School of Podcasting - Learn To Podcast » Podcast

Free Listener Feedback Tool & Business Podcasting Tips

schoolofpodcasting@gmail.com (David Jackson) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:30 +0000

SpeakPipe is a new service currently in Beta that lets visitors to your site who have a microphone leave a comment in two clicks. You then receive an email (if you want) stating that you’ve got a message along with the name of the caller, and a direct link to the voicemail. It’s very cool. You create your account for free, and copy and paste a piece of code into the footer area of your WordPress theme (it also works with other systems). There are some screen shots at their site, or if you are a member of the School of Podcasting you can watch the video I created to show it off. Check out the service at www.speakpipe.com

Last 5 in 5.

Today’s last 5 in 5 comes from Scott Eiland for the Baseball Experience Podcast

Firwall and Iceberg Podcast

Mark Gungnor Show – Marriage Advice

This Week With Larry Miller -Comedian

Up and in – Basball Podcast

Adam Corolla Show – Comedian Podcast

Podcasting For Your Business

Kevin Mulryne (who I tlaked about in a previous episode) of the Yes Music Podcast is talking to people at his job about starting a podcast for their business. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Audio podcasts can be listened to while doing other items.

2. You are seen as an aexpert.

3. You can build a community and solicit comments from your audience.

4. It costs much less than advertising on any other media, and you reach a global audience.

5. You can use a tool like Magic Members to restrict who can and can’t consume your content.

6. You can use podcasts as a customer service tool.

7. Don’t have any hard selling in your podcast. People don’t choose to watch commercials.

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PODCAST CONSULTING: I wold love to work with you via one on one podcast consulting and coaching. I can do as little or as much as you’d like. I can demonstrate and walk you through the podcasting process. Email me at , or schedule an appointment.

Self Paced Tutorials: The School of Podcasting has self paced tutorials that will walk you through the entire podcasting process, and has an organized resource section to equip you with the proper tools. Sign up for a week, or a year. There are many packages to meet your needs sign up today.

Can Podcasting Make Your Dreams Come True? YES!

schoolofpodcasting@gmail.com (David Jackson) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:19:34 +0000

Today I’m breaking format. You know what’s cool about this? I CAN! It’s MY show and I decide what is acceptable. Today I’m sharing one episode between two of my podcasts The Morning Announcements, and the Power of Podcasting. In today’s show I talk about Cliff Ravenscraft who not only got to meet one of his mentors (and become good friends) but Pat Flynn who got to live a dream of his and be an extra in a movie.

Last 5 in 5 From Butch Gibson

This Week in Photography

Podcast Answer Man

Audacity to Podcast

Joel Osteen Podcast

Troubleshooting Your Podcast

schoolofpodcasting@gmail.com (David Jackson) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:02:30 +0000

While I help a lot of people start their podcasts with people goingthrough our step by step tutorials, I do most of my consulting with people who have not, and I need to troubleshoot what has gone wrong iwth their podcast. As a corporate trainer I’ve developed and lead classes on troubleshooting (originally for technicians, but this can apply to podcasters). Here are some tips:

Try to isoloate each part of the process. If that’s your audio, test the cables, the channels, the microphone, etc. When you can swap out pieces for alternative options. When you’re done with a test ask, “What did I learn from this?” It may be that its not your mic cable, or its not the mixer. In the case of your website, I ALWAYS start by turning off all the plugins within WordPress to see if the problem persists (it’s a plugin many, many times). Here again, by isolating the plugins you can determine which one is causing the problem and either quit using it, or contact the developer.

The Podcast Information Flow

The recommend tools I recommend are Feedburner to add iTunes tags, and WordPress for your website. The chain of command is iTunes looks at Feedburner which looks at your website. This also then works backwords. When you update your website, feedburner is updated, which in turns updates iTunes. This is sometimes confusing as I use Libsyn.com as a media host. In a nutshell a podcast is simply an audio or video file that is “attached” to a blog post. I don’t use any of Libsyn (or blubrry.com for that matter) blogging features. I use them for hosting my media and providing great stats. Thats it.

