The book is how I have been able to make money with my podcast. It also has some insights into how other people are making money with their podcast, but primarily it is how I generate podcast revenue.

In following in Bob’s footsteps, I’m selling this book before it’s finished at a discounted price. When your purchase the book, you will be asked to review each section as they come out. If you comment on all six sections your name, your podcast, and website will be mentioned in the book. You also will be added to the website (a membership site with a one time fee – which is covered by the price of the book).

The book will cover many ways that people can make money, and then go into detail on how I actually make money from podcasting. I’m only allowing 50 people into this beta/editing portion of the process.

If you’re interested, go over to http://morepodcastmoney.com

PITTSBURGH, Jan 12, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) —-Wizzard Media (NYSE Amex: WZE), the world’s largest podcasting network, today announced that it recorded an unprecedented 1.4 billion podcast download requests in 2009. Wizzard Media, through its premier podcast-hosting service Libsyn, received an average of 3.77 million requests for podcast episodes per day in 2009. On average, 23 minutes per episode equates to almost 1.5 million hours of programming distributed worldwide every day.

In mid-2009, Wizzard Media introduced a new monetization product for its 12,000+ podcast publishing customers with the launch of an iPhone(R) Podcast App. The newly launched podcast companion App for popular podcasts on the Wizzard Media Network offers audiences access to their favorite podcast directly on their iPhone or iPod(R) Touch, bonus episodes and other content and new social communication features such as Twitter and Facebook, creating an unprecedented level of audience entertainment.

Analysts project the App market to be a $1.0 billion market today, headed for $4.0 billion by 2012. With the new Apple Tablet expected soon and the recent launch of the iPhone in China, Wizzard’s management believes the number of people using iPhones and iPod Touch type devices to consume podcasts and interact with Apps will continue to grow well beyond the current 50 million user-base. To date, Wizzard Media has launched 153 iPhone Apps with top podcast Apps on the Wizzard Network having now converted approximately 22% of their audience from free, to paid, in the first 150 days since launch.

In anticipation of the expected announcement this month from Apple, Wizzard today outlined its plans to fully support the new tablet device. The Company is committed to ensuring compatibility for all Wizzard Apps in order to work with and take full advantage of the device’s strengths. Wizzard believes that this device has the game changing ability to take the position of primary media and communication device formerly occupied by netbooks and laptops.

“We expect the new Tablet Device to extend the current iTunes(R) App Store ecosystem,” says Dave Mansueto, co-founder, Wizzard Media. “The iTunes App Store represents the most mature platform for monetization of our publisher’s content and no other App store currently offers the In-App purchase model that we intend to take full advantage of in the coming weeks.”

Additionally, Wizzard released a road map to expand its App offering beyond iTunes to the Google Android and Palm WebOS platforms starting in the first quarter of 2010. “With the early success of the Droid and the impact of the newly launched Nexus One, we feel the Android platform has already proven itself to be a robust mobile media and entertainment platform and Palm’s WebOS offering continues to refine with updates to its software and expansion to multiple carriers,” continues Mansueto.

“We know there is strong demand for the podcasts we distribute seeing downloads grow from 400 million to 1.4 billion in the last few years and monthly audiences grow from 4 million to 18 million,” says Laurie Sims, President of Wizzard Media. “Now, podcasting becomes a platform that converts audiences to revenue, accelerated by the micropayment billing process that Apple has created with the App store. Unlike most Apps in the App store, podcasters have a distinct advantage to successfully market their App in iTunes due to the fact that they have already built a substantial audience for their podcast show over the last several years. Now it is just a matter of continuing to convert them over and expand the model to the Tablet, Andriod and Palm.”

“A few days into 2010 and we’re announcing a new record for downloads, 18 million unique monthly audience count and the expansion of our Apps to the new Apple Tablet, Google Android and Palm WebOS,” says Chris Spencer, Wizzard CEO. “With our top Apps already reaching 22% audience conversion rate, the recent expansion of our advertising platform inventory to include Apps, a strong holiday sales season for our acquired Apps and having just completed our best quarter ever for advertising impressions (4th quarter 2009), we believe this can be a big year for Wizzard.”

About Wizzard Media (a division of Wizzard Software):

Wizzard Media provides publishing and distribution services to podcasters and monetization services for podcasters. Wizzard Media is the industry’s leading podcasting network with an unprecedented 1.4 billion download requests in 2009. Podcasts are a means for independent and professional content creators to publish audio and video shows for the world to enjoy over the Internet or on mp3 players, such as the Apple iPod(R), iPhone(R) and the Microsoft Zune(R). Podcasting is a relatively new phenomenon, but Wizzard Media collectively broadcasts millions of podcast downloads per day through media aggregators like Apple’s iTunes and Microsoft’s Zune Marketplace. For more information, please visit www.wizzardsoftware.com/media. Wizzard Media is a division of Wizzard Software, a leader in speech technology distribution and development.

Legal Notice

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: “Forward-looking Statements” as defined in the Private Securities litigation Reform Act of 1995 may be included in this news release. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. These statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future results or events. We disclaim any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. There are important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to risks associated with changes in general economic and business conditions, actions of our competitors, the extent to which we are able to develop new services and markets for our services, the time and expense involved in such development activities, the level of demand and market acceptance of our services, changes in our business strategies and acts of terror against the United States.

iPod, iPod Touch, iPhone and iTunes are all registered marks or trade names of Apple, Inc.

SOURCE: Wizzard Media

   Arthur Douglas and Associates
   Art Batson, 407-478-1120

Copyright Business Wire 2010

At any rate, I always preach to deliver you content in the format your audience wants to consume it. With this in mind, I considering opening a “sister” site where you could purchase the tutorials on a per topic basis.

I would love your feedback on this? If you have time please take my three question poll.

Well a new report from Wizzard Media shows that podcast listeners are up from 15 million to 18 million. Here are some samples of that report:

Wizzard Media (NYSE Amex: WZE), the world’s largest podcasting network, today announced that for the third quarter of 2009 the Wizzard Media Network saw total podcast download requests of 332 million vs. 287 million in the third quarter of 2008, an increase of 45 million.

The number of podcast shows on the Wizzard Media Network grew from 11,600 at the end of the second quarter of 2009 to 12,281 shows at the end of the third quarter of 2009. Podcasters pay Wizzard Media to use its publishing platform and work with Wizzard to monetize their show through brand advertising and more recently, content sales (Apps).

In the third quarter of 2009 Wizzard delivered over 12.7 million podcast advertisements, its second highest quarterly total on record and an increase of 130% from 5.5 million ads in the third quarter of 2008.

So to anyone who says “Podcasting is Dead” I say “quit saying things for publicity” becuase your are wrong.

Stated that he earned 1.5 million
He sates that he has $350,000 in expenses (do the math).
He states that because of the relationship with his listeners, and the power of his niche he can charge $70 CPM.

If Leo thinks a medium that produces big profits, and can charge double what radio does (from what I’ve heard) than I wonder what criteria it takes to be “alive.” Maybe this could be Leo attempting to once again get the word Podcasting off the charts (and move Netcasting into place once he gets the trademark on the word).

If you watch his speech, I do agree that the way people will continue to consume content will change (much like the way we watch movies has changed. From the big screen to the ipod screen, to netflix.com).

The folks at feedburner said the average podcast has 70 subscribers, but that subscribers are growing 20-30% a month. Sounds pretty dead to me.

Adam Corolla Gets Hired By the People Who Fired Him

Adam Corolla got fired from radio (After replacing Howard Stern) started a podcast and never skipped a beat. To bad podcasting is dead. Oh wait, the same company that fired him is now co-producing his podcast and will help sell sponsorships. Carolla is avergaing 130,000 listeners. To bad its so hard to subscribe.

It’s almost as if Leo did it as a publicity stunt. Because if podcasting is dead, then I want to be dead too! Here is the video of Leo’s speech

While you don’t need an ipod (or any other portable device) to listen to a podcast. I know I’ve given up listening to “Binky and the Whiz” (or whatever your morning show is call) in the morning in favor of pdocasts. Hopefully some of those 305 million (lets round up shall we?) do to.

One last thought if you only have a link to itunes on your site as a subscription option, that means you are potentially closing the door on roughly 80 million listeners.

Now with the ipod touch and nano getting more features and a lower price tag, those numbers are only going to grow.

Does Your Podcast Consultant Have an RSS Feed?

RSS (real simple syndication) is the “airwaves” of podcasting. It is how media is delivered. If you go to their website and they have audio/video on a website but no RSS feed, this is very 1999. Audio on a website does not equal a podcast. This person is clueless, and and has no real  clue about the power of podcasting.

