The a-b-c’s of how to podcast

It is relatively easy really. All podcasting requires is a file to edit, publish on the web, the creation of a feed for subscription and the updating of other podcast sites and aggregators of the availability of your feed and viola, you could now be considered a legitimate podcaster.

Recording a podcast

First things first in podcast recording, you have to have software. If you have plans to go out in the field, a microphone and a recorder minidisc is important to bring. In podcasting, it is always important to get good sound. Usually though, equipment that doesn't compromise its quality costs much but Shure SM58 is an equipment that isn't only cheap but reliable as well.

Recording needs to be an exact science too. As much as possible, don't just be content with a working microphone or recording equipment. You have to always make sure that the equipment is actually recording. The level of noise should move when you are speaking to the recording equipment or microphone. The batteries will also have to last. Also, the microphone should be on. Always double and triple check.

Most podcasters utilize Skype in conducting interviews and recording them for podcast use.

Editing a podcast

Once a file has been recorded, the next step is in its editing. Be very cautious when conducting interviews. As much as possible, learn to not say okay very much when a nod would have just sufficed.

A software called Adobe Audition is used in the editing of podcasts. Another popular tool is Audacity. But the most effective software has been touted to be the Sony Sound Forge 8. It has been said that it is unmatched in its editing prowess.

For Macintosh users however, there is the Garageband.

Publishing a podcast

Once the recording has been uploaded to your own web site or blog, it is then time in the creation of a feed. A feed lets listeners subscribe to any of the podcasts you create.

Feedburner allows podcasters and bloggers in the creation of feeds via its service named SmartCast. What SmartCast does is that it converts feeds to RSS which could then be easily read by various programs such as iTunes as well as NetNewsWire.

Also, SmartCast offers extra information about podcasts, this include author, category, keywords and description when podcast searching.

All in all, podcasting is easy as long as you get the hang of it. It is also easy to learn if you really want to and if you are really interested to do podcasting.

How to Make Business through Podcasting

If you think blogging is still the hottest innovation to think technology, you’re about a year too late. Nowadays, blogging is a thing of the past, and everyone is now looking forward to more news about podcasting.

What a Podcast Is

First things first: a podcast is a web feed of a media file (audio or video) which you can subscribe to or download to your MP3 / MP4 player. It resembles a radio show that even has its own ads. Podcast content can be anything under the sun, from the latest world news to the hottest showbiz gossip to tips on using a country interior design on your home.

How to Earn from Podcasting

Now, let’s get down to the important stuff, like discussing ways to generate income from podcasting.

Commercial Sponsorship – If your podcasts are being downloaded like virtual hotcakes, there’s a good chance that companies will be willing to pay you to have their ads inserted in your podcasts.

Donations – After each feed, simply ask for donations so that you may continue producing podcasts. If the audience likes what they’re hearing, most of them wouldn’t mind being generous.

Blog Advertisements – Other than having their ads on your podcasts, companies might simply wish to place their ads on your blog or wherever it is your podcasts can be downloaded.

How to Create Podcasts

Content – Choose carefully about what you want to talk about. It’s okay to rant and rave, but know that you can be sued for slander if you happen to say anything false. The content is also the sole attraction of your podcast; if you don’t have anything interesting to say, nobody’s going to be interested enough to download it.

Recording – You can use a MP3 or any audio recorder or make use of VoIP services. If you find this aspect too technologically complicated, there are lots of information and services-for-hire available on the Internet to help you with this.

Hosting – You need ample web space to upload your podcasts since they contain thousands more of bytes than simple text and image files. Most web, file, and blog hosting services allow you to upload podcasts up to a certain limit.

Advertising – Finally, it’s time to market your podcast. You can use an RSS feed so that your audience will be immediately and automatically updated about any new podcast you have. You can also submit your file – or the name of your site – to podcasting directories. Most of these are free.

Besides being time and cost-effective, podcasting is also entertaining and easy. Ultimately, it lets you make business while having fun.

