Sunday, May 30, 2010
What Are Podcasts And How Can They Help Your Business?
So what exactly is a Podcast?
The word Podcast gets thrown around a lot these days but what exactly is a Podcast? Think of a podcast as a radio show that you can subscribe to or download at any time. It may help to think of it kind of like TIVO for audio programs. In fact, a podcast is a web feed of audio or video files placed on the Internet for anyone to subscribe to, or download. Search online and you'll find a range of Podcasts available on nearly every topic imaginable. They range from entertainment focused to educational to business oriented and everywhere in between.
A podcast differs from a simple download in that new content may be automatically delivered. Users need not click into your website for important specials since all of this information may be automatically downloaded. A podcast show consists of a series of individual episodes that you can listen to and view on-line or offline whenever and wherever you want.
While podcasting has been around for about five years now remarkably, the term itself, has only been around since 2004. It's a contraction of IPod (The most popular MP3 player) and broadcasting. However, you don't even have to have an MP3 player to listen to programs. You can 'subscribe' to an entire podcast series using software on your PC or listen to a single episode at a time by using a web browser. Subscribing to a podcast ensures that all new shows are automatically downloaded to your computer as they are published, and even better subscribing is generally free.
If you do happen to have an MP3 player, the next time you sync your device, your podcasts will be downloaded for listening on the go. If you don't want to subscribe, but rather just want a copy of a particular episode, you can just click the "Download" button to save to your hard disk. Once downloaded you can then manage it and play it like you would any other audio file. What distinguishes podcasts from other audio or video media is that the content is accessible to its audience(s) whenever, wherever, and however they want.
What are the business applications of Podcasting?
The podcast is a real advantage for business travelers and salespeople who are constantly on the go. Since they are frequently in transit they can learn about what a company is offering while they travel. They're able to stay in the loop about changes that are occurring in the industry or a particular company while on the way to their next meeting.
Whenever a business wants to change its marketing emphasis, their podcast will change with them. Podcasts enable potential customers to find out more about a particular company and its range of products and service without feeling pressured by a salesperson. Rather, a friendly voice explaining what makes the company unique will better serve to convert a potential client into a customer.
Podcasts also save on manpower. An extensive sales force is typically required to detail a company's newest offers and innovations. With a podcast, visitors click in and are directed to any new information the company wants to present.
The other really great thing about podcasts is that they have an incredibly wide reach. Clients from across the world can access information on companies or products and learn about them in a simple, direct manner at any time, and without having to be tied to a computer.
Especially important is the utilization of pod cast directories which list podcast shows along with the links to their original websites. These directories publicize the available podcasts. Among the more popular of the podcast directories are Yahoo Podcasts, Odeo, Podcast Alley and Podcasting News. When using directories it's important to select genre and content categories that make it easier for listeners to find your podcast. Once you are listed with a directory, you will begin to get visitors from these directories to your website.
In order to encourage visitors to listen your podcast you'll need to start by creating an enticing title that tells them just enough about your product to intrigue them.
More important than having a great title though is having even better content. An outline for your podcast will enable you to be sure you don't lose your audience, and cover all the points you want to hit. How long your podcast will be is directly related to how much news you have to share and the extent to which you can keep that news fresh and exciting. Frequency of updates is also an important issue to address. This will likely depend on the nature of what you're discussing and how quickly things change in that industry.
So to sum up: Podcasts are basically like online radio shows that can be downloaded, or subscribed to. When used effectively they can be a powerful marketing tool for any sort of business.
Come to http://ping.fm/1lv8I to get more tips and tricks on Web 2.0!
Come to http://ping.fm/tkrzr to find out more as well!
The word Podcast gets thrown around a lot these days but what exactly is a Podcast? Think of a podcast as a radio show that you can subscribe to or download at any time. It may help to think of it kind of like TIVO for audio programs. In fact, a podcast is a web feed of audio or video files placed on the Internet for anyone to subscribe to, or download. Search online and you'll find a range of Podcasts available on nearly every topic imaginable. They range from entertainment focused to educational to business oriented and everywhere in between.
A podcast differs from a simple download in that new content may be automatically delivered. Users need not click into your website for important specials since all of this information may be automatically downloaded. A podcast show consists of a series of individual episodes that you can listen to and view on-line or offline whenever and wherever you want.
