Create Professional RSS Feeds

Create Professional RSS Feeds
By Sharon Housley

More and more companies are using RSS as a means to communicate, so having an RSS feed that is professional and well polished will help differentiate your company from your competition. What makes an RSS feed professional? Follow these simple steps to polish your RSS feed and take it to the next level...

1. Feed Image

Add an image to your RSS feed. The image will be displayed by many feed readers each time your feed is displayed. This will help build and reinforce your brand or image in the minds of people who read your RSS feed. Adding an image to an RSS feed is relatively easy, and adds a level of professionalism.

2. Images And Links

Add images and links within the RSS feed. The process of adding images and links to the description field of an RSS feed is really quite simple if you are using software to manage your feed, while it may be somewhat complex if you are hand-coding your feed. Incorporating images or hot links in the feed's content will allow your readers to explore further and dig deeper into your content. The added benefit, of course, are the additional web links back to your site from any sites that choose to syndicate or display your feed's contents.

3. Validate

Properly formed code is important, in order to ensure that all RSS readers can read and display your feed. But it is also very important for another reason... nothing is more embarrassing or unprofessional than an RSS feed that is broken or stops working. Use software to manage your feed creation, and validate your feed on a regular basis.

4. Easy To Subscribe

Make your RSS feed easy to subscribe to. Include the traditional RSS icon, or an indicator site-wide, so that website visitors can easily locate and subscribe to your RSS feeds. Include basic directions on how website visitors should subscribe to your RSS feed.

5. Auto Discovery

Add "auto-discovery" code to the HTML header of your website. Many RSS aggregators include an auto-discovery feature, which allows them to automatically detect when a website offers an RSS feed. So, if your website visitors are using one of those aggregators, they will instantly know that an RSS feed for your content is available from your website.

Instantly create auto discovery code - http://www.feedforall.com/autodiscovery.htm

6. Favicon

Add a "favicon" to your website. Favicons (short for "favorite icons") are typically a tiny version of a company or Web site's logo, and appear in the URL bar of the user's web browser. When a user bookmarks a specific Web page that includes a favicon, that Web page loads the customized icon into the user's browser. Because the favicon is usually displayed next to the web site address, it can act like a small logo or an icon that visitors can use to remember the web site or the site address. Feed directories and RSS Search Engines will often use a favicon beside an RSS feed's listings. So be sure that you have one on your website; otherwise, you'll have nothing but a generic icon beside your feed. Webmasters can establish branding by creating a favicon for their website. Here is a free service from HTMLKit: http://www.html-kit.com/favicon

7. Subscribe To Your Own Feed

Always subscribe to your RSS feed, so you can see what your website visitors are seeing.

While it is not essential to incorporate the above elements in your RSS feed, the additions will result in a more professional and polished RSS feed that stands apart from competitors in news aggregators and RSS directories. Spending a few extra minutes here could easily draw more attention to your feed.

Realtors use RSS to Expand Their Reach

Realtors use RSS to Expand Their Reach
By Sharon Housley

While many realtors have real estate blogs, which is quite evident in the directory of real estate blogs at http://www.real-estate-blogs/blogs/ many are missing the opportunity to extend their audience even further by using RSS Feeds.

What is RSS?

RSS is a standard format for syndicating content on the Internet. The content can be anything! Often, information contained in an RSS feed is syndicated on other websites, which expands its reach. Website visitors love RSS because they choose which feeds they wish to subscribe to. And if at any point they are unhappy with the content contained in the RSS feed, they simply unsubscribe and no longer receive notification of feed updates.

RSS feeds are becoming an essential tool for Realtors, who are struggling in a declining market. Real estate offices that adopt technology as a marketing tool will remain one step ahead of their competition.

Why Should Realtors Use RSS?

There is little argument that RSS can and will generate web traffic. Realtors using RSS feeds will increase the traffic to their website, and more web traffic means more potential buyers. RSS feeds will expand a realtor's reach and distribution, meaning that Realtors will reach new audiences using RSS feeds. RSS reaches areas through syndication that are just not as accessible through normal channels or traditional realty advertising. Technically-savvy investors with deep pockets keep watch for new listings, and they will frequently scan RSS feeds for specific locations. Using RSS feeds, real estate offices are able to draw attention to specific properties they decide to highlight in their feeds.

Additionally, RSS is far less expensive than a print campaign in the local newspaper or journals. In fact, the only real expense involved to Realtors interested in creating RSS feeds is the time that it takes to add content to the RSS feed each day. Realtors can use RSS feeds a number of different ways.

