Podcasting For Bloggers and Small Business
Since the high publicity surrounding Podcasting in 2005 the shine appears to have faded and Podcasting doesn’t seem to have the popularity it once held. But for Bloggers and Small Businesses it is still an excellent tool to create valuable attractive content for a website and increase awareness over the internet. This section explains how Podcasting works, the tools needed to create a Podcast and the benefits of audio and video Podcasting.
What are Podcasts
Podcasts are digital files either audio or video released in a series and accessed by direct streaming or a download. In simpler terms Podcasting lets you automatically receive the latest episode of your chosen (audio or video) programme as it becomes available.
How to Get Podcasts
To view or listen to podcasts you need some computer software, there are loads available with the most famous being ITunes check out this list to find suitable software for you. Once installed you can go to any website offering podcasts and download them. Be aware not all Podcasts are free, you may have to pay to download popular shows etc.
Depending on the Software you use you can either copy a link to the podcast or press the subscribe button. The episodes will then get sent to you automatically. You can listen to the podcasts on your computer, mp3 players, or your mobile (cell) phone if your phone has the capabilities.
Creating a Podcast
To create a podcast you will need:
- A computer with a microphone (or a video camera for video podcasting).
- Computer software, the most popular free software is Audacity. There are lots available paid and unpaid.
- Web space – A website or a blog are ideal to host your podcasts (WordPress.com is free).
- Content – You will need a prepared script.
- Once complete you will need to advertise your podcast, through podcasting directories, prepare your podcast for mobile devices, set up RSS news feeds. Use all other social media tools to promote your podcasts, including Facebook, and Twitter.
This 3 Part Video series is very informative and will help give a clearer view on how to make a podcast
- How to Make A Podcast Part 1: Planning and Preparation
- How to Make A Podcast Part 2: Recording and Editing
- How to Make A Podcast Part 3: Publishing
Benefits of Podcasting (Video and Audio) for Small Business and Bloggers
In addition to creating attractive valuable content for your site Podcasting:
- is a great method to interview satisfied customers and spread your message.
- is a good way to hold Webinars and meet and build relationships with new contacts in your industry.
- can educate your visitors about how your products or services work (i.e. explaining functionality or instructions).
- can gain access to industry figures you would not normally be able to reach.
- can drive traffic to your site from directories and sites dealing only with podcasts (this would be unobtainable without the podcast). This means your online scope has increased and links to your site will show in more search results.
- can be played on, streamed and downloaded to mobile devices, which shows customer interest and can be enjoyed at their discretion. Unobtrusive Marketing.
Benefits of Audio Podcasting
Audio podcasting costs are much lower than video and are an appropriate tool with podcasts that don’t involve visual media. Listening to a voice carries warmth and allows the listener to use their imagination. With no visual media the podcast can be listened to in a car, commuting or in the background at the listeners discretion.
Benefits of Video Podcasting
Video Podcasting has more effect and impact with the use of sound and imagery and can be viewed on mobile devices on the move. The podcast can be downloaded as opposed to streamed which improves quality for people with low-bandwidth connections. See Video Sharing Online for more on video and the web.
Forms Of Social Media
Each form of Social Media listed below has a link explaining the method of use and how people, bloggers, and Small Business can use these technologies.
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