Create Your Podcast Platform On WordPress Ray Mitchell WordCamp Raleigh November 2014

Create Your Podcast Platform On WordPress

Ray MitchellWordCamp RaleighNovember 2014


About Me

Web Designer & Marketing Consultant at SixFour Web Design

Host of Small Business Cool, a weekly podcast for Small BusinessOwners and those who want to be.


So, What Is A Podcast?

“Well, good morning everybody, andwelcome to the Daily Source Code. Thank you very much for taking the time to download this MP3 file. Some of you may have received it overnight as an enclosure in your aggregator. In that case, thanks for subscribing. So first what I’d like to do is to explain exactly what this is, and what the Daily Source Code is going to be.”

-Adam Curry


What Is A Podcast?

Pre-recorded Audio or Video programming, made available for download, that is distributed using an RSS feed.

What else has anRSS feed? There's aquiz later.


Why Podcast?

Beyond the pure entertainment value, podcasting is a great content marketing tool. Drives Traffic

Demonstrates Expertise

Creates Authority


Is Podcasting the New Cronut?

Maybe? But there are strong reasons for its resurgence and reasons why it will probably be around for awhile.


Why Is Now The Time To Podcast?

In one word...Convergence On-demand lifestyle

Increased Adoption

Technological Advances and Integrations

Relatively Low Cost of Entry

Monetization Opportunities


On Demand Lifestyle


Increased Adoption

More podcast listeners...

...listening more often


Technological Integrations

IOS8 Podcast app can't be deleted

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will launch in 2015 models for both mainstream and luxury autos


Low Cost of Entry

It might be janky, but you can probably do your first solo podcast with what you have in your pocket or purse. (Smartphone, Earbuds, WordPress.com account and $5.00/month or lessfor media hosting)


Monetization Potential


What Should I Podcast About?

It's all about you! Niche podcasts have loyal listeners Podcasting is doing to Broadcasting, what

Blogging did to Publishing...

POWER TO THE PEOPLE!


How Do I Get Started

At its most basic, you need to capture the recording and store it where it can be found.

You'll need recording software, some hardware (microphone, headphones/earbuds and computer) and a media hosting account.


Capturing Audio

Your podcast audio can be recorded with a hardware recorder, or a software recorder directly into your computer.

There are many programs that can be used to record, but for Windows machines, Pamela For Skype is commonly used. For the Mac, many users rely on Ecamm Call Recorder.


Editing Sound

Once the audio is recorded, some post production work is done to remove unintended noises, and any unwanted umm's and ahh's.

There are a wide variety of programs available from the free and inexpensive programs like Audacity and GarageBand, to more expensive prosumer tools like Adobe Audtion, to high end tools like Pro-Tools.


Your Podcast Platform

Now, for a bit of Heresy: Your podcast does not have to be on WordPress. But why wouldn't you?

All of the great reasons why you would use WordPress for your blog or website, apply to your podcast.


Quick Technical Point

Your podcatcher is a RSS feed reader, but instead of blog posts, its looking for audio or video. You will need a way to get your podcast content into an RSS feed.

Separate your podcast content into its own WordPress category for easier management and organization.


Another Technical Point

Just as you wouldn't host large video files on your website, you shouldn't host your podcast audio files within your site.

Using a dedicated media hosting company is not that expensive, and will prevent your site from being brought to a standstill by too many downloads.


Media Hosting

There are a number of companies that will host your audio or video files for streaming, with prices starting at $0, and working their way up.

Libsyn, Blubrry and SoundCloud are relatively inexpensive and provide predictable service.


Your Podcast RSS Feed

While the methods for uploading are a little different, the process of uploading your recording to your media host is what creates your clean podcast feed and provides your listeners with your content.

Once your podcast feed is created, it can be submitted to podcast directories (think iTunes, Stitcher, etc.)


Libsyn and Blubrry

In my installation, I use Libsyn as my media host, and use Blubrry Power Press as my media player. This offers me reliable hosting and a variety of media players that integrate well within the desktop and mobile versions of my site.


Subscriptions vs. Direct Plays

While we all love website visitors, having a listener subscribe to our podcast feed ensures that they receive every episode.

However if they are a subscriber, there's no reason to visit your website unless you're offering other good content. Be sure to provide your listeners with added value that makes them visit your site frequently,


Questions

?


Thank You

Ray Mitchell

SixFour Web Design – sixfourweb.com

Twitter – @SixFourWeb

Linkedin – linkedin.com/in/raymundmitchell

Podcast – Small Business Cool – smallbusinesscool.com

Listen and Review on iTunes – smallbusinesscool.com/itunes

Twitter - @SmallBizCool

Email – [email protected]

Feel Free To Get In Touch!


Sources 10 years of podcasting: Code, comedy, and patent lawsuits -

http://arstechnica.com/business/2014/08/10-years-of-podcasting-code-comedy-and-patent-lawsuits/

The Infinite Dial -http://www.edisonresearch.com/the-infinite-dial-2014/


Credits Cronut – CCFoodTravel.com | https://www.flickr.com/photos/cumidanciki/

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Create Your Podcast Platform On WordPress Ray Mitchell WordCamp Raleigh November 2014