Audio and Video For your Business and Website 101

Audio/Podcasts

-- Podcasting is online audio content that is delivered via an RSS feed

-- podcasting gives new options in terms of content and programming compared to radio

-- listeners decide when and where they want to listen, it's conveinant for them and you

-- podcasting works the same as a standard RSS feed reader that you are used to subscribing to only it contains an audio file in it, you need a reader that supports podcasting

-- optionally files can be added to an ipod or mp3 device, and you can even subscribe to podasts via itunes to have them added right into your itunes account

-- programs like Feed for All http://www.feedforall.com/ make podcast creation and editing easy (also has an affiliate program)

-- podcasting can be used for talk shows, tutorials, music demos, educational training, stories, newsletters, and more

-- equipment matters, a quality microphone will help ensure that you have a quality audio file

-- adding itunes tags and submitting your podcast for inclusion in the iTunes Music Store can help attract a large listener base of people interested in your topic

-- include readable information too, such as detailed show notes or a transcript of the show in the description of the podcast feed to help gather interest for your show


Video

-- different file formats

- mpeg - A multiplexed (audio and video combined) MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 file mpeg was not developed for any particular operating system

- wmv - windows media video file

- qt - quicktime movie

- mov - designed initially for the Mac platform but is now usable via a plugin and helper application on most other operating systems

- avi - audio/video interleaved. Originally developed as a rival to Quicktime format for Windows machines but will be playable on most computers via helpers and plug ins

- rm - archetypial streamed video files basic player can still be downloaded for free at http://www.real.com/. You can also use the files as non streamed format, but they are not so well designed for that

-- video can better illustrate your product and service benefits by showing them what it can do for them and telling them yourself, in person via the video

-- visually eye catching directs your reader where you want them to go and then holds their attention for you to get your message across

-- studies show that using video increases coversion rates

-- a video can enhance your sales letter, and in many cases it can replace it all together

-- videos help to explain points that are very difficult to explain in plain textual writing, even with the best copywriters sometimes it is hard to get across your message

-- easier for a visitor to visually see a demonstration on a help topic or tutorial as opposed to just reading about it