A podcast is a type of online content that usually comes in the form of an audio or video podcast. It can be set up like a radio show, just one that is pre-recorded. Podcasts are usually regular occurrences and part of a syndicated series. Other examples of podcasts are recorded radio shows that stations upload online for listeners, they can be instructional media meant to help people, and there is really no limit in what you can use to produce a podcast. If you go to iTunes and search podcasts, there are literally thousands of podcasts from all different networks, industries, businesses, and people. You can search for these podcasts by just using a keyword to narrow your search.
Why is it beneficial to have a podcast? Unlike regular written content, a podcast allows you to not only share and spread your desired information, but also add a touch of humanity to it. Tonality and personality go a long way. People may not even be related to your industry, but they will be regular listeners to your podcast if they enjoy your banter and your natural spin on things. People are also able to hear a podcast on the go, which makes it really convenient to listen to your favorite content online while commuting, working out, and makes it a great way to multi-task. You are also able to explain things thoroughly in audio, and convey messages that you may not be able to through written content. There has also been a shift from reading, to listening. More and more people are opting for audio books rather than reading actual literature; this makes podcasts very appealing to those more inclined to put on some headphones rather then get cozy with a book.
What can a podcast do for internet marketing? For one, a podcast can be an effective means of driving traffic to your site (consistent reoccurring traffic) from iTunes. When uploading your podcast on iTunes make sure that you add a nice description filled with tags and keywords that you want to be found for. Also, title and categorize your podcast to be in the most relevant field as possible so that when people refine their search results, you can be visible.
Some of my favorite podcasts are:
- Stuff You Should Know by HowStuffWorks.com: It’s a great podcast about random facts and occurrences that we are all aware of, but we may not know the details and intricacies of. Very fun and informative, the hosts also have a great dynamic and play off of each other very well.
- ESPN’s NBA Today Podcast: It’s the summer so this podcast is going by pretty slow, but I am a big sports fan and more over, an NBA fan so this helps me stay up to date with scores, news, rumors, and such.
- Learn Spanish – SpanishPod: I listen to this podcast to learn Spanish; it is very effective and useful. It’s also a lot cheaper than buying Rosetta Stone for $300
- NPR – Planet Money Podcast: A great source to stay up to date on the marketplace
- Attack of the Show’s Daily Video Podcast: This is a short but sweet daily video podcast that touches on a lot of realms within the tech sphere. Very informational, and always lots of beautiful women, my favorite being Olivia Munn.
Podcasts present a great opportunity to promote non-textual content. Online readers sometimes get tired of reading and others prefer to see and listen rather than just read. We are increasingly an audio and visually-oriented society. Podcasts can help you reach them.
August 10, 2009
