One of the most common questions about podcasting, is about how long each podcast episode should be. There are so many factors that determine the appropriate length for your podcast, including podcast format, your audience, and your own personal capacity.

This podcast was recorded and published using Mobile Podcaster. Mobile Podcaster is an iPhone application that lets you record podcast episodes and automatically publish new blog posts to your WordPress site.

In this episode I explore three reasons why you should consider podcasting a valuable component of your online marketing mix.

This podcast was recorded and published using Mobile Podcaster. Mobile Podcaster is an iPhone application that lets you record podcast episodes and automatically publish new blog posts to your WordPress site.

It’s important that if you podcast on a regular basis to do some preplanning work and map out the topics that you want to discuss over the course of your podcast. This really helps you in terms of knowing what’s coming so that you don’t have to do so much work on the fly. It also helps for your listeners because they have some expectation and anticipation of what’s ahead.

I like to map out a series of subjects I can blog about over the course of the next few weeks or months. It helps keep me organized and energized. There’s nothing worse than sitting down in front of the keyboard with nothing to say. Do yourself a favor and get organized first. For example, here’s a quick mindmap I just put together that I’m going to use over the next 10 blog posts on Mobile Marketing. It took me about 5 minutes to create this in MindNode and now I have a plan.

This podcast episode was recorded on my iPhone and automatically uploaded to this website and iTunes using the Mobile Podcaster iPhone App.  For more information visit www.mobilepodcaster.com

Podcasting is a wonderful marketing channel that is widely misunderstood. I love the fact that for free you can basically have your message heard by potentially tens and even hundreds of millions of people.

I think most people shy away from podcasting because they don’t understand the potential reach. The tools are not as well understood as blogging, so that is probably another reason that it’s not as widely used by marketers.

This podcast episode was recorded on my iPhone and automatically uploaded to this website and iTunes using the Mobile Podcaster iPhone App.  For more information visit www.mobilepodcaster.com

I have been podcasting on my iPhone and iPad since January 2010. I have used Audioboo in some situations but overall it does not satisfy many of the requirements I have, such as length of recording and ability to submit my podcast to iTunes.

This podcast episode was recorded on my iPhone and automatically uploaded to this website and iTunes using the Mobile Podcaster iPhone App.  For more information visit www.mobilepodcaster.com

Wordpress is one of the most popular places for podcasters to host their podcast, since it already has many of the necessary tools built-in, plus some great plugins that make it so easy.

First, you want the self-installed version of WordPress available at WordPress.org. You can get a great hosting deal at Bluehost.

Next you need to install a podcasting plugin to manage your podcast. I prefer the BluBrry PowerPress Plugin, which allows you to publish your podcast on your website and iTunes.

Personally, I like to podcast from my iPhone or iPad and find it frustrating to log into my computer and transfer files and publish new podcast episodes. I use my Mobile Podcaster to do this.

This podcast episode was recorded on my iPhone and automatically uploaded to this website and iTunes using the Mobile Podcaster iPhone App.  For more information visit www.mobilepodcaster.com

Recording a podcast on your Mac is pretty simple really. You want to use an application called Garageband.

When you open Garageband, you’re given the option to create a podcast episode. Select that option and when your new file opens up, you can start recording right away. Just click on the Record button at the bottom.

Garageband also allows you to add some music to the beginning or end of your recording.

Once complete, select Share and either send to iTunes or Save to Disc as MP3. you’ll want to then upload this MP3 to your website. I use WordPress along with the BluBrry Powerpress Podcasting Plugin so that everything is accessible to my listeners and I can publish to iTunes.

This podcast episode was recorded on my iPhone and automatically uploaded to this website and iTunes using the Mobile Podcaster iPhone App.  For more information visit www.mobilepodcaster.com

These two videos show you some of the equipment I use to podcast and a demo of Garageband for recording and editing your podcast.

Podcasters agree that one of the most important details of podcasting is choosing the right microphone.

There are a number of options based on your budget, style and subject.

1. You can use your mobile phone. Most smart phones, such as the iPhone or iPad, have very good built-in recording capabilities and if you plan on recording on the go, this may be a great option for you.

2. There are a number of great USB condensor mics on the market. I personally like the Samson CO1U, which is a about $75 on Amazon. These offer great quality but are not as mobile and cost a bit more.

3. Most computers have a built-in microphone which is adequate in very quiet environments. I’ve recorded several podcast episodes on my Macbook with no external mic and they sound great.

4. Lapel mics are also a good choice if your computer microphone is not giving you adequate quality. You can pick on of these up for $25 at Radio Shack.

5. Another option is a microphone & headphones combination headset. Logitech makes a number of these and they’re popular among gamers and Skype users. They usually run about $30-$50.

6. You can also go high-end and spend $500-$1000 on a professional mic from a music store.

In all cases, choose a quite environment for the best recording quality for your podcast.

This podcast episode was recorded on my iPhone and automatically uploaded to this website and iTunes using the Mobile Podcaster iPhone App.  For more information visit www.mobilepodcaster.com

Branding your podcast is important because like any marketing channel it should reflect your culture, support your go-to-market strategy and share the same voice that your market has come to expect.

Typical podcast branding considerations include:

1. Name of your podcast – the name of your podcast should be attractive and relate to your overall brand
2. iTunes artwork – try to create a podcast album cover that’s appealing and matches the over color scheme of your brand
3. Keyword rich podcast description – because iTunes is a search engine of sort, it’s important to consider the words and phrases that people will use to search for and find your podcast
4. Audio quality – there are a number of audio quality options, so choose one that provides clear recording yet does not produce files that are too big
5. Style – are you going to be serious, conservative, funny, conversational?  What style matches your brand?
6. Call-to-action – what do you want listeners to do next?

This podcast episode was recorded on my iPhone and automatically uploaded to this website and iTunes using the Mobile Podcaster iPhone App.  For more information visit www.mobilepodcaster.com

Choosing a format for your podcast is something to consider when planning to launch a new podcast.

Some popular options include:

1. Single Voice – this is just you talking by yourself as if you were talking to someone one-on-one
2. Team Approach – this is a popular format wherein two or three people record their conversation around a given topic
3. Interview Style – this is you interviewing an expert within your industry or niche that has valuable information to share on a given topic

There’s no rule that says you have to pick one of these formats and you can always change your format.  Pick the one that makes most sense for you and run with it.  Ask your audience for feedback and see what they like.

This podcast episode was recorded on my iPhone and automatically uploaded to this website and iTunes using the Mobile Podcaster iPhone App.  For more information visit www.mobilepodcaster.com/appstore