Podcast Marketing: How Good Are You Deploying This Ultimate Marketing Strategy
Every day begins and concludes with the same question. Our customers and prospects are constantly asking us "How do I improve my business and increase my fair share of the market?" Our answer is straightforward "Build yourself a foundation of prospects and work that pipeline consistently and effectively."
One tip I'm willing to share with you as you take a look at my brief synopsis of todayis to learn how to become a successful PodCaster while watching your bottom line fly skyward!
Over the past decade, the Internet has provided a number of groundbreaking marketing methods. From e-zine publishing to distribution, all the way to more prominent SEO practices for search engines.
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 online radio show, Net Talk Radio, which airs every week, Net Talk Radio has been received very well amongst listeners and advertisers alike. I suppose I've always known that in time, connections speeds and portable handheld devices would allow for an expanded target audience reach.
The day has finally arrived!
Though we started using our online radio format some time ago, we are now able to sweeten the pie by allowing our listeners easily download our show (information and even entertainment) right into the iPod and IRiver devices. Now our audience can listen where ever and whenever "they" like. In addition, as an added benefit to us and our valued advertisers, we're able to monitor every hit (listener) throughout the day at the expense of the cost of a cup of coffee! We make all this happen by using one of the top audio/blogging technologies that is known as "PodCasting".
PodCast Marketing: *Anyone can do this!
First, what exactly is podcasting?
Podcasting is a term that manifested as a fresh way to define the technology utilized to deliver (share) audio content on web sites to the consumers (clients) of the content. They typically listen to it using an iPod (hence the word "pod") or some other type of .mp3 player (iRiver) in their control, convenience and control.
PodCasting is somewhat similar to the concept of time-shifted software and devices like TiVo, which allow you to watch exactly what you want when you want it by simply recording and storing video but PodCasting is primarily used for audio that is up-to-date. (Universal media deployment most likely to be just around the corner.) In conclusion, I'll be clear that this simple to use new technology is able for pushing (deploy) any type of file like photographs (images) as well as videos, software updates, and text.
PodCasting employs an XML-based method of communication known as RSS (Real Simple Syndication). Publishers of content (PodCasters) describe the latest content using An XML RSS file which includes dates as well as descriptions, titles and specifics links to the .mp3 files. This "automatically" generated file is often referred to as an RSS feed. Dave Winer is considered by many as the founder of RSS and a pioneer within the field of applied XML. The component to making PodCasting be compatible with RSS includes "enclosures" (remember that term) an element that is that is supported in RSS 2.0.
As a consumer or an end-user it is easy to run an "aggregator" (remember this word also) application like Adam Curry's iPodder program from MTV on your personal 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 new media is currently available. If any new content is available and the audio files are instantly downloaded and saved to a folder (of your preference) in your computer's hard drive or directly routed to your MP3 player.
I added an asterisk stated above to create this an honest and sometimes painful disclaimer. When I said that "Anyone could do this" it is better to accurately state, "Anyone that properly learns (from a real professional) and then implements themselves through their PodCast process will profit from BIGGER numbers by creating as well as nurturing and sustaining their community. For a business owner who is online, this is huge and essential! This solution for marketing will not only ensure your financial stability, it can even make you an "STAR"!
Fitting The PodCast Magic In Your Arsenal
Here is a list of what you need to do to prepare to present your very first PodCast presentation.
1. Study The PodCast Element
Learn precisely what PodCasting is about and how it works. I recommend visiting http://www.google.com and typing, "PodCast Radio" into the search field.
2. Physically Search Only For The Professionals You Believe In. Professionals
Make a list of the PodCasters who are certain of what they are doing. You should only be aligned with the top. From this list, call them on the phone and pick your brain(s). If you are unable to locate an actual telephone point of contact, I strongly urge you to wipe off the list. It is best to deal with companies that believe in "touching" their customers with greater intimacy and personalization and not just an email. Rememberthat you are searching for a friend. A mentor. Not necessarily someone to make money and then be off. A strong alliance (friendship) is the aim here.
3. Find Your Passion
What passion do you share with others? What are the most valuable things your followers learn from you? Who is your target audience? Be podcasts of your "WHY"!
4. Develop Your Plan & Work Your Process
What is it that you must know? What do you need to do? What is the date you will be ready? Who will offer you the necessary support to complete your plan. What equipment will you need?
5. Make Your Podcast Happen!
When you embark on your "new-to-you" adventure Do not expect to be perfect in the beginning. Be patient with yourself and accept that you'll change. All of us started at square one. You've heard my first aircheck on radio in my debut radio show at Bakersfield, California. I sounded like someone who was a bumbling knucklehead. :-) The right amount of effort and dedication can make you nearly perfect, but keep it in perspective and allow yourself the time to develop.
Connect to Pro-PodCasters. Listen to local radio stations. Read articles and books like this on a regular basis. (I do this every day!)
6. Finally... No Excuses!
If you "really" want to crank up the heat on your marketing, PodCasting will give you the major advantage in marketing.
Do you know this...
Others will talk about it, but will never make their move.
You, on the contrary, will accept any excuses you can make and begin going on your first PodCast immediately! (At the very least take the time to put PodCasting towards the top of your "TO-DO" lists!
Today is the day to end...
I have illustrated only the essentials is required to know before you go piling into your PodCast venture full speed ahead. Make sure to recognize and explore all aspects of marketing when it comes to creating an ongoing income-generating PodCast production for the entire world to listen to and be aware!
Happy PodCast Marketing!