People are looking to the internet and online video like never before to get educated. Learning a second language to getting a degree is becoming increasingly popular. The “Do It Yourself” or also known as DIY phase of education is a great example of how businesses can help their customers help themselves.

On a typical day 22% of internet users report they watch or download educational videos. Of all the areas researched in age, education and income this area represented all these areas the most.

How can you educate your customers and help them help themselves? Remember when you are a greater resource to others you are also a greater value.

Marc Krevo
BOLD CITY MEDIA
The only business in Jacksonville Florida specializing in Podcasting and Online Video

Although this young audience enjoys the content for free they are the largest audience to pay for online video content. This research shows that of those most likely to pay for online content, 10% of online viewers came from ages 18-29 while just 3% of video viewers age 50-64% make up about 3%.

What does this mean? It means that not only is online video content for a young audience. It means this new media is growing with the youth. It means it is emerging and will probably be a staple in how people get their information in the future.

If your business or plan is long range you may want to align it with the same trend so that your business can grow along with it.

Marc Krevo
BOLD CITY MEDIA
The only business in Jacksonville Florida specializing in Podcasting and Online Video

A report in March of 2008 by Universal McCann researched 17,000 daily internet users across 29 countries. It concluded that of those daily internet users 82% watch video. That means that there were over 394 million people watching video on the internet daily. In an article written by Marry Madden, a senior research specialist with Pew Research reports that 76% of young adults between the ages of 18 to 29 watch video the most. And 57% of adults between the age of 30 to 49 watch video online. While 39% of those between 50 to 64 watch video online.

Does this give you an idea of another way to reach a growing and emerging market?

I have lots more data I will be sharing with you in my next blog, so be on the lookout.

Marc Krevo
BOLD CITY MEDIA
The only business in Jacksonville Florida specializing in Podcasting and Online Video

You can promote your podcast for relatively low costs it just requires more of your time which is ofcourse the most costly. Here are some practices I use:

- Distribute posters or flyers in areas where my target audience frequents
- Comment in other forums specific to the audience or topic of my podcast
- Public speaking to a group specific to my podcast
- Write articles in blogs or comment in other blogs relative to my podcast or topic
- Hand out business card with website or podcast listing in directory
- Email Newsletter

These are just a few, but I highly recommend you read the book Promoting Your Podcast by Jason Van Orden. He has greatly influence my ideas and direction in podcasting.

One last thought, don’t wait to promote your podcast after it’s been published. People love suspense and early promotion is a good vehicle for that.

Marc Krevo
BOLD CITY MEDIA
The only business in Jacksonville Florida specializing in Podcasting and Online Video

When recording sound, typically the closer you can get the microphone to your mouth the less noise you will have. However, the location where you record might choose your microphone for you.

Most podcasters are either using studio type microphones that extend from a boom arm like an Electrovoice RE-20. Or desk stand type dynamic microphones like a Shure SM-58. If your podcast is just you speaking, a headset type microphone like a Logitech Clear Chat will work well.

The difference? Well, the Electrovoice RE-20 is a superb sounding microphone, it is the broadcast industry standard and requires phantom power from a mixing console it’s cost generally run around $400. The Shure SM-58 is a dynamic microphone which is also a broadcast standard in recording music and vocals. I like this because it is simple and produces a high quality sound. It typically costs around $100. Headset microphones can be purchased from most electronic stores like Best Buy and cost anywhere from $30 to $50. They need to be USB type plug ins so that you can connect directly into your computer bypassing any mixing console.

In summary the best sound bar none would be with a condenser microphone like the Electrovoice. However, it works best in a studio type environment. The Shure SM-58 is a handheld microphone that is sturdy as well as versatile, it works well for studio and location recording and it’s cost make it more affordable. The headset microphone allows you to get the microphone close to your mouth at all times keeping your hands free while reducing noise. This is a good choice for a one person voice recording.

If you want to see some examples check out BSW at this site They offer packages for podcasters and have great prices.

Marc Krevo
BOLD CITY MEDIA
The only business in Jacksonville Florida specializing in Podcasting and Online Video

By now you have properly planned out your podcast. Now it’s time to get into the producing phase. First of all you have to decide where you are going to record your show. Will it be in an office type setting? Or, will it be on location or perhaps a professional studio. If it’s not in a professional studio, you will need to record in a location that’s as quiet as possible.

If your recording will be in a office type environment make sure it will be void of any distractions. Make sure the phone and any overhead pa announcements are off and other sounds that will add noise during the recording. If your recording on location like a factory or outside, you can tell the audience that we are on location and that’s why you might be hearing these noises. Actually, being on location gives your podcast a more journalist appeal that could give your podcast greater credibility.