While podcasting has been around for about five years now remarkably, the term itself, has only been around since 2004. It's a contraction of IPod (The most popular MP3 player) and broadcasting. However, you don't even have to have an MP3 player to listen to programs. You can 'subscribe' to an entire podcast series using software on your PC or listen to a single episode at a time by using a web browser. Subscribing to a podcast ensures that all new shows are automatically downloaded to your computer as they are published, and even better subscribing is generally free.
If you do happen to have an MP3 player, the next time you sync your device, your podcasts will be downloaded for listening on the go. If you don't want to subscribe, but rather just want a copy of a particular episode, you can just click the "Download" button to save to your hard disk. Once downloaded you can then manage it and play it like you would any other audio file. What distinguishes podcasts from other audio or video media is that the content is accessible to its audience(s) whenever, wherever, and however they want.
What are the business applications of Podcasting?
The podcast is a real advantage for business travelers and salespeople who are constantly on the go. Since they are frequently in transit they can learn about what a company is offering while they travel. They're able to stay in the loop about changes that are occurring in the industry or a particular company while on the way to their next meeting.
Whenever a business wants to change its marketing emphasis, their podcast will change with them. Podcasts enable potential customers to find out more about a particular company and its range of products and service without feeling pressured by a salesperson. Rather, a friendly voice explaining what makes the company unique will better serve to convert a potential client into a customer.
Podcasts also save on manpower. An extensive sales force is typically required to detail a company's newest offers and innovations. With a podcast, visitors click in and are directed to any new information the company wants to present.
The other really great thing about podcasts is that they have an incredibly wide reach. Clients from across the world can access information on companies or products and learn about them in a simple, direct manner at any time, and without having to be tied to a computer.
Especially important is the utilization of pod cast directories which list podcast shows along with the links to their original websites. These directories publicize the available podcasts. Among the more popular of the podcast directories are Yahoo Podcasts, Odeo, Podcast Alley and Podcasting News. When using directories it's important to select genre and content categories that make it easier for listeners to find your podcast. Once you are listed with a directory, you will begin to get visitors from these directories to your website.
In order to encourage visitors to listen your podcast you'll need to start by creating an enticing title that tells them just enough about your product to intrigue them.
More important than having a great title though is having even better content. An outline for your podcast will enable you to be sure you don't lose your audience, and cover all the points you want to hit. How long your podcast will be is directly related to how much news you have to share and the extent to which you can keep that news fresh and exciting. Frequency of updates is also an important issue to address. This will likely depend on the nature of what you're discussing and how quickly things change in that industry.
So to sum up: Podcasts are basically like online radio shows that can be downloaded, or subscribed to. When used effectively they can be a powerful marketing tool for any sort of business.
Come to http://ping.fm/1lv8I to get more tips and tricks on Web 2.0!
Come to http://ping.fm/tkrzr to find out more as well!
Friday, May 28, 2010
What Do Boy Scouts and Podcasting Have in Common?
Always be prepared. It is the Boy Scout motto but preparation is also critical to the production of a successful podcast. You might want to start by first listening to a variety of podcasts to get a better idea of the variety of formats and styles that exist within the medium.
Also it's important to brainstorm and come up with several possible topics to cover in your podcasts. A good source of material could be any kind of new developments or interesting news about your company. You might want to go over any press releases that you've recently issued for ideas. Also are there any innovative products or service features that distinguish you from your competition? This should be the springboard for your outline. Do some research and try to see if you can tie it into something newsworthy. Keep in mind who your target audience is so that the message is relevant and as well as engaging to them.
Try to keep in mind that you'll want to share just enough information to pique your visitors' curiosity in order to get them to tune to the upcoming installments of podcast series. You want to make your podcasting engaging without going into to too much or too little detail. You want to maximize listener retention, and as you can imagine, getting new listeners is a challenge so you surely don't want to loose them once you have them.
How do you Structure your pod cast?
To make sure you cover everything you want without being redundant you should develop an outline of just what you'd like to include in each podcast, as well as a basic outline of the series.
