to a podcast at least once, and 46% of weekly listeners making purchases after hearing ads, the medium breeds trust. Sharing your expertise on a show positions you as a thought leader, especially in niche markets where 30% more listeners tune in for guest-heavy episodes.
- Expand Your Reach: Podcasts are a discovery engine—40% of listeners find new shows through in-app searches or guest appearances. A single interview can expose your brand to thousands, tapping into audiences multitasking during commutes (71%) or chores (71%). For a Las Vegas-based business like ours, this means reaching beyond local markets to global listeners.
- Cost-Effective Marketing: Unlike pricey ad campaigns, guesting is often free, yet it delivers a 24% higher purchase intent compared to traditional ads. With U.S. podcast ad spending hitting $2.55 billion in 2025, brands are investing heavily—why not leverage that ecosystem without a budget hit?
- Network and Collaborate: Guesting opens doors to cross-promotion and partnerships. Industry experts featured on podcasts boost credibility, and with 55% of listeners tuning in to learn, you can connect with decision-makers who value your insights—perfect for B2B growth.
How to Get Started
Pitching yourself isn’t rocket science, but it takes strategy. Identify shows in your niche—business, marketing, or even comedy if you’ve got a flair like Tim Young from our speakers bureau.
One of our all-star clients, reality TV star Lannette West, focused on mental health and dating podcasts to help launch her motivational speaking brand. Learn how strategic podcast bookings helped Lannette find her voice and her audience.
Craft a concise email highlighting your unique value (e.g., your decade-plus marketing expertise or Las Vegas perspective) and tailor it to the host’s audience. Platforms like SpeakerHub or a simple Google search for “call for speakers + [your industry]” can uncover opportunities. Start with 5-10 pitches, and follow up politely—consistency pays off.
At Marketer on the Run, we’ve seen how guesting can transform visibility. Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this is your chance to amplify your voice. The podcast industry’s growth isn’t slowing down, and with the right pitch, you can turn listeners into clients.
Take the Leap
Ready to make waves in the podcasting world? Contact Marketer on the Run today to refine your pitch strategy or explore how our professional podcast booking services can connect you with the right podcasts.
Have a podcast of your own or interested in taking it to the next level? Our team has that covered as well.