Podcasts are simply feeds of straightforward MP3 files that may be hosted by any web server. Nevertheless, many podcast producers expertise hassle protecting their sound files accessible to audiences, particularly when podcast episodes grow to be extraordinarily popular. Most cheap internet hosting providers do not necessarily concentrate on podcast hosting. Consequently, when many listeners attempt to access a single podcast file directly, arduous drives can lock up, servers can seize, and internet hosting accounts can quickly run past their allotted bandwidth allowances.

Subsequently, many experienced podcast producers host their podcast feeds and sound files at specialized companies away from their foremost servers. That approach, if a selected podcast gains national or worldwide consideration, a podcast hosting provider can handle the load without charging excess overage fees. Likewise, many of the greatest podcast internet hosting suppliers cost far less for data storage than traditional internet hosts, since audio information can simply be moved and copied within data centers. Here is three of the most effective podcast internet hosting suppliers on the market.

HipCast.com. Operated by Eric Rice, HipCast is one of the best podcast hosting suppliers for new podcasters. HipCast offers simple controls that let inexperienced customers create and add podcast records data instantly from their web browsers. With just a microphone and a reside net connection, you possibly can have your own podcast up and running in a matter of minutes. HipCast's inexpensive pricing, with packages underneath five dollars per thirty days, make it easy for budding podcasters to experiment without breaking the bank.

AudioAcrobat.com. If AudioAcrobat resembles HipCast, it's as a result of both companies share a typical technical infrastructure. The marginally more expensive AudioAcrobat does not share all of HipCast's easy running a blog features, nevertheless it does carry a few unique benefits. For instance, users may give out a "visitor line" phone number that enables podcast listeners to depart reactions as voice mail messages that can be integrated into podcast playlists.

Liberated Syndication. Whereas requiring a little bit more technical sophistication, LibSyn is without doubt one of the best podcast internet hosting providers due to its progressive pricing structure. LibSyn fees its customers based mostly on the variety of new material they add to the server each month, with no expenses for information transfer. That method, podcast producers that have a sudden surge of interest after receiving attention from a major web site like Fark or Digg can rest easy. LibSyn's powerful servers will deal with a heavy load without putting an surprising burden on the pocketbook.

The Story Behind Baptist Church Podcasts

When podcasting emerged as a means for technical specialists to share info with each other a few years ago, few individuals considered the impact that podcasting could have on religion and spirituality. Nevertheless, latest research signifies that Baptist Church podcasts and other spiritual "godcasts" are growing faster than all other varieties of podcasts, combined.

It makes excellent sense for Baptist Church podcasts to develop so quickly - evangelical church buildings spread the phrase about Jesus Christ as a part of their on a regular basis mission. Tech-savvy preachers and their technical groups realized shortly that recorded sermons may simply be repurposed into podcasts. Preachers and different religious leaders cannot solely connect with members of their own flock, however they'll attract trustworthy listeners from all over the world.

Baptist Church podcasts may also play a job in fundraising. Now that it has become comparatively easy for listeners to subscribe to podcasts without a lot technical knowledge, churches and other non-secular organizations can attain out to listeners for on-line donations. Some podcasts use toll free phone numbers to gather donations. However the most effective church buildings and charities use free or cheap tools from corporations like PayPal to spice up the quantity in their collection baskets every week.

Baptist Church podcasts hold listener interest by mixing sermons and Bible readings with live music and commentary. In some communities church podcasts provide more comprehensive local news protection than some radio stations or newspapers. Different spiritual podcasters use their audio feeds to promote modern Christian music and to promote church-sponsored events.

Baptist Church podcasts aren't the only religious audio feeds obtainable online. Each faith practiced on Earth is represented someplace in the podcasting universe. One reporter for the British newspaper, The Guardian, even found a Buddhist podcast produced as an interest by knowledgeable crisis administration consultant.

No matter denomination, listeners of religious podcasts benefit from the alternative to embrace their spirituality throughout the week. Some subscribers to Baptist Church podcasts report listening to upbeat religious music on the treadmills at their gyms. Different listeners use calming meditations and benedictions to relieve stress at work or on the road. Enterprise travelers listen to Baptist Church podcasts in accommodations and in airports to stay related to their congregations while easing a sense of loneliness that may set in on the road.

As a rising number of churches spend money on podcast production technology, expect to hear even more Baptist Church podcasts in the near future.

Further Resources:

Edmonton Journal

The Guardian

The Story Behind the Guiding Gentle Podcast

With rankings flagging for one of many oldest exhibits in cleaning soap opera historical past, executives at CBS determined to launch an experimental podcast of "Guiding Light." In some ways, as Vauhini Vara of the Wall Avenue Journal points out, the move is a return to the present's roots. The Guiding Gentle Podcast reconnects the series to its origins as a radio soap opera within the late 1930's. Immediately podcasting know-how signifies that followers no longer have to collect around the radio - or even the television - to enjoy the devious plots cooked up by the characters of Springfield.

The Guiding Light Podcast provides far more than just the audio observe from yesterday's episode. A podcast producer actually strips out commercials and remasters the audio so listeners can perceive everything that happens in an episode. Since it may be difficult for listeners to know when a villain is hiding within the bushes or when a heroine is gazing longingly at her man, a narrator helps fill in gaps in the action.

CBS launched the Guiding Gentle Podcast without ads to help promote the present and construct an extra direct relationship with a younger audience. Network executives hope that the Guiding Mild Podcast can encourage tech-savvy fans to begin grabbing the TV present utilizing their TiVo’s. Once the viewers for the Guiding Gentle Podcast grows large sufficient, producers count on to support its manufacturing prices with subtle advertising at the start and at the finish of every episode.

Executives at different networks are desperate to see how the Guiding Gentle Podcast helps grow viewers for CBS. All the broadcast TV networks, in addition to many cable outlets, have experimented with companion podcasts for his or her greatest shows. However, most of those podcasts are technical commentaries by the present's technical groups and plot recaps by show producers. The Lost podcast at ABC.com, the Battlestar Galactica podcast at SciFi.com, and the Doctor Who podcast at BBC.co.uk all characterize among the most popular companion podcasts for network television shows.

The Guiding Light Podcast has additionally inspired some unusual companions. Numerous impartial podcast producers are utilizing outdated-time radio drama recording techniques to produce daily audio cleaning soap operas. These cleaning soap opera podcasts vary from a couple of minutes a day to a couple full hours each week, providing commuters and cleaning soap opera junkies extra materials to decide on from.

The podosphere is a vibrant, thrilling place to be. It introduces you to individuals everywhere in the world, and since you hear their voices, you're feeling as though you really know them. Podcasts provide a terrific free education in nearly any subject. They provide a treatment for the boredom of rush-hour visitors and lengthy lines at the grocery store, and an alternative to the tasteless, lowest-frequent-denominator programming afflicting business radio.