I ran across an “expert’s” site today that is obviously created in Dreamweaver, MicroSoft Front Page (I know they don’t make Front Page anymore I picked that on purpose). Without an RSS feed, this podcast “expert” is the same as a Car Salesmen who drives a bike. They have no clue about the technology they are an “Expert” in.

Does Your Podcasting Expert Have a Podcast?
I amazed at people who are claiming to be “experts” at podcast who are coming out of radio. While radio will help you learn how to talk on mic, learn how to interview, learn about gear, radio is not podcasting. Time after time I see a podcast consultant with a radio background and no podcast.  With this in mind I now say I am a cow milking expert. I’ve lived in the country, and I’ve seen cows, so I am now a cow milking expert.  The bottom line is you can’t be an expert of something you have no experience actually doing.

If they do have a podcast can you find it easily? Podcast promotion 101, make it easy to subscribe to your podcast, and deliver it in whatever format the audience wants it in. If you can’t find it in one format, this person is a moron.

My Podcast Expert DOES have a Podcast?

Lucky you – your podcast expert has a podcast. Go listen to it. Is it good? Is their album art, transitions, and other items that make it sound professional? Does it sound like it was recorded under water? Most importantly is the information they are providing any good? I have seen Internet marketing gurus start podcasts that end up being 15 minutes of how great they are, and why you should send them money. I know other podcast experts that spend the last (literally) 5 minutes begging for business. This turns their podcast into a show on PBS where they interrupt to ask for donations. Pimping your services is fine. However, when it takes up the majority of the show you are not a good example of a podcast?

Can You Contact Your Podcast Coach?

Do they have contact information – more importantly a phone number. You want someone you can contact. Now I realize that a phone number will probably go right to voicemail, but do they even have the option of calling a voicemail number? I’ve seen ebook after ebook that wants your email address, your age, your location, etc (and all you want is a free ebook). So now they can contact (spam) you – but you can’t contact them. That seems fair.

I’m not saying a person should publish their home phone number. But there are ways to put contact information (email, voicemail) on a website so at least you can nudge them.

Has Your Podcast Guru Been Around For More Than 6 Months?

When the recession hit the United States, many people went and started their own business. Some purchased one day passes to the School of Podcasting, spent all day watching tutorials, and then hung a sign out front as they launched their new “Podcast Consultant” business. I am listening to a podcaster who started their podcast in February of 2009 (7 months ago) and is claiming to be “THE” broadcaster on the Internet.

I realize you don’t have to be old to be wise. But there is no substitute for experience.

Does Your Podcast Consultant Only Show You ONE Way to Podcast?

While there may be more efficient ways of podcasting (for example a music podcast can shave hours off their production time by using a multi track recording process to create their pocast), but the truth is there are multiple ways to create a podcast. Each has it’s own pros and cons. Podcasting is not a one size fits all. Your podcast coach should talk to you, listen to what you want to do, and suggest a solution. This solution (key point) should also include an explanation of why this is the best solution.

Some podcast consultants only offer one way to podcast as they want to steer your toward a path that includes affiliate links and commissions. Now I know, I use affiliate links to products. I also provide more than one way to podcast, and can take any path you’ve started and make it work. I have guidelines – not restrictions – for podcasting.

My Inspiration

As a podcast consultant who has been podcasting since 2005, I get frustrated when I see people coming into my industry who are going to lead people in the wrong direction, take their money, and leave them with a bad taste in their mouth when they hear the word “podcasting.”

Podcasting is a great word wide delivery mechanism with huge amounts of potential. Radio is dieing on the vine along with newspapers. More and more stations are replacing live DJs with prerecorded sound bites announcing the name and artist of a song. These segments are put into automatied systems leaving the DJ out of a job. With this in mind, I wish them good luck in their pursuit of a job in a bad economy. I also remind them of a key fact.

Radio is not podcasting.

When I started podcasting in April of 2005 there was very, VERY little about podcasting. Since then we’ve

Had Apple embrace it.
Had Microsoft put the word “podcast” on a product.
Had Yahoo embrace it, and then drop it.
Had a podcaster as a guest on Oprah
Had podcasters move into CBS radio and cable networks.
Had podcasters/musicians sell more music than ever before.
Had universities start to “time shift” their lectures ensuring better grades.
Showed a continued growth in listeners and downloads
Had podcasters play bass for their childhood heroes band.
Held conferences for podcasters that had hundreds of people attend.
A search for the “podcast” now returns 110,000,000 results.
Listed 66,140 podcasts at podcastalley.com
Giggled at the name podcastpickle.com
Learned that free hosting typically does not last
Learned that getting rich quick from a podcast has yet to be done.
Learned that you will be seen as an expert becuase of your podcast.
Learned that Cali Lewis‘ laugh never gets old
Seen the guy who invented the word “podfade” um… Podfade

What else, I’m not done but I’ve got to go interview Brother Love for a future episode of the Power of Podcasting

Vinny informed me that sight impaired individuals using screen reading software can’t play flash players. However, if there is a flash player and some sort of clickable link (to either stream or download) they will be aware of the link and be able to locate and use it.

As Vinny is the second sight impaired person I’ve helped (my first being the Sessions With Slau Podcast ). One thing to keep in mind that there is a large, and very loyal audience. Making your website accessible to the site impaired is something we all should make an effort to do.

Another easy step we can make is when you make a link, or add a graphic, be sure you enter the alternative text (this is that text that “pops up” when you put your mouse over them).

Lastly, if your blog post has multiple paragraphs (or multiple subjects in regards to a “show notes” for a podcast) use headings. I use Heading 3 a lot as it basically makes the text bold (Which is the effect I’m looking for), and headings are very useful for those using screen reading software.

Well the problem is many people think Podcasting as if it is Radio where you might get $10-$15 per 1000 listeners. The key point is, you have to have the radio on at the time, and be listening. If not you miss it - you miss it. With podcasting that advertisement will be there tomorrow, and it will be there a year from now. People find a podcast and go back and download all the old episodes (with the advertisement). So if they think a podcast is the same as radio, they are HORRIBLY mistaken.

There are other things to consider. Will you put a link to their website on your website? Is there an image, banner, etc. You can use these to negotiate price with the potential advertiser.

YOU need to prove that you are sending the  advertiser traffic.  I recommend getting some sort of click tracking software ( Cloak and Tracker is my favorite ) so I can say “I’ve delivered 152 visitors to your site). An alternative is to have the advertiser set up a landing page (www.theirwebsites.com/podcast) so they can see the traffic and KNOW it came from you. You might also see if the advertiser has a way to produce a coupon or a special deal (again so they know that when this coupon was used, that customer came from your podcast). You have to provide the proof.

I am actually making more money with affiliate marketing instead of selling CPM (cost per thousand). When the visitor buys using a unique link from me, I get a commission. This works when you find the right product that matches your audience. You can find affiliate program at places like Share a Sale, and Commission Junction. You also need to make it easy to get to your affiliate link. So you can set up a subdomain on your website that redirects to your affilaite link. You can also set up an entire store if you are using Amazon.com’s affiliate tools. To see this in action go to http://shop.growyourchurchshow.com (however Amazon requires a TON of traffic to make any significant money).

As for how much to charge, if you’re going the CPM route, somewhere around $15 – $20 CPM is unfortunately very low, but typical (well actually a pipe dream). I feel this is because people don’t understand that the advertisement is permanent (unless you go back and edit it out). This model pays the bills when you have 10,000 listeners per episode. That works for a chosen few podcasters.

Doing a quick google search on CPM pricing for radio. I found the following:

according to an August study from the IAB and Bain Capital, the average CPMs on ad networks ranged from 60 cents to $1.10

$9 CPM for a radio spot

$1-$2 per CPM
So you can see where when I say “$10-$15″ per CPM, I’m already getting more than radio. The bad news is I don’t have the audience of radio.

On the other side, I got a $200 affiliate check last week. If I was selling CPM at $20 (again, some would call that a fantasy) I would have had to have 10,000 downloads. As most of my podcasts have about 500 listeners that would’ve taken me about 5 months or $10 a show. The good news is I’ve been promoting this program for about two months (not five). I’ve done 8 shows in two months, so that means I’m getting paid $25 a show (or $50 per cpm 25/500 X 1000 – I think my math is correct)). I won’t retire on this, but with affiliate marketing I make just as much (if not more) than CPM, and its ever green. I get paid whenever a visitor acts (not if the advertiser decides to renew their agreement).

Just remember if you have advertising, you are going to have to prove that you sent them traffic (if you want them to renew their advertising when it runs out).

Once again Paul Colligan and Alex Mandossian are rolling out Podcast Secrets 2009. The best part is this year in addition to their  considerable knowledge (Paul as the Geek and Alex as the Marketing Guru)  they have added a bunch (technical term) of faculty members (including ME!). Big time heavy hitters like Michael Geohagen (author of the book “The Business Podcasting Book), Jason Van Orden (author of Promoting Your Podcast), Mike Stewart (the Internet Audio Guy), and many many more.

