Consider following these simple podcasting tips to get the most from your podcast and make it stand out from other podcasts in the crowd.
DO
1. Make it Professional
Regardless
of whether you are podcasting from your garage or a corporate boardroom
there is no reason that your podcast cannot have a professional sound
and feel. Use software to edit the audio file and filter background
noise. Listeners will not tolerate poor audio quality. With the wide
range of relatively inexpensive software and hardware available there
is no reason you can not provide good quality audio podcast.
2.Transcribe
Provide
listeners a transcript or detailed show notes in the description of the
podcast feed. This will help prospective listeners locate your podcast
using ... If you do not wish to transcribe the entire podcast be sure
to provide detailed show notes and links to products mentioned in the
podcast.
3. iTunes Support
With
automated tools like FeedForAll it is easy to add iTunes support to
podcasts. By listing your podcast in the iTunes directory your will
significantly increase your podcast's exposure. With iTune's huge
audience and distribution, podcasters are foolish to not target this
channel.
4. Content
As important as audio
quality is, it should not be at the expense of content. What you have
to say is just as important as how you say it. Provide engaging content
that is informative, educational or entertaining.
5. Subscribe To Your Podcast Feed
Subscribe to your podcast feed, this will allow you to see and hear what your audience sees and hears.
DON'T
1. Stray
Do
not stray too far from the topic. If your podcast is about cooking it
is probably not the best idea to go on a tirade about your political
views. While you will likely interest some of your listeners you might
alienate others. Focus is important, and critical for retaining
listeners.
2. Ramble
Make a point then
move on, there is no need for redundancy and rambling. Dead air, or
"umms" will drive listeners away, keep your show moving. Do not be
afraid to use audio editing software to remove any uncomfortable
silence or repetition, it will make your show more professional.
3. Forget Meta Data
It
is critical that you include appropriate and relevant keywords in your
podcast feed title and description, this will help listeners locate
your podcast.
4. Skimp on Bandwidth
There
is nothing worse than building a large listening audience and being
unable to handle the bandwidth loads. Use a reliable web host that can
handle your shows bandwidth. Bandwidth and accessibility is critical to
a podcast's success.
5. Listen to Your Audience
Create
a venue for listeners to communicate with you, whether it be through
email, a forum or a blog. Listen to what your audience is saying, and
even more importantly listen to what they are not saying.
Monitor your web logs and monitor your subscription levels and bandwidth to know when a show is a hit. By adopting good podcasting practices, you will be on the path to podcasting success. Following these simple podcasting do's and don'ts will get you started.