Davidrisley.com has made 6 figure incomes with his blog. Derek Halpern is another successful Internet Marketer who combines human psychology with Internet Marketing at socialtriggers.com. Dana Gould has been very successful as a stand up comic and writer for many sitcoms (he was a voice on the Simpson for 7 years). What do all these succesful people have in common? Even though they have experienced success in their life, they all started podcasts recently. The question is Why aren’t you?

Make Sure Your Podcast Media is Set Before Uploading it to the Internet.

Once you’ve recorded your podcast and you have a finished mp3, you think you’re done. This is where you really need to mind your P’S and Q’s. The information that is displayed in a portable media device (like a smartphone, iPod, etc) is saved within the media (mp3, video). Once you get it correct, you can upload it. If you make a mistake you can fix it, but you will need to upload it again. There is where a problem comes into place.

With my preferred media hosting providers Libsyn.com and Blubrry.com they limit the amount of space you can upload in a month. If you make a mistake there is no “Do over” option and that second upload will count against you. For me, this is not a problem as I produce a podcast once a week, and I’m rarely even close to exceeding my space requirements. However if you almost using all of your space every month, this could cause an issue.

I do not use iTunes to add my ID3 tags. For whatever reason, I can add my podcast album art in iTunes, but it won’t show up in Windows Media player. This makes you look like a hack. Instead I use mp3 tag (right-click on the mp3tagv249bsetup.exe link and choose save target as). This software is free. If you’re on a mac, check out http://pa-software.com/id3editor/ ($15).

UPDATE: I got this note from blubrry.com “If your client was on blubrry.com hosting… All he would have to do is delete the episode and upload the corrected version with the same name (or a different name for that matter) If you delete a file that is counted against your monthly upload, it will be taken off the limit right away.

Audacity Tip: Removing Noise From Your Podcast

While I love the service podcastvoicemail.com (affiliate link) the quality of audio that comes in (based on the person who calls in some cases) is not always high quality. Today I show you how you can clean these up before putting them in your podcast. This is under the effects menu. The first time you “learn the noise.” Then do a select all and preview the file with the noise removal turned on and adjust accordingly.

If you are producing an email newsletter, you already have the content for a podcast. When I mention this to some people they state, “I just want to use e-mail” or “I’m not geeky enough to create a podcast. Well if you can email a family member a photo, you have the technical skills to create a podcast. A couple of pointers:

1. Don’t read your title. Instead use it to announce the episode.

2. Make some bullet points and “just talk” the article. When you read to people, it is still good information but its not a conversation. It’s very one sided. Podcasting is about building a relationship with your audience, so why not instigate some two way communication.

One podcast that came close was the Publishize Your Way to Success Podcast (but I still felt like the communication was one way). None the less, it had great information and inspired me to download their software.

Using Youtube to Promote you Podcast.

Rev. Ken Blanchard sent in this note:

“I’ve been following, lurking, listening and learning from the School of Podcasting since 2008.  No one else is as humble, down to earth and helpful as Dave has been for me.  He helps you find solutions, new products and avoid wasting time.  The Urban Shooter show is odd but owes some its success and my waning sanity to the School of Podcasting.  Where else would you find a fun loving, zombie shooting, Harley riding, inspirational Christian pastor that encourages the American family on a pro-gun podcast?”

Pastor Kenn Blanchard, The Urban Shooter Podcast

Ken created a youtube video to point people to his show. Here it is

When creating a youtube description make sure the VERY FIRST THING you enter in your description is your website (your domain name, i.e. http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com )

Podcast Promo Swapping is Back

“Back in the Day” podcasts would create short 30 to 60 second promos (ads) for this podcast. They would “Swap” a promo with another podcaster (meaning each would play the other’s promo on their show).  As the podcast community continued to grow, we lost some of our closeness, and promo swapping just faded away.

