The Model Info Center

Each day starts and usually ends with the same BIG question. Our clients and prospects ask us, “How can I grow my business and capture my fair market share?” Our answer is quite simply, “Build yourself a base of prospects and work that pipeline relentlessly and efficiently.”

One BIG tip that I can offer you as read my short synopsis today, learn how to become a successful PodCaster and watch your bottom-line fly skyward!

Over the past decade, the Internet has created many new breakthrough marketing mediums. From successful ezine publishing and distribution straight through to more pronounced search engine optimization practices.

As a television and radio broadcaster/marketing consultant, I have had the sincere pleasure of understanding just how important both the radio and television marketing methods are to businesses and individuals in getting the word out to their prospective audience.

Our weekly online radio show, Net Talk Radio has been received very well amongst listeners and advertisers alike. I guess I always knew that in time, connectivity speeds and portable hand-held devices would ultimately allow for a more expansive target audience reach.

The day has finally arrived!

Although, we began using our online talk radio format years ago, we are now able to sweeten the pie by allowing our listeners to almost effortlessly download our show (information and entertainment) right into the iPod and iRiver devices. Now our audience can listen where ever and whenever “they” like. Plus, as an added-value benefit to us and our valuable advertisers, we can track every hit (listener) around the clock for about the cost of a cup of coffee! We make all this happen by deploying one of today’s best emerging audio/blogging technologies popularly referred to as, “PodCasting”.

PodCast Marketing: *Anyone Can Do This!

First, What is Podcasting?

Podcasting is a term that manifested as a fresh way to describe the technology used to push (share) audio content from web sites down to consumers (clients) of that content, who usually listen to it on an iPod (hence the term “pod”) or any other type of .mp3 player (iRiver) at their command, convenience and control.

PodCasting is somewhat similar to the concept of time-shifted video software and devices like TiVo, which let you watch what you want exactly when you want it by simply recording and storing video, except that PodCasting is primarily used for audio to date. (Universal video deployment is most likely just around the corner.) With that stated I should explain, however, that this easy to use emerging technology can be used to push (deploy) any kind of file such as photos (images), software updates, videos and/or text.

PodCasting uses an XML-based technology called RSS (Real Simple Syndication). Content publishers (PodCasters) describe new content in an XML RSS file which includes dates, titles, descriptions, and specifics links to the .mp3 files. This “automatically” generated file is referred to as an RSS feed. Dave Winer is considered by many to be the creator of RSS and a pioneer in the environment of applied XML. The component to making PodCasting work with RSS is “enclosures” (remember that term), an element supported by RSS 2.0.

As a consumer or end-user, you simply run an “aggregator” (remember this term, too) program like MTV’s Adam Curry’s iPodder software on your local computer, which lets you easily subscribe to RSS feeds. Programs like Adam’s will either by schedule or by random design, download the RSS files, and check to see if any fresh content is available. If new content exists, the audio files are automatically downloaded and put into a folder (of your choice) on your hard disk or directly routed to your mp3 player.

I used an asterisk as noted above to make this very honest and often painful-to-some disclaimer. When I stated that “Anyone Can Do This”, I should more accurately state, “Anyone that properly learns (from a real professional) and activates their own PodCast process can reap the significant harvest of BIGGER numbers by creating and nurturing their own emerging community. As an online business owner this is HUGE and required! This marketing solution can not only make you financially solvent, it can even make you a “STAR”!

Fitting The PodCast Magic Into Your Arsenal

Here now is a list of things to do to prepare yourself for your first PodCast presentation.

1. Research The PodCast Element

Learn precisely what PodCasting is all about and how it works. I recommend visiting http://www.google.com and typing, “PodCast Radio” into the search field.

2. Physically Search Out Only The True Professionals

Create a list of those PodCasters that undeniably know exactly what they are doing. Align your yourself with only the best. From this list, call them on the phone and pick their brain(s). If you cannot locate an actual telephonic point of contact, I strongly urge you to wipe them from your list. You want to do business with those that believe in “touching” their market with more intimacy and one-to-one personalization rather than just an email. Remember, you are looking for a friend. A mentor. Not necessarily someone to take your money and be off. A solid partnership (friendship) is your objective here.