5 Tips for Successful Debt Consolidation Podcasting

Podcasts are increasing in popularity. Since Apple coined the term from its banner gadget i-pod, the term has come a long way from being exclusive only to the apple gadget.

Now podcasting is being used by different industries to promote and distribute media as well as information. Because of the sheer number of podcasts one would wonder how to make his own series of podcasts a success.

If you are in the business of debt consolidation podcasting then you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few tips to ensure your podcasting success.

1. Have a plan

You should be able to think beyond the first podcasts, think about the length of each podcast, how long will this podcast take to produce, how much will the cost be, how frequently will podcasts be published, how will you pay for the hosting fees, how will you tie each episode to each other, and most of all what will make your podcast unique from other podcasts on the net.

2. Original is the way to go

In order to keep audiences coming, you must provide content that can't be found anywhere else. Either present common knowledge like lowering interest rates through debt consolidation, in an original way or you could come up with break through ideas on your own.

3. Never blab

People who want to know about debt consolidation don't have enough time to listen to chit –chat, what they want is information. If you have a point, then say it as fast as possible. Remember, time is money, and in this case, less time, the better.

4. Research

A podcast won’t be successful if you haven’t done your homework. Make sure that the information that you post is reliable and accurate. Remember, fallacious information can cost a podcaster his reputation not to mention future and current listeners.

5. Be Consistent

Your overall theme, which is in this case debt consolidation, should always be incorporated in your podcast. Remember, a podcast is like a T.V show, it should be episodic and it should always be tied together.

Being consistent also applies with the length of time that each podcast lasts. A consistent length of time for each podcast gives the listener familiarity and eventually builds itself into the listener’s habits.

Debt Consolidation podcasting doesn't have to be hard. The only thing you have to focus on is to catch listeners and take every precaution to keep them listening at all times.

Video Podcasting: Easy How To’s

While audio podcasting is still very hot, video podcasting is also gaining a good following. Although video podcasts tend to be larger in file size then audio podcasts, they nonetheless are more interesting and can convey a clearer picture of the message intended.

Video podcasting is a little bit more complicated than audio podcasting. It involves more materials, more time, and more technical know-how. However, given all that, video podcasting is still relatively simple to accomplish. Here are a few tips to help you get started in your video podcasting career.

1. Equipment. You will need the right equipment for your video podcasting needs. First of all, you will need a good camera. While in the future, you will be downgrading your video quality so that its file size will make it handy to download on the Internet, you will still want to make sure that the raw input you get is crystal clear.

This makes it important that you possess a good video camera with connectivity to a video editing computer. Most of the newer video cameras on the market today have some form of PC connectivity. If you are using one of the older video-8 cameras, you will still need a video capture card on your computer to receive the video input.

Also, your PC should be powerful enough to run the video editing software. Video editing software applications are some of the most resource consuming applications on the market today. Even so, a mid-range computer should be able to handle most simple video editing jobs.

2. Software. You will need good video editing software to help you manipulate your raw video input. The jobs you have to do on the computer include splicing and editing. You'll probably want to insert audio files also provide the soundtrack for your video.

Also your video editing software should be able to reduce the file size of your video clips. Remember that even though most people today are on broadband, downloading extremely large video clips is still inconvenient for most people. This is probably why audio podcasting is still all the rage even when video podcasting seems to be the more superior choice in multimedia entertainment.

Try to make sure you're able to minimize or compress the video file a small as possible. You will probably want to use some specialized codecs for this job. However a sure that the codecs you use are commonly used by other people or else they won't be able to play your file.

3. Publish. Lastly you want to publish your podcast to your web server and have it listed on the podcast directory.

Podcasting Fever – Who Can Benefit from Podcasting?

Who says podcasting is just for music and video enthusiasts? If you think that other people won't benefit from podcasting just because they don't have a thing for multimedia files, think again.

Indeed, podcasting was primarily created to provide continuous supply of multimedia files to consumers through RSS feeds. They use podcasts files from their iPods, MP3 players, and personal computers.

