So you've decided to produce your own podcast. Good for you Podcasts are a tool that every information or learning content product marketer should be aware of. And probably should be involved with.

Podcasts can help you build your reputation. They can help you build traffic. They can help you connect with your audience. They can help you get your message out.

And podcasts come in many flavors.

Which is where the problem comes in. How do you decide which format you want to use?

Of course, choosing your format is complicated. Here are five basic questions you need to ask when determining the format for your podcast.

1. What is your audience's favored format?
Everyone has a format that they prefer to have information presented in. Especially when we are discussing the format of an entertainment alternative... which is the way podcasts are used. Determining the preference can be difficult but it can be done. And once you've determined the preference, it is always smart to follow your audience's preferences.

2. What is your favored format?
The reverse of course is also true. Each of us has a format which we are most comfortable working within. Maybe you prefer to teach. Or maybe you prefer to just comment. Or maybe you prefer to have a conversation with someone. Or maybe you prefer to answer questions. Maybe you're most comfortable doing a little of each. Your own preferences will affect the choice of a format. After all, you need to be comfortable with producing the podcast.

3. What formats are available to you?
There are times when you can choose from all the formats. But what happens if you can't find someone to interview? What if there isn't anyone else in your niche? What if no one in your niche is willing to be interviewed? What if you have a very limited niche and free teaching would eliminate too much of the material you are hoping to sell? Sometimes some formats just can't be used.

4. What is the best format to accomplish your objectives?
Podcasting is a tool. And like any other tool it needs to be used with purpose. What are your objectives in producing a podcast? Are you looking to build your reputation as an expert? Teaching might work best for that. Are you looking to build traffic? A column format might do the best job for that. And so on.

5. How long can you maintain that format?
Like any other product, podcasts have a life span. You run out of material. You run out of ideas. You run out of audience interest. The life span of your format needs to be taken into account. After all, you don't want your podcast to exceed the life span of your audience's interest.

Do you want to learn how to create information products (learning content)? Check out my new free eBook "7 Myths and Seven Tricks in Nine Steps": http://www.learningcreators.com/myths.htm

Do you want to read more free information like this? Go to my blog: http://www.learningcreators.com/blog/

Glen Ford is an accomplished consultant, trainer and writer. He has far too many years experience as a trainer and facilitator to willingly admit.

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