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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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