These multimedia files are produced into downloadable files. Through podcasting, they can easily be downloaded by any person as long as he or she is subscribed to the RSS feeds.

However, as the popularity of podcasting grows, so does the number of functions it can provide. From the simple utilization of multimedia files for personal use, podcasting has now been employed by various sectors in the society for various reasons.

The Internet marketers are one of the many people who can benefit from podcasting. They can take advantage of the efficacy of podcasting as a marketing and communication tool.

Here’s why:

1. Builds credibility

Some people say it is so easy to sell something online. That is because you have the computer’s screen to display your product as well as your creative advertising copy.

However, with the growing number of frauds on the Internet today, most people are very meticulous when it comes to online shopping.

For this reason, you have to build your credibility, and podcasting will help you do the job.

How? It is very simple. Just take a video of your clients and ask them to say something about your product. Then, try to air their testimonials through podcasting. Your potential clients will most likely believe more compared to those that they just read.

As they say, to see is to believe.

2. Advertise in style

Advertising can put a great impact on sales. That is why many businesses spend millions of dollars on advertisements alone.

However, the concept of advertisements is confined within the three mediums of communication – print, television, and radio.

If you have an online business, it will be very hard for you to use these mediums as channels of your advertisements.

With podcasting, you can now easily advertise your product online. It makes your product more realistic and credible. You can simply add a video on your website and broadcast them through podcasting and RSS feeds.

All of these things are boiled down to the fact that podcasting functions aren't just confined for entertainment purposes. They can also make your money grow.

A Guide to Up and Coming Podcasting Trends

Podcasting has evolved from being a mere curiosity to being something that is seriously being considered by most forces in the IT industry. People are starting to see how podcasting can be a very good idea for a multitude of sectors in the industry. This has led to different trends in the development of podcasting.

Here are some of the current trends in podcasting. It should help you know where podcasting is headed in the near future.

1. Podcasting as a powerful advertising element. In the past, podcasting used to be just for enthusiasts and people determined to create multimedia content that was accessible off-line. Today major companies are steadily realizing how powerful podcasting can be for marketing and advertisement.

While most podcast syndications are still free, major sponsors have begun to spring into action inserting their ads into popular podcasts. These popular podcasts not only include major shows by major companies. Some of the more popular podcasts are of the homemade, mom-and-pop kind.

For example, there have been podcasts catering to mothers created by housewives themselves that have garnered the attention of some major sponsors leading them to invest in advertising with these homemade podcasts. Because of this, more and more people are jumping onto podcasts to make money themselves, which brings us to our next trend.

2. Podcasting for money. Podcasting is no longer just for fun and information, more and more content is being developed for the Internet to satisfy the entertainment needs of people. This has produced a wellspring of enthusiasm for the creation of the pay per download podcasts. While many people make enough money from sponsorships for their podcasts, some sell their podcasts for a fee.

While many of the podcast purists aren't exactly thrilled at this prospect, they at least recognized that it is a definite driving force in Internet economies.

3. Mobile. Some people are trying to do away with having to download podcasts content from their desktops. They say that it is easier if the podcasts were streamed directly to their mobile devices. And from a technological point of view, this makes much sense. Today as mobile devices get smaller, and get more features-especially in the networking department-mobile podcasting has become all the rage.

As long as your mobile device as Internet connectivity, you can receive podcasts, podcast playlists and even exchange podcast files with other users online. This could very well be the next generation of podcasting.

Podcasting History: From Simple Roots to Simply Good

Podcasting is a word that was officially accepted only in 2004, since it was a slang term that is actually a combination of two words – iPod and broadcasting. The iPod, which is portable, digital media player, is available to almost every part of the world and is very popular among different types of people – old and young, man and woman, Oriental and American, etc. The word “broadcasting” used in this setting can be misinterpreted as there is no real broadcasting involved, as in TV and radio broadcasting. This is the origin of the term “podcast”. A podcast is simply a unique way of downloading digital media files (audio or video) via the Internet using RSS (Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication).