How Can Realtors Use RSS?

1. Sell Homes
Realtors can promote homes and properties using RSS feeds. The content distribution and syndication using RSS feeds will exceed that which is possible via a local newspaper advertisement.

2. Promote Rental Properties
Realtors can promote rental properties, or seasonal listings using RSS feeds.

3. Promote Open Houses
Real estate offices can announce and advertise open houses using RSS feeds.

4. Real Estate News
Realtors can announce office news, promotions, or home sales using RSS. Showing how quickly a property was sold may encourage other sellers to sign up with a realty office. Realtors can also monitor industry news using RSS feeds.

5. Town Demographics / Statistics
Realty offices can provide demographics and statistical information for regions in which they sell homes using RSS feeds. Statistical information in RSS feeds will attract buyers interested in specific area or regions.

6. Town Events
Realtors can give potential clients a taste of the local flavor by providing a calendar of local events.

7. Virtual Tours
Realtors can provide home buyers with virtual home tours that promote the property's best features. Real estate offices can simply include a photo slide show or video in the RSS feed's "enclosure" field.

8. Mortgage Rates
Prospective home buyers can monitor mortgage rates through a variety of lenders using RSS feeds. Loan rate changes appear in the RSS feeds as the new mortgage rates are announced.

9. Promote Commerical Property
Business opportunities and commercial properties can be promoted using RSS feeds.

It is no secret that the real estate market is struggling, and realtors using technology to their advantage could be the key to a realty office's success.

Blog Tips for SEO

Blog Tips
By Sharon Housley

Blogs are the current rage, and many webmasters have blogs but fail to use their blog to it's full potential. Blogs provide a steady stream of fresh content, and if this content is written and managed properly, blogs have the ability to increase a website's ranking in the search engines.

1. Host Your Own Blog
In order to prosper from a blog, be sure to host it on your own domain. Hosting the blog on your own server will maximize the links to your website. Link popularity is one of the factors search engines use to rank websites. Resist the urge to use free hosting services, do not give away your link popularity!

2. RSS Feeds
All blogs should have an RSS feed. An RSS feed will allow for your blog posts to be easily syndicated. The syndication will result in links back to your blog from RSS directories or others who display the feed. Blog entries should be available via an RSS feed. Website visitors who subscribe to the feed will receive notification when new blog posts are added. If the title is of interest, they will click through to your website. This gives subscribers an easy way to know when a blog has been updated.

3. Use White Space
Be sure to make your content scannable. Few website visitors actually read blog posts; most web visitors simply scan a blog entry to determine its relevance or point. With that in mind, the blog posts should be displayed in short paragraphs. Overly long posts should be segmented into concise paragraphs or broken into bulleted lists to make scanning easier. Avoid the urge to "clutter" the post.

4. Titles Matter
You only have seconds to grab the attention of scanners browsing your blog. Use keywords and catchy titles to draw readers in. Blog post titles can be bolded for emphasis and white space should be used to buffer the content.

5. Grammar Matters
You will be judged by your knowledge and use of the English language. Search engines will make note of blog entries that lack proper punctuation or capitalization. If a blog post does not respect the rules of grammar and punctuation, it is possible search engines will make the assumption that a bot cobbled together the posts leading to a potential ban.

6. Legibility
As with any web design select fonts carefully, do not use micro or macro-fonts. Colors should be web safe, making it easy to discern and read. The background and background color should not obscure the text.

7. Navigate
Give readers somewhere to go, include links to additional information resources or extended information in the blog post. Including links in the actual blog post will ensure back links should the RSS feed be syndicated.

8. Communicate
If you create a post about someone, let them know, they might surprise you and link back or they might blog about your blog post, essentially creating a virtual dialogue. This is an easy way to build link popularity. Be warned however, simply mentioning a popular blogger on a blog will rarely result in a link back, the content of the blog post must "grab" their interest.

9. Incorporate SEO
Blog posts should be written as you would write a web copy. Posts should be natural and make sense while still incorporating keywords and keyword phrases that relate to the content.

10. Speed Matters
Web pages that are slow to load will frustrate users, be sure to use reliable web hosting. Compress graphics to maximize load time.

Use your blog to help your website attract traffic. Attention to search engine optimization details could mean the difference between popular and unpopular.

