A Guest Post by Bradford Shimp from All Business Answers
A few months ago, I started a podcast on my blog. It was a bit of a counter-intuitive move for me, since I am generally the shy guy in the room. It has turned out to be great for me personally and for my blog. It may just be the perfect next step for your blog as well.
1. A Podcast Opens Doors
Darren often mentions meeting other people in your niche to grow your influence. For a shy guy like me, that is often easier said than done. I don’t generally just start talking to someone out of the blue. A podcast gives me a reason to reach out to people. My blog focuses on providing advice to small business owners. With a podcast, I have been able to talk to authors, business coaches, and business owners about all sorts of interesting and helpful topics.
I am not some famous blogger or personality. That doesn’t matter. People are happy to share their thoughts. In fact, they usually look forward to it. If you start a podcast and seek to interview experts in your area of focus, you will likely find that it is pretty easy to get guests (unless your niche is mimes or monks who have taken a vow of silence). By offering to interview people, you are playing on both their desire to promote their work and their desire to help others.
When you have a platform, you don’t need to reach out to the people you respect feeling like you are asking for a handout. You can give them something useful in the form of a nice interview, and benefit yourself as well.
2. You Can Expand Your Own Knowledge Base Quickly
One thing that I love about my podcast is that I get to talk to really intelligent people about things that I often know nothing about. Recently, I have spoken to an identity theft expert, a lawyer who helps sell businesses, and a guy with a dream for a new type of conference. Being able to ask people questions on a regular basis has increased my own knowledge, making me a better blogger.
If you ever struggle with what you should write on your blog, doing regular interviews could solve that issue. Even if you always have something to write, a podcast can add a new flavor to your blog and help you explore new directions.
Some of the people I have spoken to would charge hundreds of dollars for an hour of time. I get that advice for free and am able to share it with my readers. Talk about adding value to your blog.
3. A Podcast Gets You Noticed
A side benefit that I didn’t really consider when I started podcasting is that it really gets you noticed. I have been working on building engagement at my blog, and the podcast has given me a boost there. First of all, my readers enjoy the interviews and the change of pace. Secondly, the people I interview are grateful and the interview is often the start of a great relationship. At the very least, the people you interview will now be aware of your blog. If you are working to build relationships with some key movers in your niche, this is a great way to get started.
The people I interview often post a link to the interview on their site. They also promote the interview to their networks, which gives a boost to site visitors. A podcast is a great opportunity to gain new readers. Since I started podcasting, the interviews have become some of the most popular articles on my site and have contributed to an increase in readers.
4. Podcasting is Inexpensive
I wouldn’t suggest any of this to you if it was going to take a big hit out of your budget. If you read this site, you are probably trying to figure out how to make money from your blog, not how to spend more money on it. The great thing about podcasting is that it is incredibly inexpensive. Sure, you can spend a lot on equipment, but you don’t have to. I bought a $40 headset and spent some money on a program to record Skype calls. I have also recorded calls for free using my cell phone and Google Voice. I edit everything with a free program called Audacity.
You don’t have to be a special person to start podcasting. I’m not. I am an inveterate mumbler, excessively shy, and I get nervous before every interview. At the same, I learn a lot, meet great people, and have increased the readership of my blog thanks to podcasting. A podcast could be just the thing you need to breathe new life into your blog.
Bradford Shimp writes advice for small business owners at his blog All Business Answers.
I recently added a podcast component to my blog and it has gotten a good response. It’s not an interview format, just me reading the post, but it gives people an additional way to keep up with my blog if they want.
Many people listen while driving or exercising and it’s one less thing they have to find time to read.
Hi Bradford,
I’ve been threatening to record some podcasts for my blog. I just need to go ahead and sit down and do this thing already. I’m very familiar with audacity, in fact just as I was thinking of it, two seconds later as I continue to read, I see you’re right on point. I’ve got the tools now I just need to do it – thanks for this motivational kick in the butt.
Hey Bradford,
Thanks for explaining podcast. I haven’t used it. Have been hearing a lot about it lately.
Chat with you later…
Josh
The power of the written word is amplified by the power of the spoken word.
Sidd – this is an excellent reason to do a podcast. I really suggest syndicating a podcast on iTunes so listeners can get it updated automatically.
Kiesha – go for it! I put off starting my podcast for a long time. If you have all of the tools, the only things standing in your way are excuses.
Hey Bradford,
Awesome Post man. Podcast is something that no blogger should miss. I have planned to start podcast but not able to up because of some reason. I am starting this very soon.
Thanks for the kick buddy.
Thanks for sharing this great Post.
hmmm, been wondering about that for a while. Just scared of the effort. And the excuse that I need a podcast buddy.
