Setting Up a Podcast As Quickly As Possible

With this one simple article I'm going to show you how to quickly put together your own podcast. I won't be able to go into detail on everything, but I'll definitely get you started on the right track. And just so we start off right, I want to give you my definition.

Why? Because I've seen a lot of people put an MP3 file on their web site and proudly proclaim, "I have a podcast!"

Um, no. An audio file people can download is not a podcast. Even several audio files people can download isn't necessarily a podcast.

Here's my definition: A series of audio or video files that can be subscribed to and automatically downloaded as new episodes are released.

Notice I didn't say anything about whether the files are spoken word or music, whether they're amateur-hour or professional sounding, or even whether they are free or for pay. To be called a podcast you just need a series of audio or video files (how long that series lasts is up to you) that can be subscribed to so programs like iTunes can automatically download them when new episodes are available.

An episode can be a minute in length, or it can be an hour or more in length. If you're just getting started, I suggest going with a shorter length because doing a podcast requires a commitment and while you're raring to go right now with a marathon session, what about next week or the week after? Especially when some unexpected "life situation" pops up?

You can always go from a long podcast to a short one, or vice versa, but in general, the more consistent you are, the more comfortable your audience will be. And that holds true for more than just the length of each episode. There are some "stream of consciousness" podcasts that are good, but in general, a show that gives the audience great content in a format they recognize will do better than one that's all over the road every time.

I've found one of the best ways to create a podcast is with the "chunk" method -- it is created using chunks of audio that can be swapped in and out as needed.

For example, you'd record your introduction as one audio file. Answering emails from readers would be a different audio file. The main content would be a separate audio file. You'll end up with multiple files that can then be put together to create an entire episode.

The big benefit of this is two-fold. First, if you have paid sponsors for your podcast you can sell the space twice -- first as the "live" podcast, and a second time as a part of the archive. And since your podcast is put together in chunks, replacing one ad with another is trivial.

The second big reason is even better, because it's useful even if you're not selling ad space. You can create multiple chunks all at once, and then mix and match them in the future. Maybe you solicit listener feedback -- you can set up your equipment and record a half dozen snippets asking for calls and emails. That may be all you ever need for your podcast, because you just rotate them in one after the other from one show to the next.

There are many places in a typical podcast where pre-recorded snippets can be used. By setting up yours in such a fashion, each episode might only need the main content and a "personalized" opening or closing.

Which makes putting together a podcast quick and easy. Record the new chunks, grab some pre-recorded chunks, and "paste" them altogether. Voila, a new episode is done and ready to go!

Podcasts As Internet Marketing Tools - Is Audio Or Video Better?   6 Tips to Eliminate Background Noise in Your Podcast   Is Your Church Social? Part 17 - Podcasts - What is a Podcast?   10 Ways a Podcast Can Build Your Business   How Simple Podcasts Add Value to Your Small Business Website   

Why Podcasting Is Essential to Marketing

If you are looking to help your business by using a podcast then you are doing one of the best marketing things you can for your business. First you should know a bit about what podcast marketing is and how it works before you've made your full decision to try this marketing plan. Podcast marketing is defines as an audio file that can be shared from your website or social network. The podcast can be a recording of you talking about your business, building your bramd name or simply info type commercials.

Podcasts are meant to be give out information to your consumers and give a more personal aspect using your business to customer relationship. By giving them a personal voice to listen to, you are giving them someone to associate with.

A very important thing to remember about podcasting when it comes to marketing is that it's a very cheap way to get your message across the world. All that you will need in order to begin your podcast is a microphone, editing software, and a computer of some sort. Currently most computers already have an audio recording device built in to them. If the computer you have does not then you can purchase a headset for a rather cheap price.

Before creating your podcast you should be sure that you are going to focus on one single subject and you are speaking clear and well enough for your listeners to understand. The best way to gain any market from your podcasts is by keeping them pertaining towards your company.

Depending on where you host your podcast can also depend on how well it does with the market. Often iTunes is used for hosting podcasts. Thought iTunes is the one that is most often used there are other sites that can host your podcast such as Podcast.com and PodcastDirectory.com.