3. Discover Your Passion

What passion do you share with others? What true value will your audience glean from you? Who is your target audience? Understand your “WHY”!

4. Develop Your Plan & Work Your Process

What do you need to learn? What do you need to do? What specific date will you be ready? Who will provide you with the support you will need to fulfill your plan. What equipment is required?

5. Make Your Podcast Happen!

As you roll out your “new-to-you” adventure, don’t expect total perfection on day one. Be kind to yourself and know that you will evolve. We all started from square one. You should have heard my first radio air check from my first radio gig in Bakersfield, California. I sounded just like a bumbling knucklehead. Enough practice and desire can make you near perfect, but do be fair with you and give yourself time to grow.

Listen to other Pro-PodCasters. Listen to your local radio stations. Read books and articles like this one on a daily basis. (I do it everyday!)

6. Finally… No Excuses!

If you “really” want to crank up the heat on your marketing efforts, than PodCasting will give you the significant marketing advantage.

Know this…

Others will talk about it, but never make their move.

You, on the other hand, will except no feeble excuses and get working on your very first PodCast right away! (At the very least, be sure to move PodCasting up near the top of “TO-DO” list!

In closing today…

I have illustrated only a fraction of what you must know before you go piling into your PodCast endeavor full steam ahead. Be sure to identify and experiment with all angles of marketing when it comes to producing an on-going, money-generating PodCast production for all the world to hear and take notice!

Happy PodCast Marketing!

About Tony Marino, Ph.D., Marketing

Dr. Tony Marino is not only the CEO of America Web Works (http://www.AmericaWebWorks.com), he is also host of the PodCast Radio Show ( http://radio.weblogs.com/0144135/ ), the Founder of the http://www.AudioVideoStreams.com, the International ePublisher’s Association, Christian Times eBusiness Newsletter and the author of the ePublishing Master’s Course at: http://www.ePublisherUniversity.com. Additionally, he holds Email Compliance Officer status for many of today’s leading Network Marketing companies.

He has also worked with the likes of legendary Direct Marketers Ted Nicholas and Gary Halbert. Best-Selling Authors, Harvey McKay, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. ABC Television’s, Jimmie Kimmel and NBC’s, Carson Daly. Online Marketers, Dale Calvert and Jay Abraham just to name a few. His offices are location in Portland and Los Angeles and he’d love to hear from you anytime!

http://www.AmericaWebWorks.com 866-824-9684

I remember when I first learned about Podcasting. It was via blog entries in Chris Pirillo’s blog and Leo Laporte’s blog. Both class act internet enthusiasts and both had a hand in making podcasting what it is today. However podcasting has become more of a business venture than the fun audio sharing that it was when it started out.

There are a handful of people that have alienated the idea of podcasting. The idea that anyone can share audio not just the big time internet junkies. Take, for example, Kevin Rose, the one time tech television star that downgraded his career to online multimedia. He does two podcasts, which there is nothing wrong with, but it’s the way that he presents himself and hounds users to subscribe.

There is nothing wrong with promotion. If you are just starting out promotion is a great way to get the word out, and maybe become the next big thing. But then there are people and organizations that over promote. Over promoting is when you are already popular and have a good following and then you keep plugging away and hounding users to watch or listen even more. A perfect example of this is Kevin Rose. Of his two podcasts, both are in the top 15 (This week in Tech, 4, Diggnation, 12). That’s great for him, but lets look at a post in his blog that was just a few days ago (while both were still in the top 15).

“Help out diggnation and subscribe today:
If you use iTunes:
- Subscribe to the audio feed
- Subscribe to the video feed
Odeo:
- Subscribe to the odeo audio feed
iPodderX or other podcasting clients:
- Raw RSS feed”

“Help out diggnation…”. Help Out! He’s the number 12 podcast on iTunes and that’s just not good enough. This is what I like to call greed. Greed to be better than everyone else, while not letting the little guy who’s just starting out get some promotion.

