Firstly, many might be asking themselves “what is a podcast?” This is a question that I get quite often when I ask others whether or not they’re willing to be “podcasted” (a term used when someone or something is featured in a certain podcast.) But what is it?! Yes, good question. Put simply, a podcast functions like a very brief radio show, kind of like an audio version of a blog entry except it’s more interactive.
PC Mag defines podcasting as the following:
(iPOD broadCAST) An audio broadcast that has been converted to an MP3 file or other audio file format for playback in a digital music player or computer. The “pod” in podcast was coined from “iPod,” the predominant portable, digital music player, and although podcasts are mostly verbal, they may contain music.
Here is a much better and broader definition:
What are podcasts:
a) A new type of media that puts you in control of what you listen to, when you listen to it and how you listen to it (usually on a computer or portable audio player)
b) An easy way to share your own audio content on the internet with a focused audience
c) A media that can be created with equipment you probably already own, for little cost and in as little as a day
d) A way to become a recognized expert or celebrity in your niche
e) A powerful way to connect with your customers and promote your business to them on regular basis
Podcasts are time-consuming to make, and thus most blogs feature podcasts weekly or monthly. Ideally, they would not be over one hour. Inexperienced users should always aim for 10-20 minutes until they increase their audience.
Why should you podcast? Different people do it for different reasons. I personally do it for interviews. It is much easier, faster, more accurate and interesting to feature audio interviews rather than text-based interviews. Firstly, it allows listerners to relate to the person and you won’t feel as if you are misrepresenting the people you interview. Secondly, people are more available for you if you take your device and ask them for a brief interview, rather than ask for their e-mail address and then try to conduct the interview online. This way is faster and usually more efficient, and as stated above, it’s also more interesting to listen to. It also gives other people access to people they would otherwise have no access to (in terms of their opinions or backgrounds.)
How would the final product sound like? Most podcasters online feature a personalized theme song to start and end their podcasts with. They also feature more than one person, so that it’s not just one person ranting about a certain subject but rather it records a discussion two or more people are having, which is what makes podcasts interesting to listen to. However it’s very possible to make a podcast by yourself and by only featuring your voice, which is what a lot of successful podcasters do. But that makes it harder for you since you need to think of ways to maintain the average listerner’s attention.
Don’t know where to start? Video tutorials are the best when it comes to introducing yourself to the broad world of podcasting. This is a good one to start with -
[In our next lesson, we'll offer a step-by-step guide in English and Arabic about how to start and publish a podcast.]
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