If you want to get a glimpse of the information, (topics like rapid podcast creation, integrating your business into a podcast, knowing your audience, and more) you can attend the Preview call (normally $99) for 20 bucks.

Sign up for the preview call and save $79 here.

I had an email exchange with Doug from Podango today. He said there are people who are interested in purchasing the technology that Podango originally purchased from Gigavox. He said it would be coming back as a paid service (after some enhancements are done to the system (like making it work – I was on show 62 and was surprised to see the system stopped uploading my shows 18 shows ago).

They are asking current users what they would pay for the system on a monthly basis.This is hard to answer as is this on a per show basis? Can I sign up and have multiple podcasts under one account? They should create a payment structure based on episodes (as I just moved 30 episodes I would pay to NOT have to do that again).

I would pay anywhere from $10-20 a month per show.

In a live call last night with Cliff Ravenscraft Michael Geohegan of Gigavox said they couldn’t do anything with the technology as they had indeed sold it to Podango. As he put it, “If you sell someone a car and they go out of business you don’t get the car back (Editor’s note: I’m paraphrasing). ”

The thing that makes me scratch my head and play arm chair quarterback, is if the software had been “enhanced” and Podango charged to use the service, could they have avoided this situation?

For anyone who purchases this technology I say make it Amazon S3 compatible and you will be a no brainer.

Podcast Uderground last published May 2008
Podonomoics last published July 2007
Podcast Planning last published April 2007
Profitable Podcasting last published October 2007
Podcast Tools last published April 2008
Kick My Apps – Mar 2007

The last one (Kick My Apps) had only ONE episode. How does a show get on a network with just one episode? Wasn’t the idea to find the best shows, group them together, and the sell advertisements across all of them? Who would advertise where the majority of shows have “Podfaded.”

In the meantime I am DEADLY afraid of losing their show builder lite technology (that they they purchased from Gigavox). While the system had its flaws, it was the only one of its type that the average podcaster could afford (free). I’ve been saying they should’ve taken that system and CHARGED for it. They were using Amazon S3 for the back end, so it wouldn’t take much to turn a profit. My hope is that Gigavox can now bring it back under their name when it used to work), and allow us to use it.

Now is podcasting dead? No. What we learned was:

There is no such thing as free hosting.
You can’t stay in business if you don’t charge for your service.
Content is king.
If you can’t charge for it becuase its broken, fix it so you can.
If you need to sell advertising, you need a sales staff.

It should be interesting as other networks (Mevio) are using the same business model (only slightly adapted to be more slanted towards affiliate marketing instead of actual sales ads). However, in this model if people don’t purchase the products, you don’t make money.

My best to Lee and Doug – two really nice guys.

2009 should be fun to watch. Podcasting is not dead for those who pay to have their communal house built on good content and communication with their audience. It’s still about relationships. You build the relationship with good content.

The one thing I am listening for is their “Plugin of the week.” They have recommended some really great plugins. To this I wish, “I wish their podcast was simply the plugin of the week.” Now there may be a plugin of the week podcast, but that is an example of my, “I wish this podcast existed.” If it did I would listen religiously. As for now I fast forward through the beta talk, fast forward through the parts where Beth takes them off topic (Hey this plugin has great colors… this website has tops on cooking!), and get right to the plugin of the week section. That is the magic of podcasting (the fast forward button).

What podcast do you wish existed?

Thesis Showcase Gallery

The layout panel allows you to set up your blog to be 1, 2, or 4 columns as well as specify the width of the columns.  Combining the font features, and the layout features means your blog won’t look like everyone else’s blog.

There are also built in SEO boosting tools like the title tag constructor.  Color customization is coming along the way as well.

When you join the Thesis community before August 31, 2008, you not only get all the goodness that is Thesis, plus all that amazing support, you also get the innovative new Cosmo magazine-style theme at no extra charge.

The price? $87 for Personal Use (one site), or $164 for Developers (unlimited sites, whether yours or clients). Which is a whole lot less then Semiologic (granted this doesn’t come with a bunch of pre uploaded plugins, but if you’re on a budget and want power, flexibility, and SEO tools, this may be the theme for you.

We know that podcasting reaches further than any radio signal (except maybe satellite), ok, podcasting is available FREE to anyone around the globe. It’s nice to be reminded every now and then.

What other marketing plan lets you spend about $300 USD and reach the world? (there isn’t one…)

Its time to start podcasting…

“Sales, development and support of PodcastStation has been discontinued and PodcastStation software is no longer available.

We appreciate the loyalty of our fans and hardcore users, but the simple fact is that the cost of maintaining the product far exceeded its ability to generate income.

For our registered users, we will be posting technical support FAQs on our Podcast Station site soon, including instructions for re-registration. ”

This was an interesting peice of technology. There were some problems when I initially made a tutorial for the School of Podcasting 

1. It didn’t work with my sound card, and my coputer was only 4 years old (standard Dell).
2. It tried to do everything (create rss, edit audio, etc).

 I liked some of the audio editing tools, but the fact that there were programs like Pod Producer and WordPress (which makes your RSS) it’s just hard to compete.

“Failure to plan, is planning to fail.”

Michael Geoghegan started Grape Radio with one intent: to make it a business. He planned his success, and the last time I checked he was being played as part of the in flight entertainment on airplanes. Not to shabby. By producing great content, he can ask for (and get) great advertising revenue. It takes a lot of work, it takes a lot of great content, and it takes a little luck. Michael had a plan. He also knows it takes time to create great content, and it takes a lot of work.

The article states that, “Making programs is a labor-intensive process requiring special skills.” To this I ask, “Please show me a technology where you can reach the world for less than 300 dollars start up cost, and the skills needed are basic file management, the ability to work a word processor (Word Press), and the ability to talk.  I’ve helped 60+ year old people with Alzheimer’s learn how to podcast. It’s not that hard. Special Skills?

Being an organ grinder requires “Special skills” (how to turn a crank, oh yeah and you need a Monkey).  Let’s not get too silly shall we?

I think the lack of a plan is because Podcasting is still relatively new. We are throwing things on the wall to see if they stick. However, if nothing sticks we get frustrated and quit. There needs to be a plan. In my last episode of the School of Podcasting I comment on Paul Colligan’s Post that we need to quit “preaching to the choir.”

The article makes a great statement: “that means just over four million Americans are listening (or watching) podcasts on a given day — out of a total population of more than 300 million Americans.” To this I say, four down, 296 million to go.

I don’t think people realize that when they get into it, a one minute podcast will take 4 minutes to produce. A 15 minute podcast will takes an hour to produce. If you are doing video..um… OOFAH, you might want to double that (rendering video is a sloooooow process).

With this in mind dear podcasters do the following:

Pick your topic wisely
Plan how you will promote it
Plan how you monetize it (if you want)
Figure out where your fans are (and go there)
Think good and hard about “starting a second, third, fourth, podcast
Always remember that content is king, and production is queen.
Consistentcy will create fans you can count on because they count on you.

Here are some other points from the story.

In the last six months alone, MEVIO launched a new online entertainment network, doubled the amount of media it delivers, re-branded the company (formerly PodShow) and introduced a growing lineup of top shows that generate over 50 million views per month, strictly from MEVIO’s wholly-owned properties and without the benefit of integration of an ad network.

In May of 2008, the company attracted over 9 million unique monthly visitors, up over 800 percent in the last twelve months. For the second quarter of 2008, MEVIO estimates page-views to exceed 140 million, up over 1,800 percent quarter over quarter.

But podcasting is dead right?

My presentation “Podcasting in plain english” is tomorrow at 10.

He started his podcast (that features interviews of Christians about their connection with Jesus) on April 17th, and now he is getting about 75 visitors a day, and he is getting one order a day. So while traffic has not gone wait up, the quality of the visitor has gone up, and that quality has increased business by 7 times.

If you are looking to start a Podcast Check out the School Of Podcasting where you can learn how to podcast. You can also hear J.R.’s testimonial on the Members Testimonial page. If you are looking for a Podcast Turnkey solution, check out www.podcastfastpass.com

The plugin is at

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/image-upload-http-error-fix/

To receive the other videos you need to give Jason your name and e-mail, and you will receive updates about new videos, and you will be notified about his Professional Podcast course.

You can learn about building community as well as tips on getting more vitamin C. Watch video

In today’s Morning Announcements I mentioned that instead of raising the price of the

A 6 month subscription to the School of Podcasting ($120)
1 Year of Blog Hosting at www.coolerwebsites.com ($24)
Wordpress installed and customized ($160)
Customized Intros/Outros for your Podcast ($80)

Its a great package for those just starting a podcast. You can get the "How To" through the tutorials and the weekly live training sessions, and leave the Technical part (setting up blogs, graphics, RSS) to me.

