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Making Your Podcast Standout
Podcasts are relatively inexpensive to
create, as a result, and the quality in published podcasts
is extremely diverse. Corporate podcasts can be very
polished audio productions while hobbyist experimenting
with podcasts may have dogs barking and children's screaming
in the background.
After all it is the content that matters
right? Well no, not exactly remember when black and
white televisions could "kind of" tune into stations
it was just a hazy effect. How many continued to watch
the grainy or flipping screen. Rarely was the show so
riveting did it hold the interest of the viewer. Unless
of course the content was forbidden to young eyes (as
in the playboy channel).
Sound Quality Matters
Having a decent quality microphone is critical to ensure
that the audio recording is a quality recording. Filter
out extraneous noises, or select a recording area that
will not be Interrupted. Use recording software that
will allow you to edit out audio snippets that are subpar.
If you generally record in the same location
a fixed mic is generally better. If you do field recording
you will want to consider a cordless microphone.
Intro and Extro (Outro)
Using music to introduce and end the podcast adds polish
to the overall show. You can licensee rights to podsafe
music that will allow you to use music in a royalty
free capacity. If your show is popular you might find
that the music is linked to your show, as part of your
brand, so you will want to choose it carefully. There
are a number of podsafe music directories where podcasters
can purchase music that is royalty free, meaning there
would not be any recurring charges when using the music
in a podcast.
Theme Music
As with intro and outros, theme music can add a level
of professional to a podcast. It is illegal to use copyrighted
music in your podcast unless you own the copyright or
license it through the proper channels. Consider visiting
one of the podsafe music directories to locate music
that is reflective of your show.
Edit
It is not enough to record the audio for a show. Polished
podcasts are produced using audio editing software.
The editing software allows podcasters the ability to
filter unwanted noises and edit any dead air or parts
of the show you dislike.
Catchy Relevant Name
Keep in mind that many listeners will find your podcast
through a web page or search engine. Your podcasts title
should be catchy and related to the podcasts content.
The podcasts title should contain a slogan that conveys
the general theme of the show.
Add iTunes Tags
The Apple iTunes Music Store has a huge audience. Podcasters
can tap the iPod audience by adding the appropriate
iTunes tags to their podcast. There are software applications
that will walk you through the process of adding iTunes
to podcast feeds. After adding the tags simply submit
your podcast for inclusion in the iTunes Music Store.
The listing should appear within a few weeks.
Spin-It
Podcasts are now a dime a dozen. In order to truly stand
out the show needs a unique angle, a unique view, an
interesting perspective, something different from all
the other podcasts out there.
Logo / Image
Add an image to your podcast feed, the extra step will
add a bit of polish to your show. Many podcatchers or
RSS readers will display the image beside the podcast
listing. The visual effect will make your podcast jump
out of the list.
Understand Demographic
Who are Your Listeners? Understanding your audience
will allow you to cater to them. Know the demographics
of your target audience. A well-defined target audience
will also help you find show sponsors or advertisers.
SEO for Podcasts
Optimize your podcast shows summary for search engines.
Be sure to include keywords or related resources in
the podcast feed. This will allow search engines to
spider the text for words that relate to your podcast.
Transcript or Show Notes
Many podcasters neglect to include a show transcript,
podcasters should consider including detailed show notes
or a transcript of the show in the description of the
podcast feed. If you display the feed this will increase
the likelihood that those interested will find your
show in the search engines and podcast directories.
Podcast Length
The show should only be as long as necessary, without
being a rambling. Most listeners will have a limited
amount of time to listen to podcasts, as a result they
will be selective about what they listen to.
Keep it Regular
Create a recording schedule and stick to it, if you
don't have time to do it properly then skip a show,
your listeners will appreciate that you did not waste
their time.
Podcasts are becoming more and more commonplace,
distinguish your podcast by polishing it and properly
publicizing it.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds
and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for
RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com
audio recording and editing software.
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be greatly appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
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