But producing a podcast takes a variety of time. Not everyone can podcast. Not everyone ought to podcast. I have a terrible identify for an audio environment. You may need a voice like fingernails on a blackboard. However whatever your purpose for not producing your own show, do not let not podcasting preserve you out of the podosphere. There are a whole lot of podcasters who gives you 'airtime' for the asking--and thank you for it.

Comments Are King

Feedback is king on the planet of podcasting. Podcasters love to listen to from their listeners. Virtually all podcasters want a conversation, not a monologue. Additionally they must preserve arising with interesting content material; present after present, and listener options, questions, and feedback help them do that.

Comments are additionally a great way to ascertain you as an expert. I am not talking about posting advertisements for your small business on podcast blogs, although some shows on marketing do invite listeners to submit promos and business plans for evaluation. I am talking about becoming a member of within the dialog the podcaster has started.

Although podcasters are more relaxed and approachable than radio speak-show hosts, they nonetheless have an obligation to make their reveals interesting to their listeners. Everybody likes to hear 'I feel your show is great,' but feedback like that don't actually serve you, the podcaster, or the other listeners.

First, discover podcasts that you just love. Then respond to something that you've got something useful to say about. Did the host ask for tips about how you can use a product or service you are accustomed to? Are you able to add new perception to the discussion of a controversial subject? Do you have got breaking news relevant to the listeners? Are you able to point them to a resource? Are you burning to know the answer to a query that came to you whereas listening to the present?

It's best to, in fact, always determine yourself by identify and web site whenever you go away comments. For those who can present useful, attention-grabbing comments and ask provocative questions over a time period, each the podcasters and the listeners will take notice.

My most superb expertise as a commenter occurred on the Diary of a Shameless Self-Promoter podcast back in 2005. Heidi Miller had requested listeners to submit their 'two-second-statements' (very quick elevator speeches). I dispatched her mine ('I turn consultants into authors'), and she talked about it on the present for eight minutes. I had someone name to inquire about work even earlier than I might listen to the episode myself. You'll be able to't pay for that type of exposure.

I proceed to get almost embarrassingly constructive responses from podcasters just because I take the time to comment. Listed below are just a few examples.

'Sallie Goetsch is the conscience of this podcast.' (Tee Morris, the Survival Guide to Writing Fantasy)

'Wow, how wonderful, you listening to my little previous podcast after I've heard a lot of your feedback on different individual’s exhibits!' (Anna Farmery, the Participating Brand)

'We all know we've made it when Sallie Goetsch (rhymes with "sketch") leaves a comment.' (Terry Fallis, Inside PR)

'Wow, a comment from THE Sallie Goetsch... I feel important hastily :) First off, how did you (someone necessary and respected in the neighborhood) find yourself on my weblog/podcast? It simply appears unfathomable.' (Reid Givens, Return on Intention)

These quotes say a lot more about podcasting than about me. All I did was become involved as a result of I was genuinely interested within the podcasters and what they needed to say. All it's important to do to get related outcomes is to seek out podcasts that you care sufficient about to do the same.

As with something on the planet of New Media, do not pretend it. Ever. If all you care about is pushing your providers, both the podcasters and the listeners will spot it a mile away. Buy an ad instead. (Though even advertisers must take a new strategy to podcasting, as Chip Griffin of CustomScoop does together with his 'Media Monitoring Minute' segment on FIR and NewComm Road.)

If by some odd likelihood you come throughout a podcast that does not play listener comments, move on and put your efforts into one which will.

Interviews

Many podcasters use an interview format for his or her shows. Meaning they're all the time in search of fascinating guests who've one thing to show their listeners.

Before you pitch yourself as an interview topic, get to know the podcast-and the podcaster. Hear to a few episodes and skim the present blog. When you submit fascinating comments, the host may ask to interview you with none prompting from you.

As with any media look, concentrate on offering attention-grabbing information. Do not promote through the interview. The podcaster gives you a chance to plug your website, guide, etc. on the end of the interview.

Podcasts have some benefits over broadcast radio in the case of interviews:

* Podcasters are much more approachable than radio hosts.
* Podcasting is a distinct segment medium, so listeners are more likely to be inquisitive about what you have to say than people who occur to tune right into a radio station while driving.
* Podcasts not often exit stay, so the podcaster has time to edit out any flubs and make you sound even smarter and more articulate than you are.
* Podcasts stay up on the web for months or years, so people can pay attention at their convenience as a substitute of having just one chance to listen to you.
* Podcasters give you a free copy of your interview. Radio stations are likely to charge excessive for recordings

J.C. Hutchins, author of the Seventh Son trilogy of podiobooks, simply did a fifty podcasts/fifty days/fifty states promotion for the third book within the series. He appeared in podcasts starting from advertising and marketing-oriented 'Managing the Gray' to 'The Survival Guide to Writing Fantasy.' His discussions of his podcast advertising methods make these interviews value listening to even should you're not a fan of sci-fi/horror.

Ensure you take heed to the episode of the podcast after your interview and check the present blog to see whether or not anybody has posted feedback there. Then use your own comments to answer any further questions.

Should you've been a great guest, the podcaster will probably invite you back in a number of months, or whenever somebody asks a query you will have the proper experience to answer.

Changing into a Correspondent

This could happen virtually by accident to individuals who remark commonly on listener-driven podcasts. Back in 2005, my colleague Lee Hopkins started sending audio feedback to each episode of For Instant Launch: the Hobson and Holtz Report ("FIR" for shortt). In the future co-host Shel Holtz stated, 'If this man sends us any more comments, we're going to make him a correspondent.' Lee's subsequent audio remark started 'This is your correspondent from the Adelaide Hills.'

There are several correspondents for FIR: Lee Hopkins, who reports each Monday (except when Sallie Goetsch studies as an alternative); Dan York, who studies every Thursday on technology; David Phillips, who sends in a report each couple of months from Stonehenge; and Eric Schwartzman, who sends in excerpts from his On the Record...On-line podcast now and again.

Even when you might have a daily schedule, it is much simpler to be a correspondent than to host your personal show. You do have to find material, file it, and edit it, however you only have to fill 5-10 minutes, and you don't have to combine together a number of tracks, pay for hosting, produce show notes, and fear about whether the RSS feed validates.

Having your individual section on a podcast offers you an opportunity to share your ideas, join with folks, and establish your expertise. See our Stories from the Asylum for some examples.

Plus, you would possibly get asked to report on attention-grabbing occasions the show hosts can't attend themselves, just like the iMeme conference in San Francisco.