After hearing person after person state they “missed the early days of podcasting” and asking “Remember when you would swap promos?” I decided to take action and put a website and idea into place.  We currently take 12 podcasters and for 12 weeks each will play the same promo (for maximum exposure). For more information go to www.podcastpromoswap.com If the first group is filled up, sign up to be on the waiting list and I’ll alert you when we launch group two.

If you don’t have a promo there is a free report with tips on how to record a promo that will entice people to come check out your website.

If you don’t have a promo (and don’t want to record one) and are still looking for free podcast promotion, check out the free banner exchange system at www.podcastclicks.com

Who am I? I’m Dave Jackson and I’ve been podcasting since 2005. I have a bachelor’s degree in Education specializing in techncial education, and I feel I can explain anything in terms that make it easy to digest.

Who should Podcast? Anybody with passion for a subject and wants to reach the world

What?
What is a podcast? It’s an audio, video, or PDF file delivered via RSS
What is RSS? It stands for real simple syndication. In the same way that every radio station has its own frequency, a blog running WordPress (which is a free software program that allows you to update your website and pdocast at the time) has its own RSS feed automatically.

When?
Podcasting started in 2004, and the numbers have grown every year. When should you start one?

Where?
Where do I find podcasts? Podcastalley.com podcast pickle.com itunes.

Where you should learn how to podcast? My site the school of podcasting. We have step by step tutorials and resources to get you going in the right direction.

Where can I get my podcasting questions answered? Webinar?

Why?
To be seen as an expert. To get the word out. To build a community. To boost sales. To reach a global audience. To keep your team up to date. To keep your brand in front of your customers.

When you have a topic you are passionate about and want to reach the world.

How?
How much does it cost to start a podcast? Around $200 if you’re going to do it right (one time fee). About $20 a month after that. Keep in mind this is to reach a global audience.

How techy do I need to be ? If you have ever sent a picture or an attachment via email, you can be a podcaster. You know how to type, and you know how to manage files 9via attachment).

There is free software to use.

Summer of Podcast Promotion

Your code is “learn”.

Freemium Resources

When you provide a free podcast to promote a service that people pay for, this is called “freemium” approach. You provide free information hoping they will pay for your premium services. Christopher sent an email about wanting to start a website where people pay for the podcast, there is a forum for the community, and what hosting I would use.

The “Cadillac” of premium podcasting is premiumcast.com. You can sell digital downloads, create coupons, it has a built in affiliate program, and it does something that all other membership scripts that work with WordPress don’t. That is the ability to create podcast episodes that are NOT tied to WordPress. So you could have your information on your website, and then have episodes that are not seen on your website (and only consumed via RSS feed). Premiumcast.com has a monthly memberhsip fee to pay for the upgrades that happen on a regular basis (making it even more powerful).

If you do not want a monthly fee, I’ve been using WP Wishlist which is a very powerful membership script for WordPress. If I started the School of Podcasting today, I would be tempted to use Wishlist. There are also wordpress plugins for affiliate programs, and shopping carts. Many of these are listed at the Weekly Web Tools Resource Section.

Managing Email Tips

If you are using gmail for your pdocast, you can create labels for emails. I use one now called “NEXT PODCAST.” If someone sends me an email that I want to comment on in my next podcast, I apply the NEXT PODCAST label. Then when I get ready to record, I bring up all the emails with that label, print them out, and remove the label (and archive or delete the email). It makes show prep a breeze.

Podcasts about Podcasting

If you are looking for additional podcast about podcasting. Here are a few to consider.

The Power of Podcasting (a podcast focused on the results people are achieving with their podcasts).

The Podcasters Studio features tips and insights from a Ray who is making a living doing more video work.

Podcast Answer Man – Cliff Ravenscraft talks about his passion for podcasting.

The Audacity to Podcast from Daniel Joseph featuring tips on Audacity and other podcasting topics.

The Morning Announcements – This podcast where I talk about planning, producing, and promoting your podcast.