1) You need an outline of your potential pod cast ideas
2) Create an order for the shows starting with a basic introductory show that explains who you are and what your show is about and then schedule your regular shows from there
3) You'll need to create an outline for each individual pod cast
This should include an:
a) intro
b) 2 or 3 important points
c) Summary with contact info
Remember that the content of your podcast is critical, and the outline it will enable you to be sure you don't lose your audience. How long your podcast will be is directly related to how much news you have to share and the extent to which you can keep that news fresh and exciting. Frequency of updates is also an important issue to address. This will likely depend on your industry, the and the number of new developments, or newsworthy happenings. Keep in mind though that most people are probably listening while in their car. You have a finite amount of time. If you produce a 45 minute podcast it had better be well edited and put together. It probably easier to be brief, and divide a much longer show into shorter more regular 15-30 minute broadcasts.
Whether creating your own podcast or outsourcing it elsewhere it's important to keep in mind that preparation is the first step in creating a successful podcast.
Remember to check out http://ping.fm/p1QSe !
Also it's important to brainstorm and come up with several possible topics to cover in your podcasts. A good source of material could be any kind of new developments or interesting news about your company. You might want to go over any press releases that you've recently issued for ideas. Also are there any innovative products or service features that distinguish you from your competition? This should be the springboard for your outline. Do some research and try to see if you can tie it into something newsworthy. Keep in mind who your target audience is so that the message is relevant and as well as engaging to them.
Try to keep in mind that you'll want to share just enough information to pique your visitors' curiosity in order to get them to tune to the upcoming installments of podcast series. You want to make your podcasting engaging without going into to too much or too little detail. You want to maximize listener retention, and as you can imagine, getting new listeners is a challenge so you surely don't want to loose them once you have them.
How do you Structure your pod cast?
To make sure you cover everything you want without being redundant you should develop an outline of just what you'd like to include in each podcast, as well as a basic outline of the series.
1) You need an outline of your potential pod cast ideas
2) Create an order for the shows starting with a basic introductory show that explains who you are and what your show is about and then schedule your regular shows from there
3) You'll need to create an outline for each individual pod cast
This should include an:
a) intro
b) 2 or 3 important points
c) Summary with contact info
Remember that the content of your podcast is critical, and the outline it will enable you to be sure you don't lose your audience. How long your podcast will be is directly related to how much news you have to share and the extent to which you can keep that news fresh and exciting. Frequency of updates is also an important issue to address. This will likely depend on your industry, the and the number of new developments, or newsworthy happenings. Keep in mind though that most people are probably listening while in their car. You have a finite amount of time. If you produce a 45 minute podcast it had better be well edited and put together. It probably easier to be brief, and divide a much longer show into shorter more regular 15-30 minute broadcasts.
Whether creating your own podcast or outsourcing it elsewhere it's important to keep in mind that preparation is the first step in creating a successful podcast.
Remember to check out http://ping.fm/p1QSe !
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Business resource: Business related podcasts
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.
Come to http://ping.fm/n0kXS to see more posts!
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.
Come to http://ping.fm/n0kXS to see more posts!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
How You Can Benefit From A Site with Golf Equipment Reviews
Sometimes I think back of the days when I started playing golf. Things were simple then. A wood was still made of wood, and a 5-iron was a 5-iron. Or at least that’s what I thought until I learned more about equipment. Still, things were relatively simple, but they are not anymore. Just read some golf equipment reviews. It’s totally amazing how technology has changed the game of golf, and how radically golf equipment has changed over the past couple of decades.
As someone interested in new gadgets, I have been fascinated by the introduction of Golf GPS. Let me give you a few basics. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and uses satellites and a receiver to determine where you are on the planet with amazing accuracy, as close as a couple of feet. GPS is available in most new cars and it’s also available for golf where it can help you improve your game. It’s not a traditional training aid, though. What a Golf GPS receiver does is figure out where you are on a course, and then give you the exact distance to the green, water hazards, bunkers and fairway boundaries. This way you know the number of yards, golf clubs to pick, and even the size of the green from the angle you’re approaching it!
How did I learn about all this? Certainly not by going to an electronics store. If I want information on golf, I go to websites dedicated to golf and golf equipment. I love to read what golf enthusiasts have to say about golf shoes, golf bags and other equipment, as I have no use for the usual marketing hype. I mean, where else than at a golf enthusiast site could you read comparisons of electric golf carts and what’s important when you consider getting one of your own? Did you know, for example, that you can create tricked-out custom golf carts with special suspensions, paint jobs and fancy wheels?