Guest Internet hosting

Many podcasts have two hosts; as a result of it’s simpler to sound pure in a dialogue than a monologue, and more enjoyable speaking to a different individual than simply speaking to your computer. Generally one host shall be away on vacation or on enterprise, and the opposite will invite somebody to be a visitor host.

Apparent selections for folks to visitor host a present are other podcasters in your area, people you've interviewed, and any regular correspondents. I've now co-hosted FIR twice, not counting the time Dan York, Lee Hopkins, and I ready a special twenty fifth anniversary tribute episode for Shel and Neville. Lee and Dan have both appeared as FIR co-hosts, as well.

That is nothing to Mitch Joel's amazing sequence of appearances: Across the Sound, The Engaging Brand, Trafcom News, and FIR, Inside PR....and probably just a few others I missed. After co-hosting so many shows, Mitch determined to start his own podcast, Six Pixels of Separation.

I would advise anyone who needs to go into podcasting to start by 'podcasting without podcasting.' You might uncover that you just really get pleasure from recording and even modifying audio, and turn out to be a podcaster yourself, like Mitch.

You might also uncover that you just hate it and it offers you headaches. It is better to seek out that out before you begin creating your own show. It should save you not solely no matter cash you may put money into tools, internet hosting, blog design, and so on, however a blow to your fame when you podfade (produce a few shows after which vanish).

Listening to podcasts is not something I take pleasure in or take time for, quite frankly. I am a visual learner and like to read one thing quite than take heed to it, as I discover studying a lot faster way to collect the data that I need. Nonetheless, with the proliferation of audio listening units, like the whole iPod household and other mp3 players, I have to acknowledge that I'm within the minority, I believe. The world is listening to a wide variety of audio information, rather more so than ever before in history, and I must get on the bandwagon or be lost in the dust.

What is a podcast, anyway? A podcast is an audio file that you just create in .mp3 format that is uploaded with an RSS (Really Easy Syndication) file to your server in your goal market to download on any variety of applications created to receive or subscribe to your audio file in order that they can listen to it at their leisure on their computer or a private mp3 device.

Why must you create a podcast? I feel it serves as advertising software for the solo service professional, who would possibly wish to do one of many following:

--create an Internet radio present or speak show in which you create content material-rich broadcasts to your goal market

--conduct a telecasts collection by which you interview experts who have solutions to problems confronted by your goal market

--promote a printed book, e book, or CD/DVD collection by releasing promotional snippets to a wider audience

--provide brief and precious expert tricks to your target market (my Get Extra Shoppers On-line podcast consists of the weekly article I write for my publication)

Many podcasts are about an hour in length, particularly once they encompass recordings of radio shows or telecasts. However, I believe that the listening threshold for most people is about 10 minutes. So, that implies that your podcast needs to be 10 minutes or less in length. If it's longer, you actually must grab their consideration in the first 10 minutes to keep them listening for the complete quantity of time.

Good content material and a great speaking voice are key to sustaining interest. Do not make your podcast one long advertisement to your providers or merchandise -- share some helpful info with your goal market to help them clear up their problems. And, you want to have a superb speaking voice. Nothing is worse than listening to somebody learn a speech with a monotone delivery. So, for optimum affect when you record your podcast (especially in case you're just recording yourself), stand up and walk around, smile, gesture, or do no matter you usually do if you ship a speech. Modulate your voice, a lot in the identical way that you'd when you will have a 1:1 dialog with somebody -- put feeling and emotion into your words. I pretend like I am speaking to my finest buddy, and that helps me with a full of life delivery.

What are the steps to making a podcast?

1. Hear to a couple podcasts to get a feel for what others are doing. To hear, you'll want a pod catcher (podcast reader), which permits you to subscribe to podcasts in the same means you subscribe to blogs. I favor iTunes as my pod catcher of choice, which is a free on-line download. You will additionally want to seek out podcasts, and the quickest way to try this is via podcast directories, which embrace the iTunes store. Podcast Alley, one of the most widespread podcasting websites, has a big podcast directory, and Yahoo Podcasts has a podcast search. To find others, simply search online for "podcast directory."

2. Plan your podcast. Who's your target market? What do they want to take heed to? How will your podcast be distinctive from others in your industry? What's your format (interview others, host a teleclass, or document yourself)? How long will your podcast be? How regularly will you deliver your podcasts?

3. File your podcast. Many individuals select to document their podcast with a free piece of software known as Audacity. It has a simple learning curve and advanced options for extra skilled podcasters. Mac users would possibly need to take a look at Storage Band. For best recording sound, don't use the microphone that came along with your laptop or that's built into your laptop. You may need to get an extra skilled one, such as the ones supplied at Plantronics or Radio Shack.

4. Save and upload your podcast to your server. As soon as you've got created your podcast in an mp3 file, now you must put it aside and upload it to a server by way of an FTP program (like CuteFTP) so that it is readily available. You possibly can add it to your website, or use one of the many podcasting hosting providers available. The issue with importing it to your website is that audio information are area hogs, and you can quickly exhaust all of the storage capacity of your internet hosting account, to not mention your month-to-month bandwidth capacity in case your podcast is common and is downloaded frequently. That's why I take advantage of a fee-based mostly audio service internet hosting firm, Audio Acrobat, which offers me beneficent storage and bandwidth capacity for a semi-annual fee. One other common podcast hosting firm is Hipcast.com.

5. Create your podcast feed. You may create your podcast feed from scratch; however I recommend you use a feed service to do so. Should you use a podcasting hosting service, this feature is included in your service package. For everyone else, the quickest approach to create your podcast feed is thru Feedburner.com. This is similar service that creates RSS feeds for blogs. The advantage of making your podcast feed from this site is which you could create a browser-pleasant feed, tracks your circulation, and improves your feed with its SmartCast technology.

6. Publish and promote your podcast. When you use a podcasting internet hosting service, the service will publish your podcast and notify various podcast directories concerning the availability of your new podcast. Or, you'll be able to enter the info straight into the key podcast directories. You'll additionally wish to promote the podcast on your web site, blog, and in your e mail newsletter. One of the easiest methods to do that is so as to add feed subscription buttons (called Chiclets) to your sites. You will have to chop and paste the HTML code into your templates to create the Chiclets. You can get instructions on how one can publish subscription buttons from the varied podcasters you want to feature. Lastly, you may need to create "album art" to your podcast, or a graphic illustration that many pod catchers adds with the mp3 file. Album art could also be from 170x170 to 300x300 pixels sq. at 72 dpi. Any graphic designer may also help you create this graphics file.

