Preparing for Podcasting News

Podcasting complements most marketing plansAs I get ready to attend Podcamp NYC 2.0 next week, I’ve been reviewing my post from last year’s event and the small notebook I took with me to document tips and ideas.

The first page, from Greg Demetrick’s Podcasting 101 class, shares reasons why this audio application fits into a solo marketer’s plan.

Use podcasts to:

  • Read a chapter of your book
  • Repurpose written content
  • Try out jokes before going on stage
  • Give a list of your upcoming speaking engagements
  • Respond to questions about your products/services
  • Provide updates to previously-written instructions

    • What I realize about podcasting is that its automatic delivery fits the business model I’m forming. Once you record and upload it, no more work is needed outside of placing a link to the content on sites or blogs and creating new podcasts when necessary.

    Learning how this tool has evolved in the past year and how podcasters deliver their messages is my first priority, which I’ll share here after the event.

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    April 16, 2008 | Filed Under Technology | Leave a Comment 

    Refresh Your Marketing with a Web Site Update

    Keep your Web site updated for marketing opportunitiesIf you look at old versions of your Web site through Archive.org’s Way Back Machine, I’m sure you’ll notice that its appearance has changed for the better. Or does it look the same as it did when it was first launched?

    Improvements make a big difference to increase industry status, client attraction, and referral business. Here are some changes to consider.

  • Template - Pre-made and custom versions run the gamut to update your Web site’s layout and color scheme.
  • Video - If you cannot or have not yet created a visual welcome or similar content, choose a clip from You Tube or another source (with permission) to show until you make your own.
  • Podcast/Audio - Are industry participants more interested in hearing your welcome rather than watching a video? There are many options to add this listening device.
  • Newsletter - Let visitors know about and subscribe to your Ezine on the home page. Offer a subscription incentive, if possible, and let subscribers know about its frequency, length, and content.
  • Blog - Keeping visitors aware of industry changes is often conveyed through this writing tool.
  • Social Media - I’ve seen LinkedIn, Facebook, and other community tags on Web sites to announce participation.

    • Sometimes it’s best to go outside of your industry to consider new ways to make your Web site a destination. For example, I’m not part of a musical group, but some bands’ Web sites are my muse while updating my own. I also visit legal, wedding, and licensed merchandise sites.

    Web site updates are critical to the marketing process. I plan to make specific changes to my online real estate to attract new and current visitors. Is this a plan that will make dollars and sense to you?

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    March 13, 2008 | Filed Under Customer Connections, Solo Housekeeping, Technology | Leave a Comment 

    Like Fitness, Marketing is No Pain, No Gain

    Web 2.0 MeetupMy mood wasn’t very sociable yesterday evening, but instead of listening to my inner stubborn child, I boarded the bus to New York to attend the Web 2.0 Meetup at Webster Hall.

    I know that part of my problem was the recent bus fiasco that kept me from attending the Small Business Summit. Perhaps travel went smoother because of the President’s Day light traffic.

    Had I not followed the advice I often state here, I would have missed the presentations led by talented guys who make the Web a more sociable place.

    ReviewBasics.com - A global collaboration tool which enables you to share content with co-workers, peers, and others who can provide feedback online.

    BricaBox Blog - A social content platform, but it’s much more. Check out the site and their YouTube video for more details.

    Drop.io - Share anything you want in this private space. Nothing uploaded, whether text or photos, will show up in search engines.

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    February 19, 2008 | Filed Under Technology | Leave a Comment 

    Now’s the Time to Create Online Videos

    Start creating online videos to market your businessHow important is it for you to create videos for online viewing? Today’s customers and first-time visitors expect a mix of text, photographs, and videos on your Web site, so it’s not only important. The inclusion is now urgent.

    On November 26, The Wall Street Journal chose the topic of online video creation as a front-page special section report. The report included a chart from The Kelsey Group which surveyed how 500 adults reacted after watching a video ad.

  • 43 percent visited the company’s Web site
  • 22 percent requested product/service information
  • 18 percent went to a store to see the item up close
  • 15 percent purchased the item
  • 11 percent forwarded the video to someone else
  • 9 percent accepted a trial offer
  • 3 percent requested a subscription
  • 45 percent were not influenced

    • My statistics show a 27 percent increase in site visitors in a three-month period thanks to a video I created in my backyard and make available in two places: 1) on one of my sites and 2) on YouTube, and the latter citing is the one most people find due to YouTube’s popularity.

    If you’ve not entered the video arena as yet, will 2008 be your year to start? Online videos that market your business is now a very-necessary piece of the marketing pie you can no longer overlook.

    Related Posts:
    Camcorders Come in Many Sizes for Marketers
    Blogging Conferences Extend Your Marketing Reach

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    December 24, 2007 | Filed Under Online Ideas, Technology | Leave a Comment 

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