The Benefits Of Podcasting & How To Make Great Ones
Podcasting has been around since 2004 and its presence on the worldwide web is as common as blogs and videos. For internet marketing gurus, they consider podcasting to be rooted in the weblog, which eventually became known as a “blog,” and in the internet itself. Of course, if it weren’t for the internet neither blogs nor podcasts would exist. Both grew from innovative minds that recognized the potential for new types of communication and businesses. When blogs gained popularity sometime in the mid 1990s, people were in a frenzy to take part and share their thoughts, knowledge and information. Additionally, blogs allowed for two-way communication as readers could comment on what others wrote. This was a new way of sharing information. With the addition of podcasting after more than a decade, blogs became even more popular with the new tool of communication.
Firms that wish to expand the ways they reach potential clients and other audiences should consider incorporating podcasts into their communications mix. Many successful internet marketers and businesses have experienced boosted sales and traffic. Indeed, it can be said that podcasting offers great opportunities for immediacy, authenticity and credibility in marketing. It has been used as well for client education, demonstrations and recruitment efforts. Being cost-effective and efficient, podcasting is highly preferred as well for smaller businesses.
Benefits of Podcasting
Podcast has proven to be extremely effective both in audio and video podcasting. This form of communications can be extremely effective for a few reasons. In many other ways, it enhances a blog and outperforms it. The many benefits that entrepreneurs, affiliate marketers and small businesses can get in podcasting include building genuine and strong connection with people. It develops an ongoing verbal relationship with clients and customers, particularly because you can directly respond to customer feedbacks and questions. At the same time, it helps develop new relationships and build a reputation of authority in the industry you’re moving in. People always love free information that’s helpful to them, as well as knowing insights of leaders in the field. With podcasting, you build trust faster than any other means of communication.
Ways To Effective Podcasting
You can create a great podcast but if no one listens to it, it won’t matter. As with any marketing and recruiting program, you need to create awareness for your podcasts. The power of your podcast will increase greatly if it is integrated into your overall marketing plan. But podcasting isn’t just a one-step-take-all process. There are basics that businesses must consider to make their podcast successful. Here are the top tips to effectively use podcasting for your business:
1. Don’t settle for home video types. In order to be effective, a podcast must be
professional and compelling. Make sure that what you produce will convey the right
image and be of interest beyond your office walls. Don’t settle for juvenile mode or home video type of podcasts as it would make your business look unprofessional.
2. Recognize that technology is a means to an end. The technology utilized in a podcast is user-friendly, readily available and affordable. But remember, a good podcast should always be about the messages you choose to deliver.
3. Be authentic and genuine. Authenticity is a great factor to effective podcasting. Do not use a professional speaker but instead, pick an articulate person from your own firm who is knowledgeable enough and passionate about the subject matter.
4. Use an interview format for spontaneity. One of the best ways to have a structured podcast is through the interview format. It’s like having a question and answer portion and the usual thing that happens in an interview.
5. Know how your audience will listen. Practically speaking, many people will choose to listen to podcasts on your websites rather than downloading them to an iPod. The best thing you can do is provide for podcast streaming on your website and think of other content that will accompany them.
Remember that the most important aspects of innovation are not readily apparent. To become successful, the invisible must be made visible. So stand up and be heard!