Adding podcasts to your communications

Don’t let the name confuse you. You don’t need an iPod to create or hear a podcast. And there is no broadcasting per se, at least not in the radio or television sense.

“Podcast” became part of the pop culture vernacular in 2004 as people began posting audio files on the Internet for on-demand streaming or downloading to personal audio players. Because many of the early listeners used iPods to listen to the posted files, the term “podcast” emerged.

College professors posted lectures as podcasts. The Wall Street Journal posted news stories via podcasts. The kid next store was podcasting, too.Podcasts are popular because they are easy to create and convenient to listen to -– people can stream or download them whenever they want. They are an effective way to build or strengthen relationships. Your audience is receptive – people have either clicked a hotlink to listen or have received your podcast via subscription.

If you are thinking of posting an article on your Web site or sending out a Word announcement in an email blast, a podcast might give your message a little added punch.

To learn more about podcasts, email john@walshadv.com.