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Most of the clients also have built in management tools that help them identify new content so that they don't end up downloading the same file every time they run the play list.
However, getting the files formatted for downloading means that you will need to have a web page for that code to sit on. While most marketing entities have an existing web page, additional coding to those pages is required to get everything up and running.
Another approach is to place podcast links and access to existing blog pages. More and more companies are creating blogs using applications like MoveableType and Blogger to create company weblogs. Because blogs are often regularly visited parts of the company website, it makes sense to include podcast links on these pages. These pages are also a great place to put icons denoting podcast links so that interested visitors can quickly and easily add a broadcast to their podcast clients.
Finally, even the best content broadcast in the world is useless if there are no listeners. To get your broadcasts into the ears of prospective consumers you're going to need to do a little PR. As with the growth of websites in the mid-1990s, podcast numbers are growing rapidly. While you may have something worthwhile to say, the sheer number of other podcasters requires you to find a way to stand out as well as you can.
The first logical step for getting the word out is to let your regular site visitors know that you are in the podcasting business. Adding podcast icons and an explanation on how to access these broadcasts is a good order of business for any responsible website. You will also want to get your podcast listed in as many of the existing podcast directories as possible. Two of the larger sites are Podcast.net and podcastAlley.com. A quick Google search will offer many more options.
Obviously being able to communicate with your audience is a nice thing. Creating web pages that are specific to the podcasts means being able to build in features that allow your listeners to leave messages and comments. A few good examples of podcast sites that you might want to check out are www.geeknewscentral.com. This is writer Tom Cochrane's site and also provides links to his new book, "Podcasting: The do it yourself guide." This is a pretty solid overview of the entire podcast development process.
Another site that I enjoy is www.kenradio.com which covers technology topics and news out of Silicon Valley. This site offers daily half hour broadcasts that are available as computer audio links or as podcasts.
I have only covered the barest of understanding about podcasting in this column. However, I hope its enough to get you up to speed understanding how a podcast might help you get a message out to a target audience.
Check back at iMedia Connection soon as I will be exploring how online marketers can use podcasts as an online advertising venue and some of the things that need to be considered before jumping in with both feet.
With over 14 years in the areas of interactive communication, training and marketing, Rob Graham is an in-demand speaker on topics of rich media advertising, online training and online marketing.