Introduction- What Is Podcasting?
Do a search on Google for “podcast” and you’ll get over 80 million results. Obviously, podcasting isn’t the fad that many people thought it was, when it first came on the Internet scene.
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In just a few short years, podcasting has made its way into the public consciousness, and everyone from NPR to Oprah has joined in.
Whether you want to get more organized, perfect your Chinese, learn relaxation tips, or get great music to run by, there’s a podcast for you.
Business people, passionate hobbyists, and everyday people are launching podcasts in record numbers.
With just an internet connection and an MP3 player or computer capable of audio playback, millions of listeners can download and listen to your voice or video virtually anywhere in the world.
While there are thousands of podcasts available, there’s always room for one more, and creating and promoting your own podcast is an excellent way to take the step to connect with your existing audience and also reach a larger one.
Podcasting 101- What Is a Podcast?
In simplest terms, “podcast” is typically used to refer to an electronic audio or video file delivered via download on the Internet. Here are the most common questions newcomers have about podcasts:
1. Who can podcast?
The world of podcasters is as wide and diverse as the world of bloggers. There are popular podcasts on everything from technology to sports to gaming to weight loss.
Just like with a blog, you can start a podcast on virtually any topic and publish it, if you have the desire to do so.
2. How do people create podcasts?
You can create a podcast with very simple audio or video recording devices or recording software. Some podcasters record with Skype.
Other podcasters just use the telephone. The media file (usually a mp3) is then uploaded to the Internet for download and is made available for listeners.
3. Do I have to pay to create a podcast?
Again, just like with blogging, there are free and paid options for creating and hosting your podcast online.
You do not have to pay to create a podcast or have it listed in the major directories, such as iTunes, but you may choose to pay for software, recording devices, and/or online hosting.
4. Will my audience need an iPod to listen to my podcast?
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to have an iPod to listen to a podcast.
Your audience can listen directly on their computer with an interface like iTunes, or download the file to an MP3 player and listen on the go. They can even burn podcasts to a CD or DVD if they prefer – and many do.
5. Do listeners pay to download podcasts?
Most podcasts are free, but you do have the option to create a pay-to-play podcast. Obviously, your podcasting goals will help you determine whether or not you charge listeners, and how much you ask them to pay.
6. Can people subscribe to my podcast?
Listeners can subscribe to your podcast via an RSS feed, which allows them to receive the latest episodes of your podcast directly to their computer. This means your podcast gets pushed automatically to your dedicated listeners.
7. How often do I release new episodes?
Podcasts can be daily, weekly, monthly, or any other interval. The most successful podcasts are released on a regular schedule.
Some podcasters create a certain number of podcasts in a series – say, a series of 10 or 12. Others podcast in perpetuity, for as long as they choose to keep publishing new episodes.
8. Can I make money podcasting?
Just like with blogging, most podcasters don’t make money, but it is possible to do so. There are several different ways to make money podcasting, from charging for your podcast to finding advertisers and sponsors.
Also, podcasting can help you to drive traffic to your products and services – which is where most podcasters realize profit.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what podcasting is, let’s move on to the next topic: Why podcasting is good for your business.
Why Do I Need a Podcast?
Think back to the time you first heard of blogs. Or Twitter. Or FaceBook. You probably asked yourself, “Why in the world would I want to do that?”
And now you may be wondering the same thing about podcasts – what’s the point? Well, wonder no more!
Podcasting can do everything from making you into a world-renown expert, to adding some cash to your wallet. There are several main benefits that podcasting can bring to your business:
1. Exposure. By creating a high-quality podcast, you are offering another way for people to find out about you. Individuals who might never discover your website or blog can find you on iTunes, for free.
(As of today, reports show that there are over 160 million iTunes users. That’s a significant audience.) Plus, it’s always smart to offer another way for customers to consume your information.
You can appeal to those in your audience who might not be interested in reading your blog or website. For instance, commuters who listen to podcasts in the car or walkers and runners who listen while out in the fresh air.
In sum, podcasting helps get you in front of more people who can buy your product or service.
2. Expertise. Speaking regularly on a topic you’re familiar with is a fantastic way to cement yourself in people’s minds as an expert.
After all, if you’re delivering great content to them, month after month, and you sound like you know what you’re talking about, you must be an expert, right?
Also, interviewing other experts gives you “expertise by association.” Just think about Oprah – she’s become an expert on everything from weight loss (over and over again!) to women’s undergarments.
Her expert status comes not from years of research and training, but from interviewing OTHER people with years of research and training.
3. Networking. What better way to make a connection with an industry mover and shaker than to offer them a platform to share their information?
Interviewing people is a great way to connect with them and to establish a relationship. And while you can interview people by email, doing so “live” on the phone takes the relationship to another level.
4. Money. Though money probably won’t start pouring in the second you record your first podcast episode, podcasting does provide several ways for you to make money.
You can sell advertising and sponsorships, you can review products for a fee, you can charge subscribers to listen to your podcast, and you can sell your products or affiliate products on your podcast.
Obviously, the larger your audience, the higher potential for earning.
Convinced that you need a podcast to promote your business?
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