Looking Deeper Into Podcast Promotion

schoolofpodcasting@gmail.com (David Jackson) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:52 +0000

I’ve said in the past that Podcast promotion can be boiled down to “find your audience and tell them about your podcast.” If we look at Christianity, it used this principle. Jesus would find his audience (tax collectors were seen as the scum of the earth – his target market), he go to know them (He went to dinner with I believe it was Matthew), and then told him about his message. Many people try to do this in reverse order. They see their target audience, tell them about their podcast, and then try to get to know them.

One thing I have found is (and I know this seems obvious), but you build your audience one person at a time. When you approach it this way you not only get a loyal audience, you end up with disciples who want to spread your message.

Get To know Your Audience

This can be done by having a voicemail line, an email address, as well as having comments turned on at your blog. You can also go to forums on your subject and see what people are discussing. Remember, the idea here is build relationships with these people FIRST, then tell them about your podcast.

Leaving Breadcrumbs back To Your Podcast

One thing I always have with me is Business Cards. These point people to my website, and give them a quick idea of what to expect.

You can also use CDs as kind of “Audio Business Cards.” Remember the goal is to get them to your website, so have it printed on everything, and be sure to mention it often on the CD. If you’re a video podcast these might be DVDs.

Hanging a flyers that has your website at the bottom for them to tear off can be created in programs like Microsoft Word (use a text box at the bottom to make the tear off sheets and then copy and paste the text box over and over). Be sure to tear off one of the items at the bottom. This creates perceived value.

Digital Flyers are great (PDF) as your audience now has the opportunity to print them out and hang them up.You can create a pdf using free software from www.cutepdf.com and its built-in to the newer versions of Microsoft Word.

Tell Them About Your Podcast

Be sure to have a quick “pitch” explaining why people should listen to your podcast. Tell them how they will benefit. Then make sure this rolls off the tongue, and practice saying it.

Be sure that your family is armed with Business cards and CDS. You will be surprised how many business cards your sister-in-law may hand out.

Dave’s Rant About Corey Deitz

While I am not the be all and end all of podcast coaching, I do get upset when I see people provide advice that is just wrong and not thought out. For whatever reason time and time again this comes from people who have had successful careers in radio, and then crown themselves a podcast consultant. I went off on Corey Deitz on my blog. I ended up calling him a name trying to be funny, and that was uncalled for and I apologize to Mr Deitz. It doesn’t mean his content is correct, but I should’ve simply said “This is wrong and here’s why,” and left the name calling off the blog. Sorry Craig. read the full Rant on Dave’s Blog about Craig Deitz

Items mentioned

Six Pixels of Separation

Speak Pipe Feedback System

Big Boards List of Popular Forums

Meetup.com

Kunaki.com CD Replication Service.

Dave’s Rant on his Blog about Craig Deitz

I Use VistaPrint.com for my business cards

Stitcher Streaming Radio – Get Yoru Podcast Listed use code davej

Finding Topics To Podcast – ASK!

schoolofpodcasting@gmail.com (David Jackson) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:55 +0000

Today I answer questions from the listeners:

1. How do you find topics to talk about?

2. How are people promoting their podcast?

3. Should I start 1 podcast with multiple topics, or multipel topcis with one podcast?

4. What ways can people contact me besides email, Vocaroo.com, and sending in m3s. Voicemail may be too expensive. Any ideas? (podcastvoicemail.com)

Items mentioned in this show:

Vocaroo.com

podcastvoicemail.com

Website Magazine

Behind the Scenes of Radio – Podcasting Questions

schoolofpodcasting@gmail.com (David Jackson) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:17:02 +0000

Today I answer some questions about the Blue Snowball, as well as the two mind sets of starting a podcast. There is paralysis by analysis and on the other end of the spectrum you have the person who is starting to record before they know what to say.

If you are looking to podcast “live” check out podproducer.net or there are mac and PC titles available at www.blackcatsystems.com Also keep in mind that you can use an audio player (like an iPod) to handle inserting music “live”into your podcast.

