Podcasting 4 Newbies

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Duration: 10:51 • Size: 5.2 MB

Discussion
A common question we've been getting at our seminars on podcasting is, "Can I add podcasts to my web site?"

The techies already know about blogging, RSS, and how to tag the podcast file. This podcast is for the non-technical business owner who wants the straight scoop on how to add podcasts.

1. Podcasts are only audio files on a web page UNLESS you can deliver your web site pages via RSS (really simple syndication) feed.
2. Visitors can listen to the podcast (audio file) in the web browser already; if you have RSS, they can also have the podcast automatically delivered to their MP3 player, such as an iPod.
3. Blog software includes RSS feed. If your web site is a traditional site with "static" pages, then you will need to add a blog or rebuild your site using blog-type software that includes RSS capability.

There are many other business advantages to using blog software for your web site:

• All pages become searchable, as most blogs have a search tool built-in.
• When you post a new article, you can tell your blog to "ping" or contact many other web sites and directories that list new posts to the blogoshere, and that index all posts. It's like having your own PR company!
• Google loves blog posts. First because of all the quality links back to your site courtesy of the blog and podcast directories. Second because the title of the blog/podcast post also becomes the browser title, which the search engines index and track. Third because your post is dated; new is more useful than old, in most cases.
• RSS is a great convenience to your customers. They can subscribe to your site and have your headlines or podcasts automatically delivered to them, allowing them to read/listen when and how they please.

The internet is all about giving users more control over their lives and blogging/podcasting is a classic example of that being played out.

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