7. Make cash out of your podcast. Advertising on podcasts is still pretty new, however some firms like Fruitcast.com or PodcasterAds.com are places to start. Another option is to put Google AdSense listings on your whole websites itemizing your podcast, or search sponsors on your podcasts, identical to you'll for a radio show.

Do not let the audio world cross you by! Podcasting is a really cheap approach of helping you get the phrase out about what you do and what you provide to the world.

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The Podcasting Bundle includes RecordForAll and FeedForAll makes it simple to record audio files, layer audio files, edit audio files and publish podcast feeds. Create iTunes compatible podcast feeds that can be posted to the Apple iTunes library. Create podcasts, create RSS feeds, record new audio files, edit existing audio files, layer sounds and show segments, and add transitions between segments. Includes built in Wizard that walks beginners through the process.

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Podcasting has taken the world by storm. It's one of the most frequently downloaded mediums and with the abundance of podcasting directories including but not limited to iTunes a Yahoo, reaching your audience through this unique format is easier than ever.

This book is designed not only to introduce you to the power of podcasting as an integral tool in your marketing strategy, but to also show you how to catch the right fish.

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Like a lot of things podcasting is a mix of art and science. That's one reason the broadcasting field of which podcasting is one part is known both as Communications Technology and Media Arts -- at the same time. On one hand there are definite, determinable answers. On the other guesses and judgment calls. On the one side technology. On the other the human equation.

So what is the art of podcasting?

What parts of podcasting qualify as art?

In this article I'm going to identify five different elements of podcasting that are more art than science. That are more judgment call than determination. Five elements where you can be wrong and you can be right -- at the same time.

1. Picking a format for the podcast

There are a number of different formats that you can choose for your podcast. To make matters worse you can even change formats for every podcast. Yes, you can ask your audience what they think. You can even get smart and ask your non-audience members. But ultimately, it comes down to making a decision. To picking the format that you like best.

2. Determining the length of the podcast

Podcasts do have a perfect length. It's called short. But what that means is anyone's guess. Some podcasts run 5 minutes. Some run 15 minutes. Some a half hour. A few last for an hour. Some go longer. The truth is the proper length is whatever makes your audience happiest. And while you can ask them -- and the people who've left you, the ultimate decision is going to be yours. And it's going to be arbitrary and based on your best guess.

3. Picking topics for your podcast

Each week you're going to need to pick a topic for your podcast. Or you may need to pick a theme and a number of related topics. Yes, you can -- and should -- ask your customers what topics would interest them. But ultimately you're going to have to guess at what topics they will be interested in. Guess right and you're a hero. Guess wrong and you're the goat. But either way, it's going to be a guess.

4. Picking guests for your podcast

One of the neat things about podcasts is that you don't always have to do the work. One of the most powerful formats is the interview. While you don't have to write the interview, you will have to pick the theme, topic and the person you will interview. And picking one that your audience will appreciate can be tricky.

5. Performance (Recording your podcast).

The final piece of art in your podcast (at least in this list), is your performance itself. The way you talk. The words you use. The attitude you project. Ultimately you need to be honest to yourself because that is the only thing you can be certain of.

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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Podcasting is an extremely powerful tool that should be in every information marketer's toolkit. It can help build your reputation while it attracts traffic to your site. It can provide information to your customers while it helps to position your products.

But it can be frightening. And every once in a while I'll get questions from people who want to run a podcast but are afraid.

One of the most common questions is "What's the best advice for podcasting?" And I must admit to being hard pressed to pick a single piece of advice as the best. There is so much advice possible and so much of it is good and important. However, here are the top five in my opinion from bottom to top.

5. Fix it in the edit room. All too often new podcasters think they have to be perfect. But it just isn't so. In fact, the audience will relate to you better if you make the occasional flub. In fact, the hardest job for the editor isn't fixing your mistakes. It's deciding what mistakes to leave in. As for the rest of your mistakes, remember that your podcast isn't live. It's recorded. That means the audio editor (remember him?) can correct your mistakes. The result could be (but shouldn't be) a perfect podcast. No matter how many mistakes you made!

4. Record podcasts in a batch. Podcasts are a repeating product. You are going to need many of them. It's far more efficient to record them in a batch than it is to record them one at a time. For example if you are producing a podcast once per week, recording one podcast per week is inefficient. You would be better off recording a month's worth of podcasts on one day.

3. Stand up and walk around when you are recording. It sounds odd but there is a good reason for it. Standing up changes your lungs. Simply put you get more air and therefore you can speak better. Walking helps you to put more energy into your speaking. And that passion and energy will be heard by your audience.

2. Smile. If stand up and walk sounded odd, this advice will sound downright silly. But it's true. Your audience can hear you smile. And a smile changes your attitude as well. So always smile when recording your podcast.

And the best advice of all is... (drum roll please!)

1. Be prepared. If you were ever a Scout you heard this phrase time and time again. But it applies to podcasters every bit as much as it does to campers in bear country. But rather than bringing coffee cups and can openers (ever tried to open a can with a sharp stick?) instead you need to plan. You need to plan the audience you want to attract. You need to plan your format to meet their needs. You need to design (aka script) your podcast's columns.

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.

View the original article here

There isn't much literature on the history of podcasting but you should know that this new technology hasn't been around for a long time. Podcasting is a relatively new concept and this form of marketing is still relatively new to marketers. I first got my introduction to podcasts when I was making a blog for my website.

When I made my blog, I had no idea about podcasts. I didn't even bother trying to figure out the history of podcasting because I was convinced that it was a passing internet marketing fad that would soon dissipate away - but I was wrong. Podcasting is still strong and is still an excellent way to get your message across to people.

In fact, podcasting is so huge, that even financial expert Suze Orman uses it to promote her business. For every episode that she has, she extracts the audio and places it on iTunes for people to download for free. This is what I love about podcasts. I can load them into my MP3 player and get awesome content for free.

There are all kinds of podcasts out there on the market today, but most of them share the same premise. Podcasts are all about giving out good information to people in a niche, and having them subscribe to your podcast's RSS feed to receive updates when new podcasts are created.

You can get a podcast RSS feed from a free service such as Feedburner.com. When you first sign up to Feedburner, it will ask you if you're using your feed as part of a podcast. You will want to check the box for this field to indicate that you are. This is the easiest way to get started with a podcast RSS feed. After you got your feed, it's time to start promoting it to the world.

One thing that you will want to do is to submit your feed and content to iTunes. iTunes is the largest podcast directory on the net today. This is how I know about Suze Orman's podcast - it's listed in iTunes and it's listed there for free. I highly recommend that you start listing your podcast here for free now.

Another way to promote your podcasts is to include a short blurb about it on every page of your website. This will be a new technique to do since not a lot of people know about the history of podcasting, but for those that do, they will have instant access to your materials all for free.