If Kevin Rose wants to help out podcasting and not be a selfish person, he should probably promote on of his favorite podcasts, if he even ventures out of his own. Maybe he should get out there and listen to some more, some that aren’t well know, that aren’t in the top 15, that are maybe in the 100’s. He may realize that there are some good podcasts that aren’t overly popular. Then promote them on his site. He’s got a good following he could get some people listening. Think of it as donating to the poor. You could just sit there in your mansion and suck up money while asking your maid to get you more hot tea. Or you could donate some money and feel good about yourself.

If you were to look in the archives of Kevin Rose’s Blog you’d realize that never once has he promoted someone else’s new feature or podcast, unless it was one of his “friends”. All I hope is that someday Kevin Rose will realize that he’s not the only human being on this planet; it wouldn’t hurt the help the little guy.

Some reading this article, may be wondering why I’m only focusing on Kevin Rose. The main reason is that he has a huge outlet of power, which he can thank TechTV for, and he uses it to only promote himself. While on the other hand, Leo Laporte and Chris Pirillo tend to steer away from their online careers and give a little insight on their lives, and isn’t that what blogging is for? While Leo and Chris may not promote the small guy, you won’t see them promoting themselves.

By just glancing at Leo and Chris’s blog you can see very seldom self promotion. Now compare them side by side with Kevin Rose’s blog. His is all self promotion, nothing looking into the life of Kevin Rose, nothing that helps the little guy, all self promotion so he can be number one at everything.

While I have the chance I’ll finish off my rant on Kevin Rose by pointing on one simple thing. On the podcast “Diggnation”, which I’m not subscribed to and dislike, they take the first three minutes to discuss beer. I hope they realize that the majority, or if not the majority a large chunk, of their audience is under the legal drinking age. I do not believe that a podcast like this is the time or place for discussing alcohol.

Jacob Bodnar is a senior writer and webmaster of http://www.p2btech.com. We writes technology and sports articles. This article originally premiered on p2btech.com in August.

It has been said that podcasting is where Blogs and radio intersect. It is my belief that podcasting is quickly emerging as a media that stands completely on its own. Podcasting is nothing like radio in the traditional sense. It is only similar in the fact that you can listen to audio. That is where the similarities end.

Podcasting will not be anything like Blogging in the very near future. It already is only slightly related to Blogging from the perspective that anyone can create and publish, and the fact that some Blogs can produce an RSS Feed output. That is where the similarities truly end.

The potential business uses of this media are limited only by a smart marketers imagination. Marketing managers and advertising executives should embrace this technology as a media tool that can deliver results to achieve goals in your companys marketing plan.

Corporate Podcasting: There are many valid reasons why corporations may want to embrace and leverage podcasting. Corporations can set up internal or public facing podcasts.

Corporations and businesses (both large and small) have an opportunity to create a loyal listener audience that can extend their brand and communicate to the target audience.

Businesses can also use this technology both externally & internally as a communication medium to keep local, virtual and world wide groups of clients or employees informed. This could be used for sales meetings for companies that have employees in worldwide locations. It is also an effective medium for distance learning, or in helping to get the entire team on messageon any specific topic.

Example: Consultants could use podcasting to interview clients, convey success stories, interview other thought leaders, expose business trends, and become a trusted advisor and source of valuable information. This can produce additional clients, increased reputation within a specific community, and extend your valuable brand perception with customers and prospects.

Creating the actual podcast is only a very small part of the success equation. If you need more information about how you can design and execute a proper and fully leveraged podcasting strategy you should work with a qualified consultant that has experience in this media format from a technology, best practices, strategy planning, marketing, and execution perspective.

You can get a free copy of the Podcasting Whitepaper to learn more about this technology and how you can leverage this new media technology for your business. This whitepaper also includes 13 podcasting best practices. Get on the podcasting train soon, it is filling up fast.