After the podcast has been created and uploaded it is best to put the podcast also on your company's website or blog that way your customers can also listen to them from the home page. Another great idea for getting your podcasts out there is by putting them on your company's social network site.

By creating a following you can be sure that your company is almost always being listened to and though of by your consumers. The more often you upload a new podcast the more visitors you may get.

As you can tell from this article, podcasting is a great way to get your company out on the market. Getting your company's name on people's lips and getting yourself out there by word of mouth, you are helping your company. The key strategy of this market plan is to make sure that you are completely prepared to publish any podcast and that you want them to hear.

Before you have fully decided to use a podcast as marketing for your company, be sure that you have some ideas planned out for a few of the different podcasts you are going to create. The goal is to be prepared and have your information out there for all of your current customers and future customers to have.

Podcasts As Internet Marketing Tools - Is Audio Or Video Better?   How to Make a Podcast For a Website   Is Your Church Social? Part 17 - Podcasts - What is a Podcast?   10 Ways a Podcast Can Build Your Business   How Simple Podcasts Add Value to Your Small Business Website   

Podcasting Tips

Podcasting is a little known, but extremely effective way to advertise and to create a huge following. Very few people are actually utilizing this form of advertising. It can really help with building your list as well because people are able to subscribe to your podcast from many different resources such as iTunes. They can take their iPod with them anywhere they go such as on a walk, driving, shopping and so on. Anywhere they go, you can go with them! It's also cost effective.

Many people are intimidated by the prospect of doing this form of advertising mainly because of the technical aspects of setting up a podcast and what to talk about. Actually it is a lot easier and more affordable than one might think. When I first learned about this form of advertising, I was actually surprised at how simple it really can be. If we can get past the initial intimidation factor and get started, it actually only takes about about 20 or so minutes per week, so it's also time effective. Here are some tips on how to get started...

Follow These Steps

1. You need a microphone. 2. You need an audio recording program. Audacity is an excellent free program that you can use. You can look it up on Google and download it for free. 3. You need a hosting account for your podcast. Just go to podomatic and they will host your podcasting account and actually give you a blog for your podcasting.

Happy podcasting!

Podcasts As Internet Marketing Tools - Is Audio Or Video Better?   Adding Great Audio to Your Website   Is Your Church Social? Part 17 - Podcasts - What is a Podcast?   10 Ways a Podcast Can Build Your Business   How Simple Podcasts Add Value to Your Small Business Website   Marketing With Podcasting   

Make Money Online Podcasting

Do you listen to the radio? No? Do you know that there are people who actually like to listen to someone talk over the Internet? There are people who like to record and post audio clips of themselves talking about a huge range of topics over the Internet. These topics range from lifestyle, technology to even religious topics. These audio files can either be pre-recorded clips, or streamed live just like a radio broadcast.

This phenomenon is know as podcasting. It is somewhat similar to blogging, except that instead of typing out the content, it is done through your voice. You can reap the same benefits of having a regular typed blog. It is just another approach of reaching visitors who prefer to hear a voice rather than read something.

To start podcasting, you would need some basic podcasting equipment like a headset, microphone and software that allows you to record audio. You can earn money via podcasting pretty much the same way you would with blogging. The revenue can be in the form of advertisements like Google AdSense, or may supplementing your income with other sourses of online revenue like affiliate marketing.

The shortest way to get started posting your first podcast is to create a website with which to post your podcasts on. The website will be something like a blog for posting podcast recordings. Next, record your content using audio recording software like Audacity if you don't already have one. Convert your recordings to small MP3 files. Next, upload your audio files along with descriptions about the podcasts to your website.

Add content as frequently to your website as possible so you build up a regular listener base who will keep coming back for more. The more visitors you have, the more revenue you can generate from your advertisements displayed via AdSense or whichever monetising effort you use. Pimp your site on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and forums.

Podcasts As Internet Marketing Tools - Is Audio Or Video Better?   Adding Great Audio to Your Website   Is Your Church Social? Part 17 - Podcasts - What is a Podcast?   How Simple Podcasts Add Value to Your Small Business Website   Marketing With Podcasting   How to Use Podcasting to Gain Authority For Your Business - Part Two   

Internet Marketing Tools - Are Podcasts Worth All the Effort?

