Benefits of Podcasting

I love podcasting and my leadership and marketing podcast has been a great way of connecting with people and sharing thoughts and learning with friends both on line and offline. To help understand the benefits, I asked Nathan of Fluctu8 podcast directory to share his thoughts on podcasting and how it fits with social networking.

1. What do you believe are the benefits of podcasting?

Podcasting has several benefits. The auditory medium of podcasting allows the podcaster to communicate to a wide audience in an on demand manner.

Podcasts are different then traditional radio in that they can be listened to anytime on demand, and previous episodes are available for listening as well, allowing your audience to schedule their listening to fit their lifestyles.

Podcasting also leverage the popularity of portable devices and internet syndication to reach a large audience whenever their schedule permits it.

2. Is podcasting a tool which you can use for networking on the web?

Podcasting is definitely a tool which can be used for networking on the web. The nature of the podcast allows for regular listeners and subscribers with whom you can communicate with them and share ideas and information. Your listeners in turn will pass it on to friends and associates and your message spreads quickly. With the voice telephony technologies on the internet, it is possible to communicate, interview, and get feedback from your listeners and integrate them right into the podcast making it an interactive experience.

3. What makes a great podcast?

There are several factors that make a great podcast. Amongst my favorites include:

• Professional quality audio – It’s important to sound great!
• Episode planning – Have a layout for your episodes and try not to improvise unless of course your show is about improvisation!
• Listener feedback – Collect audio listener feedback and questions and incorporate them into your show, make your podcast interactive!
• Regular podcast schedule – Let your listeners know when to expect the newest episode! Get them waiting for it!

4. What 3 tips would you give people who want to build their brand online?

I’d share the following tips:

• Quality communication when relating to your brand. Your copy and images should be clean and represent your message clearly.
• Networking, partnering and talking to people. You need to get your brand out there, and this is the best way to do it. Partnerships and cross promotion go along way!
• Commitment to quality and good reputation. This is important, you want to avoid having to repair damage to your brand and image.