I’m too shy to create a podcast so i thought i could ask someone to read for me.
Good – you too have been grabbed by podcasting.
I am a Danish podcaster – and I follow you on all your thoughts. Your last point is missing some thing.
Although it is inexpensive I find it extremely time consuming. I spend a great deal of time arranging interviews, editing, producing the MP3 file with all the MP3ID Tags, writing the post, publishing and promoting the episode.
All very time consuming.
But – I can’t stop podcasting – and I never will. It is so very giving – and a great ice breaker.
Great to see you with the same passion. Great post ;)
Potter
Podcasts are a critical part of the marketing mix. Although the internet is very text-based, most people hate to read. Therefor, if you can add a pile of customers that only like audio, you can greatly increase your business.
Podcasting is also a powerful credibility tool as well. Once people can hear your voice, and they will hear it repeatedly, you are adding credibility to the work that you are already producing thorugh other mediums.
-Joshua Black
The Underdog Millionaire
I will have to give some more consideration to the idea of a podcast. I too am a shy person…especially on the net. I’m more social on a one-to-one basis and this is in part why I have held off on the audio/video angle of blogging.
Do you have a recommendation as far a youube, vimeo, etc? And do you do a lot of editing or just a single take and to hell with the editing?
Splendid advice by the way.
On Effort and Time
A podcast does take me a little longer than a regular written post. For me, the most time-consuming part is editing it, but that usually just involves listening to it through and making minor tweaks. My suggestion is to keep your podcast under 20 minutes. That way it will be a little less time consuming.
The interviews themselves I don’t consider time-consuming, because I get so much out of them. The hardest part for me is the couple of hours prior to the interview where I get nervous about talking to someone new. That comes from being shy, I guess. But once you get on the interview, it is just a great conversation with an interesting person. Don’t let any fear stand in the way of that.
All in all, podcasts are worth the effort. Oh, and getting interviewees is not that hard, if that is what you want to do. Simply post a query on HARO (helpareporterout.com) and you will be on your way.
I have been thinking a lot about syndicating my content recently. I feel with just a little more effort, I can take my blog posts and create a youtube channel and a podcast with the content I have already created on the blog. This will allow me to reach a whole new audience, like you said.
RJ – I think that is a brilliant move. Re-purposing current content will indeed help it to travel more. Also consider creating e-books, webinars, and even print books.
I’m adding video tutorials starting this week. I think that would be a great to show potential clients what I can offer and that I do know what I am talking about. :)
this may seem like a silly question but, i already do the interviews, recorded by audacity and uploaded to my blog as an mp3. how do i convert them to podcasts? thx in advance for your response!
amy
I could agree with you more! I’ve been working with podcasters for several years now, and recently taught a course at VAClassroom called “Podcast Marketing Success Strategies”. It is nice to see how podcasting seems to be making it back into the limelight. It’s still a scary element for many people who are not sure how to implement it, though.
While the basic concepts and technology remains the same, there have been a lot of improvements in tools and resources over the last 5 years to make it easier for the everyday person to integrate podcasting into their blog. These days he continues to use the audio blog portion to keep that more personal element on his blog. It’s just amazing how much more people connect with you when they hear your voice.
For example, a few months ago a friend of mine rode his bicycle from Phoenix to Denver, so I set him up with a simple WordPress.com blog and an iPadio account to document his journey from the road. Using his inexpensive mobile phone he was able to take pictures and post them to his blog, and he was able to “call in” his audio posts using his iPadio phone number. All free and all easy for him to use. I set him up with iTunes and have his audio blog posts being pushed through, plus a few other podcast directories.
So, if you’re wanting to integrate podcasting into your blog but aren’t sure how to do it all, you may want to look into getting help from a virtual assistant to handle the techie stuff. VAClassroom has an RFP system to post your needs at http://www.vaclassroom.com/rfp so you can find someone to help you.
I have been hearing about podcase for quite some time but didnt really got going for it. Considering the benefits offered by it, it surely looks like an interesting idea.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Bradford,
I have been very reluctant to interview people or record videos or podcasts because I’m shy and I feel like I’d destroy the recording, lol. But it’s empowering to know that you’re shy and it’s worked out well for you. I think I’ll give it a shot! I personally do not listen to podcasts or watch many videos, but I know there are plenty of people out there who do not like reading, and it’s definitely worth reaching out to them to open up new markets!
Hey Darren,
Interesting concept to have a podcast on your blog. This is something that never entered my head but I see the benefits and they are huge.
Podcasts are also highly regarded in googles eyes so you get alot of juice from that also
Great Idea
Glyn
Last week I did a very similar post on why bloggers should start incorporating video blogging and listed out the pros and cons. The pros far outweight the cons which may include just some initial cost for recording equipment and a decent piece of software if you don’t like any of the freeware available.