Another way to get the word out about your podcast is via referrals. Start within your own email list and let them know that they can download your content for free from iTunes. Offer them a gift or incentive of some kind for referring others to your podcast. The free gift could be a complimentary MP3 that isn't available on iTunes.

I can remember when I first got started out online, I offered ebooks for sale and my bonus product was 36 more ebooks. This isn't exactly an awesome bonus, but it worked effectively for getting me sales.

The history of podcasting is a history that doesn't have much past, but you should know that you can take advantage of this growing trend. A lot of people listen to podcasts on a daily basis, and you can capitalize on this growing opportunity by offering podcasts of your own.

Be sure to start incorporating podcasting into your daily marketing routine today.

Good luck with using podcasts to market your internet business.

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Creating a podcast might seem like smoke and mirrors or some form of mystic art. But there is a great deal of science involved. A basic process that anyone can follow to be successful. A repeatable process with a guaranteed result.

So what is the science of podcasting?

Well, actually there are four separate elements that form the science portion of podcasting.

1. The tools you require.

You could if you wish, trick out a complete audio recording studio in which to record your podcast. Or rent one if you prefer that alternative. But it really isn't necessary. All you require is a headset, a computer and audio editing software. The former can be obtained for less than $10. And Audacity is one of the best versions of the latter -- and it's free. As for the computer literally anything will do from a basic netbook to an ultra powerful desktop gaming system.

2. The process you need to follow.

One of the cornerstones of science is a repeatable process. Producing a quality podcast also requires a repeatable process. Generally there is a four step process involved in producing podcasts. This is just a subset of the standard learning content process. Since podcasts are marketing products, we will use the same target audience, solution and system as every other product in the product line. As a result the process begins with the planning of the podcasts (part of the product line planning).

3. How to record a podcast.

While the performance of the podcast content is part of the art of podcasting, the actual recording is part of the science. You could record it using high quality microphones and a mixing board. But really all you require is the headset and software mentioned above. Making the actual recording is simply a matter of putting on the headset, setting the recording levels and making the recording. However, you should record the level settings and how you adjusted your microphone. Why? Because by doing so you can ensure that the recording level of your podcast is uniform for all your podcasts.

4. How to edit a podcast.

The editing process consists of using Audacity or a similar audio editing tool. Errors should be removed -- within reason -- and the entire podcast brought within the required time length. Once the errors and dead air have been removed, you can begin to correct any sound quality issues. The frequency can be adjusted for example to provide depth to the individual's voice. Once the podcast content is acceptable, you need to add the packaging. This is the added musical content during the opening and closing credits and between columns.

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.

View the original article here

There are many companies and businesses, including health and wellness practitioners, that use the strategy of teleseminars very successfully. But, that's just the point. So many companies are already using this solid strategy, how can you make your company stand out among the rest? Updating the traditional teleseminar format to become a podcast allows you to make use of many modern technological advances. In today's tough business market, you really must do anything you can to gain an advantage!

Podcasting is simply the use of the Internet to transmit your teleseminar, rather than the old fashioned standard use of the telephone. Adding in the visual component will make your teleseminar far more meaningful and memorable. Participants love to "put a face with the name." People who conduct most of their business over the Internet often find themselves craving any kind of personal connection. And, believe it or not, seeing your face on a screen often is enough! Keep in mind that podcasting doesn't have to be just a video image of you sitting there presenting your information. This type of presentation allows you to incorporate screen shots, video clips, photos and any other type of visual support you can dream of. It can be a very dynamic way to project your message and promote your product or service! For the best success with your podcast teleseminar, consider the following important tips:

Remember that image does count, especially for health and wellness practitioners-you want your audience to believe that what you tell them will get them on the right path toward health and wellness! Using podcasting for a teleseminar adds a visual component to your image that wasn't an issue with the audio-only type of presentation. Be professional, and be sure that the environment that is around you and visible to others is also professional-appearing. This means that if you conduct your successful Internet business while sitting in your boxers on your living room couch, you will need to spruce things up a bit for this occasion.Prepare what you are going to say ahead of time. Nobody wants to hear you ramble on and on. Have an outline, and follow it, but don't simply read from a script. If your podcast or teleseminar does not allow for direct user interaction, encourage your listeners to email you with questions or comments, and develop a regular "series" for your site! Answer last week's questions today.Keep it short, and stick to the designated time frame. Be respectful of your listeners' time-they have set aside a certain time to pay attention to you and have other things to do, too!Use good equipment, like a good quality video camera and a good quality microphone. Make it easy for people to listen!Include frequent references, both verbal and visual, to your site's URL. Make this piece of information one of the most important "take home" messages from your teleseminar, podcast or presentation.

Using the Internet to promote your health and wellness products and services is getting easier by the day-if you know the right techniques and strategies to use!

Cheryl Heppard is a business and marketing coach/consultant to health, nutrition, and practitioners. Visit her website to claim your free marketing tips, resources and tools designed specifically for health and wellness practitioners w at http://www.cherylheppard.com/

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Podcasting can be a very easy way to establish your personal brand on the Internet quickly. Setting up and recording a podcast can be done in less than 10 minutes. Although podcasting is not as popular as it was 3 years ago, it is still popular with many people who do not have time or patience to sit through lengthy videos but would rather download audios to their phones, iPods, or other devices.

If you are new to Internet or Home-Based business and need a way to get noticed, podcasting can be both easy and quick. Podcasting can be done for no cost at all. All you will need is an audio recorder and converter, both can be found free on the Internet. The best recommendation for free audio recorder is Audacity and the converter Lame. Google those terms and you will be directed to both download links.

Where do you place your podcasts so that others might find them?

There are many free podcasting directories where you can host your recordings. Since there are several podcast directories available, a good idea would be to Google the term "podcasting directories" and look for one or two that might be niche-specific for your business. Most directories offer free accounts, making this marketing avenue a great idea for new marketers.

Select one or two directories, open an account, and you are all set to upload your podcasts.

When you create your podcasts, be sure and title your recording using your selected keywords so that search engines can place them in search pages competition.

This is just how simple it is to create podcasts:

Download and install Audacity and the Lame converter.Copy and paste one or two of your blog posts or articles onto a notepad.Go through each article and separate 2-3 key paragraphs.Use these to create brief, 3-minute podcasts.Listen to them, if you are not happy with the recording, just erase it and do it again. A little practice in the beginning will make you an expert after just a couple of tries.

After you feel comfortable with creating brief podcasts, go through your other content and create ten or more podcasts and place them in your podcast directory accounts as you record them.

Later, when a potential customer or subscriber "Googles" your name, your podcasts will show up along with the written content or videos you have created. The perception they will have from this experience will prove your expertise in your niche.

