A podcast is an audio presentation delivered over the Internet to subscribers. It can be created easily and quickly, providing a powerful way to introduce new products or services, or just to get the word out to customers. There are several options for creating and sending podcasts. Many are free for the basic setup with more advanced options offered for small fees. Podcasts can be created using a simple microphone and speaker. More advanced solutions are available where artwork, photos, or even presentations can be added to the audio file.
Content of the presentation
Choose the material that will be recorded carefully. If the recording is going to introduce a new product, it needs to cover the strategic points of the new product and tell the listener how he or she can obtain the product. If it is going to be a general marketing piece talking about the company, it needs to give short, clear statements about the company and end with contact information. Write out the content, read it over aloud a couple of times before starting the recording.
Recording the presentation
There are several quick and easy ways to make a recording with a laptop, a microphone and speaker, but in order to save the file in a format that can be uploaded to the podcasting Website, the recording must be done using a software program that is specifically designed to export the file into an MP3 or other appropriate file format. Audacity is a free sound editor program that is easy to use and has the capability of exporting the recording as an MP3 file, which is what most podcasting Websites will require. Simply download the program, plug in the headset or speakers and microphone and record the file. There are other free sound editor options, some specific for Windows and Macintosh computers. Do a search online to find the one that will provide what is needed for certain systems.
Exporting the file for use
Most podcasting Websites will want to use MP3 files and these are easily created by exporting the recording using the sound editing program. Simply choose the kind of file format needed by the Website from the Export feature in the sound editing program. Most programs like Audacity will offer many alternative formats to export to including WAV, MP2, AC3, AIFF, etc. Once the file has been exported and saved in the format wanted, it can be uploaded to the podcasting Website. Again, there are many free or low cost sites available. PodOmatic is one that offers an easy, free publishing solution for audio files. More options are available for a small fee.
Using the Podcast as a Marketing Tool
Once the audio presentation has been uploaded to a podcasting site, it is time to start sending it out as a marketing tool. The website will likely have options for marketing the published file, including emailing a link to a list of customers, offering an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) subscription option, and social media sharing tools. If a listener subscribes to the podcast (RSS) he or she will get an email everytime a new audio presentation is added. Sharing the podcast on Facebook, Twitter, etc. will provide the link to many people.
Janie Sullivan - I am a freelance writer, educator, and trainer. I have published articles in the Adjunct Advocate, Business Startups, and numerous ...
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