Using Podcasts To Make Money

In order to know how to make money by Podcasting, it is probably important to explain the term "Podcast".

 

What exactly is a Podcast? Just think of a Podcast as a scheduled radio program which you can subscribe to, or download at any time. Just think of it as TIVO for your iPod or mp3 player. More specifically,  a podcast is a web feed of audio or video files placed on the Internet for anyone to subscribe to, or download. Just do a quick Internet search and you will find a vast array of Podcasts on a myriad of topics. They range from entertainment focused to educational to business oriented and everywhere in between.

 

A Podcast is different from a simple download. Generally with a Podcast, new content is automatically delivered. Users do not need to click into your website for important specials since all of this information is usually automatically downloaded.  A Podcast consists of a series of individual episodes which you can listen to and view online or offline, whenever and wherever you want.  

 

While podcasting has been around for several years, the term itself has only been approximately since 2004.  If you have not guessed this, the term Podcast comes from a combination of the name "iPod" (ie. popular mp3 player) and the term "broadcast". Fortunately, you do not need an mp3 player to listen to Podcast programs. You can simply subscribe to an entire Podcast series using software on your PC, or listen to a single episode at a time by using a web browser.  Subscribing to a podcast ensures that all new shows are automatically downloaded to your computer as they are published, and subscriptions are generally free.

 

If you do have an mp3 player, the next time you sync your device, your Podcasts will be downloaded for listening on the go.  If you do not want to subscribe, but rather just want a copy of a particular episode, you can just click the "Download" button to save to your hard disk. Once downloaded you can then manage it and play it like you would any other audio file.  What distinguishes podcasts from other audio or video media is that the content is accessible to its audience(s) whenever, wherever, and however they want.

 

How to make money with Podcasting in a business setting?

 

Podcasts are a real advantage for business travelers and salespeople who are constantly on the go.  Since they are frequently in transit, they can learn about what a company is offering while they travel.  These individuals are able to stay in the loop about changes that are occurring in their industry, or even their biggest competitor, while on the way to their next meeting.

 

Whenever a business wants to change its marketing emphasis, they can change their Podcasts to reflect this.  Podcasts enable potential customers to find out more about a particular company, and its range of products and service, without feeling pressured by a salesperson.  Conversely, a friendly voice explaining what makes the company unique will better serve to convert a potential client into a customer.

 

Podcasts also save on manpower. An extensive sales force is typically required to detail a company's newest offers and innovations. With a Podcast, visitors click in, and are directed to any new information which the company wants to present to its audience.

 

One other great thing about Podcasts, is that they have an incredibly wide reach. Clients and customers, both actual and potential, from across the world can access information on companies or products, and learn about them in a simple, direct manner at any time, and without having to be tied to a computer.

 

Most important to the dissemination of Podcasts, are Podcast directories. Podcast directories not only publicize available Podcasts, but also have links to your original website. Some of the more popular Podcast directories are Yahoo Podcasts, Odeo, Podcast Alley and Podcasting News. Just keep in mind that when using directories, it is important to select the genre and content categories which make it easier for listeners to find your Podcast.  Once you are listed with a directory, you will begin to get visitors from these directories to your website, which will increase your ability to make money. Keep in mind that we are discovering how to make money by Podcasting.

 

In order to encourage visitors to listen your Podcast, you need to create an enticing title which tells the potential listener just enough about your product to intrigue them.

 

More important than having a great title is having even better content.  An outline for your Podcast will ensure that you do not lose your audience, and illustrate the gist of your subject matter. How long your podcast will be, should be directly related to how much news you have to share, and the extent to which you can keep that news fresh and exciting.  Frequency of updates is also an important issue to address depending on your industry.  The nature of your industry, and of what you are discussing will determine how frequently you should change your content.

 

All in all, Podcasts are essentially an online radio show which can be downloaded, or subscribed to.  When used effectively, Podcasts can be a powerful marketing tool, and can provide one answer to the question of how to make money.

 

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