The World Is Listening, So Say Something!

5 Rules For Podcasting & Blogging

Podcasts and Blogs are a great way to increase traffic and awareness for your business if done correctly.  Over the past few years thousands of people have taken to sharing their thoughts and ideas online with the world.  At the same time, thousands of businesses have tried to figure out the right balance of using these tools as a way of reaching customers, without coming across as just another ad. Because blogs and podcasts are so informal, it is easy to get sidetracked and get off topic or worse yet, just stop completely.  

How can you avoid getting sidetracked from sticking to your message? Here are 5 tips that will help you stay on track.  We also have a podcasting production worksheet that you should check out to really help you create a well-planned and executed blog and Podcast. 

1 – Create a Strategy – In this stage you want to come up with an idea of what you want to talk about.  This way, whenever you begin thinking about what you want to say for a show, you can check back to this idea.  Next, you will do the hard work of figuring out what you want to call your Podcast or Blog.  You can go with something generic like “the this or that guy or this or that girl” or you can go the extra mile and create something that reinforces your brand.  A this point you will also want to figure out what you will need to support this blog or Podcast as far as an idea of where people will go to find your message.   

2- Writing and Recording Plan – This stage is pretty self explanatory, but you want to set up a time to write your message, a time to edit it, and to record and publish it.  You will then need to schedule your distribution. 

3- Next, you need a Production Plan – This is gathering information on things such as the location where your blog or Podcast will be created as well as tools you will need to record or properly distribute your Podcast or Blog. If your dealing with a blog, this would include figuring out which software you want to use and for Podcast which recording software you need.  

4 – The Distribution Plan – In This phase you will finalize where and how you will distribute your Podcast or Blog.  You will also need to compile a list of keywords and tagging that people might find you with if they do a search.  You’ll also need to make sure you have the supporting pieces in place like a web site or hosting platform ready and a place for people to download related items like notes if you would make such things available. 

5 – Start recording or writing things. – Practice is the best way to get comfortable and good at something.  They key thing is to remember that you’re not trying to sell anything, your actually trying to make people aware of things that they may not know.  Podcasts and Blogs are designed to build credibility, not be the item that leads to a sale.  

The best advice I can give you is to commit to doing this for the long haul.  Also, do your best to have fun with it.  Remember that you are not trying to sell, so the best thing is to be yourself.  If you get off topic every now and then that’s ok, just make sure you get back on track.  Don’t spend to many posts in a row off topic or you’ll loose your audience.