Total cost? $299 Sign up at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/quickstart 

I think one of the first Podcast magazines was www.id3mag.com that shut down publication (if I remember) before it even had a printed version.

Another podcasting magazines is Podcast User Magazine http://www.podcastusermagazine.com/ who says they will update us next week as they have overcome some technical issues that will alow them  "produce the magazine much more efficiently in the future." The bad news is that post is from January 29, 2008. It apears their last magazine was in November 07.

A late comer in 2007 was Podcaster Who’s Who Magazine (http://pwwmag.com/) who managed to get out one issue in July of 2007. I felt bad as Bruce had asked me to be a writer, but with my current college situation I just couldn’t do it.

Recently I noticed that Blogger and Podcaster Magazine had not published their podcast version of the podcast. When I went to their site, I see where the last issue was the "January/February" issue. Ooops.

An Audio Premium Podcast Magazine

I like the idea of podcast reviews, gear reviews, opinions, etc about podcasting. Why doesn’t someone organize this and put it out as a PODCAST? If you want to make money on it – get some really, really, really, good content (cause I’m pretty sure there are plenty of podcasts about podcasting) and then set up an account at Premiumcast.com Set up and affiliate system for it (to inspire people to promote it), and find a staff to put out regular segments. Get yourself a jingle (for branding purposes) a www.wordpresstool.com version of wordpress (to make it easy to rotate ads on the site) and GO. Then again, that dog may not hunt…

Here are my thoughts, if you’re reading this please leave a comment (I’d love your opinion).

To me, people reading a blog are reading the content. If you then put in a podcast post with notes like "Show 16 with Steve Smith." That breaks up the flow of text.

However if you put show notes that read "Today I spoke with Steve Smith of the blah blah blah company and he gave us his insights into (topic) and how he had overcome some of the common problems that people find in this field (etc,etc, etc). Then I don’t think it would "break the flow" of a blog. It would be a blog with a "play" button. I don’t think you would interrupt the blog, and I think the blog (and extra text ) would serve as "Google food" and possibly grow your podcast audience. Especially if after your blog post you put "click here to listen to the interview."

My other question would be, "Are you trying to get blog readers to do one thing, and podcast listeners to do something different? Then you need two sites. It does make it easy as a podcaster to say "Go to ___.com for all of our show notes, contact information, and blog. Instead of "Go to ___.com for our show notes and ___.net for our show notes (This is something I’ve done with the School of Podcasting podcast. It’s a nightmare, and I will be merging the podcast with the business website later this year). You want to give listeners A (as in single) call to action. Having too many choices may intimidate listeners and readers.

Those are my thoughts straight out of my head. I would love your comments. Is there one answer? Does it depend? If so on what?

Dave

http://podcastpromoshow.wufoo.com/forms/podcast-promo-show-submission/

Thanks,

Live a life worth podcasting about.

If is estimating podcast advertising to be 240 million in 2008

310 Million in 2009
360 Million by 2010
400 Million by 2011
435 Million by 2012

Read the full article

Yesterday I got a package with a thank you note from Tim Bete the director of the workshop. Here are some of the comments from people who attended my session.

"Can’t say enough about this one. I cam home inspired and energized by the podcasting session. Please invite Jackson back!"

"Outstanding. High energy presentation with and abundance of information and inspiration."

"This was a fantastic, fantastic session."

"I learned more here than I did anywhere else. Very impressive presentation."

"Funny man, great info, great ability to talk to all levels of technical."

As someone who has been teaching technology for close to 20 years there is nothing better than being in front of a live class and "watching the light bulb come on." It is part of my DNA, and I love it.

If you would like me to speak at a future event, please do not hesitate to call me. 234-542-0893

Dave Jackson

]]> http://davidjackson.org/2008/04/26/goodbye-podango-show-builder-lite/feed/ 3 http://davidjackson.org/2008/04/24/podshow-is-now-mevio/ http://davidjackson.org/2008/04/24/podshow-is-now-mevio/#comments Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:01:06 +0000 David http://davidjackson.org/2008/04/24/podshow-is-now-mevio/ Continue reading →]]> Get ready for another batch of "Podcasting is Dead" or "Podshow is Dead" headline grabbing BS.

Podshow recently changed their name from Podcshow to Mevio. They say that they kept having conflicts with advertisers who got stuck on the "pod" part of the name. I believe it. I’ve had the same problem. I have to use the phrase "Internet Radio show" to avoid the first part of a conversation being all about "no you don’t need an ipod."

I beleive the "podshow factor" will come into play. This means that a line will form right over there to kick podshow for doing the same thing that other companies have done.

In my business, in my podcast, I take action and then assess the success (or lack of). Then I make changes, and repeat. It is my campain that I call "constant improvement."

Here is the video with Ron Bloom

Joel Osteen

The best thing about it? You can use the same tool that this media giant does. www.schoolofpodcasting.com

Advertisement Unit Standards (download here)
The purpose of the Advertisement Unit Standards is to provide baseline recommendations for advertisement units in order to better facilitate advertising transactions relating to downloadable media.

Measurement Guidlines (download here) 
The purpose of the Download Measurement Guidelines are to establish baseline recommendations for how individual publishers, companies and organizations can measure how downloads are delivered to consumer audiences.

Once you’ve read these be sure to go to http://www.downloadablemedia.org/index.php/standards to leave your comments.

So when their contract was up, I was getting tired of looking for sponsors (although I had not had any issues finding sponsors) and I was wanting to keep my freedsom to say whatever I wanted, so I’ve taken the podcast into a "Premium" model.

So now you can still get the free podcast, but you can get extra podcasts, a goal setting workbook, a report on how to use your ipod as a weight loss tool, workout music and more. The price? It’s $2.64 a month.

$2.64 ? Fwa? 
Well in Ohio you can get a McDonald’s "Happy Meal" (with its 650 calories and 33 grams of fat) for $2.64

So now you can take the money you would spend on something that is NOT going to make you Happy, and is not the healthiest food to eat when you are trying to lose weight, and instead get weight loss advice, tips, and tricks on fitness and more (I’ve lost 5 lbs this month, and 20 more to go).

You can find the free podcast at www.logicalloss.com and you can sign up for the premium version using the form below (I completely respect your privacy).

I’m writing today with some exciting news that will enable you to promote your blog or podcast to a large mainstream consumer audience more cost effectively than ever before. Here are the details:
Back in December Blogger & Podcaster Magazine teamed up with USA TODAY to launch The Blogger & Podcaster Guide (think TV Guide for blogs/podcasts to a mainstream audience). I’m excited to announce that effective immediately, USA TODAY has given us permission to reduce the price from $49.95 per month (a bargain by USA TODAY standards) to just $5 per month. It is our hope that this new price point will make The Blogger & Podcaster Guide accessible for everyone. (If you’re already a customer of the guide no worries, the new pricing will happen automatically at your next billing cycle. You don’t need to do anything.)
However, as they say in infomercials, "that’s not all"…..

To further drive traffic into the Blogger & Podcaster Guide, in addition to our franchise spot on the home page of USA TODAY.com (visited by over 10,000,000 daily), USA TODAY is now going to be giving us 2,000,000 premium placed advertisements (leader boards, skyscrapers etc.) each month. That equates to just shy of 67,000 ads per day. We’re going to be all over USATODAY.com.

Perhaps most significantly of all, USA TODAY has given us permission to work with other media partners beyond themselves. This selfless act on their part has allowed me to work out partnerships with 15 additional magazines/publishers. The USA TODAY and ALL of the new publications are included at no additional charge to you…just $5 per month for them ALL. Plus, I’m having conversations many other publishers and expect to add new ones to our network every month. You can keep tabs on the complete list to date at www.bloggerandpodcaster.com/register.

Still not sure? You can get a free month by using a coupon available for School of Podcasting members. Come learn how to podcast at the School of Podcasting

This is a preview call to the Podcast Secrets 2008 course (I know a few people who took this course last year and loved it, and now its been updated). This call is typically $99 but you can save $79 by going to www.secretswithdave.com

Also If I’m one of the first 200 registrants for this training, I will also be eligible to claim Paul’s new “Video Tutorial – From Teleseminar Recording to Profitable Podcast”

Sign up today at www.secretswithdave.com

This week I caught a nasty cold, and my voice had a "Dry Spell."

Consequently, on the recent episode of the School of Podcasting’s Morning Announcements I set up a poll asking:

1. Are you using a USB interface ( and do you like it ). People seem to love their USB Mic, but no so much USB interfaces, mixers, etc.

