Podcasting is a marketing tool that is getting quite a bit of attention lately. Business podcasting in particular is catching on as a great instrument for connecting with a larger audience than a mere website or blog can deliver.
If the prospect of producing a podcast, fitting the production into your schedule and putting yourself out there has you worried, do not fret! Getting starting with podcasting is actually not all that complicated.
- Find the right mix of topics. Listeners will not sign up for daily or weekly infomercials. While you should include your marketing message, make sure that you mix it up a bit. Include interviews with other entrepreneurs in your field, do skits, add presentations and do not neglect the occasional chat sessions.
- Decide on a frequency. Daily podcasts are challenging. If you are just starting out, try to do two podcasts per month. As you get more comfortable with the format, plan on increasing this number to one podcast per week.
- Learn about production. Music, the intro and other style elements call for a polished presentation. Novice podcasters should outsource this aspect of the production to a skilled professional – usually a freelancer – who will give the podcast the professional polish. If you have the time and do not mind playing around with the technology a bit, you can learn how to do these things yourself.
- Talk! Write a script and then talk into your noise-reducing headset to record your podcast. There a number of free applications that you can use to record on the computer. Of course, if you want to use the tools that pros rely on, be prepared to spend between $50 and $200 on plug-in-rich software products that make your recording stand out.
- Upload and spread the word. Upload the finished product to the media host of your choice. Once it is live, get the word out via social media. Work your Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest accounts to their full potential.The benefits of getting started with podcasting are clear:
- Reputation. Podcasting underscores your position as a thought leader in your niche.
- Connection. The personal message that is the essence of podcasting resonates with your listeners. You become someone they listen to, trust and value.
Why not give it a try and add something new to your marketing mix.
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