“I come from a place of abundance and I recognize the work you're putting into getting me featured and published in your show”
- Dr. Christine Perkins, guest speaker, Expert in Naturopathic Medicine

Introduction:

Explore the compelling reasons why it is entirely justified and normal for podcasters and show creators to charge guests for appearances on their shows. Learn about the substantial investment of time, effort, and resources involved in producing quality content, and understand how this practice benefits both hosts and guests by providing promotional value and contributing to the sustainability and growth of the medium. Dive into the mutual value exchange that takes place when a guest is featured on a podcast or show and discover why this practice is in the best interest of all parties involved.

With that said, here are 4 reasons why you should allocate part of your marketing budget to get featured and published on other people's platform, today! 👊

1. Producing a podcast or show requires a significant investment of time, effort, and resources.

Producing a podcast or show is no small feat. It is a painstaking process that encompasses pre-production planning, research, scripting, recording, editing, and distribution. This entire process requires not only a significant investment of time and effort but also a considerable financial outlay. Equipment, software, hosting platforms, and even compensation for production staff can amount to substantial costs. Given these realities, it is not only normal but entirely justified for podcasters and show creators to charge guests for appearances on their platforms.

2. Being featured on a podcast or show provides guests with valuable exposure to a targeted audience, similar to prime advertising real estate.

The promotional value that a guest receives from being featured on a podcast or show is immeasurable. These platforms often have dedicated and engaged audiences that can provide guests with direct access to potential clients, customers, fans, or supporters who are precisely aligned with their niche or industry. This level of targeted exposure is akin to prime advertising real estate, the value of which cannot be understated. When a business pays for an advertising spot, it does so with the expectation that this investment will yield returns in terms of increased visibility, brand awareness, and ultimately, revenue. Similarly, when an individual pays to be featured on a podcast or show, they are investing in an opportunity to significantly amplify their reach and impact.

3. Charging for features helps podcasters and show creators/hosts reinvest in their platforms, contributing to the sustainability and growth of the medium

Furthermore, by charging for features, podcasters and show creators can reinvest in their platforms, thereby contributing to the sustainability and growth of the medium. This revenue stream can be utilized to enhance production quality, expand reach, and ultimately, deliver more value to both guests and audiences. In an era where podcasts and online shows are proliferating at an unprecedented rate, ensuring that creators can generate revenue is crucial for the long-term vitality and health of the industry.

4. Featuring a guest is a collaborative effort that brings mutual value to both parties, warranting compensation for the host

Moreover, it is essential to recognize that featuring a guest is not merely a favor or courtesy extended by the host. Instead, it should be viewed as a collaborative effort that brings mutual value to both parties involved. Guests bring their unique insights, experiences, stories, or perspectives to the table, while hosts offer their platform, audience, and production skills. This reciprocal exchange of value is a two-way street that inherently warrants compensation.

Conclusion:

Charging guests for features on podcasts and shows is entirely reasonable and justified. The substantial investment required to produce high-quality content, coupled with the immense promotional value offered to guests, provides a solid basis for this practice. Furthermore, by contributing to the sustainability and growth of the industry, paying for features ultimately serves the best interests of both hosts and guests alike. The time has come for us to fully acknowledge and embrace the legitimacy of this practice, recognizing that the value exchanged in this context is truly reciprocal and deserving of compensation.