2. Are you using Audacity to create your pdocast, and if so have you had any instances where it has crash. I know in 2005 Audacity occasionally would crash. That was years ago, and I haven’t heard any Audacity horror stories in a while and I ‘d like to know if it is truly more stable.

Please let me know your experience at http://podcastpromoshow.wufoo.com/forms/school-of-podcasting-audacity-usb-survey/

It will take about 30-60 seconds to fill it out.

Thanks in advance.

According to a recent post on their support blog, a new (faster) version of stats is to be launched on Monday. IT appears you will now get more information about Zune, Apple TV, and other agents as well.

I also knew that not everybody would be interested in a Podcast that featured one promo. So on my eleventh episode I was not surprised to see I had a whopping 35ish listeners.

When I logged into my Feedburner account it showed I had 32 downloads

So from Libsyn I had 35 UNIQUE downloads, and it would appear that Feedburner may  be tracking just unique downloads (as that’s only 3 off ). I guess if I wanted to have just a TON of fun, I could through in a podtrac.com redirect to see how that would fair.

I think it’s safe to say that when it comes to podcast stats, we are not an exact science – yet.

If nothing else I’m looking forward to April and the report from the ADM

While there is always the ability to "scale down" high quality audio files, there is no way to "undo" the scaling down. This is why you should export your finished podcast as a .wav file (.aac for those mac users) AND an mp3 file (for you video people, a high def, and a regular def). The problem is they take up a HUGE amount of space.

I HAVE THE SOLUTION

You can backup GIGS AND GIGS AND GIGS of space for $5 a month with a company called carbonite. It just rocks. You install some software, it encrypts your data to keep it secure, and it uploads it far away from your office, home, etc. So if it ever burns to the ground (or if you hard drive crashes like my Girlfriends did last week) you can easily get your data back.

I’ve made a quick video of how easy it is. Now you can export your files to a wav, let carbonite back it up, and then delete the wav file. If you ever need it, you just restore it. This way your wav files are saved, and you still have plenty of hard drive space.

www.cabonite.com

Paul Colligan said in his last PMNE speech that people will buy what they used to get for free. (think about it you can purchase transcripts to many tv shows) It’s working for Gramar Girl, the history according to Bob, and many more.

Amy is asking that we all wait to February 29th to buy the book so we can cause a spike at Amazon.com you can go to www.withamymac.com on that day, or I’ll be reminding you here.

Good luck Amy!

One podcast "Best of the Worst" (think the first couple of episodes of American Idol) podfaded. I had a number of fans email and say they missed it, so  I brought it back this year. The problem is the "passion" for this podcast just isnt there – but the audience (small but loyal) is.

According to feedburner I’m averaging 55 subscribers (after not putting out a show for almost 3 months, at one point it is was around 100). The three episodes after "un-podfading" got as high as 2099 downloads (and the lowest being 258). (See this post )

So while I am walking away from this show, it doesn’t mean it has to die. Bob Barker retired why can’t I retire (from this  podcast not all podcasting)?. So if you’re a sarcastic person who enjoys having fun at the expense of others, doesn’t mind the occasional hate e-mail, the "Best of the Worst" podcast is waiting for you!

I will sell you the domain ( www.bestoftheworstpodcast.com )for what I paid for it, gladly work with you to switch over the feed. The only thing I ask is that you host the blog at www.coolerwesbites.com (my hosting company) so I get compensated in some way. (It’s $2 bucks a month). You can host the mp3 files wherever you want (www.uselibsyn.com www.podshow.com etc).

If you’re interested contact me at 888-563-3228 or 243-542-0893

She has had CDs available at her site, but as she got into podcasting (an immediate information delivery system) she looked into providing her CDs in a digital format. I helped them install Download Guard (www.trydlg.com ) and in about two weeks we have seen our first sale. The best part? No trips to the post office, UPS store, etc. No label printing and CD burning either. This naturally means MORE PROFIT.

If you want to see Download Guard in Action go to www.musicianscooler.com/dlg (note the software has been updated since I did this video).

I’ve known about Google Alerts for a while, but even this old Dog learned some new tricks. If your inbox is a mess you should check out the School of Podcasting (its not just "how to podcast" it "How to Podcast Efficiently"

It’s all in the video.

SIGN UP

Dan has written books on Podcasting and has a large audience.  However, he has found what many of us have found. Selling advertisement takes time. CPM is not a way to put your kids through school.

 A better solution is to provide a free version of your podcast, and a PREMIUM version. In Dan’s case he is going to put out four episodes for Premium Listeners and once a month for "regular" listeners. He’s charging $4  a month. (For those that are mathematically challenged that means a buck an episode).  Order it here

Dan makes me laugh, cry, think. and more than likely.. smile. To me a smile is worth is a buck.

He is using Premiumcast.com if you’re interested (a system that does everything in terms of monetizing your podcast, and I think the next version will do your laundry).

You know……..

You add one thing, and just one more, and then, well, ok this one more thing. The School of Podcasting’s front page as a mile long sales letter/podcast/nap creating/ mess.

So I took things from the one giant page, and I separated into little pages. It makes is much nicer.

Like every other website I’ve done, it is a "Work in process" and this is just the starting point.

Our latest feedback (I want to say it was Grammar Girl) had told Rob she loved the show, but couldn’t take the poor quality of recording (yes the Podcast Gurus were using free services like Talkshoe.com and www.thebasementventures.com ). She had unsubscribed!

Why? Well it took about 30 mintutes for us to get the levels right when we recorded our Skype call. Using these phone services was easier. However, it took on the fidelity of an AM radio. It was "listenable." So I’ve had people RAVE about how fun this show is, and yet becuase of the "packaging" (audio quality) the content couldn’t save the show for the listener. So while content is King, it can’t save really bad audio.

Ringo Starr (for those under 30, he was in "The Beatles" that band Paul McCartney was in before Wings. You’ve never heard of Wings? lets move on….) as I was saying…

Ringo Starr sings on key. His range is limited. His tone is "OK." He is "Listenable." While I won’t immediately turn off a RIngo Starr song, I wouldn’t ever want to listen to a full "album" of Ringo. To throw gas on the fire, I don’t think Ringo is a great songwriter either. So we have bad content, and bad quality. Ooofah.

Lets talk a bit about today. Britney vs Christina.
Britney – great packaging, with so so singing capabilities. 
Christina – great packaging, phenominal voice. (sound quality and content)

While the packaging took Britney a long way, it was the content (the vocal talent) of Christina that will give her longevity.

Now let’s throw in Celine Dion. Great voice, lots of facial contortions when she sings. The packaging is brutal.  I can’t stand to watch this woman sing. It makes me beleive she has eaten an enormoous amount of cheese in a very short period of time. The content is good, but the "packaing" makes it so I have to tune out.

Content is King, but it can’t save you all the time.

If you are a podcaster George is always looking for guests. I’ve been on his show. He’s a great guy, and its easy. Check it out at http://OneMinuteHowTo.com

As you have read here, I’m launching the "Podcast Promo Show" at www.podcastpromoshow.com on Valentine’s Day 2/14. I spoke about some of the "not so good" promos I’ve received (speaking of that don’t use a word like "Cyber" in your podcast title, or "too" or something where people won’t know how to spell it). The other day I got a promo that was making jokes about abortion. Now let’s not get all political and start marches in the street. But I’m pretty sure that even Pro Choice people don’t find abortions funny. I know a few people who have had abortions. It’s not a laughing matter. I mean, this is the first impression with your podcast promo you want to make? Ha Ha Ha coat hanger? Seriously now…

I’m sure it will be these two podcasters who podfade in 9 months because they are having a hard time monetizing their show. For whatever reason nobody will sponsor their show, or associate their product with their content. I mean WTF?

Now I’m not saying they don’t have a right to be over the top, say sh*t, F*ck, C*nt, and all the other fun words that would get your mouth washed out if Mom heard you. Go right ahead and say them, but don’t complain when Howard Stern is famous and you’re not. It takes more than seven dirty words and a lack of tact.

Howard Stern was one of the first to understand that it was about creating a relationship with the audience. By letting them into to content they couldn’t get anywhere else (his life, behind the scenes of the radio business). While many people think he’s just about penis jokes, Howard chose not to judge. Instead of judging the prostitute he interviewed her and asked her all the questions that you want to ask a prostitute, (but you typically don’t find yourself in the position to interview a prostitute). It was content you couldn’t get anywhere else. 

Does Howard ask every guest when they lost their virginity? It seems that way, but talk to any guest after their interview and they will talk about the relationship they feel with Howard during the Interview. How he makes them feel calm, and that it is just the two of them talking (when in reality its millions). So here again – it’s all about the relationship. 

