In a nutshell, a Podcast is a type of audio broadcast that can be downloaded to an iPod – pod + broadcast = podcast.
You don’t have to have an iPod to listen to a podcast. You can listen to it the same way you listen to any video on the internet – your PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.
You can subscribe to a podcast and have it automatically downloaded to the listening medium of your choice.
Podcasting is similar to having a radio talk show. You pick your topic and record your discussion. Think of it as similar to an audio book.
Both blogs and podcasts are revolutionizing the way business is done on the internet. Podcasts are recorded so you can listen to them whenever your schedule allows.
You may or may not be familiar with the term “timeshift” (some may think it pertains to time travel and in some ways it does!) which simply means that in today’s techno world, you can listen to a media presentation on your own schedule as opposed to only being able to hear or view an event at the time it’s being delivered.
You don’t need to invest in a lot of expensive equipment in order to do your own podcast. A computer and a microphone will get you started.
Think of podcasting as a talking blog post. You can converse on audio about anything that you’d normally write about. Individuals can subscribe to your podcast much like they would subscribe to your blog. Imagine being able to have your content heard audibly by 1000’s of people across the globe!
Do you see the potential for growing your business using this medium?
Some of the same rules that apply to effective blogging also apply to podcasting.
Your discussion needs to hold interest and/or value for the listener.
Your podcast can be in the form of a seminar where you are teaching your audience about a certain subject or it can be in the form of an audio article. You can just talk to your audience on a one-on-one basis – like you’re sitting in a room with them.
Another very popular format for podcasting is to treat it like a talk show where you interview others to generate interest and also give varying points of view on topics.
Additionally, you can also utilize a panel discussion about your topic or you can have someone interview you so there’s some exchange of ideas and information.
Depending upon what type of business you’re in, you could also interview your clients/customers on how they like your product and/or how it’s made something that they do easier, etc.
"Promotion" is the No. 1 watchword for podcasters.
Just like your blog posts, you want subscribers. Promote it in all your “reach out” tactics – emails, on your website, on your social media sites, etc.
Before you think about using podcasts for your business, do some research to find out how others are using this medium to grow their business.
You may learn some things you hadn’t thought of and you may also find ways to apply what others are doing to your business even if it’s in a totally unrelated field.
Be creative and see how you can use a podcast to your business’s best advantage.