Learn to Podcast

Ready to start podcasting? Sign up at the School of Podcasting today!

So now instead of people having to remember your phone number, you can tell your listener to simply click the button.  (give it a try and leave me a message – you might end up on the show!).

Portable Microphones For iPod

Daniel Johnson Jr asked if I had any insights into portable recorders for your ipod/iphone. I do not (I haven’t tested any), but I know the “blue” company seems to have a good reputation and they make the

BLUE Mikey G2 iPod Microphone Recorder if you know of one (that you have used, or you know someone who has one) let us know using call button above.

Last 5 in 5 by Danel John Jr of the www.howigotmyjob.com

1. The Morning Announcements (This podcast)

2. Six Pixels of Separation http://www.twistimage.com/podcast/

3. Daily Audio Bible Podcast http://dailyaudiobible.com

4. Marketing Over Coffee http://www.marketingovercofee.com

5. This American Life www.thisamericanlife.org

Please note podcastvoicemail.com is an affiliate link for my prefered voicemail partner. I not only promote them, I use them.

Two years ago I met Mark Levine at the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop. He is a book publisher, and I am a podcaster. We did some brainstorming, and Mark was smart enough to run with the ball. The result is published.com You think of it like a dating site, except instead of pairing up potential couples, it is pairing up podcasters/bloggers with authors. The part is it’s free.

Instead of trying to figure out who the publisher is, trying to get some contact information, published.com gets you the correct contact information. When you sign up (now as a blogger, but in the future there will be a “podcaster” option) you create a profile page, you put in what types of books you’re interested in and start searching their directory. I was amazed at the number of books available. When you find a book you think fits your podcast, you can request more information and you’re off in the right direction to get an evaluation copy of the book, interviews, etc.

There are tons of genres to pick from (you can have more than one genre that you’re interested in). When an author signs up, you will be notified via email that there is someone who matches your criteria.
Check it out at www.published.com

Thanks to Jessie, Emily, and Mark for their time. Even though we were all very tired, it was one of the funnest interviews I’ve ever done. Thanks for all the laughs

Tags can be thought of as an “index” to your website. You can even use a widget to display them on your website (if you wish, I don’t). If people were to click on them, they would be shown all the posts that had that word.  Useful? Well, maybe.

However, GOOGLE seems to love tags (based on the image to the left). Google brings eyeballs, which bring ears, which means they can be subscribers to this podcast.

Listener Feedback

We got some feedback from Daniel of Edgy Podcast Reviews on how he enjoy the last few shows, and my openness to share my numbers. If you are looking to get your podcast reviewed head on over to edgypodcastreviews.com

For the record 4 days into circulation show 211 has had 421 downloads. Whoop-dee-doo. I am more interested in influence and how connected I am with the audience instead of how big the audience is (quality vs quantity).

Another Podcast Experiment

I am turning the Weekly Web Tools Podcast (audio) into a Weekly Web Tools podcast that distributes pdf documents instead of mp3 files. Why? Because I can type faster than I talk. Also this makes it easy for readers to click on links to view the different tools. I will be monitoring the downloads to see if this works, along with clicks to see if it grows or reduces the amount of activity from the audience.

I’m not sure if this has always been the case, but as I’ve set up a few new podcasts, I have noticed that the default setting under privacy is to have your website visible to the public, but BLOCKED by search engines. Obviously you want to set this so that search engines CAN find your website.

You can check these setting by going to Settings > Privacy in WordPress. If you are looking for a web host where you can install WordPress in about 7 mouse clicks, I suggest Host Gator

No Wave Out Recording on A Laptop

In the past Iv’e talked about the different styles of record and producing a podcast. One is to record the voices first and mix in the music later (which is how this podcast is produced). This gives you exact control over volumes, fade ins, fade outs. The bad news is there is a “compiling” step where you put it all together. For this podcast it takes about 5 minutes.  The other way is to record “live” where you mix in the sound effects, music, as you go. The bad news is if you mess up, or your volume settings are wrong, you either leave it, or in some cases go back and start from the beginning (in some cases you can go back and edit it out).  There is no compiling time, but you do have to make sure your volumes are set before hitting record.

