Setting up Your Podcast

July 22nd, 2008 Posted in Podcasting

Podcasts take planning and commitment but with the following tips, tools and techniques you will be able to establish a professional and informative podcast:

1. Decide on Content and Frequency

Decide weather you want to record audio reports that do not require constant updating or if you want to provide the latest information on your packages, destinations or services.

2. Develop the Format

The most basic and most successful format for any podcast is to first have a great opener that grabs the readers’ attention. Then provide the content. Always make sure the content is informative, relative and useful to the listener. And last, but not least, the close. Always close with a reference to your Web site, contact information and of course a call to action.

3. Gather Your Podcasting Equipment
 
• A laptop or desktop computer with an Internet connection and a sound card.
• A microphone.
• Audio recording software. There are lots of downloadable, free and paid, audio software programs online. Be sure to pick one that will satisfy all of your needs as some of the cheaper recording software does not offer many editing options while the more expensive ones allow you to edit the audio, enhance the sound quality and even add music.
• An MP3 encoder which will convert your audio into an MP3 file. For example iTunes can convert audio content to an MP3 file, or there are a number of popular free encoders online.

4. Recording Your Podcast

Once you have your content prepared, you will plug your microphone into your computer, start your audio recording software, and record your podcast. Always record your podcast in a quiet location. Save your podcast as an MP3 file. When naming your file, consider including your important keyword phrase, where appropriate, for search engine optimization purposes.

5. Publishing Your Podcast

Once you have finished recording and editing your podcast you can upload (or FTP) the file to your Web site host and make it available online.

Interested in learning more about Podcasting? Check out my new book, 101 Ways to Promote Your Tourism Business Web Site, there is a whole chapter dedicated to the subject!

Written by Susan Sweeney, CA, CSP, HoF

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