But it’s not only emerging technologies like Golf GPS or big ticket items like carts that you can get good information on at a golf review site. There are probably thousands of different golf bags out there, and I love to read about the latest from some of the best companies like Burton, Ogio or Nike, and that includes the good and the bad. Nothing’s perfect, and I rely on unbiased reviews to give me the real scoop.
Same with clubs. We all have our favorites, of course, but I keep an open mind. Nothing can replace trying out a club, and that’s where the pro shops come in, but I like to do my research online. Did you know companies like Ping actually have online fitting systems? Or that Titleist clubs are no longer just for top-level players with low handicaps? The company is clearly going for new and aspiring golfers with their new lines of clubs. Again, I found out on an enthusiast golf site that also does golf equipment reviews. There’s just nothing like it.
As someone interested in new gadgets, I have been fascinated by the introduction of Golf GPS. Let me give you a few basics. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and uses satellites and a receiver to determine where you are on the planet with amazing accuracy, as close as a couple of feet. GPS is available in most new cars and it’s also available for golf where it can help you improve your game. It’s not a traditional training aid, though. What a Golf GPS receiver does is figure out where you are on a course, and then give you the exact distance to the green, water hazards, bunkers and fairway boundaries. This way you know the number of yards, golf clubs to pick, and even the size of the green from the angle you’re approaching it!
How did I learn about all this? Certainly not by going to an electronics store. If I want information on golf, I go to websites dedicated to golf and golf equipment. I love to read what golf enthusiasts have to say about golf shoes, golf bags and other equipment, as I have no use for the usual marketing hype. I mean, where else than at a golf enthusiast site could you read comparisons of electric golf carts and what’s important when you consider getting one of your own? Did you know, for example, that you can create tricked-out custom golf carts with special suspensions, paint jobs and fancy wheels?
But it’s not only emerging technologies like Golf GPS or big ticket items like carts that you can get good information on at a golf review site. There are probably thousands of different golf bags out there, and I love to read about the latest from some of the best companies like Burton, Ogio or Nike, and that includes the good and the bad. Nothing’s perfect, and I rely on unbiased reviews to give me the real scoop.
Same with clubs. We all have our favorites, of course, but I keep an open mind. Nothing can replace trying out a club, and that’s where the pro shops come in, but I like to do my research online. Did you know companies like Ping actually have online fitting systems? Or that Titleist clubs are no longer just for top-level players with low handicaps? The company is clearly going for new and aspiring golfers with their new lines of clubs. Again, I found out on an enthusiast golf site that also does golf equipment reviews. There’s just nothing like it.
How You Can Benefit From A Site with Golf Equipment Reviews
Sometimes I think back of the days when I started playing golf. Things were simple then. A wood was still made of wood, and a 5-iron was a 5-iron. Or at least that’s what I thought until I learned more about equipment. Still, things were relatively simple, but they are not anymore. Just read some golf equipment reviews. It’s totally amazing how technology has changed the game of golf, and how radically golf equipment has changed over the past couple of decades.
As someone interested in new gadgets, I have been fascinated by the introduction of Golf GPS. Let me give you a few basics. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and uses satellites and a receiver to determine where you are on the planet with amazing accuracy, as close as a couple of feet. GPS is available in most new cars and it’s also available for golf where it can help you improve your game. It’s not a traditional training aid, though. What a Golf GPS receiver does is figure out where you are on a course, and then give you the exact distance to the green, water hazards, bunkers and fairway boundaries. This way you know the number of yards, golf clubs to pick, and even the size of the green from the angle you’re approaching it!
How did I learn about all this? Certainly not by going to an electronics store. If I want information on golf, I go to websites dedicated to golf and golf equipment. I love to read what golf enthusiasts have to say about golf shoes, golf bags and other equipment, as I have no use for the usual marketing hype. I mean, where else than at a golf enthusiast site could you read comparisons of electric golf carts and what’s important when you consider getting one of your own? Did you know, for example, that you can create tricked-out custom golf carts with special suspensions, paint jobs and fancy wheels?
But it’s not only emerging technologies like Golf GPS or big ticket items like carts that you can get good information on at a golf review site. There are probably thousands of different golf bags out there, and I love to read about the latest from some of the best companies like Burton, Ogio or Nike, and that includes the good and the bad. Nothing’s perfect, and I rely on unbiased reviews to give me the real scoop.
