Podcasting Alphabet Soup: A, B & C

There has been a noticeable upswing in requests in my email box for help in getting started with a podcast. Must be the Spring air? Whatever the reason, I’m thrilled! I especially enjoy coaching new podcasters through a launch. It’s an exciting time and an important step in reaching out to your target market.

In order to have some fun and celebrate the spring launch season, how about we partake of some Podcasting Alphabet Soup?

In this multi-part blog series, I’ll share some tips and ideas for each letter of the alphabet - and you can join in too by leaving a comment :)

Today we’ll cover A, B & C.

A is for Attitude

This ‘A’ is twofold. I believe the best podcasters approach the process with a real ‘can do’ attitude. They’re willing to tackle learning new technology and learn new skills. Great podcasters also sport a bit of a ‘tude’ in that they have opinions and aren’t afraid to share them.

A is for Archive

If you are able, archive your podcast episodes long term and keep them available for download. When new listeners find you they often love devouring these past programs - and that’s more opportunity for you to develop a relationship with them. Some podcasters actually find success in charging for access to their archives.

B is for Blog

A Podcast goes with a Blog like Hot Fudge goes with Ice Cream. Not only is a blog the perfect way to deliver the podcast RSS feed, it provides an easy way for your listeners to comment on your episode. There are several useful podcasting tools out there that allow you to create a podcast feed without a blog - but I don’t personally like to use them. By blogging your show notes, you’re making yourself more findable in search engines and blogging in between your episodes helps to keep your audience engaged too.

C is for Cooperation

I don’t believe in competition, I think there is a way to cooperate with everyone that shares an interest in my target market and that is definitely true in podcasting. When I launched Work at Home Moms Talk Radio I was the only one out there, but now there are many WAH related podcasters. Work at Home Moms have more than on hour a week available to listen to great audio content so I’m glad there are others offering quality interviews and resources. Rather than view them as probable problems, I see them as potential partners. Who better to co-promote with?

C is for Champion

Use a podcast to champion a cause and build awareness and support for something you care about. This could be a limited edition podcast built around an event. (Limited edition just means that you don’t intend to keep adding new episodes long term.) For example, you would like to raise money and awareness for breast cancer so you’re participating in the big walk event in your area. Create a podcast that chronicles your preparation efforts, the event and some reflection when it is over.

Do you have any additions for A, B or C? Please do share them!

And stay tuned for D, E and F to come soon :)

Last 5 posts by Kelly McCausey

• Podcasters Take Care with Wordpress Upgrade - August 8th, 2008
• I Want Guests! - July 8th, 2008
• Is it ok to take a Hiatus from your Podcast? - June 17th, 2008
• Build A Community Around Your Podcast - May 27th, 2008
• Podcasting Alphabet: P, Q & R - May 23rd, 2008