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Podcasting For Bloggers

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Podcasts and podcasting are recommended as some of the latest and greatest ways to increase blog traffic to your site. But where do you start? Moreover, is podcasting as daunting as all the how-to’s and online guides seem to make it out to be? The simple answer is, no.

I have been podcasting since 2008 and can count amongst my friends some of the founders of Podiobooks.com [Tee Morris and Evo Terra]. Podiobooks.com is a site that is to podiobooks what Audible is to audiobooks. Some of my other friends have been maintaining podcasts since before it was considered the “in-thing”to do. So I speak from experience when I say that there is almost nothing easier to do for free as a blogger, than to begin podcasting.

That is not to say that podcasting is easy. Merely that it is not as daunting a task as it may appear to a novice. So how do you start?

Podcasting Equipment

You will need a mid-quality microphone for recording your raw audio files. There are podcasters out there who will drop $400 to $500 on a microphone, but that is overkill for a blogger who is not doing podcasting in a professional setting. A microphone that sits in front of your mouth on the desk is one of your best options, but stick with a Logitech headset [$40 - $50 for a better one] if that is what you can afford.

I also recommend some sort of pop filter. Your best bet is a wire hanger in the shape of a giant lollipop that has a nylon stocking pulled over it. It is not the best of podcasting equipment, but it may add a richness and quality to your sound that you would not otherwise achieve.

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Podcasting Software

Many podcasters are willing to put good money down for quality audio editing software. However, there is a wide and wonderful world of open-source software that you can get great quality from at minimal to no cost. My personal preference is the cross-platform, Audacity audio editing software. With it you can record, edit, and export your entire sound file. You can find and download Audacity at http://audacity.sourceforge.net.

I definitely recommend getting the LAME library plugin [found on the plugin and library page] so that you can export your files as MP3′s.

Podcasting Studio

Once you have your basic equipment, you must prepare your podcasting recording area. While there are many in-home studio options, your best bet is to simply go into your closet. The clothes act as a buffer dampening any external sound sources. Make sure to take the collar off the dog so there is no jingle and shut off your AC/Heater so there is no white noise in the background.

Audio Editing Basics

A quality podcast stands apart from a low quality one by virtue of the editing work put into it. You need to familiarize yourself with three of Audacity’s built in effects: Normalize, Noise removal, and Truncate Silence. There are many how-to’s on the internet that can help you more with your audio editing, but these three basics are necessary to improve your sound quality from raw to refined.

Currently I am following all of my own advice as I produce my BlogsAloud podcast turning the week’s best blog posts into an audio reproduction.

Podcasting is a great tool, but its benefits are measured in the amount of effort put into turning out a good signal.

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About The Author

Allison D. Duncan has been blogging since 2001. Allison can be found at GetFound Consulting. She also offers Wordpress and computer/internet consulting services to her clients. You can listen to her podcast, BlogsAloud, this week's best blog posts through audio reproduction by going to BlogsAloud.com. Connect with her on Twitter @SVAllie, join her Facebook Fan Page, and at Blog Interact.

Website: http://bloginteract.com/members/svallie/

17 Comments

  1. Bryan P. Hollis

    Thu 28th Apr 2011 at 8:52 AM

    Hi Allison,
    Podcast – as you know – is new to me. I did enjoy the technical aspect of this article as well as how it relates to increased blog traffic. It sounds like a terrific marketing tool. Hmmm…

    Bryan

    Reply
  2. Avatar of Allison
    Allison

    Thu 28th Apr 2011 at 8:58 AM

    Bryan,

    The truth is that as a marketing tool it is only as effective as you work for it to be. However, having a podcast adds to the look and feel of your on-site presence and that can bring you rewards that a simple blog may not.

    Also, the new ‘big’ thing is having media on site, so this is an easy way to keep up without overwhelming yourself.

    Thanks for reading!

    Allison

    Reply
    • Bryan P. Hollis

      Thu 28th Apr 2011 at 10:52 AM

      I am sure you are right. Sounds to me like anything you try?
      Bryan

      Reply
  3. Kiesha @WeBlogBetter

    Thu 28th Apr 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Hi Allison!
    I keep threatening to do some podcasts, but I just can’t seem to set aside enough “alone” time to do it. Working from home has it’s perks, but trying to record with kids around is a “No-no!” :D

    I like the idea of podcasting because it gives you a chance to capitalize on some intimate time with listeners – it gives you a greater opportunity to connect away from the computer since a podcast is something they can listen to while exercising or driving in the car.

