The internet can give your business opportunities you never even thought of before. A few years ago, the price would have been extravagant for a small business just to afford the cost of advertising on the radio. Today a small business can easily afford the equipment, software or tools needed to quickly create their own podcast and get their business products and services in front of an audience of millions through the Web.
Before tackling the tasks of creating your own podcast however, you need to understand exactly what a podcast is. A podcast, sometimes called an audiocast is not much different from a radio broadcast, it is simply an audio file uploaded to a podcast Web site where listeners can then access the audio. A podcast can also be combined with video in video podcasting.
What makes podcasting special however is the fact that listeners can access the podcast "on demand." At any time, listeners can go online and listen to an audiocast using an audio player. They can also choose to download podcast and play from their computers media player or transfer the files to an iPod or any other portable media player. Listeners can also choose to subscribe using Real Simple Syndication (RSS), RSS feeds are designed to regularly check for new podcasts matching the listeners playlist are automatically received.
Before creating your own podcast, it’s a good idea to listen to a few podcast to understand how the podcaster holds the audiences attention, length of podcast and how elements such as music and guests are used to create an environment similar to what's found on a radio show. Podcasting can really cover any topic from talk shows, to expert advice, to guided walking tours, music and any other topic you can imagine. Podcasting doesn't just have to be used as part of a businesses overall marketing strategy, some individuals are making money with their podcast through advertising and sponsors.
The equipment used to create your podcast does not have to be expensive a number of free software products are being utilized for podcasting and hardware options are reasonably priced. Skype internet telephony application is useful for interview guest that you can't meet in person. Many laptops come equipped with built in microphones that can be used, though they don't offer the best audio quality they do provide a cheap alternative too those who are not ready to make a larger investment. You can even create a podcast using your mobile phone.
Podcasting is a smart and simple way to easily connect with your target audience. Whether you run an online website or sell an educational product, podcast allow your business to connect with its primary audience with little effort on your part. Though podcasting may have started out small interest has exploded, major names such as the New York Times and NPR have gotten into the podcasting business in order to create better customer contact and have better customer retention. The Apple iTunes store boasts over 100,000 audio and video podcast.
You understand the need for your business to create a podcast, you have the necessary equipment and the technical know how in order to produce high-quality podcast that will keep viewers turned in. But chances are you've forgotten one of the following steps. Before you put out that first podcast make sure you have everything in order.
Determine a Podcast Schedule
How many minutes long will your podcast be? If you're thinking about creating a weekly hour-long podcast, have you really considered the interest and attention span of your audience? Some podcasts are as short as 5 to 10 minutes long and most max out around 20 minutes long, though there are popular podcast running at 45 minutes are longer. To choose podcasting length review how often you plan on publishing it to the web. Daily podcast are generally shorter in length since information is given more often and is usually about current events.
The topic of your podcast and style of your podcast also determine appropriate length. For instance, when recording a talk show style podcast you might rely on a longer format to allow time for interviewing guest. Of course, if your podcast is on a really popular topic, such as entertainment listeners are more likely to stay tuned in for a longer duration of time. However even if your topic isn't as interesting as others if there is a strong niche that benefits from your podcast a longer length may not be a deterrent. Podcasts can also be broken up into smaller segments covering specific information to keep viewers from getting bored.
Practice Before Recording
Podcast are generally conducted in a conversational style of speaking. Though some podcasters may attempt to create a "fake" radio personality style voice, listeners can easily spot a fake. Instead, podcasters should speak in a relaxed natural tone of voice. Writing out a script and doing a run through, creates repetition, allowing you to naturally overcome nerves and avoid pauses and problems when you finally press record. Just as important as style of speaking is volume, talking at the same decibel is important to keep your listener from getting annoyed by a voice that booms out and then suddenly drops to a whisper.
Edit The Audio
Before uploading your podcast to the Web, it's important to review and fix the audio created. During playback problems with poor sound quality due to an inexpensive microphone, long pauses in conversation, coughs, throat clearings and other distracting background noises, can be pinpointed and edited out.
Add In Elements
Additionally, during editing, you can add in images and audio collected during a field interview or online conferencing and make your podcast more interesting. Adding in fading music to start and end your podcast are also popular for introducing the podcast. By using the same fading music each time, you can help create brand awareness of your podcast. Background music can also be used for enhancing the atmosphere for your audience.
This website uses cookies that are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the privacy policy. By accepting this OR scrolling this page OR continuing to browse, you agree to our Privacy Policy