Free Website Content - Making Your Podcast Standout
Podcasts are relatively inexpensive to create,
as a result, and the quality in published podcasts is extremely
diverse. Corporate podcasts can be very polished audio productions
while hobbyist experimenting with podcasts may have dogs
barking and children's screaming in the background.
After all it is the content that matters right?
Well no, not exactly remember when black and white televisions
could "kind of" tune into stations it was just a hazy effect.
How many continued to watch the grainy or flipping screen.
Rarely was the show so riveting did it hold the interest
of the viewer. Unless of course the content was forbidden
to young eyes (as in the playboy channel).
Sound Quality Matters
Having a decent quality microphone is critical to ensure
that the audio recording is a quality recording. Filter
out extraneous noises, or select a recording area that will
not be Interrupted. Use recording software that will allow
you to edit out audio snippets that are subpar.
If you generally record in the same location
a fixed mic is generally better. If you do field recording
you will want to consider a cordless microphone.
Intro and Extro (Outro)
Using music to introduce and end the podcast adds polish
to the overall show. You can licensee rights to podsafe
music that will allow you to use music in a royalty free
capacity. If your show is popular you might find that the
music is linked to your show, as part of your brand, so
you will want to choose it carefully. There are a number
of podsafe music directories where podcasters can purchase
music that is royalty free, meaning there would not be any
recurring charges when using the music in a podcast.
Theme Music
As with intro and outros, theme music can add a level of
professional to a podcast. It is illegal to use copyrighted
music in your podcast unless you own the copyright or license
it through the proper channels. Consider visiting one of
the podsafe music directories to locate music that is reflective
of your show.
Edit
It is not enough to record the audio for a show. Polished
podcasts are produced using audio editing software. The
editing software allows podcasters the ability to filter
unwanted noises and edit any dead air or parts of the show
you dislike.
Catchy Relevant Name
Keep in mind that many listeners will find your podcast
through a web page or search engine. Your podcasts title
should be catchy and related to the podcasts content. The
podcasts title should contain a slogan that conveys the
general theme of the show.
Add iTunes Tags
The Apple iTunes Music Store has a huge audience. Podcasters
can tap the iPod audience by adding the appropriate iTunes
tags to their podcast. There are software applications that
will walk you through the process of adding iTunes to podcast
feeds. After adding the tags simply submit your podcast
for inclusion in the iTunes Music Store. The listing should
appear within a few weeks.
Spin-It
Podcasts are now a dime a dozen. In order to truly stand
out the show needs a unique angle, a unique view, an interesting
perspective, something different from all the other podcasts
out there.
Logo / Image
Add an image to your podcast feed, the extra step will add
a bit of polish to your show. Many podcatchers or RSS readers
will display the image beside the podcast listing. The visual
effect will make your podcast jump out of the list.
Understand Demographic
Who are Your Listeners? Understanding your audience will
allow you to cater to them. Know the demographics of your
target audience. A well-defined target audience will also
help you find show sponsors or advertisers.
SEO for Podcasts
Optimize your podcast shows summary for search engines.
Be sure to include keywords or related resources in the
podcast feed. This will allow search engines to spider the
text for words that relate to your podcast.
Transcript or Show Notes
Many podcasters neglect to include a show transcript, podcasters
should consider including detailed show notes or a transcript
of the show in the description of the podcast feed. If you
display the feed this will increase the likelihood that
those interested will find your show in the search engines
and podcast directories.
Podcast Length
The show should only be as long as necessary, without being
a rambling. Most listeners will have a limited amount of
time to listen to podcasts, as a result they will be selective
about what they listen to.
Keep it Regular
Create a recording schedule and stick to it, if you don't
have time to do it properly then skip a show, your listeners
will appreciate that you did not waste their time.
Podcasts are becoming more and more commonplace,
distinguish your podcast by polishing it and properly publicizing
it.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and
podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll
http://www.recordforall.com
audio recording and editing software.
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This article may be used freely in opt-in
publications and websites, provided that the resource box
is included and the links are active. A courtesy copy of
the issue or a link to any online posting would be greatly
appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
.
Additional articles available for publication available
at http://www.small-business-software.net/free-website-content.htm
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