Does your podcast have video? My iPod does.
My iPhone has video. My co-worker has a nano, and it has video. If I’m watching podcasts for pure entertainment, video is a must have. Video podcasts are great marketing tools, but small businesses seem to be a little slow to catch on though. I see many business podcasts that are still sound only. I’m sure there is some “fear of the unknown” regarding creating a video podcast, but if you are podcasting already it’s not that big of a jump.
Here is what you are likely using to create your podcast:
1. A microphone. Hopefully, not one you were handed as a freebie at a tradeshow.
2. Recording/editing Software. Audacity or Garageband.
Now, how do you go from regular podcast to video podcast? If you are a Mac user, it’s pretty easy. iMovie and Garageband together make for a seriously easy video podcast software package. Snapkast for Windows is pretty good, and there are plenty of new online tools that can get the job done. You’ll need a digital camera of course, but don’t worry, the quality/cost of the camera should be equal to the level of quality of output you require. You can likely get by with a $400-$500 camera and a good microphone.
The technology is the easy part. If you are already podcasting, you have probably figured out scripting the podcast, editing, adding music/effects - now you have to think about keeping it visually interesting. Start by filming the script from more than one angle. I’m not suggesting MTV style, in your face camera angles, but rather filming at least 2 static locations then editing them together.
You want to avoid making it seem like a Powerpoint presentation, but incorporating static images of your business, or screen captures of your software can also improve a business oriented video podcast. The most important thing is simply creating the podcast and adding it via RSS feed to your blog or website. Podcast subscriptions are still on the rise, and it’s a great way to extend your brand experience beyond the website.
Tags: alternative-podcasting, Podcasting-Success, video-blogging, video-pocast, video-podcasting