Copyright 2005 Rodney Rumford

Rodney Rumford has over 18 years of experience in the technology field. He has held management positions in Marketing, Business Dev, Enterprise Consulting, Sales and Engineering.
He does corporate consulting in the areas of RSS & Podcasting strategy, execution and marketing. He has developed software solutions in the areas of RSS Feeds, Podcasting and PPC Advertising.
He is the CEO of The Info Guru LLC., which operates several web properties that include: http://www.podblaze.com

Podcasts are a remarkable invention that allows you to directly receive audio broadcasts from anywhere in the world! Think of keeping a ham radio in your pocket with the easy to use aspects of Tivo. Wherever you are, you’re never too far away for your personal mp3 player or computer to pick up your favorite podcast. This new form of broadcast combines the portability and popularity of Apple’s famous iPod or any other mp3 play with the traditions of a traditional radio broadcast. Instead of attaching a radio scanner to pick up tired stations that play more commercials than songs, sign up for a podcast subscription. Similar to satellite radio, podcasts feature little to no commercials and programming that varies from music to talk to simulcasts, but also have a unique feature that satellite radio cannot compete. Just like a Tivo, you can pause, fast forward, or rewind the podcast to best fit around your schedule. If you want to catch your favorite show, simply pause the podcast until you decide to listen.

If you currently own an Apple iPod, or any other type of personal mp3 player, or a personal computer with podcasting capabilities, you can quickly and easily find and subscribe to podcasts. Before you can listen to a podcast, you must first have the correct RSS reading software. This software will enable the device to decode the files so they can be played correctly. Programs such as iPodderX are a popular choice for Apple users, as it is compatible with the interface. For PC users, iPodder.net is a great way to receive podcasts on your iPod or mp3 player. By simply connecting the device and subscribing to RSS feeds, this software will automatically download and adapt the podcast so you can listen at your leisure.

If you decide to create your own podcast, do not fear…the process is not nearly as difficult as it sounds. Use your computer, either a PC or a Mac, headphones, microphone, and some source of sound, whether it is a favorite cd, your personal band, or a great conversation, to create an audio file. Two useful programs many individuals choose to use are SoundFlower and SoundBed, both of which are free. Also, Line In is a great program that allows sound coming in from a microphone to be played. These programs allow you to quickly and easily convert your sound files into a podcast that can be played by you or anyone else who chooses to subscribe.

Copyright 2005 by D. L. Randolph. All rights reserved.

Looking for information about podcasting? Go to http://www.apodcasting.com. About Podcasting is a Podcast Information Directory and Resource Site which provides a consolidated listing of the best Podcasting sites in one easy to navigate location.

Let’s take a quick stroll through the world of marketing to see what it was, what it became and what it now is…

Era 1 - newspaper, magazines, radio broadcasts, direct mail, telemarketing, cold calling, television, infomercials…

Era 2 - websites, banner ads, reciprocal links, ezine publishing, search engine optimization, pay-per-click, opt-in email, blogs…

Enter Era 3 - marketing via podcasts?

Similar to the concept of opt-in email, podcasting takes full advantage of technology in reaching a pre-qualified, self-selected audience that craves the information and expertise a podcaster provides. Podcasting gives the strategy of establishing yourself as an expert a whole new playground.

Podcasting is the ultimate tool for reaching a fully-qualified target audience. A podcast is an audio broadcast published to the internet. The broadcast is delivered to subscribers via a feed, usually in an MP3 file format.

For years consulting and service companies have realized that the way to a client’s heart is through information sharing. Be it through trade shows, conferences, seminars, newsletters, or free articles, providing useful information on a topic that potential clients are interested in grabs them - hook, line and sinker.

When a prospect first subscribes to a podcast, they likely aren’t ready to buy products or services from the podcaster’s company. Chances are they are just getting their feet wet, searching for information. With useful information delivered via a podcast day after day, weekly or monthly, the receiver will realize the value of the expertise demonstrated. Thus, when they are ready to become buyers rather than browsers, the podcaster has the lead.

