I flew to Portland, OR and met up with Paul Colligan in the Expert Studio to learn how to create a podcast.
I only had one day in the studio with Paul, and walked in completely clueless on how to get started podcasting - or why I would even want to.
I know that may shock some of you, considering I've been a co-host on the IMTW Podcast for 45 episodes & well over a year now...
Surely I know something about the biz & tech of podcasting then, right? Wrong. All that really means is that I know how to use Skype. 😛 Every week the 4 of us meet online at a set time, Paul or Ed initiate a group call, and I simply join in on the conversation. What happened on their end before, during and after the recording - was always a mystery me. Until now.
Of course I understand that it's a model, just like blogging or email marketing. It's a means of communicating a specific message to a specific market, with a specific objective. I had just never figured out the tech behind creating and delivering a podcast, or the best ways to monetize it.
This is a good time to confess that I don't subscribe to any podcasts. I have listened to them, and I do have an iTunes account (an empty one), but I hadn't figured out that end of it yet either.
So that's where I started (clueless!) when I flew to Portland to meet up with Paul Colligan. On my flight over, I jotted down 11 questions about how to create a podcast that I wanted to make sure got answered.
I got detailed answers to all 11 questions, and learned A LOT more!
In fact, I came home ready to start my new podcast. 😀
There were video cameras running the entire time, along with audio and screen capture. Everything Paul and I did was documented and recorded. The editors are busily getting that ready for us to share - but in the meantime, I'll share tips with you from my personal notes.
My Podcasting Questions:
- What is a Podcast?
- What is the point of Podcasting?
- How to make money doing a Podcast
- What software/hardware do I need to create a Podcast?
- How do I edit audio/media files?
- How do you add intro music to a Podcast?
- Do I need a "theme song"?
- How do I get my Podcast into iTunes?
- Are there Podcast stats? Where are they, and what should I track?
- Where are Podcasts actually hosted?
- How do I market my podcast, or get listeners?
We'll start there, and you can also see the questions posted by others when I blogged from my mobile on the trip. Feel free to add yours as well.
I'll be sharing answers to the questions in blog posts throughout the week, and compile it all neatly into a sweet little Free Report you can download as well.
Best,
p.s. I'll update this post with links to each new post as soon as they're published. You can subscribe for email updates below so you don't miss out - which is also where I'll send the download link for the free report on how to create a podcast:
About Lynn Terry
Great questions! I look forward to finding out what you learned.
Wish I'd known you were in PDX! I'd have loved to shake your hand (and meet Paul too).
Next time I'm in the area I'll make it a point to have a get-together. I know quite a few people in the area! On this trip I was in and out - literally only in Portland for one full day, and in studio most of that day (sleeping & enjoying room service the rest -lol).
great questions, can't wait to hear the answers.
Sounds like a fun productive trip. I really enjoy IMTW. Looking for to the answers to the questions.
Congrats on getting your feet wet with podcasting.
I think if it's done right and, just like blogging, if the content is interesting and informative it can be a great way to connect with people who would rather listen than read.
I listen on the treadmill, on planes, and sometimes when I just don't want to sit in front on my computer reading or even listening on iTunes.
Thank you, Ken! I'm super excited about kicking off the ClickNewz Live podcast 😉 I am getting a jingle created as we speak, outlining my first few episodes, and brainstorming my strategy... This is going to fit in beautifully with the rest of my online properties!
Lynn I am soooo glad you did this and are willing to share. I have been wondering the same thing for a while now and with everything else on my to-do-list, researching the answer to podcasting didn't make the cut. And especially the relationship between podcasting and Blog Talk Radio????
Thank you. I can't wait to read your report.
Linette
http:TeachThemToThink.com
That was one of my questions too, Linette - regarding BlogTalkRadio. I got an interesting answer, which I'll address in an upcoming post and in the free report 😉
I also want to know more about podcast. I will wait for the answers of these questions. looking for your next post for this topic.