As well, podcasting offers great training, selling, and recruitment avenues. You can add the links to your podcasts into your ezine issues, place the links in social networks, and any other locations where they can be located and downloaded.

Podcasting is easy, free, and will get your noticed. Give it a try and you will be pleased with the simplicity and value podcasts can offer in your business marketing.

For more ideas, educational, and informational reading about internet entrepreneurship or running a business from home, visit Dr. L'Amour's Blog [http://creating-internet-income.com]

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Podcasting can be a powerful tool for building your reputation as a guru and expert in a self-help niche. They allow your audience to get to know you and your skills in a way that is hard to duplicate. They can help you to generate traffic. And they can be used as a product or to generate products.

And they are as easy to do as 123.

In this article I'm going to show you how to create a podcast in 3 easy steps. Now of course, I'm keeping this simple. So you may want to add some tasks to make sure you are always creating quality products. But these are the basic steps.

Step 1. Write your podcast.

Some people believe that experienced podcasters just sit down and crank out a quarter hour podcast based on the thoughts they had at breakfast a half-hour ago. Just sit down with the barest idea of a topic and talk away.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

Podcasting, like a teleseminar or a webinar needs to be planned out. A detailed script isn't necessary unless you are just starting but certainly a detailed outline is. So start from your basic idea and then identify three things you want to discuss about that subject. Now for each of those major points, identify three sub points you want to discuss. Two is acceptable but will leave you short. Four is too many. Trim it down to three. Now add an introduction and a conclusion.

Step 2. Record your podcast

You'll need a headset, a computer and sound editing software. Windows comes with sound recorder but I prefer a tool called Wavepad. Grab your script outline. Stand up. Smile.

Now start talking. Start with your introduction. Make it strong and interesting. Controversial is good. Make it roughly thirty seconds in length. But don't stress yourself over the time. Next you need to welcome everyone. Introduce yourself and the topic you're going to cover in this podcast.

Now go through the points you've listed. Begin with the relationship between the three major points. Talk for about one minute. Then take the first of the major points and expand on it. Discuss the relationship between the three sub-points. Explain the major point. Don't worry. You only have one minute. Your may have a problem in knowing when to stop. Then discuss each of the sub-points for one minute.

Continue until you've talked about all of the points for just one minute. Guess what? You've got a fifteen minute podcast recorded. All you need to do is save the recording in MP3 format.

Step 3. Put it up on the web.

Now all that's left is to post the podcast to your website or your podcasting host. Sign onto your host and use their web based uploading facility to upload the MP3 recording.

If you're using a blog such as WordPress, sign on, create a post and then upload the media file.

If you're using a web page, it's slightly more difficult. Use whatever tool you normally use to create web pages. Then upload it using FTP.

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.

View the original article here

If you've ever wondered "what do I need to create a podcast?" Introducing the Podcaster PM21. This all-in-1 podcast kit comes with all the podcast gear you'll need to get started podcasting: a mixer, microphone, weighted mic stand and headphones. Start creating podcasts like a pro on your PC, Mac or recording device today! The Mixer: The mixer is housed in a compact rugged metal cabinet and features four source inputs with six discrete channels; two gold plated ?"microphone inputs; iPod/MP3 (RCA and 3.5mm) inputs; and Stereo Line level for additional audio such as CD (RCA). Each channel features level adjust and Bass / Treble equalization. A master output control is paired with a level adjust for the dual headphone outputs. The mixer can be powered either by using the included AC/DC adapter, or with a 9V battery for field recordings with a laptop. For maximum flexibility, the unit features analog stereo line out as well as USB audio output. In keeping with Technical Pro's audio expertise, the mixer features excellent noise characteristics S/N -86dB and low distortion, a total of less than 0.09% THD. The Microphone: The included pro-grade microphone is a rugged and good-looking dynamic type. It features a die-cast body, on/off switch and XLR type connection with 10 foot cable with a ?" plug. Sensitivity is -56.5dB, Frequency response 80-15kH, 600 ohms impedance. A heavy weighted base desktop mic stand is included. The Headphone: The model HP-20 headphones are based on Technical Pro DJ headphones since the requirements are similar: they deliver excellent isolation, comfort and the great sound expected from all Technical Pro headphones. These circumnaural headphones feature "Super Bass Drivers". Cord length is 10 feet terminated with 3.5mm stereo plug.

Price: $159.99

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If you are looking to help your business by using a podcast then you are doing one of the best marketing things you can for your business. First you should know a bit about what podcast marketing is and how it works before you've made your full decision to try this marketing plan. Podcast marketing is defines as an audio file that can be shared from your website or social network. The podcast can be a recording of you talking about your business, building your bramd name or simply info type commercials.

Podcasts are meant to be give out information to your consumers and give a more personal aspect using your business to customer relationship. By giving them a personal voice to listen to, you are giving them someone to associate with.

A very important thing to remember about podcasting when it comes to marketing is that it's a very cheap way to get your message across the world. All that you will need in order to begin your podcast is a microphone, editing software, and a computer of some sort. Currently most computers already have an audio recording device built in to them. If the computer you have does not then you can purchase a headset for a rather cheap price.

Before creating your podcast you should be sure that you are going to focus on one single subject and you are speaking clear and well enough for your listeners to understand. The best way to gain any market from your podcasts is by keeping them pertaining towards your company.

Depending on where you host your podcast can also depend on how well it does with the market. Often iTunes is used for hosting podcasts. Thought iTunes is the one that is most often used there are other sites that can host your podcast such as Podcast.com and PodcastDirectory.com.

After the podcast has been created and uploaded it is best to put the podcast also on your company's website or blog that way your customers can also listen to them from the home page. Another great idea for getting your podcasts out there is by putting them on your company's social network site.

By creating a following you can be sure that your company is almost always being listened to and though of by your consumers. The more often you upload a new podcast the more visitors you may get.

As you can tell from this article, podcasting is a great way to get your company out on the market. Getting your company's name on people's lips and getting yourself out there by word of mouth, you are helping your company. The key strategy of this market plan is to make sure that you are completely prepared to publish any podcast and that you want them to hear.

Before you have fully decided to use a podcast as marketing for your company, be sure that you have some ideas planned out for a few of the different podcasts you are going to create. The goal is to be prepared and have your information out there for all of your current customers and future customers to have.

Fred Meek is a professional Austin SEO consultant in Austin Texas. For more information go to Austin Search Engine Optimization.

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You've probably heard by now that you should have a podcast. That podcasts are an excellent tool that should be in every learning content product marketer's toolkit. That they increase traffic. That they increase reputation. That they are wonderful marketing tools.

But why does podcasting work?

