Podcasting – A Brilliant Traffic Generation And Marketing Tool

By Nick J Smith

Although podcasting has been around for a number of years, it didn’t really become popular until about three years ago, when Apple created its iPod player. Podcasting is simply an audio recording of text – frequently a blog — that can be played on an mp3 device or over a computer. The term “podcasting” is a combination of the terms “iPod” and “broadcasting”.

Podcasts are not difficult to make if you have the proper tools at hand. If you want to simply speak extemporaneously, as is often the case, all that is needed is a good microphone and recording device with editing capability. It’s also useful to have a way to convert the recorded file into mp3 format to make it widely available for listeners. This recording process is quick and easy, requiring minimal preparation and rehearsal, for the most part.

However, if someone wants to record a prepared text, a teleprompter or software autocue is very helpful in displaying the material to be spoken in such a way as to simplify the reading process. Professional broadcasters use this device while presenting their newscasts on the air. Having the words in front of you and moving at a defined pace decreases the likelihood of losing your place and makes for a smoother read.

Since podcasting deals with sound, be certain to check that your level is consistent throughout and the end result is clear and audible. There should be no unwanted background sounds, muffles, or other distractions. These can be edited out of the final product, if necessary. You can also add background, such as music, but make sure you are not using something that requires a royalty payment or similar charge. It’s easy enough to find a large selection of music online suitable for inclusion with podcasting.

Creating a podcast as an adjunct to a web site is now common practice. Marketing studies have shown that the visitor feels more of a connection to the web site if there is also a voice along with the words on the page. This tends to build the ‘relationship’ more quickly and increase comfort levels. It’s also a good idea to keep your podcast updated and fresh.

Your podcast could be hosted on your web site or at a remote location with a link to it. There are a couple of web sites that allow free posting and will provide hosting space for your podcast. The major advantage to hosting elsewhere is it will cut down on the necessary bandwidth, and podcasts, by their very nature, use a lot of bandwidth.

You can probably find podcasts on almost any subject imaginable. Some authors provide both the written and spoken word to get their message out. That then gives the reader or listener the option of using whatever format is most convenient to them. When learning a difficult subject, or one that requires hearing the spoken sounds, such as a foreign language, people often find that having both – reading and listening simultaneously – provides the easiest method of mastering the material. Getting the auditory as well as visual queue makes it easier to retain the subject matter.

And as with books and articles, the podcast is only as good as the presenter. If the subject is not properly researched or contains inaccurate information, if the subject is not addressed in a logical way that is easy to understand, then the podcast has little value.

Just as podcasting challenges the presenter to be interesting and informed, it should compel the listener to pay attention. This is a great way to get a message across, and it appears that the popularity of podcasting will only increase in the foreseeable future.

Nick Smith is the owner of PodcastAutocue.com – the podcast software that enables anyone – beginner or expert – to consistently create clear, error-free, professional podcasts, without having to spend $1,000+ on teleprompting equipment.

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