On his first day at satellite radio where he was free of FCC regulations, everyone thought he would be cussing his face off. Instead he put in a ban on those words just to prove people wrong. The FCC had choked his creativity, and he wanted to prove you could be entertaining without relying on the "F word." (He has since lifted this ban, and people talk very freely – a recent interview with John Hall of "Hall and Oats" fame was brilliant as Hall described the politics involved in getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame). It was FASCINATING CONTENT. So again, it’s not about the 7 dirty words. 

To me the Best Podcast Episode of 2007 was from Dan Klass of The Bitterest Pill. I still have it on my ipod and purposely don’t listen to the end so it doesn’t get deleted. It’s episode #102 "Massive Murder" where Dan talks about what its like to be a family member of someone whose murder makes the evening news. It’s not funny. However, it is content, goose bump causing content, that I can’t get anywhere else. The reason this hit me is I listen to this show. I feel like I know Dan (but no I don’t – not really). I feel I know his kids Hudson and "Princess Tirade." It’s all about the relationship. Let’s get back to Howard…

Top reason people who like Howard Stern listen? They don’t know what they are going to hear next. One of the top reasons people that HATE Howard Stern listen? They don’t know what they are going to hear next. So if all you do is make jokes about 911, and abortion, and aids victims, you will be predictable. 

It takes more than 7 dirty words and a lack of tact.

Keep in mind that Podcastclicks.com is hold a "Grand Reopening" special where you can buy access to the sytem for a YEAR for $10

What the What Is It Video

If you’re like. "Nobody pays attention to banner advertising!" then watch how I got 110 clicks in 1 month. Anybody want to save 40 bucks on a month on advertising?

Watch the "I Need Some Proof" Video

If you’re thinking it sound too complicated to set up. Watch this quick video to see how you can be using this system in minutes.

Watch the Setup Video

Sign up For Podcastclicks.com today. Now through 3/1/08 it’s only $10 a year.

If you need a banner? Check out 20dollarbanners.com

15 Tips For Better Podcast Promos

1. Get a real domain. Seriously. Use my coupon code cooler3 at www.godaddy.com and get a .com domain name for $6.95 a YEAR (that’s 2 cents a day). Make it EASY for your listeners to find you, and I’m sorry blah blah blah dot blogspot do "try and spell this" .com is not easy. If you’re in the UK, obviously a ".co.uk" domain (etc.) For heaven’s sake. GET A REAL DOMAIN. This is your first impression.

2. Put On Your Marketing Hat
I have a piece of software (Instant Headline Generator) that helps people building websites create headlines. The first question this software asks you (and it walks you through creating a headline) is "What will your product help the customer do?" Let’s put that into the Podosphere. "What will your Podcast help your listener/viewer do?" In her book "Podcasting for Profit" Leesa Barnes talks about how your podcast typically solves your listener’s problems.  Start to think about your target listener/viewer, and ask "what do they need?" and more importantly "how does your podcast fix this." How will the podcast make them feel? Let me give you an example. In Akron, Ohio you will not hear any Blues on any radio stations. It’s just not going to happen. A podcast like The Roadhouse fixes my problem. Try to explain your podcast in benefits. People love to benefit.

3. What Is It?
While you want to explain how your listener will benefit, don’t forget to explain what your podcast is about? I deal alot with musicians who send me bios about how Jim and Ernie met in their garage and for 10 years they’ve gone through 50 drummers – ENOUGH! What type of music do you play? Shifting gears back into podcast we need to ask, "Is this a marketing podcast? A comedy? A Travel podcast? “Please state the obvious.

4. Don’t Get Too Cute
I’ve heard at least 3 promos starting with someone trying to do "that deep voice guy" and they start it off with "In a World where…" Here again they get so lost in their dramatization that they forget to say what their podcast is about, how long it is, how frequently it is published, what the podcast will do for the listener/viewer. Stay away from inside jokes between you and your co-host (if you have them) Content is king, and while you don’t want your promo to be dull, if its all flash and mirrors, you won’t be adding any subscribers. 

5. Make That First Sentence Count
You can only make one first impression. Get their attention! There are many ways to do this such as

A) Ask a question – Did you know that you have to burn 3500 calories to lose a lb?
B) State a fact -  One of the Side Effects of the new Weight Loss Drug Alli is Fecal Urgency
C) Be Witty – Fructose Corn Syrup, or as I call it "The Sweat of the Devil" is in all our food, and making us fat. 
D) Use Music to Set the Mood – Music can grab attention just as much as words. It helps set the tone. Typically a promo will be played in the middle of a podcast. By having music at the beginning and end, it puts "end caps" on the promo letting the listener know they topic has changed, and now is changing back. 
E) Use Sound Effects - Sound effects can grab attention and set the mood as well. Be careful. Too many sound effects and you end up sounding cheesy.

6. Repeat Your Podcast Name in a Natural Tone
This is all marketing. Ever hear those commercials where they repeat the phone number over and over? There is a reason. Repetition help people remember. So don’t say "On the show we talk about… say "On the – insert podcast name – we talk about…”  On the flip side don’t say every week on the (podcast name) we talk about the (podcast name)’s favorite topics. The (podcast name) is published one weekly basis and (podcast name) is never more than 5 minutes long. That sounds silly

8. Make It Sound Good
When you record your voice, make sure you are getting a solid recording level (almost to "0" but not quite). If your levels are low you will fill up your signal with noise (hissssss), and then it sounds like someone is frying bacon in the back of your promo. This is only good if it’s the "Frying bacon with Earl" show. Don’t get too excited about hearing your own voice. Make sure it sounds full. Use a pop filter to block "Popping P’s and B’s" that just sound sooo amateur. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

9. Let Someone Else Hear It
I know you have no budget for creating a promo. However, when you try to do multiple voices (in a single take), its time to have some wine with the cheese. It’s true the Simpson’s will not be calling you for voice over work. Likewise, the robot effect on your voice has been done. An outside opinion will tell you if it’s cheesy (unless it’s Mom). You might get a fellow podcaster to critique it.

10. Include a call to Action
In sales they call this "Asking for the sale." In a podcast promo it can be boiled down to "tell them your website." If we combine this with #6 we can say "Repeat your website."

11. The Last Impression Should Be Your Website
We just talked about the call to action? Make the last thing they hear be your website address. As a musician I know that people remember the first part of a song (or concert) and the last. So make a great first impression (to get their attention) and then leave them with your Podcast URL (with a real website address).

12. Save it in a Quality Format
No need taking the time to record a great sounding promo if you publish it at 64k (AM Radio quality). On the other hand, you can save your original recording as a wav file (or .aac on the Mac), but typically you should have the "public" version of your promo at 128 kbps (which is CD quality). Any podcaster will find that quality fine for their show. If they want a .wav file, you can send it to them with a service yousendit.com

13. Name The File So People Know What It Is
Don’t name your podcast promo file "promo1.mp3". If someone downloads that file they don’t know what it is by looking at it. Likewise don’t name it "podcast promo show.mp3" You want to avoid spaces as this file will eventually be downloaded. If you want to use spaces use dashes or underscores on your keyboard. So it might be podcast_promo_show.mp3 or podcast-promo-show.mp3. You can also use capitalization PodcastPromoShow.mp3 may make the file easier to read. It also helps to put in the length of the promo. For my Podcast Promo Show the file name is podcastpromoshow_60s.mp3 (the 60 second promo for the podcast promo show).

14. Test Your Link
Alot of people seem to use archive.com to store their promo files which seems very slow in downloading the files(again web hosting is as cheap as a domain name). You can host your blog – and your promo – for $2 bucks a month). Here is how you can test your link. Open Windows Media player and hold down the CTRL key and the U key (this will open an "Open URL" box)  take the URL of your promo and type it (or better copy and paste it) into that box and click OK. If the link to your promo is good, the player should play. If it doesn’t play, you have a bad link.

15. Post It On Your Blog
I’m guilty of this one. If you want a podcaster to approach you with a podcast exchange proposition, you have to let them know you have a promo. One way to do this is to put an obvious link to the promo on your website. Instead of writing a POST in WordPress, write a PAGE and put the link to your promo right there (along with your contact information so they can contact you about swapping promos). You can then add a link to your page on your sidebar, header, etc.

Dave Jackson
www.personalpodcastcoach.com 
www.podcastpromoshow.com

I was surprised that first of all, they are not THAT plentiful. Podcastpickle.com use to be a great place that made it easy to find promos. Not anymore (Gary are you listening?) . Then I went to www.podcastpromos.com and while this has a fair amount of promos I am finding a genuine lack in quality. It appears that the first things new podcasters do when they start podcasting is create a promo. You know, the item thats going to help bring them listeners. I have one word : OOFAH!

You can submit your podcast promo at www.podcastpromoshow.com (however you may want to wait until tomorrow when you can read my 15  tips for making a successful promo)

I’ve brought it back online with a system in place to help cover the cost of bandwidth.