The history of podcasting began only in the new millennium, when the concept was first being contemplated in the year 2000. A software developer and the man credited as being the author of RSS, Dave Winer, was the first to actually put podcasting into operation, albeit in a different way from what it is today. When it first began, there was very little popularity, as only a handful of people knew about RSS and podcasting. Winer developed something known as “enclosure” for one of the first versions of RSS, 0.92, which would send the URL of any media file to an RSS reader (or aggregator, as some know it to be). This feature was released in 2001.

It was only in 2004 that people fully realized the potential of using podcasts and how it can make the Internet life easier. According to Google, a widely popular search engine, in the span of about one year since 2004, there were a total of over 100 million hits on the word “podcasts”. Today, many Internet users use podcasting for videos, music, news, blogging, images, streaming media, and more. Podcasting has become so popular today that it has caught on with news media outlets such as the New York Times, BBC News, CNN, and more. Politicians realize the power of podcasting and have began using them, as both the Democratic and Republican parties organize podcasts, even including US President George W. Bush.

Podcasting began a few years ago in very modest circumstances. Six years later, it is very popular amongst Internet users and there are signs that point to it being even more popular as the years go by, as more ideas sprout up and technology gets more and more advanced as time passes.

RSS and Podcasting

When people think about sending files to other people on the net, this usually comes in the form of .txts, .xls, mp3’s and more. With the development of podcasting in 2004, viewers can get updates called RSS feeds.

What are its benefits to podcasting? Simply put, this keeps the user updated on certain topics of interest without the need to go to that website to check if there is anything new. The person should just schedule when this happens if this will be done on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

RSS stands for real simple syndication. The first models had imperfections and the version 2.0 promises to be better.

Does the person have to download this or is it readily available? Majority of the search engines already have this function. The user should just choose on certain topics and pop ups will inform the user about these updates.

Do URL’s also have RSS feeds? Yes. Many websites have this programmed into the system. Becoming a member or simply clicking on the icon will enable the person to receive this.

Those who want to do podcasting can also use RSS feeds. The user has to record this and then upload it to the personal or partnered website. People will then be able to view or listen to it and hopefully invite others to do the same.

The individual should keep in mind that there are viewers out there who have no idea what RSS is. A step-by-step process of how to use this will be great so that visitors will be able to enjoy it.

There are different ways to advertise this. Some use a pop up while others make this stand out in the screen with flashing colors to get noticed. Forwarded emails, flyers and other forms of advertising should also be used to get people hooked.

Podcasting is truly a trend that has taken the world by storm and is still growing. Corporations have used this to talk with external and internal customers while software companies have used this to update existing programs.

Small time businesses and people who want to say something can use this as a venue to get things out in the open. There are blog sites and chat rooms to choose from so the person can be heard.

Given its potential in the years ahead, people should maximize it to be able to be among the entrepreneurs and companies who have succeeded with the help of RSS feeds.

What Does It Produce a Podcast Show?

When networks put on a show, the costs for a one-hour program are enormous. The company needs to pay for the satellite feed from different places, the equipment in the soundstage to make sure everything is working, the salary of the reporters and the crew.

The only way to determine if this was successful is the ratings against other networks. Luckily, people these days don’t have to spend too much if they want to get on the air. All the individual needs is some basic equipment and the right concept which is the heart and soul of the podcast show.

For those who don’t know where to begin, some brainstorming is required. If the creator loves music, why not hold a weekly countdown of the latest music hitting the charts? If the person loves to talk about politics, why not have a talk show?

When the concept has been found, it is time to set some ground rules before anything can begin. These should answer concerns such as how long will the podcast show be or if listeners can phone in to give feedback or ask questions.

There are many people who have done this over the airwaves. By making observations where this can be improved, this venture may prove to be better than expected.

