STFP 002: What Is A Podcast And Why Should We Podcast?

Start To Finish Podcasting

WHAT IS A PODCAST?

So what is a podcast? A podcast is a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically. Podcast come in a variety of different subject matters such as sports, technology, education, food, health and business just to name a few. Getting access to podcast can be through streamed media or it can be downloaded.

There are advantages to both downloading and live streaming. Live stream allows you to listen to a podcast without waiting for the file to download. Live stream also gives listeners a sense of you being right there as they listen. Now the advantages of downloading podcast episodes is that it saves a lot of your data by just downloading the podcast. Live streaming a podcast will use more of your data. Especially if it is a podcast that may be 30 minutes or more. Downloading podcast does not take up so much time and data. Downloading an episode make only take 10 to 30 seconds depending on the file. Once you download the file, you have the podcast right there whenever you choose to listen to it without having to listen to it live stream (if in fact it is available) Downloaded files do not need an internet connection as you have already download the podcast episodes to your computer or mobile device.

PODCAST FORMATS

So now I want to quickly talk about podcast file formats. When you create a podcast, it will either be in MP3 or MP4 format. When you record an audio podcast it gets exported into an MP3 file. An MP3 is an audio format use used by podcasters who’s podcast is just audio.

Video podcast on the other hand export in MP4 format. An MP4 format is used for video. While there is audio in a video podcast the exporting of the video file gets exported in an MP4 format. Placing a video in MP4 format allows your video podcast to be played in all the directories

PODCAST ON DEMAND

Now no matter what format you listen or watch a podcast listeners have the option to listen to podcast ON DEMAND with specific devices such as iPods, desktop, computers, Android phones, iPads, tablets, iPhones and now we can listen through our car. All of these devices allow you to listen to podcast pretty much ON DEMAND.
The great thing about listening to podcast on demand when you want is that you have the choice to listen to podcast any time you choose to. Unlike radio you choose when you want to listen.

REASON TO START A PODCAST:

There are many reasons why people start a podcast. Here are a few reason that people start a podcast.

REASON # 1: If You Have A Message To Share

One of the best ways to be heard is to do it through a podcast, you are in total control. You decided what you want to speak about without a boss or someone higher up telling you what to discuss or say. You get pure freedom. So having your own podcast can be referred to as owning your own house because you have final say to your show just as you would with Owning your own home.

REASON # 2: TO START A PODCAST

Build Your Authority & Credibility

Once you have built authority and credibility in your topic or niche you gain opportunities to network and meet other in your Niche who are well respected in your field. Your credibility will also allow you to increase your platform by inviting top podcasters in your industry to interview on your show. When you do this you start to get yourself closer to being at the same level as those top podcast authorities in your niche.

REASON # 3: TO START A PODCAST

Grow Your Audience.

If you are a blogger or a life coach or if you have a business this is the perfect reason to start a podcast. If you are a blogger you more than likely already have some type of following but adding a podcast to the mix can really grow your audience. You will have a platform for more subscribers to have access to you. And that’s in addition to other social media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, Stitcher and iTunes.

If you are a life coach you definitely will grow your audience because you would be able to reach a mass of people through your podcast. You will be able to reach them all over the country and world. You wont be limited to just local listeners.

If you r are a business owner having a podcast is a great thing because you have the opportunity to discuss related topics to your business which could lead to the sales of your Products and services.

REASON # 4: TO START A PODCAST

To create Business and Personal Relationships

The relationships that you will build from podcasting are remarkable. Some of the people you come in contact with may have The ability to change your life. Its all about the content you produce and trust you build.

REASON # 5: TO START A PODCAST

To Make Money

One thing people will pay for is valuable information and content. Now while you shouldn’t jump right out the gate in Episode # 1 to start selling products and services eventually you plan to make sales through your podcast because there will be times when a topic relates directly to your business. For example, if you record a podcast episode about the value of having a life coach and you are a life coach, your listeners will more than likely consider you as a life coach AS you are seen as an expert. So somewhere down the line you will start obtaining customers for your products and services which in turn will make you money.

REASON # 6: TO START A PODCAST

Your Podcast will be Evergreen

Meaning the content does not expire. People will be able to go back to Episode 1 or Episode 23 or whatever episode and use the content that you put out. Even with this podcast. People can come back to this podcast 5 years from now and the content will still be relevant. This podcast will still have the valuable content that will help someone start a podcast from start to finish.

Start To Finish Podcasting offers online courses that will teach you how to create your podcast from start to finish. Our online courses are broken down into various modules session so that you may go directly to any modules of your choice. The courses will walk you step by step through the entire process of launching your own podcast. While course availability is not available until August, we encourage you to Register Now.

If you have any questions I would be more than happy to help you. CLICK HERE to CONTACT ME and I will help and answer your question in the most informed way that I can.