As an advertising medium podcasts can be used just like a newsletter or press release. For instance, a tax consulting firm may publish a monthly newsletter giving updates on tax laws, information about tax shelters, tips for tax deductions and notification of available services. The newsletters will likely contain contact information and will encourage readers to contract the services of the tax consulting firm.

A podcast can be used in the same way. The only difference is, the news and information is delivered via an audio broadcast rather than through an electronic or print newsletter.

There are many advantages to podcasting. In comparison to other types of advertising, it is relatively inexpensive. Podcasts are delivered to a targeted audience, leave a lasting impression on subscribers and establish the provider as an expert in the field. Regularly published podcasts keep the provider’s name and contact information fresh in the minds of the recipients and vast amounts of business can be obtained as a result.

Copyright 2005 Jason Tarasi

Jason Tarasi publishes the reciprocal links newsletter “Elite Links” Learn HOW thousands of other Elite Links members generate FREE traffic and increase their search engine rankings by swapping links. Grab your free lifetime subscription now at: http://www.elitelinksnewsletter.com

Among the many genres or types of podcasts there are some that are have moved beyond the entertainment or plain informational aspect of podcasting (which was very prevalent during its very early years). These new genres have a far more loftier aim - to inform AND help people. There is a whole new wave of podcasts that have adopted this goal and they run the gamut of topics from technology, science, economics, even home improvement. But by far, the podcast type that is seems to be experiencing a massive push in popularity among podcast fans are business podcasts.

Business podcasts are still in its infancy but when it comes to popularity it is considered as one of the most popular on the internet. There may be many reasons why business podcasts have achieved such a high level of popularity in such a short time. One very important reason is that most people (be it “casual” podcast listeners or more experienced businessmen) have a fascination on how to handle a business correctly. Most people have a belief that operating a business is a very hard task and they need all the help they can get in order to make their business run smoothly and successfully. And if they can get that information from business experts then all the better.

Another reason why business podcasts are quite popular is because of the need for self-improvement. There are people who think that since they will be investing some time listening to podcasts then it may as well be about something that will improve themselves personally or professionally.

Business podcasts are also entering the marketing mix of most companies and online businesses. Business owners and marketing professionals have realized that business podcasts are a great way to drum up attention for a business. A podcast about a business’ core market gives the impression that the business is a prime mover in the industry and a source of credible information. This will definitely increase the corporate equity of the business.

Some of the most popular business related podcasts on the internet right now include:

B-EYE-Network - Solution Spotlights - This podcast are all about one on one interviews conducted with some of the top software company executives in different sectors of the industry. The interviews usually revolve around the insights these executives give with regards to products, business and industry trends. The interviewees are considered as some of the most recognized experts and leaders in the industry.

Knowledge@Wharton - this podcast is actually the online research and business analysis journal of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. This program was launched in order to help bring out the knowledge and information that the school possesses to a wider audience.

Manager Tool - this is a very helpful weekly podcast that aims to give listeners the information, tips and advice in order for them to become more effective leaders and managers. Every week, a new tool or technique is discussed in depth so that listeners can be aided in achieving their management objectives.

Podcastblaster.com supplies podcasting software and provides information all about podcasting including video podcasting.

Podcasting connects people who have a message with people who want to hear it. Yet, how can coaches take advantage of creating and hosting a podcast for their own coaching businesses?

In Part 3, you’ll discover how to incorporate elements of your coaching personality into a podcast so you connect with listeners.

Here are some tips on how to build rapport with your listeners so that your coaching style comes through:

1. If you’re funny, be funny. Nothing can get listeners to tune in to your podcast week after week than to hear witty and humourous remarks. Even if you target executives, don’t be afraid to let your fun side show through.

2. Include personal details. This doesn’t mean that you reveal you darkest secret or a list of your cardinal sins. Instead, offer your listeners a taste of who you are by talking about the weather in your area, your thoughts on a major news story, a funny encounter you had with a business associate or the great time you had at a family dinner. Be careful what you reveal about yourself, but on the flipside, don’t be afraid to let your human side show through.

