Using pod casting to stay ahead

Technology is always going to open new doors for small business owners. One of the things that has come up in the recent past is pod casting. Pod casts are simply audio blogs. They use RSS (Real Simple Syndication) feeds to transmit the data. Normally you will record a presentation with a pod cast and then mix it with other things and upload it to a web site where your customers can download it.

This is a great way to make some money because you can upload training seminars that your customers can download and use on MP3 players and other portable devices. This helps the customer gain the information they need on-demand and it helps to increase customer loyalty with your company.

Since a pod cast provides the customer with a human voice, the customers have a deeper connection to your company. They are able to recognize each pod cast that is released by your company just by the sound of your voice. To build this reputation, start each pod cast the same. Try starting it by introducing the company name first, then the date, and your name. Consistency is a great way to build customer loyalty and improve the way you do business.

Several businesses are making thousands of dollars with the pod casts because they have monthly subscribers. Each time you send out a pod cast, it is automatically downloaded onto their computer when they click on it. If they are subscribers, the feed will automatically update on their computer as long as they are connected to the internet.

Get a contract with iTunes to boost your pod casting abilities. Since almost everyone uses iTunes for their audio downloading needs, you can branch out to a whole new audience and boost your company's reputation.

Always provide a link to Window's Media Player as your customers will need this program in order to download your pod casts. You may also consider providing links to iTunes and Music Match for your customers that do not like Windows Media Player. The programs can be used on more than just MP3 players, they are often found on cell phones and PDAs, which provides you with a great benefit as you have multiple ways of keeping in touch with your customers.

When you upload the pod cast, it will be tagged in an XML format or an RSS format. This makes it easier to travel over the internet and to your customer's wireless devices and personal computers. As long as your customer synchronize their devices, they will be able to receive automatic updates from your company when you release a new pod cast.

To boost your revenue, start video casting. Like pod casting, video casting doesn't cost your company anything, just your time. Video casting is a great way to establish your company reputation and it can boost your internet ranks because you will have an outside link driving the web site numbers up. Again, iTunes is a great way to sell your video casts along with Microsoft's Zune.

Offering both types of services will help to increase your market appeal from your customers. It's a great way to keep up with the new technology to ensure your business is moving forward into the future and not getting left behind. Consider subscribing to some of your competitors video casts and pod casts so you can get a good idea how you compare to them and if you need to make some changes. Depending upon the type of information you are offering and the value it has, you can charge $9.99 a month or more for pod cast subscriptions.