Surprised you didn’t embed a little podcast inside this post to help illustrate the point a bit.
I started podcasting about six weeks ago and have found it to be an important marketing tool, especially as I do a lot of training and keynote speaking.
I’ve also started making podcasts for corporate clients as there seems to be a genuine interest in using audio to connect with prospects and potential clients.
My best tip is to get a great microphone and normalize your levels in Fission when you’ve finished editing. Great sound is important.
Awesome post! I’ve been podcasting for a year now, and had a tremendous amount of fun doing it. The response is usually pretty good too. I find that in general, people are more interested in me podcasting than blogging. It seems like the average person perceives blogging as random musings, while podcasting is perceived as a more focused medium. Especially when I tell people “It’s like a radio show you listen to any time”.
Change “podcast” to “videocast” and it will be a post right for me :). Indeed, two of my friends are hosting podcasts on their blog and because of this they got a lot of real listeners, and not just traffic from search engines.
Personally, I think more about videocasts than podcasting – there’s too many audio in the web already :).
I like listening to Podcast of my favorite blogs that use them, when I am working out or something. All bloggers should use them to boost traffic and readership.
As a podcaster, I truly enjoyed this post. I’d like to mention that podcasting is a great way to add value to your written content. We offer our posts in both text and audio format. Some will prefer to read, while others prefer to listen. Additionally, podcasting is a great way to spice up an e-book by also providing an audio version of the book. I’ve spent 20+ years doing professional production, and my passion for audio has never waned. It is powerful and portable!
Hi Bradford,
Enjoyed your post. After writing blog posts for three years, I recently did my first podcast and loved doing it. I can really see that it’s an important component to add to the marketing mix and look forward to doing more. Will check out Audacity, too.
Thanks again!
Debbie Hemley
Hey Bradford,
I couldn’t agree more on this. A few months back I started out with a podcast on my blog called Interviews with Up and Coming bloggers. Eventually that evolved into a site of its own called BlogcastFM. All of the things you talk about are exactly the benefits I’ve gained from this podcast.
1) Opening Doors: Hands down, this is one of the most valuable things about podcasting. People are very unlikely to say no to interviews and it’s a great way to build relationships, and even promote the person you are interviewing. People we’ve interviewed have actually been able to get sales for their products because of the interviews I’ve done.
2) GEtting Noticed: This almost happens by default. You become the hub for alot of people and connect people to each other if you do a podcast. People discover each other because of the podcast.
3)Inexpensive: NO doubt. Considering I do everything on skype, the overhead is practically nothing.
Really solid ideas in this post. Wish I’d thought of it :)
Podcasting may be inexpensive in terms of cash, but it isn’t in terms of your time. Any good podcast like any other blog entry needs to be published on a regular basis, and that takes much more prep than a quick blog post. One shouldn’t underestimate this as an investment or see it as a shortcut. My advice would be to guest star on another site’s podcast first to try it out and see if you like it.
I also think that podcasts can be made into YouTube videos if one places related images and slideshows along with the audio of the podcast.
What Skype software did you select?
I blog about a niche in which there are very few podcasts. But my English fluency is not great as my writing skills and so would that work in a negative way in turning readers away from my site just because they don’t like the podcasts?
Also would readers like a site which links to various other podcasts in its niche?
Thanks for the great post.
I’ve been thinking about adding a podcast to my blog but thought it might be a little more than I can chew currently.
After reading your comments it certainly doesn’t seem that difficult and is a total “no-brainer.”
Thanks again and I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Hi Bradford,
Just want to ask you something,between podcast and video which is better and give more impact to our blog reader?
thank you for the information but I do not need it because I’m happy with a more simple and concise for easy reading
Hmmm.. I have been thinking about podcasting in the past, but I really did not pursue it. But after reading your blog that made me go “woah, why didn’t I do that in the first place”. I will try to do podcasting now that I know. I have read quite a few blogs, but I think this one concludes what I want to do with my blog.
Thanks man.
hi @bradford I think the trick is not to defeat yourself.
What I mean is do a 5 min and get it online warts and all.
Then do something a bit longer and go from there.
I lost so much time over the years trying to perfect things. People will always forgive you if the content is worth listening to!
My fav is the WhiskyCast: The Cask-Strength Podcast, which is just great. One guy and his mic! and whisky of course :)
Great stuff, Bradford. I’ve been researching Podcasting for a while, but have found conflicting information.
Do you mind answering what Skype recording program you purchased? Do you use Audacity for editing?
Thanks for the help!
