What is a podcast?

A podcast is audio content delivered over the internet. It gives anyone the chance to have their own radio show without the need for a radio station. This means you can deliver targeted, niche content to your customers who can listen when they want to.

Is it difficult to make a podcast?

You need the ability to record audio, edit it, mix it and save it as an MP3 (audio) file. We do that for you. All you need is the content and, with years of experience in journalism and PR, we can help you with that, too.

What is a blog?

A blog is a series of webpage entries sorted so that the most recent entry is delivered first. Companies use blogs to deliver new information and to make industry commentary. See our blog for an example.

Why would I want to blog?

There are many, many reasons to blog. Blogs improve search engine rankings -- companies with blogs come higher up Google search rankings. It is a direct way to communicate with your customers and because of the technology underlying blogs it is possible for your customers to "subscribe" to a blog and have information delvered to them rather than their having to visit your site. Blogs are a fantastic way of raising your profile. As with podcasts, you become the media, gaining more exposure and doing so in a way that is within your control.

What makes Breakaway Content different?

A podcast producer who offers simply to record a script you write or put a microphone in front of your CEO is doing no more than voiceover agencies and recording engineers have been doing for corporate presentations, CDs and videos for decades. Breakaway Content brings years of experience in desiging and creating engaging content. We'll design a podcast with you - the format, the content, who will present it, who needs training. We're happy to read the scripts for you but we're also experienced in writing them. If you want a feature, we have the journalistic skills to research it, interview the right people, get the right audio and put it all together.

In terms of blogging, success in the blogosphere is dependent on voice. This is not just another marketing channel. To succeed, you need a consultant that understands the space.

Where can I get up-to-date stats on business podcasting?

We keep track of international and Australian podcasting news in our blog. Information specifically about stats is tagged "podcasting stats".

Why would I want a podcast?

A podcast is another way of connecting with your target market, complementing other elements of your marketing strategy. A podcast gives your company a voice and delivers your message in a useful way that your audience is more likely to remember. The documented intimacy that comes from audio creates a stronger connection with the audience.

What would I put in a podcast?

Are you experts in your field? If so, you could put out timely updates and insights. Does your IT department answer the same 10 questions all the time? Or do your clients ask the same questions repeatedly? You could put out training podcasts. How about helping clients and customers get up close with your products and services? Introducing new developments, how-to guides. Could your CEO offer a leadership series? Does your company have a message and want to get all employees on the same page?

What makes podcasting so special?

In 2003 podcasting didn't exist. In 2004 some pioneers started putting out podcasts. In 2005 "podcasting" was the Oxford English Dictionary's word of the year.

People are looking for content. Time poor people enjoy multi-tasking and podcasts allow them to listen while they are doing other things. You can reach people at times your website can't.

Online audio has always possible with the internet but new technology means your audience can subscribe to podcasts. That means listeners get your content delivered to them automatically once they subscribe. They don't have to visit your site for updated content.

Where can I get up-to-date stats on business podcasting?

We keep track of international and Australian podcasting news in our blog. Information specifically about stats is tagged "podcasting stats".

 

So you need an MP3 player to listen to podcasts?

Podcasts got their name because the iPod is the dominant player, but you can listen to a podcast on your computer or any brand of MP3 player. If you can read this website and your computer has speakers, you have everything you need to listen to a podcast.

What are some of the applications of podcasting?

A podcast can be used to introduce your products or your expertise to your audience. Companies deliver news of their products via podcast; or profile their expertise in a field by commenting on developments. Lawyers, for instance, deliver updates on the law to clients in their area. Internal communications and training are popular applications of podcasting. Rather than delivering thousands of words in emails that employees may never find time to read, companies are producing podcasts to deliver the information orally.

What is involved in a making a podcast?

We will consult with you on the goal for your podcast and advise on content, duration and frequency. Having done that, the content needs to be recorded and delivered as an MP3 file for uploading to a website.

There are many considerations to take into account, including who will give the voice to the podcast - someone from your company, voiceover talent, etc. We will work with you in making those decisions.

Then we take care of the rest, whether it is recording in your office or the studio.

Producing a podcast is no more difficult than any other piece of your marketing strategy.

Couldn't our web designers handle podcasting for us?

On the whole, web designers don't produce content. If your web designers didn't write the words on your website or take the pictures, it is unlikely that they will produce audio content.

Is our audience ready for podcasts?

The ABC reports around 350,000 downloads per week of its shows in podcast form. Half of those shows come from Radio National listeners. If you are looking for an affluent, educated market, this is the way to reach them.

Podcasting is growing the way the internet grew in the first five years. In five years' time, customers will have forgotten what it was like not to be able to "hear" from a company through its website.

I'm not very technical am I going to feel out of my depth discussing this further?

Our executive producer, Steven Lewis, has 10 years' experience making technology easy to understand and non-threatening for non-geeks. He's very approachable and happy to explain podcasting from the ground up.

Is podcasting expensive

In a word: no. Podcasting is a cost-effective way of delivering a message. Far cheaper, for instance, than video. We'll give you a detailed estimate before we start as to what a job will cost.

I have more questions

Call us on 02 9960 5005. We have years of experience in talking about technology to consumers and businesses in a passionate but simple way. We'll be happy to talk to you about podcasting and how it can help your business.