What is a podcast anyway?

A podcast is a special kind of audio file that can be shared with others.

How is a podcast different from any old downloadable audio?

The ability to subscribe is what makes a podcast special. After you create your podcast, you can publish it on your blog and/or Web site. You can also make it available on iTunes and other directories, and your listeners can subscribe to your podcast for free.

How does a podcast subscription work?

You can subscribe to a podcast in a few different ways: By email, if this is offered by the podcast producer. You simply enter your email address on the page, and the publisher notifies you whenever a new show is available. By RSS (Really Simple Syndication) using a feed reader such as Bloglines or NewsGator or Google Reader. Every time a new podcast is published, you automatically receive it. By iTunes. Using the iTunes application (which works on Macs and PCs), you automatically receive new shows. You can also synchronize your iPod or other compatible MP3 player to load the new shows.

What’s all the fuss about podcasts?

People like the versatility of podcasts. There are all kinds of shows available – business, entertainment, finance, relationships, music and so on. And you can listen any time, anywhere. It’s truly portable, time-shifted audio.

Do I need an iPod to listen to podcasts?

No! You can listen to a podcast on your desktop computer or using any media player, such as an iPod, iRiver, Sony or other machine.

How do you create a podcast?

Simply stated, you need a microphone to record your audio, and a computer and software to capture the audio file and edit it. After you’ve polished your audio, you need to publish it to the Internet using XML. Let’s not get technical here. The easiest way to do this is through a blog.

Is this a do-it-yourself project?

You can certainly create your own podcast if you have the skill and the equipment. Compare it to desktop publishing: Not everyone with a copy of Quark XPress can craft a beautiful newsletter. Ditto: Not everyone with a copy of Audacity can create a nice sounding podcast with solid content.

What kinds of skills do you need to create a podcast?

A good voice is a starting point, as is a high-quality microphone. But much more important is the ability to identify your audience’s needs, to communicate clearly and to tell a good story.

Where can I find podcasts to listen to?

The Internet is bursting with podcast directories. Try
iTunes
Podcast Alley
Podcast.net
Yahoo Podcasts
Podcast Directory

How will I benefit from podcasting my conference?

• By offering audio from your most current conference, you can attract people to your next one.
• You will educate prospects about your company, your products and your expertise.
• You can reach a broad audience at a low cost.
• You can make audio content available to your clients, prospects and employees who are not able to attend your conference.
• By creating a Web site or blog to accompany your podcasts, you create a presence that is searchable by Google keywords, therefore expanding your reach on the Web.

What if I don’t want everyone on the Internet to hear my podcast?

If you don’t want to make your podcast available widely, you can restrict access to your audio content to people with whom you’ve shared a user ID and password.

Will podcasting my conference be expensive?

In a word, no. Add up all the dollars you’ve spent on organizing your conference, printing up literature, marketing and advertising, and so on. The cost of podcasting your conference is the equivalent of a small fraction of your overall cost

Contact info

Donna Papacosta
Trafalgar Communications
259 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, ON L6J 3H1
905-844-7645
1-888-877-4954
trafcom@gmail.com
http://podcastyourconference.com