Field Guide to Podcasting

(Updated December 2011)

A podcast is an audio or video file that users can subscribe to through an RSS feed. While you’ve all been able to download these files to the desktop for years, what makes podcasting unique is that you are no longer tethered to the computer to listen to it. You can download a file to your iPod or MP3 player, carry the file with you, and listen to it when and where you like. Similarly, YouTube and other video-sharing sites provide a convenient platform for subscribers not only to hear you, but also to see you. Find out how REALTORS® are using this technology to market their services to customers. (D. Shumaker, Senior Library Information Specialist)


Check out this video for the basics on starting your own podcast:

Podcasting in Plain English, (CommonCraft.com, Apr. 2008).


Podcasting Basics

Everything I've learned about podcasting over the last four years, (Fortuito.us, Mar. 2011). A how-to guide on getting starting thinking about and recording, editing, and publishing your first podcast.

Creating a simple voice and music podcast with Audacity, (Audacity wiki, Nov. 25, 2010). Information from the Audacity wiki on how to podcast using this free software.

Podcast101 - Creating and Hosting an Audio Podcast, (Podcast411.com, Oct. 10, 2010). While there are several programs out there to help you create a simple podcast without much effort, this page will give you the full step-by-step process to doing it on your own.

The Complete Guide to Video Blogging, (Mashable, Oct. 9, 2009). Even though the notion of video blogging itself isn’t new, the actual endeavor is still novel to many people. This guide will explore concepts behind video blogging and the tools for creating and distributing that content.

Podcasting Legal Guide, (creativecommons.org, Feb. 2009). Provides a general roadmap of some of the legal issues specific to podcasting.

Podcasting Basics / 101 What You Need to Know, (About.com, 2009). What is a podcast, how to listen, picking a microphone and more of the basics for both creators and the audience.

Best Podcast Software List, (Buzzmaven, 2009). Software for use in grabbing your favorite news, music, and other programs for PC, Mac, Linux, etc.


Real Estate Applications

Small Business Podcasting: 7 Tips to Grow Your Listener Base, (Mashable, July 21, 2011).

Broadcasting for Business, (REALTOR® Magazine, Mar. 2011). Brokers reveal the benefits and challenges of using the airwaves to build their brand.

3 Podcast Success Stories from Creative Small Businesses, (Mashable, Feb. 28, 2011). If done right, a podcast can reach the right people in your industry, establish your company as a thought leader, connect you with your customers and reach people on their own schedules. These three company podcasts have successfully leveraged the platform to meet their business goals.

Podcasts and Potential Profits, (Florida Association of REALTORS®, 2008). Podcasting can be fun, useful and did we mention profitable? Whether you want to become a podcaster or just listen to a few, here are some possible uses for real estate.

Do-it-yourself Video Property Podcasts, (Florida Association of REALTORS®, Jan. 2008). How one Florida REALTOR® is using video to differentiate himself and his firm from the competition.

Four reasons why every REALTOR® needs to video podcast, (ZDNet.com, Feb. 19, 2007).

Video Podcasts: Show off the House and Yourself, (REALTOR® Magazine Online, Nov. 1, 2006). Capture more listings and attract more buyers with video podcasts that put you on the cutting edge of innovation.

The Power of Podcasting (Part II), (Realty Times, Aug. 18, 2006). The different ways some top producers are using podcasting to boost their credibility, marketing results and even streamline their operations.

The Power of Podcasting (Part I), (Realty Times, June 21, 2006). The basics of podcasting from a real estate perspective. What you'll need, what you need to consider.

Ask Mr. Internet: Hitting the Waves, Tap the Power of Podcasting, (REALTOR® Magazine Online, June 1, 2006).


Podcasting Tools

Audacity — free audio editing software for PC, Mac and other operating systems.

CNET — advice on equipment, electronic ratings

Soundcloud — Platform to share audio to others via social media sites.

YouTube — the default video-sharing site.


Books, eBooks & Other Resources

eBooks.realtor.org

The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:

101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site (Adobe eReader)

The business podcasting book (Adobe eReader)

How to do Everything with Podcasting (Adobe eReader)

How to Say It® Marketing with New Media A Guide to Promoting Your Small Business Using Websites, E-zines, Blogs, and Podcasts (Kindle, Adobe eReader)

Podcasting (Overdrive Digital Audiobook)

Podcasting 100 Success Secrets - Start your Podcast Today: Production, Hosting and Marketing. Everything you need in easy steps to create your Podcast and tell the world about your Passion (Adobe eReader)

Podcasting for Dummies® (Kindle, Adobe eReader)

Podcasting: Do-It-Yourself Guide (Adobe eReader)

Books, Videos, Research Reports & More

The resources below are available for loan through Information Services. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Services at 800-874-6500 for assistance.

Hands-On Guide to Video Blogging & Podcasting, (New York, NY: Focal Press, 2006). HF 5548 F33

Podcast Solutions: The Complete Guide to Podcasting, (Berkeley, CA: Apress, 2005). HF 5548.5 G46

Podcasting Hacks: Tips & Tools for Blogging Out Loud, (Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly Media, Inc., 2005). HF 5548.5 H47p

Field Guides & More

These field guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:

Field Guide to Effective Online Marketing

Field Guide to Marketing with Blogs

Field Guide to Social Networking for REALTORS®

Information Services Blog


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The inclusion of links on this field guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this field guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.

Notice: The information on this page may not be current. The archive is a collection of content previously published on one or more NAR web properties. Archive pages are not updated and may no longer be accurate. Users must independently verify the accuracy and currency of the information found here. The National Association of REALTORS® disclaims all liability for any loss or injury resulting from the use of the information or data found on this page.

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