If you go to www.podcastclicks.com you can sign up now through 3/1/08 for $10 a year for UNLIMITED usage. If you compare this to any kind of google adsense campaign your running you will clearly see how this is a much better value. After March 1, the price goes to $20 a year.

What is podcastclicks.com? Its a banner exchange program for podcasts (and only podcasts). You upload a banner on your server, set up an account at podcastclicks.com and let the system know where you put yor banner (standard sizes, 120X120, 120X240, 468X60). Then you copy some code and put it onyour website/blog. Now every time you show a banner, someone will show YOUR banner. You can measure how many clicks you have received, and see which of your banners ae doing the best.

Watch the video of how easy it is to get started.

Then go to www.podcastclicks.com to get started.

Please.

Go away.

Earlier this month Wizard Media announced that in 2007 there were a Billion downloads (yes thats a B folks). Phenominal.

The Podcasting Network said they had almost 7 million downloads in 2007

In a recent article at compete.com which lists the top 20 sits with the highest change in vistors. SItting at #3 is Podshow.com with a change of positive 29144% (right in front of youporn.com ) Is it also a coincidence that one of the highest NEGATIVE changes is broadcaster.com ( – 97%)

Podcasting is growing. More people are listening. It’s going to get easier. I don’t care what we call it, lets talk about what you can DO with it.

Live your life like you’re going to podcast about it.

Amen.

The bad news is my old hosting company was awful, and caused all sort of issues. Eventually I had no choice but to close the service in late December and move the service to a new host (www.coolerwebsites.com ). It’s been gone for a few weeks over the holidays, and is now ready to return.

The service has a grand re-opening sale. The price will be $10.00 a YEAR for the system. (The price will be returning the the regular price of $19.99 a year on March 1).

What is Podcastclicks.com? It is a banner exchange program. You upload a banner (3 different choices to choose from) on your server and point podcastclicks.com to it. Then take a small bit of code and pit it on your website. Once the code is on your site, everytime you show a banner on your site YOUR banner will be displayed on another podcasters website.

You can choose what categories to display on your website (so the adult/mature doesn’t appear on a religious website). You can login to your account and see how many clicks you’ve received. Don’t go broke spending money on google ads, at $10 a year, this grand opening special makes Podcastclicks.com a great value in podcast promotion.

Sizes are 468X60, 120X240, and 120X120.

Keep your eye on www.podcastclicks.com as we wait for the Internet to update the URL to display the new version of the promotional service.

So how do we get these people notified that there is a new episode? Easy. E-mail.

Now there is a feature in Feedburner where you can put some code on your blog, your listeners signs up, and when you post a new post on your blog, they get it emailed to them (including a link to the podcast). Great Right?

Nope. Here is the ACTUAL SIZE of the text that gets emailed to people.

Then there is feedblitz (another option in feedburner). where people can sign up for your podcast notifications via email. The difference? This one will be branded with feedbltiz buttons. Its much easier to read, but none the less, your listeners may be going, "What’s a feedblitz?"

Aweber is an email program, auto respoonder system that also has the capability of taking your e-zines, your newsletters, etc and creating and RSS feed for them. So you could go from e-mail to blog. But what about the other way? I want my blog (podcast) to be sent via email. Sure can! You get to choose from many different templates, add in default text, logos, and more.

Here is a template I’m using for my Logical Weight Loss podcast (www.logicalloss.com )

Now this is not the actual size (like the feedburner). Its much easier to read, AND you can track how many times something in your email was clicked on.

Now the down side. Feedblitz and Feedburner are free. Aweber is $179 a year (15 bucks a month-ish). While that is a chunk of change, what it also allows you to do is to ask for the name, and email address, as well as city, state, etc when signing up (don’t ask for too much or they won’t sign up). You also can email them without creating a podcast. So for people getting your pdocast via RSS, the only way to communicate with them is to put some media down the RSS feed. However, the people who have signed up to receive updates via email can be emailed with information that is NOT covered in the podcast (bonus material).

All I know is, I may be getting older, and my eyesight isn’t what it used to be, but that feedburner text is unreadable.

For more information about Aweber go to www.aweber.com

Where is the Zune Marketplace?
Much like iTunes is not a website, its a software program. Inside iTunes you have the "Podcast Directory." Inside the zune software, you have a "Marketplace" and in the marketplace you have podcasts.

How Do I Submit My Podast to Be Included in the Zune Marketplace?
1. Download and install the Zune software. (new window)
2. Start the software and click on Marketplace at the top.
3. Click on Podcasts down a bit and to the left of the word "Marketplace" at the top of the screen.
4. Scroll down and you will see an option near the center/right side of the screen that shows " suggest a podcast ".
5. Enter your RSS feed (or feedburner feed if you’re using it) and click Submit.

I’m not sure of the time frame it takes to get listed, but I’ll keep you posted.

http://www.zunepodcastsubscription.com/

Put in Your Podcast Title, Your RSS, and click the button. IT’S JUST THAT EASY.

You can even get cool graphics like this one (which you’re allowed to use on your website). (That button is the link for my Weekly Web Tools podcast

THIS TUESDAY IS ZUNE DAY!

I’ve used this software to lose weight in the past. I used it, and lost weight. I quit using it and I found the weight. I approached them and said, "I’m doing this podcast, and I want you to sponsor it." I explained how I would be talking about how I’m using the software, and how I would be losing 25 lbs in the next 4 months.

While I’m not ecstatic about the deal, (I had some concessions), I was able to set up a strategy. The bottom line is to get into the head of the advertiser. They want results. They want ROI. They want some stats on downloads, clicks, etc. Here is what I’m doing.

I will be tracking the clicks from my site to theirs.
We have a coupon code for listeners to get 15% off (so we know the podcast is affecting sales). 
They will place a link to the podcast on their site to help promote it (not on the front page – my concession, but if it starts bringing results, I believe that will change).
There is a base CPM (Not my favorite program, but it ensures I get paid in case this fizzles).
I get paid a commission per sale. 

Because this is a niche (a saturated niche, but a niche none the less). There is potential if I provide good content.  I’ve taken something I love (losing weight), and I approached this podcast with the sponsor in mind. If the sponsor had not come on board, I would’ve still lost the weight. However, I wouldn’t have created the podcast.

Last but not least, the trial is for 3 months, and will be renegotiated at the end of the term.

Details and links to come when everything is set up and ready to go.

We found this website where you can take any image and turn in to the 16×16 image for your favicon.ico But the problem is you need to put this on your website in between the "head" tags. Well most of us are using WordPress, and its not as easy asopening your home page and copying and pasting some code. The good news is, when the going gets tough, the tough find a plugin.

Over at http://www.html-kit.com/favicon/ you can upload a single file, activate your plugin, and then simply edit some options to let the plugin know where your favicon is. It was just that easy.

music starts of White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane "one pill make you larger….."

I remember an old Levis advertisement back in the 70′s where they thook the trademark for a walk. To me that set the bar pretty high in the "wow that’s weird" category. I found it on you tube, and it kind of talked about their product. Where is the cheshire cat in the zune commercial? He seems to be the only thing missing.

From what it sounds like the new Zune is Microsoft finally stepping up to the plate, and stepping up in style. Now if we can just get some advertisement that makes sense. Here are some thoughts

What is it?
What does it do?
How is it going to make my life easier?
How much does it cost?
Where can I buy one?

This commercial makes me want to take some "X" and listen to the chemical brothers. (not that I’ve ever taken.. oh its a joke…)

They have done a good job at building excitement around their new directory. I’m checking sites daily if not hourly.

Zune TV Spot

Fred interviewed me about the School of Podcasting on episode number nine. In the interview I reveal about my first "Cyber Failure" when I though I had discovered the idea of a "digital resume." It turns out I wasn’t the first ….

I also talk with Fred about setting up an LLC (I’m looking to use a company called Legal Zoom) and advice for Podcasters, etc. Check out episode number nine

I found a product that fits my listeners like a glove. A real "no brainer."
I never used the word podcast until I had said "Internet Radio Show" three times. 
I offered to swap downloads for free software. This way the advertiser is only out the cost of the product (not the sale)
The advertiser has offered to allow me to give away the software via a contest.
I got to try the software out so I could talk about it without guilt.
We will have tracking information on my blog (which will contain a banner for the product), as well as on the order page to track the effectiveness of this campaign.
As I’ve always known (that whole planning your podcast thing I talk about) that this podcast would have sponsorship, I am using the "Podangavox" system (joking) which will allow me to insert the spots into the past, present, and future episodes (and pull them out the minute the downloads have happened.

My goal is to run this campaign, track the effectiveness, and run a second campaign for actual cash.

The whole process took about 10 minutes with the advertiser. They were excited. I was excited. We both see the potential, and look forward to the experiment. The key to this was finding the right advertiser.

