It’s a fact; podcast appearances are a great way to reach your market, increase visibility, and position your expertise.

However, those new to getting booked on podcast shows may experience situations they’re not quite sure how to handle.

Whether it be the host asking you to pay to be on the show, being required to pay a no-show fee, or a bait-and-switch where the only reason the host invited you on their show was to sell you their products and services, there are areas of uncertainty for guests.

Paying to be on Shows

As a rule, most hosts do not charge their guests. However, it is not unheard of, but before you agree to pay, determine if it’s a good investment.

Most experts shouldn’t have to pay to be on shows, but if you are asked, you want to make sure you are clear why.

In other words, what has to happen to justify the cost?

No Show Fee

Charging a “no-show” fee is a new one to me. The first time I heard this was a few days ago.

In all the time I’ve been hosting two shows, and being a featured expert on hundreds of shows, I’ve never come across this.

I’m not sure if this is a new practice, but most of the show hosts I know, do not have a no-show penalty fee.

Guests Paying for Host’s Products and Services

Investing in your personal and professional development is to be expected. It’s not unheard of for a guest to invest in the host’s expertise.

There’s nothing wrong with a featured guest investing in the products and services of the host, if the investment is one the featured guest felt called to make and did not feel pressured to make.

If, on the other hand, the host invites guests on simply to do a “bait and switch” sale that’s slimy business practices.

Case in Point

Many years ago, I was invited on a podcast with a focus on sales topics. Although somewhat new to being a featured expert on podcasts, I was not new to broadcast media, platform speaking, teleseminars and other platforms that put me in front of an audience.

As always, I showed up fully prepared.

The interview went great, but the host had a somewhat unusual request… a post interview debrief.

I thought it a bit odd, but figured he had a lot of experience, so I may find it beneficial.

What happened next took me completely by surprise.

“You know, you were really good, however, you could have improved here and here and here,” the host began picking apart most of my interview style.

Then came the offer. “For only $997 I can teach you how to give a GREAT interview. This is a lot less than I usually ask, but I really like you and you have potential,” was the jest of the pitch.

Again, there’s nothing wrong with investing in products and services a host offers, but when it’s done in an underhanded way to unsuspecting men and women, that might be considered unethical.

Ample Opportunity

As of December 2021, there are over 2,000,000,000 podcast show with over 48 million episodes.

Although not all shows are active, the sheer volume of shows lends itself to a great deal of opportunity.  

Hands down, podcast interviews are one of the best ways to share your message, reach your market and talk about your passion, hobbies, business, and expertise.

However, before jumping into book interviews, there are a few things you would be well served to know.