I Use To be in Radio

New member Scott Eiland of the School of Podcasting talks about his days in radio. He says listening to podcasts have rekindled the fire to share his opinion with the world. He sees that, “Yes, I CAN do this…” and he is taking the steps to launch an “Internet Radio Program” where he doesn’t have to answer to a program director, and has the freedom to build a show that is exactly the way he wants it. He realizes that his budget may not lend itself to buying the top line equipment, but he can start with what he has, and upgrade later. If you’re goal is to start a podcast so you might get into radio, this interview may change your mind and see that podcasting is a much more free creative outlet.

Podcasting Year in Review

schoolofpodcasting@gmail.com (David Jackson) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:59 +0000

Today I want to take a quick second just to say thank you for listening. One of the greatest things about podcasting is not the money it brings me but the firends I acquire. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I explain how you can’t let a noisey enviornment stop you from podcasting by taking you on a site hearing tour of my neighborhood and the fact that I live within a stone’s throw of Interstate 90 in Cleveland Ohio. I then talk about some of the topics we hit on this year like:

Finding time to podcast

Getting to Know Stitcher Radio

Topping The Charts From their Basement

Podcasting Live

Ready Set Knit Podcast 13,000 Listeners

Can I use my Website Host as My Media Host?

Hindenburg Journalist Software

Interview With Ray Ortega

Podcamp Cincy Speach

Items Mentioned in Podcast

Magic Members Membership Software

Cranky Coach and Fast Pitch Softball

Allthatchazz.com Home of Robert Chazz Chute

I want to thank all of my new friends I met this year becuase of podcasting. You all rock, and I’m so glad to have met you. I look forward to helping and working with all of you in the future.

I’ve Got My Podcast Idea – Now What?

schoolofpodcasting@gmail.com (David Jackson) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:48 +0000

In the past I’ve talked about the 27 steps to get your podcast into iTunes. Today we are going to slightly resist that, as I have some people who have their equipment, they have their topic, but they are not sure how to start.

Holiday Greeting From Switzerland

Jon Buscall of Sweden sent a very nice audio comment wishing us all a Happy Holiday Season. He also mentions how his podcast is becoming THE lead generator for his business. COOL!

Take it Easy on Radio

First let me say I’ve become a fan of your content. I always take away something new from School of Podcasting, and I appreciate your work.

But please take it easy on radio. I currently host a radio morning show here in Raleigh, NC, and work my tail off to provide fun and upbeat content. There are differences between hosting a podcast and hosting a show on the radio. A podcast audience is a little more patient with the host, but a radio audience always has their finger on the button. It’s a tough and changing business, and those of us in the industry and just trying to keep up.

I understand there’s a stereotype of the “radio dj’s” pukey voice and cheesy jokes, but I think it’s a tad unfair.

Just defending my brothers and sisters in the industry that also may be a fan of your show.

Regards,

Dave

Raleigh, NC

Dave, you are right. Radio is tough to do because you have time constraints, content restraints, and an industry that is clueless on how to stay relevant. In my non-educated opinion when it comes to radio, radio was made big on personalities (Wolfman Jack, etc) and right now radio stations are eliminating the DJs leaving us with an unprogrammable iPod with bad music. Throw on top of that the local drive home radio station has 16 minutes of content for every 14 minutes of commercials. Yet they wonder why they are losing listeners.

Dave, radio is very tough and as I’ve been helping someone take their podcast and fit into the radio format I have a new respect for people who are providing HOURs of content on a DAILY basis. I have someone coming on the show that will explain the liberating feeling that radio people who are starting a podcast are feeling.

I have a Podcast Idea Now What? – Where Do I Start?

One way to figure out where to start is to simply follow the content in your podcast.

If your podcast starts off with music, you’re going to need some music. I like the music at footage firm. Even though they have LOTS of video stuff, their royalty free music is “free” (after you pay $8 for shipping).

Then you might provide your contact information. So you will need an email address (typically provided by your hosting provider), and a voicemail. For these I recommend podcastvoicemail.com (which provides a toll free number for $2 a month) or Google Voice (it’s not toll-free, but it is free).