This is gonna be great! I've been very interested in getting going with podcasting, too - and you two are two of my FAVE marketers! So I can't wait to learn about everything you guys discussed! 🙂
Paul Colligan absolutely rocks! 😀
It was such an amazing opportunity to walk in and sit down with him for the day and just *learn it*. He really knows his stuff!
I'm looking forward to this, especially from you Lynn. Your teachings are always so easy to follow! Although I already know some about Podcasting I'm not confident enough to actually believe I can pull it off. Really looking forward to this. Can you hurry 😉
How did you like Oregon? Get in any siteseeing?
Oregon was beautiful. It was cool and rainy while I was there, which was a nice break from the heat & humidity here in TN. And SO green (literally - not just their tree-saving thing, lol). I didn't get any site-seeing in this trip as I was in and out (only there for one full day), but definitely next time!
Starting a podcast is something I am very interested in (it is much easier for me to talk than write). Looking forward to reading your report and maybe it will help me start my own show on ITunes!
I'm opposite you - it's much easier for me to write/type than to talk. But after what I learned, I feel confident I can start and run a very successful podcast!
The cool thing is that you can get your audio transcribed, and then have text to work with too - for reports, blog posts, article marketing, whatever you please. That's easy, and fairly inexpensive. And it opens up A LOT of options for repurposing your content!
Hi Lynn,
Very courageous of you to admit this 😀
you have this charisma and effectiveness to easily convey the knowledge, also your style in writing is very interesting and nice to follow.
Sooo much looking forward to get your report and see the answers of your questions.
Marketing, Monetizing and itunes are the what I am waiting for to see.
I would be among the first to subscribe to your podcast. is it going to be weekly? (pls do)
The good thing about your IMTW podcast and your blog as well is that you really share information and knowledge, that is useful not just sharing a few while trying to promote a product (as in other podcasts).
I Know Egypt might not be your focus market but I am always recommending and sharing your blog to ppl like me who are trying to get their hands in the internet business.
let me know as soon as you issue your report. (MAKE IT SOON PLS)
Good luck Lynn,
Fawzy Mawy
Thank you Fawzy 😀
I am going to send the free report out via email, so make sure you're subscribed here at ClickNewz to get that. You can do that just below the post, or use the blue opt-in box at the top right of the page.
I am planning to do a weekly episode 😉
Hey Lynn, this is my first time visiting your blog but it definitely wont be the last. I've visit so many mediocre blogs lately that yours is like a breath of fresh air. I look forward to finding out more about PodCasting when I see the answers to your questions!
Thank you, Rob!
I am definatly interested to hear the answers to your questions. I am a big fan of the Digg podcast so I kind of get the idea of podcasts but I would be interested in how to get started.
I also wonder how do you come up with a good podcast name!
Thanks a lot of this step by step tips. I was starting podcast the other day after I read your explanation what a podcast usually do. But when I get there, I was having a problem. But with this article,it helps me a lot to start now my Podcast. Thanks again to you.
Lynn,
Podcasting is great. I to love to read, but can't while I'm driving. I also find that when I'm on a treadmill, my workout suffers if I read, but not if I listen. Lynn you might check out my "Power of Podcasting" podcast which has been on hiatus, but coming back with new episodes.
Lynn, we did a podcasting 101 in 2008 and you're just now getting to do your podcast! Tsk, tsk. 🙂 I've been harping on podcasting for years. They're great and easy way to brand yourself. And the link love from the podcasting directories rocks!
I know, right? It has taken me forever to "get it" and really wrap my head around a personal objective and marketing strategy. And I'm glad I waited to be honest - I have a real clear image now of how I want to do it, and why. So it's ready > aim > fire this time instead of fire > aim > ready LOL
All the above questions can help all beginners out there to improve their learning about podcast creation. It's still effective to learn the basics before doing the more complicated process.
Sam
Absolutely. You have to walk before you crawl. A little planning up front can save you a ton of time later (as long as you don't over-plan to the point that you never publish).