In this article I'm going to share seven reasons why podcasting works. Of course there are many other reasons. But here are the seven that first came to mind as I thought about why podcasting works.

1. People like them.

It's always easier to market with a media that people like for its own sake. People tolerate sales letters. People try not to let ads get to them. People try to ignore video ads. But a podcast isn't perceived as advertising. They're perceived to be an information or learning content product. Sort of a mini-teleseminar. They're convenient and they're well accepted.

2. They are personal.

Only video is a more personal medium than audio. Podcasts give people a chance to listen to you in action. They get to hear your passion. They get to hear your emotions. Podcasts give people the sense that you are accessible to your audience.

3. They provide short bytes of information.

We are busy today. There's no other way to put it. We're so busy that we are having difficulty absorbing the information -- the stimuli -- that are being aimed at us. Podcasts provide information in short, easily absorbed chunks.

4. They are regular and repeating.

Podcasts are generally released on a weekly basis. But whatever the schedule they are regular and recurring. That means that the message they are carrying -- whether that be reputation, branding or something else -- is regularly repeated and reinforced.

5. They are easy to do.

Podcasts don't really require a lot of equipment. Nor do they require a great deal of thought. A headset and computer with a copy of Audacity is quite sufficient. A basic outline of the points to be raised and a clock is all that one needs to produce a podcast. Complex outlines of multiple chapters and hundreds of points are not required.

6. They are quick to create.

Because podcasts are relatively simplistic and short, they are very quick to create. They don't take a lot of time. A fifteen minute show can be scripted, recorded and edited within about two hours.

7. They are inexpensive to distribute.

Bandwidth costs. Podcasts are relatively inexpensive since they can be recorded at a fairly low quality and still sound good. As a result they don't cost very much to distribute. Not only that, but there are free podcasting services which will distribute your podcast for you.

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.

View the original article here

Podcasting is an important tool for the information or learning content marketer.

But why? Why Podcasting?

There are a number of different reasons why a learning content product marketer might want to create podcasts.

1. It is low cost

Creating podcasts is extremely inexpensive. In fact, it's almost cost free unlike marketing tools like pay for click, banner advertising or other forms of advertising. Once you have a computer and a microphone, there really isn't any other expense. The software required can be found for free. And since you do the recording, there really isn't any cost.

2. It is time efficient.

Unlike other forms of learning content creation, creating podcasts can take very little time. In fact, you can do the entire process including editing in less than three times the length of the podcast. And since a podcast normally is relatively short -- usually less than 15 minutes -- the time involved is typically less than an hour a week.

3. It is a source of traffic

Podcasts can drive a great deal of pre-qualified, targeted traffic. Because the audience listens to the podcast first they already know what you are selling. In addition, they are motivated to buy since they wouldn't bother to visit your site unless they were looking for what you are selling.

4. It is repeating.

Podcasts don't go away. Unlike advertising such as Google ads which appear once and then may not appear to the same person again, podcasts are repeating. Every week there is a new and interesting podcasts which your followers will download. This constant repetition makes the advertising message more likely to be heard. Even if a listener doesn't visit today, he might next week or the week after.

5. It is personal.

Podcasts are normally recorded by the individual learning content creator themselves. And they are audio. As a result, the audience hears you -- not a script writer or someone in a foreign land who has been asked to write an eBook. They hear you and as a result they will tend to form a relationship.

6. It is reputation building.

Podcasts can help you to build a reputation. Because they are content based they provide a chance to showcase your information. Effectively they become a once per week sample that your audience wants to download. And because they are personal in nature they create a relationship with your audience which helps to enhance the reputation being built.

7. It is well liked by the audience.

Podcasts are well accepted by their audience and are seen as a high value benefit. People like to listen to them. And what they hear influences their purchasing patterns as well.

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.

View the original article here

Are you selling information or learning content products over the internet? Or are you perhaps using a website to gain leads for your bricks and mortar consulting? Or maybe you're doing a mix and providing coaching or consulting programs through conference calls and collaboration tools.

Whatever you are doing, if it involves being an expert or providing a service, you should start podcasting.

Why?

That's a pretty strong statement after all. There has to be something to back up that statement. There has to be some solid reasoning behind such a statement.

And there is. In this article I'm going to deal with only four of the reasons that you should start podcasting. There are more reasons but these are the most important -- at least to my mind.

1. Podcasting builds credibility.

Podcasting is a repeating learning content product. It's the teleseminar equivalent of articles. But with repetition built in to reinforce the effect. Each week your customer will hear you -- not an outsourced freelance writer but you -- explain something around your product. This constant barrage of quality information will convince your audience that you can be trusted. And trust is one of the major buying criteria.

2. Podcasting builds a reputation.

For the same reason a podcast will help to build your reputation. In fact, it's just the opposite side of the equation. Not only can you be trusted but you can be trusted because you know what you are talking about. The constant repetition of quality information reinforces the fact that you know your subject.

3. Podcasting builds relationships.

Podcasting is a very personal media. Perhaps not as personal as video is but certainly much more personal than writing. It takes a gifted writer to express passion in their writing. To let your audience inside your head enough to feel what you are feeling. But we do it all day long with our voice and our body. That's why people we are close to often mistake what we are saying in our letters but seldom in conversation. (Okay, no communication is perfect. Even body language can sometimes lie. But in general it's still true). The personal nature of podcasting allows your audience to believe they know and like you. And that's the second major buying criteria.

4. Podcasting generates targeted traffic.

There are many ways of generating traffic to your opt-in or sales page. But many of them generate barely qualified traffic. Their conversion rates are unbelievably low. And that wasted traffic -- people who aren't really interested in you and your product -- costs you money. You are better off getting less traffic but increasing your conversion rate. That's the point of targeted traffic techniques such as podcasting. After all, anyone visiting you from the podcast already knows who you are, what you are selling and why they are interested. Chances are they already know they are going to buy when they show up to your site.

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.

View the original article here

Do you value community outreach activities? Are you looking for better ways to communicate with—and educate—your patients, your peers, or even the media? If your goal is to deliver your message to more people, more effectively, more often, then I have the answer you’ve been looking for … and it’s powerful, fun and remarkably simple.

Why not use the cutting edge technology of podcasting to spread awareness about the importance of proper oral health? Stay with me now—if you have a slight case of technophobia, that’s okay. I’m confident that if your practice has the technical know-how to produce an online newsletter, then learning to integrate podcasting into your outreach activities will be a snap. And believe me—podcasting is the most innovative mass-communication vehicle to emerge in years, and will greatly increase the impact and reach of your message.