Finance Companies and RSS

Financial RSS Feeds
By Sharon Housley

Financial institutions are reaching out to clients using RSS feeds. While banks and financial institutions are usually slow to adopt new technology, that is not the case with RSS adoption. More and more professionals are using RSS in innovative ways, to stay ahead of their competition.

1. Bank Rate Changes
Bankers are using RSS to communicate bank rate changes. Feeds are updated regularly to reflect changes to adjustable rate mortgages or the interest rate for CDs.

example:
Federal Reserve http://www.federalreserve.gov/feeds/

2. Stock Monitoring
Stock analysts monitor stock market changes using RSS feeds. As specific stocks and bonds rise and fall RSS feeds are updated. Many of the tools allow you to customize RSS feeds selecting the stocks or mutual funds that you wish to monitor.

example:
Smart Money - http://www.smartmoney.com/rss/

3. Mortgage Rates
Customers seeking housing can monitor mortgage rates through a variety of lenders using RSS feeds. Rate changes appear in the RSS feeds as the new rates are announced.

example:
Long and Foster - http://homes.longandfoster.com/RSS/RSS.aspx

4. Employment Opportunities
Members of the finance industry can monitor job opportunities using RSS. As new jobs in the financial industry become available the job listings appear in the RSS feed.

Example:
4 Finance Jobs - http://www.4financejobs.com/show_content.php?id=1144527197

5. Currency Exchange Rates
Banks, financial institutions and economists can monitor currency exchange rates using RSS feeds. As the changes the new rates appear in the RSS feed.

examples:
Currency Source - http://www.currencysource.com/rss_currencyexchangerates.html.
New York Federal Reserve - http://www.newyorkfed.org/rss/

6. Foreclosures
Banks are using RSS feeds to publicize properties that are available via foreclosures.

Example:
Foreclosure Listings - http://www.foreclosurelistings.com

7. Auction Opportunities
Estate auctions are publicized and announced using RSS feeds.

Example:
Auction RSS Feed - http://auctionrssfeed.com/feeds/auctionboard.php

8. Financial Industry News
Financial analysts can now monitor the latest financial industry news by subscribing to RSS feeds.

Example:
Money Central - http://moneycentral.msn.com/community/rss/MoneyFeeds.aspx

9. Venture Investment Monitoring
Venture funding capital investors interested in watching trends in venture funding can subscribe to RSS feeds to determine where the venture capital funding is going.

Example:
Almeida Capital - http://www.altassets.com/rss/rss_index.php

10. Personal Finance Tips
Blogs containing personal finance tips are common place. Some of the best personal finance blogs have RSS feeds available.

Example:
This is Money - http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/rss#rssFullList

11. Credit/Debt Consolidation Information
Tips on Debt management and credit consolidation are a common feed topic.

Example:
TRX Credit - http://www.trxcredit.com/rss/

12. Tax Laws
Accountants are using RSS to stay current on the latest income and sales tax laws.

Example:
Australian Taxation Office - http://www.ato.gov.au/rss.asp

13. Investment Properties
Real estate investors can now watch for investment properties using RSS. As new properties become available feeds are updated.

Example:
Property RSS - http://www.propertyrss.com/

14. Continuing Education
Accountants and those in the financial industry can stay current on tax laws or brush up on investing by listening to podcast lectures.

Example:
Educational Feeds - http://www.educational-feeds.com/

15. Monitor Real Estate Sales
The temperature of the housing market is of significant interest to many in the financial industry. Investors can monitor property sales by creating a zip code specific feed or by subscribing to feeds the cover a specific location.

Example:
Realty Feeds - http://www.realty-feeds.net

16. Investment Advice and News
Investors are using blogs and RSS feeds to provide a smattering of investment advice to attract clients.

Example:
Security Exchange Commissions - http://www.sec.gov/rss/news/press.xml

17. Bankruptcy Announcements
RSS feeds to watch for bankruptcy filings of individuals and companies that have entered bankruptcy protection.

Example:
US Courts - http://www.wiw.uscourts.gov/bankruptcy/

18. Corporate News
Financial companies must stay current on corporations, and there are often press announcements, new product announcements or legal actions. Monitoring corporate feeds will keep analysts up to date on the latest information.

Example:
Agilent - http://www.agilent.com/about/newsroom/rss/

19. Loan Rates
Monitor lending rates for student loans, car loans or home equity lines by subscribing to RSS feeds.

Example:
Student Loans Rates- http://www.studentloannetwork.com/resources/rss-feeds.php

20. Tax News
Stay current on tax laws and changes using RSS feeds.

Example:
Tax News- http://www.tax-news.com/asp/rss.asp

Financial companies can stay ahead of their competition and maximize their time by using RSS to stay up to date on relevant industry news.