Same with clubs. We all have our favorites, of course, but I keep an open mind. Nothing can replace trying out a club, and that’s where the pro shops come in, but I like to do my research online. Did you know companies like Ping actually have online fitting systems? Or that Titleist clubs are no longer just for top-level players with low handicaps? The company is clearly going for new and aspiring golfers with their new lines of clubs. Again, I found out on an enthusiast golf site that also does golf equipment reviews. There’s just nothing like it.
As someone interested in new gadgets, I have been fascinated by the introduction of Golf GPS. Let me give you a few basics. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and uses satellites and a receiver to determine where you are on the planet with amazing accuracy, as close as a couple of feet. GPS is available in most new cars and it’s also available for golf where it can help you improve your game. It’s not a traditional training aid, though. What a Golf GPS receiver does is figure out where you are on a course, and then give you the exact distance to the green, water hazards, bunkers and fairway boundaries. This way you know the number of yards, golf clubs to pick, and even the size of the green from the angle you’re approaching it!
How did I learn about all this? Certainly not by going to an electronics store. If I want information on golf, I go to websites dedicated to golf and golf equipment. I love to read what golf enthusiasts have to say about golf shoes, golf bags and other equipment, as I have no use for the usual marketing hype. I mean, where else than at a golf enthusiast site could you read comparisons of electric golf carts and what’s important when you consider getting one of your own? Did you know, for example, that you can create tricked-out custom golf carts with special suspensions, paint jobs and fancy wheels?
But it’s not only emerging technologies like Golf GPS or big ticket items like carts that you can get good information on at a golf review site. There are probably thousands of different golf bags out there, and I love to read about the latest from some of the best companies like Burton, Ogio or Nike, and that includes the good and the bad. Nothing’s perfect, and I rely on unbiased reviews to give me the real scoop.
Same with clubs. We all have our favorites, of course, but I keep an open mind. Nothing can replace trying out a club, and that’s where the pro shops come in, but I like to do my research online. Did you know companies like Ping actually have online fitting systems? Or that Titleist clubs are no longer just for top-level players with low handicaps? The company is clearly going for new and aspiring golfers with their new lines of clubs. Again, I found out on an enthusiast golf site that also does golf equipment reviews. There’s just nothing like it.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
What Is Podcasting And RSS Files?
One of the best ways to share files that you’ve found online is to download a podcast. A podcast is a way that the creators and/or distributors of content can send their online materials directly to the computer of a subscriber. The subscriber can then view or listen to the content whenever they want to.
Podcasting works because of small files called RSS files, which are located somewhere on a web page. This RSS file is regularly updated, usually through an automatic update, with text and links to new media files that are available to be downloaded.
A podcast client accesses the RSS file from the subscriber’s computer. Podcast clients are programs that go online to find RSS files for data that the subscriber has chosen to view. Most podcast clients are available for free, and many different ones are available to suit any unique need.
A download happens when the client downloads and views the file that is being offered at the feed’s web site. The client finds links to media files that are included in the RSS file, and then it downloads those files, storing them on a subscriber’s computer until the user wants to see them. Podcast files can be comedy shows, music mixes, or radio shows. Subscribers are often able to download parts of regular shows and play them on a home computer.
Downloads can be applied to any kind of file. The RSS file that allows generally audio and video files to be downloaded can also be tailored to apply to any data file. Some experts believe that podcasting may be used to distribute software updates, as well as demonstration programs, and go beyond simply sharing media files. Users would just have to subscribe to a feed with a podcast client. This could be a way to update users about anything.
Many possibilities for file distribution are provided with podcast downloads. This represents a different way of using the Internet by allowing information to come to users, instead of having users actively go out and visit each site. Podcasting could ultimately change how the Internet works. With broadband access becoming faster and more available, content will have a good chance of being delivered directly to a consumer more easily and more quickly than ever before. This approach could mean major changes for the Internet and make the Web even more integrated with the personal lives of its users.
Remember to check out this great blog here!
http://ping.fm/jTrai
Podcasting works because of small files called RSS files, which are located somewhere on a web page. This RSS file is regularly updated, usually through an automatic update, with text and links to new media files that are available to be downloaded.
