Today’s Internet users are becoming more and more familiar with the term “podcasting.”

A podcast is an audio file that you can listen to while browsing a site. Podcasts usually come with a subscription option, whereby you can download the latest updates to computers or MP3 players. Let’s see what exactly is a podcast and all the benefits of podcasting.

How does podcasting work?

One of the specialties of podcasts is that they allow you to listen to whatever you want at your convenient time. If you are thinking that podcasts are only about music, you are wrong. The podcasts cover a wide range of topics from programming to healthy recipes. Some people might think that podcasts can only be listened to through iPods. However, the truth is that you don’t need iPods at all. All you need is an MP3 player or a computer with an Internet connection.

Before we talk about the benefits of podcasts, let’s learn about the technology behind podcasts. Podcasts are syndication of audio files using RSS feeds. Podcasts work similar to the RSS feed reader. The difference is that the feed you are subscribing to has an embedded audio file.

The benefits of the podcast

From a business standpoint, the benefits of podcasting can extend to several areas. First of all, you can reach a new web audience section. People invite new and innovative media to reach them. Audio podcasts also allow people to browse other sites or work with other applications while listening to them.

Podcasting is being used in the following areas:

• Self-instructional walking tours that offer informative content
• Clips and promotional interviews of the brand
• news coverage
• Training materials on how to operate, etc.
• Stories for visually impaired children

Building a lasting relationship with your site visitors is also one of the benefits of podcasting. The podcasts are from your company voice. Because podcasts are optional, the people who are drawn to them must have a genuine interest in your company’s products and services.

Through podcasting, you can broadcast seminars and conferences and show your acceptance level to all your customers. You can also podcast your experience in various fields, showcasing your depth of knowledge and keen business sense to your clients. The benefits of podcasting can also be extended to bring you increased advertising revenue. If your podcasts become popular, advertisers may queue up before you to buy ad space. Podcasts also allow you to respond to customer feedback and concerns promptly. This prevents depletion of your customer base in the long run.

How to run a successful podcasting show

These were the benefits of podcasting; but before doing so, you should do an assessment of your expectations and circumstances. First, determine your target audience. Will the podcasting reach the right customer segment you are looking for? Research shows that men between the ages of 34 and 54 make up about half of the audience for podcasts. As you go about podcasting, emphasize what you are about to broadcast.

If the content is of some value (for example, informational or insight into the underlying technology of your product or a product demo) to viewers, then it is likely to be accepted. Lastly, you should update your podcast regularly. If you want your subscribers to be happy, you need to update that regularly with new and insightful content.