Archive for the ‘Podcasting’ Category

How to Market Your Podcast

Author: Robert Billings
by Theo McLanahan

Having a podcast is a fun and exciting way to grow your website traffic and connect with your customers. Just like your website, a podcast still needs to be marketed so people will find it. If you create a podcast and just stick it on the internet, it won’t attract much traffic.

There are many different ways to market your business podcast. If you’re looking at growing your list at the same time, you might opt to keep your podcast private. This is easy to do- set up a mailing list within your autoresponder for your podcast subscribers. Include the link to sign up on your website.

If you already have a mailing list, you could send them an email, letting them know that you are offering a new and exclusive podcast and encourage them to sign up for your new list. You also have the option of asking your affiliates to help you spread the word as well as buying paid advertising.

When ready to release your new podcast, send an email to those that are on your list. Be sure to include the downloadable link within the email. You can also market other products or services of yours to this list as well.

Depending on your goal (if it is to gain website traffic and find customers), you can make your podcast available to the public. There are many directories in which you can submit your podcast. People will seek out podcasts they may be interested in, and could easily find yours, even if they didn’t realize that your website existed.

You will need an RSS feed added to your podcast if you are to submit it to a directory. This works similarly to a blog directory. This is a very simple procedure; there are many different feeds to choose from- try doing a Google search to find one.

iTunes is most likely the most well-known podcast directory. You can easily add your business podcast to the iTunes store. By following this link: http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/store/podcast/ you will be directed to Apple’s Support page. Here you will find a form to fill out to have your podcast added. It will also answer any questions you may have.

There are also many other directories, and it is a good idea to submit to several of them. The more places you list your podcast, you increase your chances of someone finding your podcast. Podcast.com and Podcast.net are both large directories and great places to start. Again, performing a Google search will help you find more podcast directories.

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Choosing A Niche For A Podcast

Author: Robert Billings
by Theo McLanahan

Most businesses can somehow incorporate a podcast into their business. Here are some tips to find out how you should do so:

As more and more websites are adding audio features, you may find yourself bitten by the audio bug, too. It is a fun, simple thing to do, and it can add a lot of value to your site and help you connect to your readers in a new way. Podcasting is a great place to start, and just about any business can incorporate a podcast into their format.

In order to decide what type of podcast you should create, take some time and think about your target market. Back when you developed your business website, you likely thought about it for a few times, maybe even tried a few different formats before finding the right one. Here are some tips to help you find your business podcasting niche.

First, you must define who your target market is, and what topics they would want to learn more about. The best way to do this is to look at your website- add a website that compliments your existing content. With a podcast, you will be adapting the written content into an audio form.

For example, if you have a website filled with information for new moms, you can create a podcast with the same type of information. Some possible choices would include interviews with decorators on how to create a great nursery, a q&a session where first-time moms could ask more experienced moms questions, or you could just speak directly to your audience and give them your advice or feedback on products you have tried, books you have read, etc.

If your market is catered towards people who enjoy home repair, you would apply the same techniques mentioned before, but focus on the home repair market. If you conduct an interviews, hold answer sessions, or give information, you can include info about home repair specific targets.

If you find yourself stuck on what to put in your podcast, just ask your audience. You can set up a form on your website where people can tell you what they want to hear about. Include very specific questions, as the more detailed your feedback is, the better you can tailor your podcast to your target market.

Not only is this a great idea for coming up with podcast topics, but it will also help you develop your information products, and increase your profits and your website traffic. If you can work towards giving your audience what they want to hear, they will come back again and again.

About the Author:
by Theo McLanahan

While podcasts can be a great way to add interest to your website and attract new traffic, it can take some time to build up a steady audience. In this article we will go over some ways to keep your listeners coming back for each new edition of your podcast.

The first step is always to have high quality content. If your podcast provides helpful information in an entertaining format, your listeners will want to come back again and again. Interviewing experts, answering listeners questions, and having a co-host help you present the information will help you keep the show lively and fresh. If you run out of ideas, ask your listeners to send in some suggestions for topics they want you to cover.

You might want to think about having a “teaser” to keep your listeners coming back. Think about TV shows and how they feature a clip from the next episode, often after the ending credits roll. This excerpt gives the audience a “teaser” on what is upcoming; their curiosity will keep them coming back for the next episode.

You might also think about your local radio station. They typically hold several contests throughout the year- you can apply this principle to your podcast. Try teaming up with other website owners who might be willing to help you promote your contest, or to donate prizes. During each podcast, give out a clue, such as a keyword or phrase- something they can use to help them to win the contest.