A podcast client accesses the RSS file from the subscriber’s computer. Podcast clients are programs that go online to find RSS files for data that the subscriber has chosen to view. Most podcast clients are available for free, and many different ones are available to suit any unique need.
A download happens when the client downloads and views the file that is being offered at the feed’s web site. The client finds links to media files that are included in the RSS file, and then it downloads those files, storing them on a subscriber’s computer until the user wants to see them. Podcast files can be comedy shows, music mixes, or radio shows. Subscribers are often able to download parts of regular shows and play them on a home computer.
Downloads can be applied to any kind of file. The RSS file that allows generally audio and video files to be downloaded can also be tailored to apply to any data file. Some experts believe that podcasting may be used to distribute software updates, as well as demonstration programs, and go beyond simply sharing media files. Users would just have to subscribe to a feed with a podcast client. This could be a way to update users about anything.
Many possibilities for file distribution are provided with podcast downloads. This represents a different way of using the Internet by allowing information to come to users, instead of having users actively go out and visit each site. Podcasting could ultimately change how the Internet works. With broadband access becoming faster and more available, content will have a good chance of being delivered directly to a consumer more easily and more quickly than ever before. This approach could mean major changes for the Internet and make the Web even more integrated with the personal lives of its users.
Remember to check out this great blog here!
http://ping.fm/jTrai
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Yahoo! Podcasts - Why It Matters to Your Business
Podcasting is obviously all the rage nowadays. According to I ISP Interland's Summer 2005 Small and Medium-sized Business Barometer, 11% of small business leaders are interested in using podcasting as part of their website features.
A forecast based on the data on sales of portable digital music players and high-speed Internet penetration by The Diffusion Group released in June 2005 showed that demand for podcasts is expected to reach as much as 60 million users by the end of the decade.
Another interesting fact probably worth mentioning is the release of iTunes 4.9 in June 2005, which integrated podcasting for the first time into the music player used by close to 40 million consumers.
Only two days after the release, podcast subscription reached a number probably none of us would believe before: one million. Many podcasts received free exposure and got surge of subscribers at that time.
As Yahoo! Podcasts entered the market, this event might very well happen again the second time. I am not a psychic but if you can tap into this publishing medium and be one of the first to immediately get exposure to millions of people searching for very specific content they are interested in, I know only good things will happen to your business. I hope you agree
iTunes Podcast Directory offers more than 15,000 podcasts and growing quite rapidly at 1,000 a week according to Steve Job, the CEO of Apple Computer. That is just one directory. This may seem like a lot at the first glance but really it doesn't even scratch the surface when compared to how many websites are currently available on the Web.
With more than 6 million podcast consumers have already listened to podcast in April 2005, there sure are a lot of room to play. If you want a proof, just browse on any popular podcast directory and see how many of them only have a handful items, even on a relatively popular topics.
But really, "Why does it matter to my business?" Well, for the first time there is a way to reach your audience of customers through the use of voice. It's much like your own radio show but listeners can tune in any time they want to.
The power to be able to express emotion and bring personality to your marketing communication can be very powerful. From public relation, customer relationship management, name branding, to generating leads and sales, all can be done through the same medium, but more powerful than the traditional text based communication. Imagine these benefits and the ability to get your podcast in front of millions of Yahoo! Podcasts visitors for free!
You can use existing computer equipment to record your voice or anything audible. Really, podcasting is not limited to talk show but can be in the format of music samples, audio books, and more. A microphone that comes with your computer can do it, but a decent one makes you sound professional.
If you need to edit and mix the sound before publishing, some audio editing tools are available for free. To make a podcast file accessible, you need to upload the audio file to a public web server. In the future we may have alternative distribution methods but for now serving it through a public web server is the most common one.
When it's time to publish your podcast, you can use the existing blog software to build a podcast website for the podcast show. Using a blog platform allows you to manage content easier. Most of them can generate a valid podcast feed to for you. It's such a nice feature, but not compulsory.
An RSS feed carries the podcast audio metadata and syndicate it to the mass. Existing technologies even make the whole process of creating and publishing the feed almost seamless.