    One of these days I’m going to do it for sure!
    Hector Cuevas over at http://hectorjcuevas.com does some awesome podcasts and shares it his tips on the site as well.

    Reply
    • Avatar of Allison
      Allison

      Fri 29th Apr 2011 at 12:48 AM

      Thanks Kiesha!

      Podcasting is a great opportunity if you can find time to do. But as I told Bryan, you only get a bigger footprint if you put the same effort into the podcast that you do to your blog.

      Thanks for reading!

      Allie

      Reply
  4. Avatar of Roberto Montanez
    Roberto Montanez

    Thu 28th Apr 2011 at 8:54 PM

    A

    Reply
  5. Avatar of Roberto Montanez
    Roberto Montanez

    Thu 28th Apr 2011 at 9:00 PM

    Allison,
    Great post. I recently started my own podcast and to tell you the truth, I LOVE IT!

    There is something special and fun about producing a podcast. This is a very surprising byproduct, because it was very nerve-racking getting started. From hating the sound of my voice to setting the RSS feed and getting accepted in iTunes, it takes some planning.

    I do agree that starting a podcast is the way to go. My advise, always go for quality and content. I recently upgraded my gear to be able to produce a high quality show.

    If you are interested, I suggest visiting the podcastanswerman.com. This is a great site for current and future podcasters.

    Reply
    • Avatar of Allison
      Allison

      Fri 29th Apr 2011 at 12:51 AM

      Hey Roberto!

      Getting used to the sound of one’s own voice is a very common complaint among beginning podcasters. But the truth is you begin learning to self-modulate and train your voice. This and acceptance of what you can’t change go a long way towards making hearing yourself speak more palatable.

      I’m interested in the sort of gear you use. Currently I’m using a Zoom H2 to record and a dual core pc to do all my editing. It seems more than capable of producing a clear sound. Now If I can just get my dogs to be quiet :D

      Thanks for reading!

      Allie

      Reply
  6. Avatar of Roberto Montanez
    Roberto Montanez

    Fri 29th Apr 2011 at 1:09 AM

    I actually went all out and committed to producing podcast.

    My equipment is as follows:
    •Audio TechnicaAT2035 Microphone
    •Behringer mixer XENYX1222USB
    •Roland R-05 Digital Recorder
    •Sony MDR-7506 headphones
    •Behringer Multicom Pro XL MDX4600 Quad Processor
    •Behringer Pro-XL HA4700
    •Mic Boom, Cables, Etc.
    •Software (Adobe Audition 3, etc.)

    And that is it for now. Next Tuesday, I will be producing the latest episode with all the gear. Quality of sound will be much better. Later, I will also post a picture of my studio.

    Reply
    • Bryan P. Hollis

      Fri 29th Apr 2011 at 9:44 AM

      Great goodness, Roberto…nice equipment!
      Bryan

      Reply
  7. Avatar of Brittany
    Brittany

    Fri 29th Apr 2011 at 7:55 AM

    Very nice post. I’ve always thought it would be fun to podcast. I’m just too shy though! Maybe one day. I’ll stick with writing for now :)

    Reply
    • Bryan P. Hollis

      Fri 29th Apr 2011 at 9:43 AM

      Me too Britt, me too. I like the behind the scenes aspect of it though.
      Bryan

      Reply
  8. Avatar of Jmpruitt
    Jmpruitt

    Fri 29th Apr 2011 at 10:32 AM

    This is great. I have done a few podcasts although not that great. I like to save them up, they make great bonus giveaways. I have had a few that I gave a way as bonuses that people came back later and said my recordings were better than the product they bought.

    Reply
  9. Avatar of Mavis
    Mavis

    Fri 29th Apr 2011 at 3:33 PM

    Hey Allison.

    Great post – well done! I can see the benefits of podcasting, I need to give it a try :)

    Thanks for sharing your insights.

    All the best,
    Mavis

    Reply
  10. Brad Harmon @ Big Feet Marketing

    Sun 01st May 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Thanks for the info, Allison. Podcasting is something that’s been on my mind lately, but, to be honest, I’m a little afraid of what it will take to get started. Your post gives me some comfort in knowing that I won’t have to drop a grand to get a decent set up for podcasting.

    Reply
  11. Avatar of TheEpicBlogg
    TheEpicBlogg

    Sun 10th Jul 2011 at 8:44 PM

    Hi Alison,
    Great advice here never really thought about podcasting as yet but don’t mind getting interviewed by podcasters. Im more concentrating in developing my blog as a multi author blog at the mo but will keep podcasting in mind for the future!
    Great guest post Alison
    All the best
    -P

    Reply

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