I’ll keep you posted.

One possible solution is to submit your "raw" rss feed fro your worpdress blog (instead of your feedburner feed).

Other soultions include using a different player such as the Wimpy Player (where you have complete control over the look and feel of your player), the Podcast Pick Player, the Pu Pu  Player (yes thats its real name), if your site is on Blubrry (new window)they have a player as well.

I’m on the front page of Podcast Alley with an interview about my Podcast "The Musicians Cooler" which is a podcast about the Music Business

We are all waiting for the mystical place to show up. If you want to keep up with all zune announcments you might as well get it from the man in charge (Robert Greenley) at http://zuneinsider.com/ 

In a recent forum post, here  is what Robert said about zineinsider.com "I will share the full URL process for our "One-Click Subscription" for external links to the new Zune Marketplace you can use on your sites. It will be very easy to customize the URL on your own in advance of the release of the new marketplace software and firmware upgrades to the over 1 million Zune 1′s sold already"

Here are some of the current details we have about the Zune:

*Accessories – we’re using the same size USB input, so most of the accessories you got for Zune 30 will work with Zune 30, Zune 80, Zune 4, and Zune 8. Accessories like a Zune 30 case obviously won’t work, but accessories like docks and FM transmitters will.

* The new additions to the family will come with some pre-loaded with some podcast content. I will share that list of podcasts very soon.

* No portable hard drive support or a clock – we really wanted to nail some core music experiences and get them right first. I’m personally really excited about them.

* Podcasting will support bookmarking your listening/viewing location in a podcast.

* On screen video resolution is 320×240 – but new Zunes will import
720×480 @30fps or 720×576 @25fps without transcoding. Zune 80 video-out resolution is DVD Quality. Zune 4 and Zune 8 do not have video out.

* All Zunes have native support for WMA lossless audio – no need to transcode your content. Gapless playback isn’t a supported feature in this iteration.

* The MP3s we’ll offer in Zune Marketplace won’t have any watermarking

.

This is very interesting. Here are some points after listening to his latest episode.

1. He was talking about some juciy sex filled gossip (those Kings can get kinda kinky).
2. The podcast was less than 20 minutes. 
3. He turns on a mic and talks. No Geoff Smith theme song, no music. Mic on – talk -mic off.
4. He has no large back catalog, but you can buy back episodes on CD, or a single episode for .95. 
5. He apparently is using podlot.net and yet when I go there, its a redirect to podcastready.com (curious how he handles a big audience (?)…
6. His album art in iTunes.. um .. stunning
6. He OBVIOUSLY is boo-koo passionate about his topic (history).

www.historyaccordingtobob.com

Its always nice when I see what I’ve been talking about in action. That if you want to sell your podcast, you do away with the available back catalog and sell it instead (as long as content is king).

I expect to hear him on Paul Colligan’s Profitable Podcasting podcast in the future. I may ask him to tbe on the The School of Podcasting’s Morning Announcements as well.

The interesting thing is Zack is using Podshow.com to host his show. When I went over to grab a direct URL to the show it was almost impossible. (So thanks Podshow for making it so hard to promote one of your podcasts). Now what Podshow wants you to do is point them at their site  so that they can bombared you with whatever it is they are pimping.

So here is what I had to do to get a direct link to the mp3 file.

1. I saved shamelessplugcast.asx to my computer (which is typically used to stream the podcast via window media player).
2. I opened in in notepad, and found the direct link to the mp3 file.

Now as we say on Today in Podcasting "full disclosure" I have most of my podcasts on Podshow.com and as a Producer its very easy to find the direct URL to a file. However, making podcasts available for direct download is not exactly a strength of podshow.com from a visitor standpoint .

Anyway, I spew information about podcasting and the music business.

Paul Colligan will be hosting a free Webinar where he is going to put a Podcast up for sale using the Premiumcast.com system. The time is 3 PM PAcific 6 PM EST. Its not supposed to last long, and he will be there to answer any questions after the webiner.

This is available for all versions of Premiumcast (free, viral, etc). Its a cool way to get a sneak peak at the system along with the guy who helped create it.

Premiumcast is a great sevice. I interview Paul back on School of Podcasting show #94

Don Lewis is a super nice dude (www.thebigbreakpodcast.com ). I missed shaking his hand this year at the New Media Expo. Don had lost his wife of 30+ year on October 4th to cancer.

I do "Diary" podcast called Building a Better Dave where I talk about my life, my stuggles as a college student who typically is double the age of his classmates, my venture into dating post divorce, and whatever is on my mind. I try to make people laugh, cry, think, or groan. It has got me into some "uncomfortable" situation when you find out your girlfriend’s family is listening.

However, there are times when you get some feedback and I go THAT is why I’m a podcaster. You see I put out a show about dealing with menopause (with my Girlfriend’s permission not to kill me for poking fun).

So here it just a few days after her death and Don Lewis was listening to my Podcast. Understandably he has had a very hard week. When I opened the email that contained Don’s voice comment I wasn’t sure what to expect. 

Don was thanking me for that episode as he had gone through menopause with his wife. He had his tips for delaing with it, and then said something that made my day.

"Dave Episode 50 brought a smile to my face."

So while I  didn’t change the world, and I didn’t get rich from that episode, the fact that I made a friend of mine smile when is having a tough time makes it worth it.

(Don’s Audio Comment about Show #50 of Bulding a Better Dave)

My Prayers are with you Don.

Last year only 16 per cent of Australians had an MP3 player, and less than a quarter of those had ever downloaded a podcast. CRA research from last month shows more than one in three Australians aged 14 years and over own an MP3 player and a third of those enjoy podcasts

Read full story

The podcasters that want to monetize their podcast really need this and I’m glad this assocation exits.

Unfortunately this meeting was exactly what it was. A group just starting out, still organizing, and looking toward the future, but doesn’t really have alot to offer now. Unfortunately I was there with the attitude of "What can this association do for me?" As this association is in its infancy – less than 100 members at the meeting -, they don’t have much to offer right now (but in the future there were remarks of access to stats and such). It seemed the biggest benefit was the ability to help vote in the board of directors. That won’t pay my tuition bill.

The panel kept pleading with the audience to mention this and get people to sign up (a podcaster can sign up for $150). To this I thought…

Your target market is people who want to monetize podcasting. So they like money. I like money.

You want us to help you with your membership drive.

You want us to do it for free.

I spoke with Mark from Podtrac (www.podtrac.com) and said, "You are looking for entrepreneurs, people looking to make a buck on podcasting, who may have your target market on the other side of our microphones, and you want us to promote your for free.

Can you say affiliate marketing boys and girls?

Why not pay podcasters $15 of that $150 fee? I’ll be more than happy to talk about it. You can set up an affiliate link very easy and with no monthly fee with software like IDevaffiliate 

Mark seemed to like this idea. As the association doesn’t have alot to offer right now, I would recommend adding something for us short sited captialistic bastards who are in search of the all mighty dollar.

1 P. W. Fenton
2 Trucker Tom
3 Adam Curry
4 Leo Laporte
5 Mr. Cameron Reilly
6 Anji Bee.
7 CC Chapman
8 Franklin McMahon
9 Dave Jackson (that would be me)
10 Dan Klass

The podcast Junky reviews different podcasts. Here is what he said about me

"If you’re a podcaster and you haven’t listened to Dave Jackson’s “School Of Podcasting – Morning Announcements” then you’re really missing out on a treat.

I just listened to his show entitled “Understanding RSS and XML” and it’s a great podcast to listen to if you’re still having trouble with that dinky little orange-coloured icon together with your xml feed."

(This was after listening to show #72 )

You can find the Podcast Junk UK at http://podcastjunky.wordpress.com/ 

If Yahoo’s fumble on podcasting is a sign that "Podcasting is Dead" than I I guess musicians should pack it up and go home as well as a recent blog Post on Yahoo’s Site mentions how they are SCALING BACK some of their music activity as well.  The post states "we’re freeing up resources to feed new areas of focus." In other words, they changed their minds.

To this people say, "Well if Yahoo is passing on podcasting, then it should mean something." To this I also point out that every major label passed on the Beatles. Meanwhile Microsoft is inching closer and closer to podcasting, USA Today is looking into embracing the "New Media" (apparently strong believers in "if you can’t beat them…").

Why Yahoo never moved the podcast directory to the front page is beyond me. Lets create something and make it hard to get to, and then pull it when it doesn’t deliver big results. Yahoo stuck their toe in the water. Apple jumped in the pool. The water is fine, and Yahoo will never know. Some day when everbody is swimming in Podcasts, Yahoo will be the company standing around going "I didn’t bring a swim suit."

Podcasting is not dead. It is alive and well, and growing. Yahoo changed their minds – not the world.