Virtual tips for the savvy business owner!

Chances are you’ve listened to podcasts online, but are you using them yourself to promote your business? If you’re not, it’s time to learn how simple it is to add podcasts to your websites.

To start, let’s define “podcast” as a recorded radio show that’s saved as an .mp3 file and uploaded to a website. The inexpensive technology now available to create these files makes it possible for almost anyone to record their own podcasts.

Here’s how podcasts fit into an online marketing program - if your company sells financial products online, you’re probably using email, teleseminars and, of course, a well-optimized website in your marketing. But what if you could make a personal connection with your audience simply by recording yourself discussing those financial products?

Consider your own reaction to a trusted radio spokesperson. Wouldn’t you agree that hearing their voice creates a connection not possible through reading their ads? By offering podcasts on subjects connected to your products, you’re building your reputation as a trusted expert.

There are two simple ways to start recording podcasts and adding them to your blog or website:

1.      Have someone call and “interview” you on your topic via Skype and record the call. Save it as an .mp3; other audio formats are too large and make downloading difficult. You can announce your podcast to clients several ways:

a.       Create a podcast directory on your website and link to it from your landing page.

b.      Add podcasts to your blog

c.       Link to your podcast directory in email messages

2.      Another inexpensive way to create short “radio shows” is to download Audacity, a free recording application. Using a computer microphone, you can record directly into the program on your computer and create .mp3 files easily.

No matter how you prefer to record your podcasts, create an RSS feed so subscribers to services like iTunes can be notified when you have new content. Google “RSS feed generator”, you’ll find several free tools that will help.

Commit to recording podcasts regularly and be creative with your format. Whether it’s an “expert interview”, weekly radio show or special message to your listeners, the sound of your voice can add weight to your marketing claims. This simple audio tool can go a long way to establishing your reputation as an expert.

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