5 Things to Consider Before Starting to Podcast


Record a podcast for your businessOver 3 years ago when I first started doing small-business podcasts (with Steve Rucinski), the choices for recording a podcast were limited. 

You could do a conference call, record it, and then insert the recording file into a blog post.  Or you could download an open source program like Audacity, purchase a digital recorder or a mike for your computer, and spend hours figuring out how to use it all. 

There were a few other options, too, but creating a recording and getting it on the Web and into a feed required some work.

Since then, I’m happy to report that it’s a lot easier to record audio podcasts.  Now you have platforms such as Podomatic.com and BlogTalkRadio.com.  They allow you to easily record a podcast, and automatically place the recording on the Web and distribute it via a feed.

So let’s say you’ve been thinking about creating some podcasts.  The tools are easier, so it should be a no-brainer to start podcasting, right?  Well, not so fast.

While the recording and distribution of podcasts may be easier today, you’re still faced with a number of other considerations before you start podcasting, such as:  Do you have a clear purpose for creating a podcast (or do you want to do it just because “everybody” is doing it)? Are you disciplined enough to record podcasts regularly?  Have you thought through how podcasts will fit into the rest of your marketing mix?

I wrote about 5 considerations for using podcasts to grow your business over at the COSE Mindspring site.  Please check out:  Using Podcasts to Grow Your Business.

8 Comments ▼

Anita Campbell Anita Campbell is the Founder, CEO and Publisher of Small Business Trends and has been following trends in small businesses since 2003. She is the owner of BizSugar, a social media site for small businesses.

8 Reactions
  1. Anita,

    Thank you for your guide to podcasting. I conducted two intervews in 2006 on Prodos Solid Vox. I have registered an account on BlogTalkRadio and I am following the mailing-list discussion. I want to continue with the interview format, but I am not sure how often I could set up an interview on a regular basis. I think I could do an interview every month to start with.

  2. The interview format is very rewarding, but also very time consuming. I enjoy the interview format we adopted at Small Business Trends Radio. I love talking with interesting guests.

    But we could not do it without the help of Staci, our Program Manager, who handles the scheduling. She’s terrific and has made it possible to conduct a regular weekly interview series.

  3. I enjoyed doing the interviews with Edward Cline and Allen Forkum. I want to do more interviews in the future. It is time consuming as you say and therefore I have to plan ahead before I start my next round of interviews. I have a few candidates lined up and now I have to get updates regarding the tech stuff development at Prodos Solid Vox and my new outlet at BlogTalkRadio.

  4. I have a specific question regarding BlogTalkRadio. The host should use a dial-in number and a pin code. I have to make an international call to New York. I wonder if Skype is reliable to use as a telecommunication tool. If so, I have to get some new “Skype-out” credits and test to use this service. Are you familiar with the demographics of the BlogTalk Radio users? I am guessing that the majority of the shows are made in the USA.

    All the Best,

    Martin Lindeskog – American in Spirit.
    Gothenburg, Sweden.

  5. Thanks for the insightful guide. Podcasting daily is a lot more like work than people think. Some people do it as a full time profession.

  6. Nascar, great site. I passed it on to my husband. He enjoyed your Jeff Gordon Theater video. I’m sure he will visit often.

  7. Those are nice platforms you recommended for podcasting. Blogging and podcasting is pretty crazy for one person to do!