Remember any and all noises that are heard during the recording will not only be included but amplified as well. Maybe you can decide to record when it’s the quietest time of day. Maybe that’s before the work day starts or after. Recording in a quiet environment will not only produce a better podcast, it will help you to focus on the subject matter. If you have any guests or other people on the show it will help them to keep their attention focused on you too. A quieter environment will help cut down time in the editing phase of your podcast and make the process run smoother.

I hope this helps. In the next blog I will discuss what type of microphones to use in order to get that good quality recording.

Marc Krevo
BOLD CITY MEDIA
The only business in Jacksonville Florida specializing in Podcasting and Online Video

Along with good content your podcast also needs good keywords in the publishing. By now you have discovered what keywords will be important to your podcast. Now you need to include those keywords in your podcast episode title, description page and in the id tags of your podcast.

Including these keywords will provide your audience to find your podcast through search engines like Google, Yahoo or MSN. These search engines are constantly looking for fresh content to these keyword topics. When you supply these search engines with these keywords, traffic will start to flow to you. However, you should have done this keyword research already in the planning stage. If you haven’t don’t worry, it’s never too late to start. I recommend Nichebot. They provide a wealth of keyword research which will help you direct traffic to your blog page or website depending on where your podcast lives.

Publishing to a stand alone blog page makes this possible. Search engines love blog pages because many people include these keywords directly related to their topic; not only in the content page but in the id tags or keyword entry.

In the next issue I’ll talk about RSS feeds and how it provides your listeners with instantly delivery for every new issue you publish.

Marc Krevo
BOLD CITY MEDIA
The only business in Jacksonville Florida specializing in Podcasting and Online Video

A lot of companies tell their customers and audience what they are doing and what they have to offer.  While that might be helpful that’s not going to engage your audience very well. Your best way to connect and engage your listening audience is to bond with their problems and provide solutions and answers. Provide experts on the subject of their problem or you can interview someone who has had a past experience with the problem.  When you bond with other people’s problems you’ve got their attention. But now you need to provide the answers.

Hopefully this will help you come up with a format idea for your podcast. I am producing a new show for caregivers of the elderly. The Informed Eldercare Podcast is devoted to helping caregivers of an elder. It has topics and issues that I personally have faced with family members. I have talked with other caregivers and researched other blogs to see what they are talking about. Whether it’s in home care, hospice, nutrition, medical issues like Alzheimers’ or many more, I solicit other people’s ideas and suggestions.  This helps me stay in touch with my audiences’ needs. I also interview the experts in these areas to give the podcast credibility. This not only addresses what I am concerned about, but more importantly what I believe the audience is concerned about.

Your podcast needs to have a message that not only educates but empowers your audience. By providing solutions to your audience’s needs you are seen as a resource.  That’s what people want today in their online searches.  Be a greater resource and you will build a better message.

Marc Krevo
BOLD CITY MEDIA
The only business in Jacksonville Florida specializing in Podcasting and Online Video

How do you identify your audience or market?  Think for a moment, ok that’s long enough. Who is going to listen to your podcast and why?  How will your audience benefit by taking the the time to listen?  Will it be engaging?  Do you have stories for them to connect to?  Do you have any real life examples to share with them?

When you think in these terms it will help you identify your audience or listeners.  Maybe they are your employees needing in-house training on new initiatives, policies or procedures.  Or, could it be your customers that would benefit from understanding your products and services better.  What about your industry peers?  Do you have something to enhance recent trends or to improve relationships?

I hope these questions are getting your creativity flowing. Try and put yourself in your listener’s position.  Do that and it should give you a better idea of what they want or need.  The next issue will be about developing your message.

Marc Krevo
BOLD CITY MEDIA
The only business in Jacksonville Florida specializing in Podcasting and Online Video

A lot of people are out there Podcasting with no clear direction. Just in any area of communication in business you need to have a plan to steer you in the right direction. Last April I gave a presentation on the 4p’s of Podcasting to the American Society of Training and Development here in Jacksonville. Those 4p’s are planning, producing, publishing and then promoting your podcast

This is part 1 of a 10 part series. Don’t worry, I will keep each post short but it will provide a comprehensive overview of how to deliver a message effectively.

The plan is the first and most important phase of your podcast. It must identify your audience, define your message and the best way to reach them. If you don’t build this road map first your podcast will suffer a tragic death. When planning a podcast you need to ask your self some important questions.

- WHY AM I DOING THIS? IS IT TO:
-Support my marketing efforts?
-Build brand recognition?
-Develop and provide greater value with my clients?
-”My boss told me I had to do this”

These questions should get you thinking in the right direction. The next post will be on identifying your audience.

Marc Krevo
BOLD CITY MEDIA
The only business in Jacksonville Florida specializing in Podcasting and Online Video