The next step will be to put on the show. The creator should anticipate for mistakes and other problems that will happen during the recording. This can be fixed later on before it is completed and placed on the web.

Some people find it difficult to put up a website. Should this happen, the other alternative to get the show on the air will be to offer this to other sites. The best places to submit it is either to the search engines or to podcast directories.

There could a hundred out there so this can further be promoted by participating in chat rooms and Blog sites who have the same interests and tastes as the creator. This can also be posted in newsletters, papers and magazines if this is something that affects many people.

Anyone can produce a podcast show. The difference between being successful or failing in the process is in its content. If this appeals to a large audience and networks want more, then this is good. If only a few people listen in, then perhaps some improvements are in order.

Tips on Choosing the Best Podcasting Software

Creating the perfect podcast has similar requirements to creating a blockbuster movie: you need great content, a professional cast or voiceover, and of course, the right equipment. Many podcast enthusiasts fail to consider the last factor, which is probably why there are just as many bad podcasts as there are good.

Podcasting Hardware and Software Needs

Audio Recorder – When choosing an audio recorder, make sure that it’s able to record all the nuances of sound. A portable device is less powerful but ideal for people always on the go. Make sure that the audio recorder’s compatible with your computer’s OS.

Audio Editor – You will need to install a sound editing software program in your computer to be able to add sound bits or delete unwanted parts of the podcast. It will also enable you to mute background noise while increasing the volume of the speaker. As this is the most important of all your software needs, make sure that the software program you end up choosing satisfies all the requirements below:

Output format: In what format are your files saved? Are they compatible with most MP3 and MP4 players?

RSS Feeds: Can it automatically create RSS feeds with a few clicks in the keyboard? If not, you’ll have to find additional software to market your podcasts through RSS.

File Transfer: This would facilitate transfer of podcast files from your computer to the hosting site.

Note Making – This feature will allow you to write a sentence or two and serve as an abstract for your podcast.

Statistics or Hit Counter – Several podcasting software programs provide key statistical information about the number of people who have downloaded their podcasts in a given timeframe.

Playback Software – Listen to your podcast in settings similar to those of your listeners. This will let you determine if your end product is free from any technical errors.

Conversion Software – If your preferred audio software editor doesn’t produce the types of files you need, a conversion software program will easily rectify the matter.

Web Host Software – This is the only factor that’s going to be out of your hands. Check the bandwidth limit of the website you’re uploading your podcasts to. Once the maximum bandwidth access has been reached, listeners will no longer be able to listen to your podcast.

Where to Buy Podcasting Software

Podcasting software programs are available online and in land-based stores. Don’t hesitate to ask the sales representative if in doubt!

How to Create Your First Podcast

Podcasting is all the rage nowadays. And despite its intimidating name, it actually is simple to set up and publish. All you need is basic knowledge of setting up a web server, and you're off. You don't need to undergo any training to be able to employ pod casting in your web site.

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your first broadcast effortlessly and painlessly.

1. Prepare your online content. Your podcast will naturally consist of audio input. You will need to record the content. It may come from a previous broadcast or it may be brand-new content.

If you are developing new audio content, you will need a recording device. If you aren't using your computer to record this content you at least need means for you transfer the audio to your computer. For your computer, you will typically need an audio card, a microphone, and ideally, some audio editing software.

After you have recorded the audio content, you will need to convert it to a format that is ideal for online podcasting. Most recordings done on computers or recordings transferred computers may be in .WAV format. You'll have to convert from this format to the MP3 format.

Most audio software are capable of doing this. During the conversion, you will have to specify the quality of your content. Most options include 48K, 64K, and 128K. The lower quality numbers are for speech, or sermon content, while the higher quantity options are for high-fidelity audio content such as music files and others.

2. Publish it. Getting your podcast available for other people is as simple as publishing it to your web server. All you have to do is send your file to your web server's directory, and your link is hot. Make sure you activate the links on your download page so that your content is easily downloaded.

