What is podcasting?

Do you know what a podcast is?

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.

How to listen to a podcast

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 like newsletters, not flyers

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.

Podcasting for Business

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 show, the Money Plan SOS Podcast, is lead generation. People who listen to my show get to know me and my style of Financial Coaching. When they decide to call for help, they've already pre-qualified themselves as a good fit for my services.

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 podcast expenses like media host fees.

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

All of these are great reasons to get into podcasting!

Podcasting is the New Media

There are no rules or regulations required to start and grow 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!