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If you struggle to write articles, newsletters and blog posts, then the chances are you’re much happier talking about what you do. Podcasting is another great way to add content to your blog. I (Louise) have been doing this since the beginning of 2009 in the form of a weekly internet radio show, using Blog Talk Radio (http://blogtalkradio.com).
While there are many other podcasting platforms available, Blog Talk Radio has several advantages for the novice podcaster:
- No technical knowledge required – It all happens behind the scenes. All you have to do is follow the very easy instructions to schedule your show, dial in at the right time and hold your show. The recording is done automatically and appears on your ‘show page’ about 20 minutes after the end of the show.
- Free of charge – Apart from the cost of your phone call, there is no charge for hosting the recordings of your shows. There are also some excellent guidelines available to download.
- Add content to your blog – This is as technical as it gets. Simply copy and paste a few lines of HTML code from the show page into your blog and you have the recording of that show (or several shows if you wish). Your show guests can grab the code too for their blog or website (spreading the word about you at the same time!)
- Google likes Blog Talk Radio – New entries show up in search results within just a few days.
- A good social networking tool – other Blog Talk Radio hosts will make contact and invite you to become a ‘friend’ of their show.
- Establish yourself as an authority – even if (as I do) all you do is interview your guests, if you do a good job you will enhance your own reputation as well.
While the advantages of hosting your show far outweigh the disadvantages, there are a couple of snags to consider:
- You may be approached by complete strangers offering to be interviewed. Do some careful research before accepting, both to make sure they are of the calibre you want and their topic fits in with your overall theme.
- As with written blogs, podcasting requires a commitment of your time. My Blog Talk Radio show is a weekly 30 minute slot (http://blogtalkradio.com/louisebj). As the host, I have to dial in at the allotted time or it doesn’t happen. Make sure you are willing and able to show up!
Do you have a podcast? What platform do you use? Let us know by commenting below.
About Louise
Louise Barnes-Johnston has been working in social media marketing since 2007 after realising that it was a powerful marketing tool which would enable her clients to raise the profile of their businesses on the internet, even when working to a limited budget. Her specialism is in researching social media practices; trying out the most effective online tools and then sharing the best of them with her clients.
