The term podcast is derived originally from the Apple iPod first introduced in 2002. Like the term broadcast or telecast, podcast can refer to the content itself or to the method by which the content is syndicated. A podcast is a series of digital media files which can be audio or video that is generally released episodically and downloaded through web syndication sites such as iTunes and Zunes.
Anyone can record and produce podcasts and it’s actually quite easy to do. With webcam technology and an array of other available audio and video digital devices, recording a podcast is as easy as turning the recording devices on and record your show i.e. direct message, latest news, interviews, demonstrations, entertainment, etc. As a digital file, these podcasts can be added to a webpage as easily as any content.
However it is syndication, often using an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed that really differentiates podcasting from static content that is added to a web page for download or streaming webcasts. iTunes is the largest and best known syndication center or hub for those seeking to widely syndicate their multimedia content. Traditional media including radio and TV programs use iTunes to widely syndicate their programs manually or automatically through RSS technology via subscriptions through the iTunes site / store. I love to use it to subscribe to certain AM Radio talk programs because (1) I don’t have the time to listen live, (2) I often would forget anyway, (3) the commercials are often deleted, and (4) I live in the woods and my AM radio reception is terrible. Its digital media so it is always good listening quality and it’s readily available.
Optimum7 just started podcasting its new Internet Marketing weekly series, “The Click.” The series will discuss current topics as well as review important aspects of internet marketing, search engine optimization, pay per click advertising, SEO copywriting, web 2.0 programming, social media sites and social bookmarking plus much more. While the series will be available on optimum7.com, it will also be syndicated through iTunes and of course the social media.
Podcasts represent a golden opportunity for websites to promote themselves as a strong addition to their website content as well as for syndication to sow the seeds for additional backlinks which are so critical for internet marketing and seo. Most content that is syndicated is text and text is important and should not be abandoned in favor of multimedia. However we are a visual and audio society and many prefer to watch and listen rather than to read, just as some prefer audio books rather than reading them.
August 13, 2009
