Lion's ROAR Marketing

Blog Talk Radio: Podcasting for Dummies

Blog Talk Radio LogoLetting your voice/roar be heard in the blogosphere can be an overwhelming feat, especially if you have no idea what tools to use to make that happen.  A couple weeks ago, I conducted my first podcast.  But before doing so I had to do a little research on what was out there that would allow me to conduct an interview with limited recording equipment, limited knowledge of audio recording and limited budget.

It’s hard to think of it as a coincidence that I saw an article in my inbox from Social Media Examiner about Internet Radio options a week before I started to prep my interview with Marvin Woodland.  Hear my interview here.  In the article, Social Media Examiner talked about a resource called Blog Talk Radio.  Immediately I checked out there website to see if I could use their platform to record my interview.

Setting up an account with Blog Talk Radio is very easy and took me roughly five minutes.  Here are the basic steps to do so:

  • Create a username, password and provide a valid email (You can also register with your Facebook account).
  • Determine a name for your show and a brief description (155 characters)
  • Select the category (there’s every one imaginable) and maturity level 😉

Then you’ll be taken to your profile page where you can add more extensive details like your URL and Twitter account information.  Also include a photo of yourself for everyone to see the face behind the voice.

Another thing to consider is whether to try out are the various packages Blog Talk Radio offers.  For one month free you can try out the Premium and Plus packages.  They include features, which allow users to schedule shows during primer times and for longer durations.  If you find you don’t know need the packages once you try them out, you can cancel them before your month trial is up, free of charge.

The MDW Group Interview by RyRosado

Here are some lessons learned from my recent experience using Blog Talk Radio for anyone considering using it:

  • Make sure you and your interviewee can 100% for sure record during the time you scheduled.  You only get one chance during that day to conduct your recording.
  • Allow 15 minutes for prep to make sure you have an internet connection, cell phone connection and a power source.
  • Scout a quiet location where no one will bother you during your recording session.
  • Allow the intro music to automatically play when you start your recording.  Don’t push play, it will just confuse you :-p
  • If you goof up during the first part you can always cut off the first part in iTunes (right-click and go to Get Info, then go to Options and modify the start time where you sound good).
  • Sound Cloud is a great tool to embed an aesthetically pleasing player into your web page or blog post (see embeded player file above).
  • Practice a few times out load and have notes handy.

All in all, Blog Talk Radio is a very useful resource for users who are occasional podcasters to full-time podcasters.  They have something for everyone and they make it so easy even a cave man can use it.  If you have used Blog Talk Radio before, drop a line and let your ROAR be heard!