Podcasting is the episodic distribution of digital audio files over the Internet that are often downloaded from web syndication. Its main uses include promotion, news or spreading general information. The point is that podcasting is an awesome way to share information for people who use iPods or other mobile devices that can be connected to a headset
For Internet marketers, podcasting can be an awesome way to promote or market your product or service. If you’re into marketing books or maybe music, podcasting is definitely for you because of the possibilities it provides. You can create podcast versions of books, for instance or make daily music reviews through podcast. Besides video, you can also teach your subscribers your e-Course’s principles and tenets via podcast in case they just want to listen.
Either way, podcasting remains a good platform with which you can enhance your relationship with your customers. Also, since the Internet is going mobile, podcasts could very well be an important investment for your business.
It would take more than a microphone and recording software to make classy podcasts, but do not worry. Cousin Andy’s here to teach you a thing or two about how to make them. Before you know it, you’ll be making podcasts like the pros.
Here are the things you should remember:
- Start with a pause – A 5 to 10 second pause is needed before you carry on towards your podcast. This is so you can apply changes or music to your audio file. Besides, you need to take that deep breath first before you deliver those highly motivating lines of success for you podcasts, right?
- Use filler music – It’s always a good idea to have some filler music when you’re making your podcast. It emphasizes a pause or a shift in topic while avoiding dead air. Depending on the topic, make sure you have a fitting instrumental piece that can introduce it. You can also have a signature track that you use for all your podcasts.
If you want your brand to stick to your customers’ subconscious, make sure you get catchy music. You know, the ones that you can’t get off of your head for at least a day or two. Take note too, that you have to avoid movie music or tunes from known music albums. You do not want to have copyright issues with other people.
- Choose the best podcast webhost – Selecting a podcast webhost is fairly different from choosing a regular webhost in that you need to consider the amount of bandwidth you’ll be consuming from the traffic you generate out of your podcasts. The best thing to do is to have one host for your podcasts only and have another host for your website. Link to each other, and you’ll have lesser bills to pay plus you get to keep your audience happy. As for the podcast webhost, you can choose from Libsyn, GoDaddy or OurMedia – they’re all nice webshosts and they’ve been getting a lot of positive reviews as well. Just make sure you consider how many podcasts you’ll be making for a given amount of time and the amount of traffic you would generate for them.
- Get the right equipment – The only hardware you’ll ever need for a podcast is a microphone. External, directional microphones usually have better sound quality than ones built into laptops and other devices. If, however, you feel more comfortable with a headset on, go on ahead. Just make sure that the microphone is directly below your chin right by your throat for that sexy voice.
- Choose the right kind of software – You can run a search for the best free podcast software and chances are you’ll get Audacity. It’s practically the best podcast software not only because it’s free, but also because it has all the functions you’ll ever need when creating and editing a podcast. If you want to get your hands on some premium software, you should try MediaMonkey and Adobe Audition.
- Edit your piece – Finally, do not give up on your podcast’s perfection. Root out the flaws and other things you think make the podcast an unpleasant piece to hear. Edit out coughs, laughs, mutters or the almost inescapable ‘uhms’ and ‘ahhs’.
That’s my relatively short guide to making a podcast like the pros do. Keep in mind that while the music and the clearly audible and sexy voice play a huge factor in the success of your podcast campaign, it’s always what you say that make people want to come back for more.
Until then
Andy
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