If you have your contest set to be discussed on four or more episodes, at the end of the concert, ask listeners to send in an email stating all four clues. The first three correct entries would be eligible to win your prize.

Getting your listeners involved with your podcast is a great way to get them to come back for each new show. If they feel that they are a part of the podcast, they will be more loyal as listeners. Give them a number to call where they can leave feedback or record a promo message for your show.

This is something your local radio station may do as well. If you have ever heard them play the recordings of normal people saying “you′re listening to WWXX on 103.1″ or something along those lines, you know what I am talking about. This creates energy and excitement. The people you feature will feel famous if they hear their self on your show.

If you feel your podcast isn′t growing as fast as you would have liked, keep working on marketing it and developing quality content. Eventually, your hard work will pay off and you have a loyal audience.

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by Theo McLanahan

Internet radio shows are becoming the next big thing, with no signs of this slowing down anytime soon. Having a radio show is an effective way to get new customers, and grow your relationships with current ones. It is also a great way to establish yourself as an expert in your particular field.

You may be under the impression that publishing a radio show online is difficult or requires special equipment. Nothing could be further from the truth. There have been many advancements in technology and you can get started for very little upfront cost. You also have the option of monetizing your radio shows by accepting sponsors or promoting affiliate programs, which will definitely make up for expenses you accrue.

When you are looking at actually recording the show, there are many options you can choose from. One easy option is Audio Acrobat. They are a subscription service that makes doing a radio show or podcast recording very simple. Simply use a microphone connected to your computer, or you can even use a telephone. By phone, you are given a special phone number to call- it is also an easy way to get feedback from your listeners, collect testimonials, or even collect quick tips from featured experts.

When it comes to interviewing someone, you have a few options. You can use Audio Acrobat. Or, you can simply reserve a teleconference line. There are free options available, which you can find by doing a search online. Once you have confirmed the teleconference number, you give that number and pass code to the person you are interviewing. You then both call the teleconference line, and also three-way call the Audio Acrobat number and record the conversation you have.

You might also opt to use Skype, which is internet based. Skype allows you to talk to other Skype users for free, but there is a fee charged when talking to non-Skype customers. You use a microphone on your computer and log into Skype. The dialer system allows you to contact those with a phone number. Skype will let you record your conversation. Later, you upload that conversation audio file into Audacity.

What is Audacity? It is a free mixing and editing program that lets you combine several audio files into one single file. You can take your commentary, your interviews, your ads, etc, and create one audio file. At this point you use the free Lame Recorder to convert your file into an MP3.

Using Audio Acrobat gives you several advantages. You can upload your MP3 into your account and have it hosted free. You will likely want to create a streaming audio player which you will add to your website. Visitors can then listen to it when they’d like. Or, you can also provide a link which will let your visitor download it to their computer or MP3 player. Audio Acrobat also has iTunes registration, which means your listeners can get automated notification about any new recordings you submit.

If you choose not to go with Audio Acrobat, you can still put your audio files on your site. You will have to make sure with your hosting provider that you have enough space to upload it, as audio files certainly take up a lot of space.

Creating your own internet radio show can be such an easy endeavor. It is worth looking into as it can not only be simple, but also quite profitable.

About the Author:
by Theo McLanahan

“Content is king” is a motto that internet marketers have set the standard by for quite some time. And well they should- content is what causes search engines to find your site and send traffic to you. If you offer quality content, people will be more likely to return to your website when they are looking for more info on the subject you’re specializing in.

When we think about “content″, we first think about print content. There is a new and quickly growing type of content on the internet now, and that is audio content. If you give your customers print and audio content, you can take your website to that new level.

Having a combination of print and audio content will add needed variety to your website. When people surf the internet, they often get lost in a site that is too redundant. If you add audio to your site, it makes your website stand out. Why not try a recorded welcome message or background music? If you add audio to your blog, you can catch viewers’ attentions in a whole new way. This can also increase the amount of time people spend on your website, which is what you want.

There is no pleasing everyone, and you can’t be everything to everyone. However, adding a mix of audio and print content can help bridge the gap between the differences in people’s preferences and learning styles.

Some individuals like to read and use any “reading time” as relaxation time. These people often site at their computer, or print out the content and enjoy a drink while they read the information.

On the other hand, some people would rather listen to audio while they multi-task and do chores around the house, read email, or simply download the audio to their Mp3 player and listen in the car.

If you have both forms of content, it will be very helpful to those you want to teach. We all have different learning styles- some of us absorb info through reading, some prefer hearing the information to take it in. If you can offer your visitors a choice between the two, you will be able to reach more people with your content.

Add some variety to your content, and you will find yourself reaching a whole new customer because you’ve recognized people’s different learning styles.

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