3. Don’t read from a script. It’s okay to have bullet points written down, but don’t read word for word from a document. Your listeners will be able to sense this and you’ll end up sounding boring. Try your best to be conversational and you can really only do this without the presence of notes.

4. Be controversial, be witty, just don’t be boring. Podcoaching is a form of entertainment and while you should be nice to your clients, that niceness will come across as boring while you’re podcoaching. Don’t be shy about taking an unpopular position on a topic in your podcast. Having an opinion will shake your listeners and get them to subscribe to your podcast.

5. Use music, but not copyrighted music. Jazz up your podcast with some music. Add it to your intro, your outro and everything in between. Just remember not to use copyrighted music. Even that tune you love from ABBA that you recently bought from iTunes is copyrighted music, so don’t use it. Instead, type in royalty-free music in your favourite search engine and you’ll be able to buy tunes that sound similar to the sound you’re looking for at a low price.

No matter who your target audience is, when you podcoach, it’s important to use a bit of personality to spice it up. In Part 4, we’ll look the reasons why focusing on your target market’s pain points in your podcast will make you more successful then just winging it.

© 2006 Leesa R. Barnes. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Leesa Barnes, Chief Divapreneur, helps consultants, virtual assistants, professional organizers and coaches pull clients to them using a podcast. Leesa’s advice is based on her experience producing and hosting a podcast where she saw a spike in subscribers to her ezine list and signed up a few new coaching clients, all without scheduling any complimentary sessions. Her audio program called Podcoach Your Way to Success: Secrets for Coaches on How to Use a Podcast to Market Your Business & Gain More Clients contains worksheets and exercises to help any coach set up their own podcast in as little as 4-hours.

Go to http://www.podcoachyourwaytosuccess.com and sign up for her free ecourse that will teach you how to use a podcast to grow your coaching business and pull clients to you.

Although Apple had nothing to do with the podcasting technology, the iPod and podcasting quickly became linked. With the advent of the iPod Video, podcasting entered a whole new level. Now, more than the usual audio broadcasts, aspiring film makers can also share their work with the world.

So how do you go about making your own video podcast? To make it easier on you, use a digital video camera. If you have an analog video camera, it is still possible to convert the footage to digital format but it adds another step to the process. So assuming you have a digital video camera, what do you do?

First, take great footage. Of course, making a film is not simply shooting. Create a concept and make it good. When you have finalized your ideas, it is time to shoot. When taking your shots, bear in mind your target media - the iPod. The small screen will not be able to display too many details so it is a good idea to get close when shooting. Do not use the wide-screen mode but use the standard mode instead. Optimize bandwidth and battery power by shooting several short segments instead of one full-length film. Edit! Small screen viewing will not show text clearly unless they are large enough. Also bear in mind that fast motion and high contrast might not show very clearly on the small screen.

Now that you have your video, it’s time to compress it. This needs to be done so that the video will be optimized for web and iPod viewing. There are different ways you can do this. If you have a MAC, it’s no big deal. You can compress and export your video using iMovie HD6 simply by clicking the following: FILE>Export>iPod>Share. It’s as easy as that - the software automatically converts the file and shares it on iTunes. For PC users, you can also use QuickTime Pro, version 7.0.3 or higher. Again, simply click Export > Using Quick Time Conversion. The resulting *.m4v file is the one you will upload to your web server. Other options are Sorenson Squeeze and Spasm Software’s Podner.

Describe or tag your movie. This is very important as all the information you supply will be the basis of searching later on. This is how your movie can be found and singled out, out of all the video podcasts out there. If you’re using the latest iMovie version, all you need to do is drag the file onto iTunes and click the Info Tab. Then enter the necessary information. You can also change the filename. For PC users, create an XML document. You can find a sample XML file at http://playlistmag.com/features/200…dcast/index.php. Just change the details to suit your movie. When this is done, all you need to do it upload your file to your web server.

