Recently I’ve been asked for information about what is podcasting?.. so I decided to put up some info for all your pod-newbies out there!

Just as blogging swept the internet in the last few years, podcasting has become the new internet trend. You can find podcasts on all types of subjects, ranging from audio blogs, how-to information, interviews with experts, and more.

Many people believe that podcasts take their name from the iPod, the popular Mp3 player created by Apple. This is not totally accurate.. POD stands for Portable On-Demand. You can listen to a podcast 24/7 directly from the web, your computer or download to your mp3 and take it on the go!

As stated above, there are many types of podcasts to choose from, and it can be hard to give a single definition that fits all those types. Basically, a podcast is an audio file created with the intention of communicating some type of thoughts or information to the public.

Many podcasts take on the form of a talk radio show. The host or hosts may interview guests that have knowledge on topics their target market is interested in, or the host may do all the talking their self.

You may be wondering about the reasons to start a podcast. First of all, it is a great way to increase traffic to your site. People love podcasts and they search iTunes and other niche podcast directories for new podcasts to listen to. They may stumble upon yours, without ever knowing your site existed. If they enjoy your podcast, they will want to check out your site.

You can also use your podcast to promote products and affiliate links. For example, if you have an information product about dog breeding, you can talk about it on your podcast. If you are an affiliate for a dog biscuit manufacturer, you can provide a review of the product and tell your audience that if they want more information they can to a page on your site that will redirect them to your affiliate link with the company.

Not only can podcasts help you attract new customers and promote your products, they will help you develop relationships with your customers. When your customer listens to your podcast, they get to hear your voice and get a snapshot of your personality. As they hear you talk and present information, they will come to see you as an expert in your field. You will become their “go-to person” on the subject you specialize in.

You can further monetize your podcasts by accepting sponsorships and advertising. For example, you could play an ad, similar to what you hear on your local radio stations or you could charge a fee for interviewing someone that wants to promote their product or service on your podcast.

If you would like more information on how to get started with your own podcast, please email me at tammy@newmediava.com

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Shannon over at Startup Spark just tagged me for a meme about seven things you may not know about me.

So here goes:

1. I was born and raised in New Orleans, LA
2. I’ve been blogging since 2004 and podcasting since 2005
3. I LOVE Hockey
4. I used to host a women’s political podcast
5. I’m a mom to 2 girls - Kiersten age 9 and Rebecca age 6
6. I lived in Minnesota for 8 years (reason for #3)
7. I love techie gadgets (ok maybe you already knew that one)

So now I’m tagging the following to join the fun…

Jennifer Gniadecki

Connie Munson

Shannon Smith

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I was asked today by my friend Deb , “so what’s the big deal  with Twitter”?  At first, I shot her a look like “are you serious” ? I mean isn’t the entire free world using  Twitter. I forget that many people are not using the internet and attached to it like I am.

What is Twitter?

Twitter is in essence a mini-blog and its a conversation between many people that wouldn’t normally have a conversation. It basically answers the question “what are you doing?” One person once described it as “permission based stalking” which I guess in a way it is. I’m a big fan of Twitter and have been using it faithfully since I found out about it in March of this year. Twitter can very easily create addictive behavior and need an intervention. You can use it very SMS, IM, and web as well as cool apps that have been developed for it like TwitBin and Twiterrific.

So how do I use it?

I use it in a variety of ways that all add to my productivity or some days the lack thereof.
1. Questions - Sometimes I pose questions to other new media/social media experts for information I am seeking for myself or for a client

2. Blogs/Podcasts - many times I’ll post a link of a cool blog I’ve come across, a new blog posts (my own and others) and/or new podcast episode.

3. Mini-Conversations with Friends and Followers - Sometimes its just as simple as that

Like I said Twitter can be used for good or for evil .. it’s up to you to decide.  : )

Want to follow me on Twitter? You can reach me at www.twitter.com/TammyMunson 

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Blogging started as a way for individuals to publish a personal log or journal on the web and quickly expanded into a valuable tool for business owners. Blogs are a gold mine for those that are doing business online and the beautiful thing is you do not have to be a guru or hire a webmaster to get it done. They go up easily, are simple to maintain, can drive traffic to your other websites, and search engines love them. In fact, the whole concept is so simple that many people do not utilize them, thinking something this trouble-free could not possibly carry huge benefits.

Some of the benefits to establishing a well thought out blog are:
• Allows interaction and involvement between the business owner and the client/customer
• An quick and easy way to stay in front of your customer
• Give customers and prospects daily access to you
• Opens up many perspectives therefore gives the feeling of community not just a one sided opinion.

Because they are easy to add content to, you can have fresh material constantly. There is only one problem. You actually have to put the content on there or you defeat the purpose of having a blog.

There are many ways you can utilize the power of a blog and propel your business forward. One way is to be mindful of the information you place on it. When you upload articles that will enrich, educate or help others, people will begin to spread the word to their friends and associates and the traffic will begin to stream naturally. Used correctly it can be a powerful marketing tool.) A quality blog will help to position you as an expert. You can set up campaigns on a blog, use it as a social platform, or to build relationships. The possibilities are mind-boggling, so get yourself Blogging for dollars today.

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