Podcasting is a new and potentially powerful mode of advertising. It’s basically an audio stream that subscribers can download from websites and listen to at their convenience on desktop computers, laptops, iPods, and MP3 players. It provides information about products and services, presenting content periodically to help keep customers up to date with the latest in the market. The duration of a podcast can range from a few minutes to an hour.

Benefits of podcasts

• Create a positive salvage value:

The quality of the speaker in the podcast can significantly influence the listener. Staying alive in the customer’s mind is a very challenging task. A podcast has the advantages of audio effects and manages to capture the attention of customers more effectively than published text. The spoken word appeals to the subscriber’s senses in a way that the written word may not.

• Source of information:

Podcasts act as important sources through which subscribers learn about new products, technologies, and services. The way information is presented can also influence the customer positively enough to drive sales. Also, registering with a podcast directory will help customers find you when needed.

• Direct Access to the Client’s Mind:

There are many people who do not like to read texts and messages. A podcast can successfully circumvent this problem by reading the information out loud to the subscriber, keeping them informed and interested.

• Economic advertising mode:

With a very low initial investment (it could be as low as a few hundred dollars to own a podcast), you can reach a wide market base. Once you’ve built up a sizable subscriber base, you can even consider selling ad space for revenue. Therefore, it also presents another avenue for earning income.

• Advertising of complementary products:

Regularly updating your podcasts keeps customers interested in everything you have to offer. This will ensure that subscribers regularly tune in to your site and give you the opportunity to introduce a new line or add an existing line.

• Increase traffic to your site through networking sites:

A high-quality podcast is likely to be forwarded, especially with the abundance of social networking sites; the speed with which information can be spread is remarkable. This will generate interest in the company’s products and services, increase subscriptions and, over time, sales as well.

• Universal accessibility:

One of the best features of a podcast is that it can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Customers have access through their computers and laptops as well as through iPods and cell phones. So, while riding the train to work or jogging in the park, subscribers can listen to the podcasts and learn about your services.

How to run a successful podcast

Be sure to keep podcasts free for subscribers to download, especially early on. Over time, if you manage to attract a regular audience and prove the usefulness of your content, then you can start charging a fee. But, until you make a name for yourself, it would be wise to keep it free.

In today’s electronic world, podcasting is a very essential marketing strategy that will help you break into new markets. New technologies always fascinate customers. Companies in all fields, from music to manufacturing industries, would do well to exploit this medium to reach the public.