Then you will need a place to host that media. I use Libsyn.com but you could also check out blubrry.com (I’ve compared these two in recent episodes).

Maybe in your into you mention your domain name. Well you need to see what domains are available. You will also need a Website. So you will need to purchase web hosting

When you go to add your ID3 tags, you will need album art. We have resources for that inside the School of Podcasting.

Using these tools will get you started. If you need some equipment, you can contact me and we can discuss what would work best for you in your budget. The last thing would be to get you into iTunes, for that I use Feedburner.

If you need help, I have step by step tutorials that will walk you through the entire process.

Don’t Let Your Podcast Sit on a Shelf Due to Background Noise

In this episode I also point out that I have moved into a much noisier environment. This is NOT stopping me from podcasting.

Behind The Scenes of a Podcasting Membership Site

schoolofpodcasting@gmail.com (David Jackson) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:26 +0000

Every once in a while I get someone who wants to know how I created the School of Podcasting. How I created it back in 2005 is not how I would create it today. I’ll explain that when I get to it, but I thought today I would share the tools and insights into building a podcast that uses the “freemium” model (deliver some content for free, with hopes people will sign up for your premium service).Please note that when available I’ve use affiliate links. I recommend these because I use them. I thank you in advance if you use these links to purchase these products.

Domain Name: Godaddy. I’m not a fan of their ads, but their service is great and easy to use. If you purchase a domain name, say “no thank you” about 1000 times to reject all the other services they try to sell you. You can check to see if a domain name is available using a search tool here.

Web Hosting: Host Gator. Why? You don’t have to sign up for a year. They give you unlimited data (if you think you’ll have more than one podcast, choose the option with unlimited domains). They have great service. When you go to their live chat they always have a HUGE number of people to help you. You can install WordPress easily, and if you ask them they will move your site for you. If you don’t have a website yet contact me before you order, and I will set up WordPress for you.

Media Hosting: Libsyn.com Love their stats. Love their service. Love the fact that I have an iPhone app. Do you need a media host? Do you need air conditioning if you live in Texas? You don’t need it, but it won’t take long until you want it (and realize you should’ve got it in the first place).

Website Maintenance: WordPress. No other option comes close. It’s free.

WordPress Plugins: Powerpress, Google xml, to get you going.

WordPress Theme: For years I used Thesis ($87). I love its flexibility, and ease of use. I love its built in Search Engine Optimization. I used it until mid 2010 when I switched to Optimizepress ($97). If you plan on having a membership site it makes it easy to navigate. I wish I had this when I first started the site.

Membership Software: To keep everything under lock and key I use Amember. It’s a great piece of software ($179). However if I were to start the School of Podcasting today I would use Digital Access Pass ($167) because of its drip feature (and great technical support), or Magic Members ($97) which also has a great drip feature.

About the drip feature. If you are going to have a forum, you will probably want to shy away from using a drip feature as your new member will hear about information that they don’t have access to view yet. The drip feature lets you time release (drip) content. For example on day one, let them see post one. On day two let them see (you get the picture). This makes sure you don’t overwhelm people with information. It also stops them from signing up, consuming all your content over the weekend and walking away.

Another note about a memberhsip site. Realize that when you first start out you won’t have an audience. Consequently, any time you spend on making “premium information” may fall on deaf ears (or no ears). This is where the drip feature is cool. You could create enough bonus content for a month, and then wait for the first person to sign up (as you would have four weeks until they ran out of material).

Payments: Paypal. I’ve only had two people over 6 years who really HATED paypal. With this in mind I also use 2checkout. I was using an “official” merchant account but unless you’re making BOO FRICKIN KOO bucks, you will cry when you see the fees they sneak in on you.

Microphone: Electrovoice RE320. Currently I use the RE320, and for years I used a Sure SM58. I don’t recommend condensor microphones or USB microphones as they force you to record directly into the computer. Some time in 2012 I will purchase a Heil PR 40. If you need some podcast equipment, contact me as I can often beat the pricing of most suppliers.