Once you have a podcast ready, all you needed to get listed is to enter the URL to your podcast feed at the Yahoo! Podcasts Publishing page (http://podcasts.yahoo.com/publish). You can even tag it so that others can find your podcast easier
While the use of podcasting has gained a significant boost lately, it is not for every market yet. Some industries are better serve through other channels. Yet others mostly consist of users who connected with slower Internet connection where regular audio downloads may be more difficult and longer, or simply are not that technical savvy.
You know your market better than me, but you can't never be sure until you test it. The technologies are here, allowing you to start on a shoestring. You may even stop if this is not for you and continue after your market is ready. Whatever it is, just make sure you don't miss the opportunity.
If you decide that podcasting is for you, there are dozens of free resources you can use to start immediately. The sooner you start the better. Your audience may have been waiting for your podcast and if by the time they can't find yours, obviously you'll be missing not only targeted traffic from one of the search engine giants but also prospective customers.
Check out this great blog here! http://web20trafficstamp.blogspot.com/
A forecast based on the data on sales of portable digital music players and high-speed Internet penetration by The Diffusion Group released in June 2005 showed that demand for podcasts is expected to reach as much as 60 million users by the end of the decade.
Another interesting fact probably worth mentioning is the release of iTunes 4.9 in June 2005, which integrated podcasting for the first time into the music player used by close to 40 million consumers.
Only two days after the release, podcast subscription reached a number probably none of us would believe before: one million. Many podcasts received free exposure and got surge of subscribers at that time.
As Yahoo! Podcasts entered the market, this event might very well happen again the second time. I am not a psychic but if you can tap into this publishing medium and be one of the first to immediately get exposure to millions of people searching for very specific content they are interested in, I know only good things will happen to your business. I hope you agree
iTunes Podcast Directory offers more than 15,000 podcasts and growing quite rapidly at 1,000 a week according to Steve Job, the CEO of Apple Computer. That is just one directory. This may seem like a lot at the first glance but really it doesn't even scratch the surface when compared to how many websites are currently available on the Web.
With more than 6 million podcast consumers have already listened to podcast in April 2005, there sure are a lot of room to play. If you want a proof, just browse on any popular podcast directory and see how many of them only have a handful items, even on a relatively popular topics.
But really, "Why does it matter to my business?" Well, for the first time there is a way to reach your audience of customers through the use of voice. It's much like your own radio show but listeners can tune in any time they want to.
The power to be able to express emotion and bring personality to your marketing communication can be very powerful. From public relation, customer relationship management, name branding, to generating leads and sales, all can be done through the same medium, but more powerful than the traditional text based communication. Imagine these benefits and the ability to get your podcast in front of millions of Yahoo! Podcasts visitors for free!
You can use existing computer equipment to record your voice or anything audible. Really, podcasting is not limited to talk show but can be in the format of music samples, audio books, and more. A microphone that comes with your computer can do it, but a decent one makes you sound professional.
If you need to edit and mix the sound before publishing, some audio editing tools are available for free. To make a podcast file accessible, you need to upload the audio file to a public web server. In the future we may have alternative distribution methods but for now serving it through a public web server is the most common one.
When it's time to publish your podcast, you can use the existing blog software to build a podcast website for the podcast show. Using a blog platform allows you to manage content easier. Most of them can generate a valid podcast feed to for you. It's such a nice feature, but not compulsory.
An RSS feed carries the podcast audio metadata and syndicate it to the mass. Existing technologies even make the whole process of creating and publishing the feed almost seamless.
Once you have a podcast ready, all you needed to get listed is to enter the URL to your podcast feed at the Yahoo! Podcasts Publishing page (http://podcasts.yahoo.com/publish). You can even tag it so that others can find your podcast easier
While the use of podcasting has gained a significant boost lately, it is not for every market yet. Some industries are better serve through other channels. Yet others mostly consist of users who connected with slower Internet connection where regular audio downloads may be more difficult and longer, or simply are not that technical savvy.
You know your market better than me, but you can't never be sure until you test it. The technologies are here, allowing you to start on a shoestring. You may even stop if this is not for you and continue after your market is ready. Whatever it is, just make sure you don't miss the opportunity.
If you decide that podcasting is for you, there are dozens of free resources you can use to start immediately. The sooner you start the better. Your audience may have been waiting for your podcast and if by the time they can't find yours, obviously you'll be missing not only targeted traffic from one of the search engine giants but also prospective customers.
Check out this great blog here! http://web20trafficstamp.blogspot.com/
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