Podcasting
A podcast is a series of digital media files, usually digital audio or video, that is made available for download via web syndication.
The syndication aspect of the delivery is what differentiates podcasts from other files that are accessed by simple download to your computer. Special software applications known as podcatchers (such as Apple Inc.'s iTunes or Nullsoft's Winamp) can automatically identify and retrieve new files whenever they are produced and made available. This is made possible by accessing a web feed that lists all files associated with a particular podcast. The files are automatically downloaded are stored locally on the subscriber's computer, iPod or other devices.
Podcast can refer either to the content itself or to the method by which the content is syndicated, also called podcasting. A podcaster is the person who creates the content.
Podcasting started to catch on in 2004, but the ability to distribute audio and video files easily has been around since before the emergence of the Internet.
People have a natural inclination toward what is trendy. In fact, it is this "cool" factor that fuels most industries. Sales are determined by how fashionable the products are perceived to be. Determining market trends can also be predicted by knowing what is "cool."
Take Apple's highly successful portable MP3 player, the iPod. The iPod has been hailed as a cultural revolution, as it changed the way society has come to enjoy their music. A great part of the iPod's s.uccess is because of the "cool" factor associated with it.
As an Internet marketer, you should capitalize on this popularity of the iPod and similar gadgets through podcasting.
Podcasting is much like broadcasting, utilizing Internet technology for content delivery. RSS 2.0 is the medium of choice for podcasting. But instead of syndicated text, RSS 2.0 delivers codes that, when decoded, are translated to audio that can convey any message, whether for business or for personal purposes.
Podcasting has changed radio broadcasts. Portable MP3 players have replaced FM receivers. Many Internet radio stations have started operating because of the many great possibilities that podcasting has opened up.
Podcasting also allowed for new advertising opportunities. This is, of course, what we should be most excited about.
The best way we can capitalize on podcasting is through "on demand broadcasts." This is much like on demand video, where the viewer can watch the shows he prefers whenever. On demand podcasting would allow your listeners to listen to your broadcast at anytime they please. All you have to do is to host your podcast in your web server.
Your bandwidth would be able to withstand a great volume of requests because podcasts come in very small files, thanks to the RSS 2.0 technology to which they are embedded, making it possible for a million people to listen to you.
Podcasting is an easy technology to learn and it costs practically nothing to get started. You just need Internet service and a microphone in order to build your own podcasting studio.
Very important to remember is that content is king, just as with the rest of the media. Just like with your website, people will listen to your podcasts if you have something interesting and informative to share share with them. Make your content your number one investment. No one wants to listen to junk.
Your podcast could be your ultimate promotional vehicle. You could include your links, recommend your products and even invite your listeners so that you may capture them as leads. You could even podcast some interviews you have conducted with some experts on the field you're catering to.
You could decide to use podcasting as an advertising vehicle or as an information product in itself. You could prepare some audio lessons and deliver them through your podcasts and charge a reasonable fee to subscribe.
The best thing about podcasting is that it is a relatively new technology. Not a lot of web
e.ntrepreneurs are into it as of present. There's not a lot of competition.
If you have not submitted your podcast to Itunes
you should strongly consider it.
Here's how:
Once you've created your RSS file, your podcast is ready to be shared with the rest of the world.
You must have Apple Itunes (no charge download)
installed on your computer.
To publish a podcast, open iTunes and select Music Store in the Source list.
On the Music Store home page, click Podcasts, then click Publish Podcast and complete the form.