Austin @ Foreigner’s Finances
Hey Austin, glad to help. I personally use Pamela (pamela.biz) to record my Skype calls, and I have been very happy with it. I do indeed use Audacity to edit.
One thing is that you probably want to set up Pamela to record in Stereo. This will put your voice in one audio stream and the other voice(s) in the other audio stream. You can then adjust the volume separately. I find this is especially important for Skype to phone calls, whereas the volume stays pretty level on Skype to Skype calls.
Great post! I actually started the opposite way – I am a podcaster turned blogger. Ialso believe that the more media venues (blog, podcast, video, radio …) you have your brand extended into, the better.
@ Austin – If you are on a Windows based machine the popular apps are Pamela and Hot Recorder. On the Mac side there is a Skype plugin that I use as a backup called Call Recorder that works great. Another Mac option is Audio Hijack Pro.
One last piece of advice is that if you are going to be recording Skype interviews, you may want to consider investing in a portable recorder like the Zoom H2. I have never lost an interview, but I have heard many stories of computer’s crashing and losing interviews. I’m fortunate it hasn’t happened to me. Another good thing about the Zoom is that when hooked up via USB, it can also double asd your mic.
Thanks. I have the free trial version of Pamela and just figured out something tonight with the codec playback. Hopefully it works, but thanks again for the suggestions!
In my opinion this is a great tip and of course it could work for some blogs and especially for some bloggers. Others might find it uncomfortable for thei blogs and if the podcast is not done in a proper way so it is attractive, it is better not to include it.
Thanks for sharing effective tips!
Mighty post. All hail The Shrimp!
Podcasting is incredibly useful to the blogger and listener alike.
I’d add a point 5: Having a fantastic voice for radio definitely helps – and having a British voice is an asset in the American marketplace (believe me; I’ve won a lot of clients in this way). Of course, it also helps to have a journalistic pedigree to maintain the flow and ask the right questions to keep your listeners captivated.
I’ve been podcasting in conjunction with my personal blog for ages, and Bradford, you’re so right about it being a great way in to talk to people you admire and can learn from.
Podcasting adds value; it gives you a different spin on the blogging theme. Your audience get to discover a different dimension about you. I couldn’t run out of great things to say about this new era in personal broadcasting!
One of my favourite podcasting resources is http://podcastanswerman.com – the site of Cliff Ravenscraft. If you want inspiration on how to make good your podcasting efforts, Cliff is the man. He’s built up the Generally Speaking Podcasting Networking from nothing, and is now making serious money out of his membership site and podcasting consultancy.
Podcasting and vodcasting represent the future of adding value by bloggers for their communities, in my opinion. And once you start getting good at it, you can start giving Leo Laporte a run for his money (but you might have to spend at that point – his setup comes in at around $100,000 but then tricasting is a totally different kettle of fish to the operations of us minions!)
A great article, Bradford. Keep on spreading the good word for podcasting.
Extremely useful post! It’s amazing how simple things we don’t give proper attention, can bring out great results. With the free tool like skype is in our hand, it’s only a question of willingness and little push. I recently added a introductory video on my blog to break out of my shyness. I am planning to do a podcasting soon. Great inputs bradford!
This post has enthused me to start thinking about adding podcasts to my blog. Especially as I have a British accent, which according to Dave’s comment, goes down well in the US market. :) I have already downloaded Audacity, so I guess I’ll have to start learning how to use it!
Thanks for the post, Bradford.
Hey Dave, great comment. I agree that it would help if you have a great voice and a talent for interviews. However, I have neither and still manage a podcast. In lieu of those things, I find if you just ask great questions and really listen you can have wonderful interviews.
I approach all of my interviews as conversations, which makes them easier on me (and hopefully on the interviewee).
If you don’t have a great voice or a knack for interviews, don’t let it hold you back. Just take notes as you go along and make incremental improvements along the way. You’ll find a method that works for you.
I have done a little podcasting, but I have to admit, I am not very regular about it. So far, it has done very little in bringing more traffic or responses from readers/listeners. I use audio acrobat and you can see the stats on how many times your recording has been listened to. Some of them are 0. I don’t have a lot of traffic to my site so that is part of it. Perhaps I’m not entertaining!
Wonderful blog post about the power of podcasting!!!
I would love to read your blog post on my Podcast Answer Man podcast if you would be open to that. Of course, I would provide a link back tomthe original article here.
If you are okay with this, would you just send me a quick email saying so?
The power of the written word is amplified by the power of the spoken word! Thank you for the informations :D
Hi Bradford, This is such an excellent and exciting post. And thanks for all you commenters for your specific and helpful suggestions.
I can hardly wait to get started podcasting. I can’t quite manage a British accent, but I do have 10 years of Toastmasters experience which should be a help.