One of the most amazing things about the technology of today is the ability to reach large numbers of people all at once. Podcasting is a very popular way of transferring interviews, discussions, and information to your prospects and customers.
We all have our own preferences when it comes to the way we want to get information.
For those who like to listen to recordings in the car going to work then podcasts are perfect for them. Podcasts appeal to people who like to listen to information.
A good quality broadcast will develop a successful following of listeners that can increase your web traffic.
What You Need
All you need to start podcasting is a computer, microphone, audio recording software and a podcast host. It’s likely that you already have most of those things and don’t even realize it.
Audio recording software can be downloaded at no cost and you can use free blogging and RSS feed sites to promote your broadcast. Find a reputable host for uploading your podcast and you are ready to begin the fun.
Example of free audio recording software: www.acoustica.com
Free blogging examples: www.wordpress.com or www.blogger.com
Technical Side
On the technical side of things, you will make an audio file of your broadcast and upload this file to your host site. Make sure the site has plenty of bandwidth. This is one time when you don’t want to settle for something less costly for the sake of saving pennies. If there isn’t enough bandwidth to support the broadcast, people won’t hear your message.
Once the file is uploaded, you will use whatever you’ve chosen for managing your podcast and RSS feeds to input the information needed to begin grabbing listeners. Some people use blog sites because they are inexpensive and easy to navigate. It takes very little time to set one up and create entries that showcase each broadcast. Name the blog what you plan to call your podcast. Each entry will share the individual titles of your podcasts. People listen to your podcasts simply by clicking the link you provide – the file will be downloaded to their computer.
A site like Feedburner.com is good for managing your RSS Feed and is fairly easy to navigate and understand.
Spread the Word
Once your podcast is all set up, and you are ready to attract listeners, visit some of the popular podcast directories and list your RSS feed. Be sure to place the appropriate RSS feed buttons on any website you manage. This will make it possible for people to subscribe and get updates whenever you post a new podcast file.
Submit your podcast to directories, including iTunes.com to gain maximum exposure.
Increase Sales
There are several ways to increase your sales using your podcasts. Don’t be afraid to get creative. The most important thing to remember is to create good quality podcasts that have something of interest and valuable information in each episode. The key is to bring back those listeners and have them recommend your podcast to their colleagues.
Your podcast should mention your main website URL helping to drive traffic to your site.
TIP – Create a Story
Create an ongoing story that catches the interest of listeners and brings them back week after week to see how it progresses. It might be a quirky product development story or how you managed to land a big contract. Whatever you write it needs to be information that is of VALUE to your listeners. Information that will help your customers be more successful.
Link It
Find web sites that share information about topics that match your products or services. For example, if you sell home décor find a web site that gives decorating tips and offer to trade links with them. You can place their web site address near your product and they place a RSS feed button for your podcasts on their site.
If your podcasts highlight your hypnosis business, find sites that would draw the people who find that topic interesting. This takes some research and a bit of time to connect with people, but the networking is good for business and could create a steady stream of new sales.
Sell Space
Once you get going and have a broad listener base, sell time to other websites and business owners and allow them to add their commercials into your podcasts. Not only will this increase your listener base and sales potential, but you’ll make additional money from the commercial fees.
CALL TO ACTION
Here are the basic steps to starting a podcast.
1. Develop an idea for a series or story that can be told over multiple podcasts.
2. Download Acoustica or other recording software for your computer and start recording your files.
3. Create a blog to host your podcast and upload your audio files so people can download. Set up RSS feeds to let people subscribe and submit your podcast to directories like iTunes.com.