Let’s begin with the basics. Think of a podcast as a radio program that anyone can download from the Internet. Put another way, a podcast is a digital file that is available to everyone—via free subscription—over the web. Most podcasts are audio files only (like CDs), but video content can be added as well (like DVDs). The main advantage of podcasting over traditional broadcasting is that users can download these web files to their personal computers, mp3 players, and/or CDs, and then listen to them at their convenience—in their car, during their morning run, or even in your reception area.

More and more, podcasts are becoming recognized as the latest robust communication tool to harness the Internet’s power to reach a large number of listeners quickly. If your podcast contains valuable information, your listeners will share it with others, rapidly disseminating your message around the globe. Also, because podcasts use RSS (really simply syndication) technology, new episodes are delivered to your subscribers seamlessly. Once a listener subscribes to a podcast using iTunes or another similar service, that service automatically downloads new episodes as they are released, making it practically instantaneous and effortless for your audience to receive your message.

Putting together a professional-sounding podcast is easier than you might think. Since valuable content is paramount, the first step is to prepare interesting topics for your episodes. I suggest that you commit to producing bi-monthly episodes, meaning that you initially need only six topics per year. Once podcasting becomes part of your routine, increase your production to twelve topics per year. If you are already producing a paper or online newsletter for your patients, the most logical progression would be to reformat some of that content into podcasts. A good way to start is to identify topics that you could cover in more detail by talking about them in a podcast rather than writing about them in a newsletter.

For example, the most recent newsletter that my dentist emailed to me included an article about the dangers of periodontal disease, including information on how it may be connected to the development of heart disease, warning signs to watch out for, and recommended preventative actions. This is valuable information that I am interested in, and I am thankful to be on this mailing list. But imagine that I have received this information in the form of an audio podcast, personally recorded by my dentist, urging me to book an appointment for a much-needed checkup. I am immediately spurred to action! Speaking directly to your audience—in your own voice and with your own inflection, tone and spirit—creates a much more intimate connection with your patients. This relationship-building quality is inherent in audio, and it’s part of what makes podcasting so powerful.

If you have doubts about the widespread acceptance of digital audio files, consider this statistic: on April 9, 2007, Apple announced the sale of its 100 millionth iPod and more than 2.5 billion songs from the iTunes Music Store. Now consider that anyone can download podcasts from this same music store and listen to them via their mp3 player or their computer, or burn them to CD … for free! As more and more people (including your patients) “tune in” to audio files via the web, offering them podcasts that complement and expand on the content of your existing newsletters provides you with another way to remind them about the importance of proper oral health and the services you provide.

So, what equipment and software do you need to record and produce a podcast? You can become a podcasting pro in just seven simple steps:

1. Verify that your PC is running Windows 2000, XP or Vista, and has the ability to play audio files.

2. Invest in a microphone. Altec Lansing makes decent products, some of which list for under $30, and are available at Future Shop. But I recommend splurging a little to improve your audio quality. Blue Microphones makes a great USB mic called the Snowball, which retails for $130 on the Canadian online Apple Store. (This mic will also work with your Windows PC.)

3. Download and install your recording software. Audacity is an excellent audio editor that is available for download from http://audacity.sourceforge.net. And you can’t beat their price point: it’s free.

4. Record and edit your podcast.

5. Partner with an online hosting service to set up a website specifically for your podcast. Liberated Syndication is extremely inexpensive and gives me everything I need. At $5 USD per month, I can lease 100 megabytes of storage space per month, which translates into about two hours of audio. This basic hosting account gives me unlimited bandwidth, meaning that even as my audience grows exponentially, my monthly cost never increases. LibSyn also provides me with easy-to-use templates for my podcast’s website, and automatically generates and updates my podcast’s RRS feed. Another, similar service worth considering is Go Daddy.

6. Upload your new podcast to your hosting service using their simple submission page. Completing the submission page is similar to sending an email. Simply type in the title of your podcast (like a subject line), add the description of your episode (like the body of your email), and include your mp3 file (as an attachment). You can even attach a corresponding image, if you like. Uploading your podcast stores the mp3 file online and makes it available to your audience—they can download your podcast from your newly created podcast website.

7. Promote your podcast! This is as easy as sending an email announcement to your contact list with the URL of your podcast’s website. But to take advantage of the various online podcast directories, you need to visit their websites and submit your podcast’s RSS feed. You should never pay to be included in these directories, since the best ones—including iTunes, Podcast Alley, Odeo, and Podcast Pickle—are free.

For Mac users, these steps are even simpler, thanks to Garage Band and iWeb. As a Mac user myself, I’d be happy to pass along some pointers to get you started.

Like you, I believe it’s important to remain connected with my client base, and as a lover of all things tech, I choose to use innovative approaches. I have successfully engaged the power of podcasting to promote my company in two weekly podcasts with rapidly growing success. And by following these seven simple steps, you too can become a podcasting pro!

Copyright 2007 - Blue Melnick. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, and include the following by-line:

Blue Melnick is a professional podcast producer, and the co-host of two weekly podcasts: Biz Link Radio and The Tech Advisors. Contact Blue through www.bizlinkradio.com [http://www.bizlinkradio.com/], through www.thetechadvisors.ca [http://www.thetechadvisors.ca], or by phone at 416-462-3323. To listen to podcasting for dental practitioners in action, download the April 30, 2007 episode of Biz Link Radio, featuring Toronto dental surgeon Dr. Lancelot A. Brown!

Podcasting can be defined in simple terms as a series of audio and video broadcasts that are available only on the internet. With the use of software called a podcatcher, such as an RSS feed, you are able to subscribe to podcasts. Your podcatcher then will check every so often to see if any updates are available for the podcasts you subscribed to, and then will proceed to download them onto your computer or portable music player to either watch or listen.

Who Started it All?

Adam Curry, who at one time was a VJ with MTV, is the one who is considered responsible for coming up with the idea of podcasting. The popularity of podcasting, since its incarnation in 2004 to the present, has increased significantly. The majority of the major TV networks and radio stations are utilizing podcasting to allow anyone to access their content at anytime. According to USA Today in February of 2005, over 3,000 programs were available through podcasting.

Podcasting also allows anyone who desires the chance to create their own shows from the confines of their own home. All that is needed is some podcast software and equipment, and then you can begin podcasting without much trouble. You will then have the ability to reach listeners or viewers from all over the planet within a small period of time.

Some of the most popular programs that are available through podcasting include The Dawn and Drew Show, Family Guy, and George Burns and Gracie Allen. As far as radio stations are concerned, Seattle's KOMO station, KFI in Los Angeles and Boston's WBGH are thought of as the leaders in podcasting. CBS has also been out on the forefront of podcasting in addition to countries such as the UK, Australia, and Canada.

How can you find the best podcast software?

The podcast software review takes a look at some of the best software available.

bestpodcastsoftware.com