The peeling of Apple's iPod broke all the records of the digital world. Use of Internet had become THE necessity for youth. Therefore, in 2004, the big dogs of internet fashioned an amalgam of portable playlists and internet (known as podcasting) which was another terrific addition to the toolkit of Internet Marketing.

A podcast is your talking blog and users can subscribe to it through RSS feeds where they receive the podcasts automatically. You don't have to own an IPod to create your podcast. In fact, it's just an audio file that you record on your computer. However, it's not as simple as it sounds. Creating a podcast is a tiring process. At first, you have to identify your niche and narrow it down. Then, you need to plan out your speech i.e. what all you're going to talk about. Finally, you record your speech, maybe, a hundred times before you get an appealing podcast. After you have recorded the podcast, you have to host it just like you host your websites. The host looks for RSS feeds and get audience to listen to your recordings.

Though, the real question is: Are podcasts worth all this effort? I believe that they are the most effective marketing tools there have ever been. In an era of change within change, the voice has and will always have the deepest impact on people. By creating your podcasts, you have your very own online radio show where you can talk to people about anything relating you, your business or your corporation.

The use of internet is limited but when we talk about iPods, they can be used anytime, anywhere. Whether you're working in your cubical or jogging in the park; you can listen to your IPod everywhere. Now, you can do the math and get an idea about how many people may "listen" to your talking blog. If you sound lively and energetic, you can easily gain your listener's attention and they are more likely to make a purchase at your store or whatever action you are asking them for because they will eventually start falling for your product/service.

iTunes, the leading resource of podcasts, is becoming more popular each day. Millions of people search iTunes everyday looking for exactly what you offer. Moreover, there's not much competition for your business on iTunes as it is on search engines because not many people are even acquainted with the term podcasting.

Above all, it's the best way to build relationships. Your convincing tone represents the strength and capabilities of your products/services. At times, people would even rate your product/service by judging your podcast's eminence. The reason is that if you sound confident and professional, you are perceived as an expert in your field.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab this startling opportunity right away and make your very own podcast. Who knows? Your podcast may take your business to the boulevard of success.

Adding Great Audio to Your Website   Is Your Church Social? Part 17 - Podcasts - What is a Podcast?   10 Ways a Podcast Can Build Your Business   How Simple Podcasts Add Value to Your Small Business Website   Marketing With Podcasting   How to Use Podcasting to Gain Authority For Your Business - Part Two   

I Love Podcasts

I love podcasts! If you haven't tried them yet, you might find they are a wonderful way to expand you knowledge while exercising or driving. Despite the name, which implies they are for an Apple iPod, podcasts are actually mp3 recordings that will run on any mp3 player or even on your computer if you have an mp3 player. Most sites with mp3 downloadable files also have a flash mp3 file you can use to listen to the recording right there. You can also Google - or use your favorite search engine, like Yahoo! to find "flash mp3 player" if you want to install one on your site.

In 2007, when I first started studying Internet marketing and social networking, I found numerous people providing free downloads of their teleseminars as samples of the types of training available with them. And I found a few courses I wanted enough to invest in. Because my curiosity and thirst for information greatly exceeds the amount of time I'm able or willing to invest in attending live teleseminars, the option to download to my computer so I can upload it onto my iPod has been great. I have a mobile classroom.

Because I find podcasts so helpful, it came as a shock when I read something on Paul Colligan's Business of Podcasting and New Media blog post, 1/28/09, "Podcasting Is Dead?"  Apparently some authorities claim podcasting is dead. Yet Paul showed a Google Trends graph that clearly indicates an incredible interest level in podcasts compared to social media, new media, and online media. Obviously the public still thinks podcasts are vital and important. You can find my comment; it's the fourth one down following "Podcastng Is Dead?"

What do you think about podcasts? What do you like or not like about them?

Adding Great Audio to Your Website   Is Your Church Social? Part 17 - Podcasts - What is a Podcast?   Marketing With Podcasting   10 Ways a Podcast Can Build Your Business   How Simple Podcasts Add Value to Your Small Business Website   How to Use Podcasting to Gain Authority For Your Business - Part Two