Mixer: Behringer Eurorack 802. This would be the Xenyx 802 today ($49). Nothing fancy. It does the job.

Software: Adobe Audition. the only reason I have this software is a listener gave it to me. It’s cool, but not needed. I hate audacity as I’ve heard 400 too many “I lost my episode” stories from people using Audacity. What you don’t pay in money, you pay in time. For the bang for your buck, I would go with Sony Acid (around $50) or garageband on the mac (free).

Favorite RSS Reader for Blogs: Google Reader as I can do this on my PC or phone.

Favorite “Podcatcher“: I love beyondpod for my droid phone. I cut the chord to iTunes.

Voicemail: Podcastvoicemail.com I like offering a toll-free number as people from around the world can use a Skype out number and (per Leo Laporte) call free. It’s only $2 a month, and .06 a minute for any voicemail you receive. I don’t think I’ve had a bill larger than $5 EVER.

Interview Tools: I use Skype to call people either over skype, or me on skype to their phone with a Skype Out number. I record the call to a Roland R-05 portable recorder ($199 at Amazon), and use PowerGramo software as a backup (professional verion $35).

Keeping To Your Publishing Schedule & Podcast Numbers

schoolofpodcasting@gmail.com (David Jackson) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:52 +0000

The holidays are upon us. How will you meet all those family obligations and still meet your publishing schedule? I’ve got a trick for you as I prepare to move to a new location. You can record multiple podcast episodes and then time release them so you can attend to your other holiday duties while your website updates itself. Cool eh?

Last 5 in 5 – What were the last Five Podcasts you Listened to?

This week’s last five in five podcast review comes from DJ City of the Japan Experience. Which features Jpop, Jrock and Travel in Japan.

5. English News – NHK Japan Radio World News
4. School of podcasting
3. TWIT – Leo Leporte:The Tech Guy
2. The Podcaster Studio
1. Amateur Radio “Newsline” Report

Keep up the good work, enjoy the episodes.

PS I have no idea what you are doing but Beyondpod is loving your show
don’t have the audio jumping right ear to left ear anymore.

Ron M
AKA DJ City of TJX: The Japan Xperience
www.jrajio.net

Podcasting Statistics

Wizzard Media (the parent company to Libsyn.com) put out a press release that the number of people signing up for Podcasting services is up 30% over last year. On the Power of Podcasting show I talk about how Pat Flynn ( a successful blogger without podcasting) grew his audience by 19% when he started his podcast. The number way new people found him was not Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, it was iTunes and his PODCAST. These LISTENERS, are now READERS of his blog.

Has Podcasting Lost it’s “Umph”?

Quick answer: No. It used to be news when someone launched a podcast. Now it would be like writing a press release when a musician launches a new CD. That’s what they do. If you are an entertainer of some sort (Comedian, Author, Opinionist) and you want to reach a GLOBAL audience, then podcasting is for you. This week I spoke with people from Russia, Scotland, Canada, etc. Having a podcast is now just expected from people who want to get the word out about their subject, product, services, etc.

Ultimate Microphone Shoot Out

I just found out about a website if you are looking to purchase some Podcasting gear. You can hear different podcasting microphones, and then contact me for pricing.

Was that Planned?

No today’s microphone comparison with the Eletrovoice RE320 and the Audio Technica 3035 was not planned, but when my Space heater kicked on (I thought I had set it to not come on), I decided to roll with it.

Future Publishing Your Podcast

It’s the holiday season and we have to fulfill all sorts of family duties, work Christmas parties, etc. How do we keep our publishing schedule? By recording a few episodes ahead of schedule (every green content is good for this), you can go into the post and change the publishing date from immediately and change it to a future date. This will change the button text from “Publish” to “Schedule.” Now you can record a few episodes recorded, and they will be “time released.”

Are You Ready To Start a Podcast?

I worked with Rob Chazz Chute one day, and the next day he was in iTunes. We have step by step tutorials, consulting, equipment sales, support. Everything you need to start a podcast is here. Please quit wasting your time looking for alternatives.