What is podcasting?

Podcasts have been around for several years, yet many have still never heard of them.

A podcast is an ongoing series of recordings, usually released on a regular basis, that can be followed or subscribed to in any number of apps.

They can also be consumed on websites – and even on YouTube.

And the best part? They can be consumed when YOU want. Similar to watching a DVD or streaming on Netflix, you decide when to press Play, Pause, and even move on to the next one.

A single release of a podcast show is called a “podcast episode”. Podcast episodes are media files that can be listened to by being:

• Downloaded to a computer
• Uploaded to a portable device (not just iPods)
• Streamed on almost any smartphone

People listen to podcasts while driving to work, jogging, doing yard work, or cooking. Podcasts are convenient, educational, informational, and entertaining.

Podcasts can be found, and even followed, in a number of apps for free – like Apple's iTunes or *Spotify.

*This entry was updated in 2015

Podcasts are less like flyers and more like newsletters. You can print flyers for those who visit your office, mail it to people's homes, hand it out at expos, or make it available for download on your website.

However, this does not make your flyer a newsletter. A newsletter is updated on a regular basis with new content.

A podcast is more like a newsletter – it is a regularly updated with new content and made available for your target market.

Most media is supported by advertising. That can be true for podcast too – but that's not the only way a person can profit from a podcast.

My purpose of my first show, the Money Plan SOS Podcast, was lead generation.

People who listened to my show get to know me and my style of coaching.

By the time they called to get my coaching, they've already pre-qualified themselves as a quality lead.

Another way to monetize a podcast is affiliate relationships. This is similar to the sponsorship model, but instead of a company paying you to play their ad (or have you read their ad), you promote their product or service. The affiliate company pays you a referral fee if someone visits or purchases using your affiliate link.

I do this on my show by promoting YNAB, a really cool budgeting app. It doesn't pay much as a coaching call, but can help pay for expenses associated with the production of the show.

And finally, there are shows that ask for support from their listeners, such as a Patreon or by selling merchandise like t-shirts or coffee mugs.

There are no rules or regulations getting in they way of starting a podcast.

There are no guards or network agreements like that of radio and television to prevent anyone from sharing their skills or passion via this new medium.

Podcasts can be created and shared by anyone – and they can be listened by anyone as well.

Does this sound like something you would be interested in doing? Yes? Then let's get started!