How do I host and promote my podcasts?
Podcasting may be better understood as blogging in terms of voice and visuals. Initially of appeal to the aspiring radio artists only, the expanse of podcasting has broadened to just about any information that needs mass distribution - be it distribution of school lessons, meeting alerts and updates, public safety messages or the non-profit organizations that need to further their objectives most economically yet effectively. With widened horizons and increased competition, the emphasis on proper hosting and promotion of a pod cast has also increased.
Anyone passionate about a particular topic can become a Podcaster. All you need is a microphone, a computer with Internet connection and a basic audio recording and editing software. You can use the free Audacity software on net to record and edit your voice.
As your main aim is to make your pod cast available to general public for downloads and reviews, you must zero down to a web server that allows you to store your files and provides you a URL coupled with good bandwidth. You also need to create a RSS feed for your podcast that enables listeners to easily subscribe to your podcast. You can avail the services of RRWH.com for effective and economical hosting services. RRWH offers you three attractive plans to suit your pocket and requirements. xi
Once your podcast is online, you need to make its presence. In other words, you need to promote your podcast by all means, which include submitting your audio files to pod cast directories and using all web-marketing techniques. You have already found your way here to Podcasts-lists where you can start promoting your Podcast by submitting it to our directory.
First and foremost, you need to pay best possible attention to the content of your audio files. Only quality content can further your objectives and realize your regular audience. So, it is essential to edit your content after initial recording and revise drafts to come up with optimally refined podcast, ready for upload.
You can create a blog hand-in-hand that can be used by your listeners to connect with you and post their precious comments. The blog can also serve as an excellent medium to place your Show notes and post articles relevant to your topic of expertise.
Submitting your pod casts to various podcast aggregators is the next key strategy. You can submit your podcast to www.podcast-lists.com, which publishes links to your pod casts as featured links or regular links for a nominal fee. The podcast aggregator finely categorizes all pod casts among groups based on different themes for easier access. Further, Yahoo and AOL also list podcasts and can prove to be useful means to promote your podcast to a larger audience. The key to better net presence is appropriate use of as many keywords or tags that describe the content of your show - the more specific the better.
You must promote your podcast through all platforms readily available. You can utilize the affordable and far-fetching viral marketing to publicise your work on net. You may attend conferences, online events and cross promote by listening to other’s podcasts. You may engage in writing articles for various ezines and other similar sites to establish your expertise and spreading your URL. You can subscribe to various related forums and write responsive suggestions, solutions and tips for building creditability and get in-bound links.
Depending upon your budget and ambition, you can also go for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services with professional help or learn and practice various web-marketing strategies yourself, for better search engine presence of your URL. You may want to take a look at Check SEO to learn the basics of Search Engine Optimisation.
In a nutshell, podcasting can be your key to the dreamt commercial success. A unique window to showcase your talent and strengths, in the absence of a godfather or a lucky break, podcasting can make it happen for you. All you need to pay attention to is the content, the presentation style and proper promotion of your work through easy and affordable tactics.