Are You Thinking About Podcasting?
(Here's What You Need To Know)
(Here's What You Need To Know)
Before we cover the in's and out's of successful podcasting, let's talk about why you would want to podcast in the first place.
A podcast is simply a digital audio or video file made available on the Internet for downloading to a portable media player, a computer, etc. It's a way to communicate with your audience that is convenient and easy to consume. In fact, once your audience subscribes to your podcast feed, your new podcasts are automatically downloaded to their computers as they become available.
And your subscribers can listen or watch the podcasts at their convenience, whether it's on their computers or their personal media players such as iPods. This means they can listen to you while driving to work, making dinner, exercising, etc. It's far easier for them to "fit you into their schedule" when you offer them podcasts rather than ebooks.
Podcasts make information personal because you're able to communicate directly to your audience, rather than trying to convey your message through the written word. You make a much greater impression, and thus a much better connection when you can speak directly to people. And they're able to pick up much more by the tone of your voice, the smile you're wearing, the gestures you make, your laugh, and so forth. Many times subtle meanings get totally lost in the written word, while an audio or video can succinctly and precisely convey exactly what you mean to your audience
And creating a podcast is far easier than writing a 50 page ebook. It might take you a day or even a week to complete the ebook, while it can take you as little as 20 minutes to complete a podcast.
Now then, if you've decided that podcasting is for you, or you're already podcasting, here are some tips to get the most out of your podcasts with the least amount of hassle.
First, the same rule that applies to written content also applies to podcasting, and it's this: No amount of marketing will improve your content. This means that you've got to have great content to begin with if you're going to attract and keep listeners. Because even if you have a podcast sign-up page that's converting at 90%, you're going to lose 89% if your content stinks.
Second, beware of bad RSS feeds. Without getting technical, an inferior RSS feed can render your podcast unusable to your listeners. The simple solution? Use Feedburner. Feedburner automatically cleans up your podcast's RSS feed, makes corrections and alerts you if there's a major correction needed for your podcast to be accepted by most podcast listening software. And should you ever decide to use something other than Feedburner, you're covered because Feedburner let's you use your own brand, URL's and so forth.
Third, make it super easy to find your podcast. Because you're working with audio or video, you can't depend on the search engines to place you on page 1 of the results. Consider getting a domain just for your podcasts that reflects exactly what you're offering. For example, if your main website is HowToGrowCactus.com, your podcast site could be at HowToGrowCactusPodcast.com. Then be sure to make it clear on your main website where your audience can find your podcasts.
Fourth, make it super easy for your audience to subscribe to your podcasts. Not everyone knows what an RSS feed is, so give them the option of subscribing by email. "Get the show by email" is a good phrase to use on your opt in form.
Finally, ask your existing audience to tell a friend about your show. You should take time in every episode to remind your listeners to go to your website and share your podcast with others. You can give them multiple options for doing this – Facebook, Twitter, a nice link on their blog or website, etc.
Best of health, wealth & happiness... Reggie Cochran
