Saturday, November 1, 2008

An Introduction To Podcasting

By Theo McLanahan

Podcasting has become the new internet marketing trend, much like blogging had the last few years. If you search the internet, you can find podcasts on all subjects- interviews, "how-to" information, and even audio blogs.

The term "podcast" comes from the MP3 player created by Apple, the iPod. A podcast is an audio file that has been made with the intention of communicating information to the public.

A large percentage of business podcasts are designed to be similar to a radio show. The podcaster may interview guests that have knowledge on their particular website topic, or the podcaster might go solo and do all the talking themselves.

You may be wondering about the reasons to start a podcast. First of all, it is a great way to increase traffic to your site. People love podcasts and they search podcast directories and iTunes for new podcasts to listen to. They may stumble upon yours, without ever knowing your site existed. If they enjoy your podcast, they will want to check out your site.

You may wish to use your podcast to promote affiliate links and products. If you sell an particular info product, you can discuss it on your podcast. If you are an affiliate for another company, you can review their product on your podcast, then tell your audience if they want more info they can get it from a page on your site that will redirect them through their affiliate link.

Podcasts will also help you develop relationships with your customer and prospective customers. Your customers will listen to your show, and will feel as though they can get to know you. As they continue to listen to your information, they will start to think of you as an expert in your particular field. You will become that person that they will go to for more information in that subject.

A great way to make more money from your podcast is to accept advertising or sponsorships. If you play an advertisement (this would be similar to your local radio station's ads), you charge. Or you can charge a fee to interview someone if they would like to promote their business on your podcast.

If you're interested in trying out podcasting, a very easy way to start is to use Audio Acrobat. Audio Acrobat is a monthly fee-based service; you record your message with a computer microphone or with your telephone. Through the audio service, you then create streaming audio players that you post to your website, as well as links for others to download your podcast to their computer or MP3 player. - 15465

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