Now what? Distribute! Let people know that your video podcast exists. You can do this in a variety of ways. To reach as many people as possible, submit your podcast to iTunes. You can also provide a URL for your podcast by including it in your blog. First create an RSS feed (www.feedburner.com is a good one) so that you can attach your video to your blog. Then create an entry in your blog and then place a link to your video. Of course, if you really want people to notice your work, you have to promote it. Go to websites such as www.podcastalley.com Now wait for the world to discover the budding film maker in you.

Podcastblaster.com supplies podcasting software and provides information all about podcasting including podcasting for profit.

Podcasting is a powerful, inexpensive and easy new medium for sharing your message with a focused and passionate audience. As a podcaster you’ll become a recognized expert in your area of interest or expertise.

You can use podcasting to boost your credibility, build your list of customers and gain a fan base very quickly. This makes podcasting a great tool to promote a product or service.

Here are four reasons you need to start a podcast today whether for fun or for business.

1. Become a Recognized Expert or Celebrity in Your Chosen Niche

How would you like to be recognized as an authority in your area of interest or expertise? Podcasts are popping up all over the internet on every imaginable subject.

But things are just getting started. Chances are you can still be one of the first to start a podcast in your chosen niche.

You can quickly be recognized as an expert in your field. This is a powerful way to build a following or strong customer base.

Think about when you hear or see someone on the radio or TV. They have instant credibility. As a podcaster you will enjoy the same credibility. People will value your opinion.

You can leverage this position to influence your audience, promote yourself and even make money. If you have an audience that is interested in a specific niche, there will always be others who want to reach that audience, too. This is how you find advertisers or sponsors.

2. Quickly Gain a Very Focused Audience

With the right content, you will gain listeners fast. Not only that, but your audience is potentially worldwide. You can offer quality content to keep in touch with your customers and keep yourself, your product or your service in the front of their mind.

Podcasting is a great way to cut through the clutter and reach your audience. This is not like the radio where your listener is waiting for something that interests him. He has chosen to listen to your podcast because it interests him.

This makes podcasts very effective for promotion, marketing and growing a focused audience.

3. Podcasting is a Convenient, Automatic and Inexpensive Way to Reach Your Audience or Customers

One reason that podcasting has become so popular is that it’s automated. Listeners subscribe to your feed. This means they don’t have to remember to return your site to check for new content. When you post new content, it’s automatically downloaded to your listener.

Because listeners subscribe to podcasts, they have chosen to receive your content. They have already shown interest in your message by subscribing. In addition, a podcast does not get lost in SPAM like with e-mail. You can be sure your message is reaching a focused audience.

This means your content automatically reaches your audience without any barriers increasing the efficiency and ease of delivering your message.

Because your podcast is delivered over the internet, it’s a very inexpensive means of communication.

4. With Equipment You Probably Already Own and For Very Little Cost, Your Podcast Could be Online in Just Hours

All you need to start your podcast is a computer, a microphone and a broadband internet connection. Later, you can buy nicer gear if you want. For now you can get started with very little cost. All you need is something to say and a desire to say it.

If you were to try and do the same thing on the radio, you would have to face all kinds of FCC regulations to learn and follow. Plus you would have the expense of broadcasting. Podcasting removes all of that cost and trouble.

With my how to podcast tutorial web site, your first podcast can be online in less than a day.

SUMMARY

Podcasting is a powerful and easy way to reach a focused audience. Whether for fun or to make money, podcasting allows you to easily reach a focused and loyal audience. You can brand yourself as an expert or celebrity in your niche.

You can get started with no more gear than your computer, a microphone and a broadband internet connection. People could be listening to your podcast in less than a day. Make your voice heard.

Jason Van Orden is the creator of www.How-To-Podcast-Tutorial.com, the home of the free podcast tutorial that will take your podcast from concept to launch fast and for minimal cost. Click here to learn how to podcast with step-by-step instructions (in everyday terms) and video tutorials.