3. Create an RSS feed. Then, you will need to greet on RSS feed so that those with RSS software are able to keep track of your new content. If you're knowledgeable with the RSS format, you can even create your RSS feed using any text editing application.

Most other people, though, use blogging software, or other RSS feed creation software to help them keep their feeds up to date.

4. Publish your RSS feed. Passing you will have to do is publish your RSS feed. This is a simple as saving your RSS feed to your web server, and activating them for the use of RSS feed software.

Become a Podcasting Guru

Since podcasting is truly gaining in popularity all around the world it comes as no surprise that people are all jumping on the bandwagon to provide services related to podcasting. There have been numerous podcasting service providers that have sprouted in the past few years. Also there is a great demand for podcasting experts to help companies that are adopting this technique for their marketing campaigns.

If you want to be one of these experts, then you will have a specialized knowledge on this area. Remember that there are no degrees and precious few diplomas that are related to, or specialized for podcasting. Experience in multimedia and Web technologies is a plus.

However if you're looking for tips to be a podcasting expert, all you really need is the interest, the determination, and the information and materials to learn about this not-so-secret art.

1. Know how. Most people learn about podcasting through the Internet. Fortunately, people are very generous of their knowledge in this area. You will find numerous web sites that will help you get started in the podcasting business.

Most tutorial sites offer step-by-step instructions aimed at even the most clueless beginner. And, as you increase in your knowledge, there are always more informative and technical sites to help you hone your podcasting talents.

2. Join a community. If you to want to advance in your knowledge of podcasting, and gain recognition in that field as well, you should join a community dedicated to podcasting. There are certain podcasting circles that have established communities for those wanting to improve their podcasting skills.

You can learn a lot from these people and at the same time can help other people become better at their skills as well. But what is the point of helping other people? Aside from feeling good about yourself for doing a good deed, you also gain in popularity and recognition within this community circle. And recognition is very important if you want to be known as a podcasting guru.

3. Practice. Practice. Practice. No one becomes a podcasting expert without practicing the trade. Most of the experts nowadays have gone through years of podcasting ups and downs. They have experienced most of the quirks and highs this technology brings.

If you ever hope to be a podcasting guru, then you have to go through the same things they have experienced. Getting your hands dirty with podcasting duties is a sure way to gain confidence in your skills. It helps you gain experience which will help you make better decisions in the future regarding the podcasting technology.

Podcasting Tutorial for Beginners

When people have an idea and want to broadcast this on the air, the first individuals that anyone will ever encounter are the executives of the network. If there is no impact after the presentation, this is junked and another person will try to sell something else.

Luckily, there are other venues for aspiring professionals. There are radio talk shows, competitions such as battle of the bands and the newest, called podcasting. This allows anyone to create a show and have it broadcasted in cyberspace.

Many people think that in order to podcast, they need an Ipod. This is often misconception because it only requires a personal computer, a microphone and a video-editing program.

The personal computer is important because this is the only way it can be uploaded over the Internet. The user can put this on a website if it already exists or have it added to a hosting company.

The microphone records the featured program. The creator doesn’t need a fancy one and even the simplest model will work.

Some shows will require more than one take to get it right. This can even be better if sound effects and other things are added in the background. None of this can happen without using a video-editing program that can be either downloaded or purchased.

Ever noticed how well radio jocks speak over the airwaves? There is a selection before being able to speak on the mike so it will be a good idea to find out first if the creator can do that. If this could be a problem, perhaps getting someone to do it will make the program more successful. 

Networks put on shows because this appeals to the market. To avoid wasting money in making the podcast, some experts insist on doing some research first. This will give the creator an idea if this will become successful enough to be offered later on by firms who want to get this as a regular program.

The money given by these well establishment companies can be used to fund other programs in the future. The first show wont guarantee that phone call so the person must be patient since this takes time.

Reading tutorials from books and those online will just give the person an idea about podcasting.  What happens next will entirely be up to the individual.

Podcasting takes practice before being able to get it right. This just proves that everyone has to start from scratch before making it to the top.