Well I wanted to record podcasts on my lunch at my job using my laptop. Tim Dewey from the Sled Dog Podcast told me a while ago that manufacturers had been pressured into taking away the ability to record what is known as the “wave out mix.” In normal English, the Wave out mix is whatever you hear coming out of your speakers you can record. This is what podproducer.net uses (my favorite “live” recoding software). In a nutshell without the ability to record the wave out mix on a laptop, you can’t use Podproducer. The only option I have now is to send the output out of my headphones into a portable recorder like the Zoom H2, or H4 and use podproducer to play all the music, etc. Then I have to transfer the file from the recorder to the computer, tag it and upload it.  As the intent was to save time, this doesn’t really cut it. I just wanted to let you know that if you plan on using a laptop as your main recording device, you are probably going to have to use Audacity, mixcraft, Sony music studio music studio to assemble your podcast.

Help Dave celebrate his birthday at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/birthday

Radio Industry blog Radio Survivor has named podcasting one of the most important radio trends of the last ten years. They state that RSS podcasts feeds made it much easier to index podcasts and create easily searchable online directories organized by genre and keyword.

 I also found another blog post from Shel Hulz who does the podcast For Immediate Release. He (along with Nevile Hobson) has been doing it since 2005 and he recently put together a “looking back” post as they recorded their 514 show on their fourth anniversary. Here are some of the ways that Podcasting is helping Shel.

 Loyal Listeners – His show is published twice a week on a very regular basis. His fans are so loyal that when he was hours (not days) late he got email They have come to depend on his show.

 Mutual Respect – By having a co-host Shel and Nevile know the other person is working hard on gathering material, and they don’t want to let the other person down. It keeps them on pace, and it allows each other to share the load.

 Staying Current – They have started a fountain of knowledge. Shel checks over 100 blogs for information for the show, and he gets input from his audience as well. Consequently, he and Nevile are completely up to date with the latest happenings (and I would guess they have a good idea on what trends are coming).

 Client Work – By being so up to date, they are experts and this leads them to get more consulting clients.

 Because of these benefits Shel is committed to podcasting. How committed? He spends 14 hours per week preparing, recording, and editing his show. The best part if Shel says that all the work is worth every minute.

 You can read the full blog here

Amazon S3 is hosting from amazon.com It offers really inexpensive hosting. You pay for what you use. It’s .15 per gigabyte of storage. It’s .10 per gigabyte of transfer. What does that mean? Well I’ve got about 200 episodes of my logical weight loss podcast, plus some “Students Only” podcast, some videos, and more. In the end about 400 media files.  Here is my break down as of 12/14/09 (click on image to zoom in).

Amazon S3 Bill

So what do I get? I don’t get stats, but I get cheaper hosting ($9.59 but the month is not over). At the current rate (9.59/14) X 31 days means my bill maybe 21.24 by the end of the month (hence twice as much as Libsyn.com ). Last month my bill was $6.42, but this month has seen a large increase in downloads (and I’ve uploaded more stuff).

But what if you want to use Amazon S3 and you want Stats? The first thing is you have to use Firefox (with the Amazon S3 organizer plugin) or something like the Cloudberry Explorer (free). You need to configure these programs to see your account. Once those are configured there is a free service at www.podtrac.comThey offer many features for podcasters, and the one I use the most is their stats (they also have surveys, and pop up audio players). You have to put a “redirect” in front of EVERY media file (mp3 in my case). Well this is kind of a pain, but there is another fee tool. The blubrry Powerpress plugin (my favorite for putting audio players on websites). Under the Services and Statistics settings you can enter this redirect ONCE, and it will make sure to put it in front of all your media.

Blubrry Plugin Redirect Settings