More great examples of Financial Feeds:
Finance Investing RSS Directory - http://www.finance-investing.com
Michael Page - http://www.michaelpage.com.au/rss/page/7187/met/1.html

RSS Feed Use in the Legal Field

Legal RSS Feeds
By Sharon Housley

Lawyers have never been known as a technical bunch, but more and more often you see a lawyer with a palm pilot making appointments and a blackberry for those urgent messages. Electronic gadgets are now common in the courthouses across the US. Lawyers have increased productivity by utilizing technology so it should come as no surprise that lawyers are using RSS feeds as a means to grow and manage their practices.

Lawyers are using RSS feeds a number of different ways to increase efficiency and productivity. Common RSS feed usage in the legal field include:

1. Ego Feeds
First and foremost, lawyers want to know what is being said about their firm. It is easy enough to monitor search engines and news searches using RSS. Lawyers create what is commonly referred to as "ego searches". These are essentially keyword searches (the keyword is the firm or lawyer's name). Each time the keyword appears in the news article or search engine a new item will appear in the feed. Lawyers can click through and view the source of the mention.

2. Current Events
Similar to ego feeds, lawyers use RSS to track current events that are related to cases in which they are involved. This might involve monitoring specific news agencies or topics.

Ego Search Tools - http://www.rss-tools.com/ego-search-feeds.htm

3. Firm Public Relations
Won a big case, what better way to convey it than sending a press release? Naturally, this release should also appear in an RSS feed.to help increase the distribution and reach of the press release. RSS can also be used by large firms to announce press conferences at the culmination of a case.

Law.com - http://www.law.com/service/rss.shtml

4. Court Cases
RSS can be used to monitor pending court cases, and rulings that might effect a specific segment of law.

RSSGov - http://www.rssgov.com/archives/000036.html

5. Pending Legislation
Lawyers can use RSS to monitor legislation that relates to specific cases or topics. Lobbyists can monitor votes of politicians and follow their positions on important issues.

GovTrack - http://www.govtrack.us/

6. Client News
Ego feeds can also be used to monitor the word on the street about a client. Whether the client is facing a criminal trial or a civil case, the press can undoubtedly influence a trial. Monitoring the press for mentions help lawyers prepare the best possible defense or prosecution.

Ego Search - http://www.feedforall.com/ego-searches.htm

7. Legal Calenders
Industry events can be followed using RSS feeds. Legal conferences and events can be traced on public RSS calenders.

Law School Calender - http://www.law.uoregon.edu/cal/events/index.php?com=rss

8. Share Research Tools
Lawyers can use social bookmarking tools and RSS feeds to share web research resources with colleagues. This can reduce the amount of time spent researching issues.

del.icio.us - http://del.icio.us

9. Legal Employment
Job feeds are increasing in popularity in all industries. Lawyers in search of employment openings can subscribe to RSS feeds and learn about new employment opportunities as they become available.

4 Legal Jobs - http://www.4legaljobs.com/show_content.php?id=1144741774

10. Court Rulings
Many courts are now publishing court rulings in RSS feeds, making them available to the general public.

Court Rulings - http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/subscribe.html

11. Court of Appeals
Appeals courts are also adopting RSS feeds to allow interested parties to monitor decisions coming out of the court of appeals.

US Courts - http://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/fdocs/docs.fwx?submit=rss_ops

12. Legal Organizations
The American Bar Association has an RSS feed and podcast that discusses litigation. Lawyers can use RSS feeds to stay connected to industry information.

American Bar Association - http://www.abanet.org/litigation/litigationfeed.xml

13. Continuation Education
Many legal courses have podcasts available, and lawyers interested in expanding their education on a specific segment of the law can listen to audio podcasts or subscribe to video podcast lectures.

Education Feeds - http://www.educational-feeds.com

14. Legal Blogs
Many lawyers have expanded their practices by setting up a blog offering legal advice. Often the contents of the blog are syndicated using RSS feeds.

Law Professors - http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/antitrustprof_blog/

15. Cease and Desist
There is even an RSS feed that contains Cease and Desist Letters. As cease and desist letters are added, clinical law students can annotate them with questions and answers.

Chilling Effects - http://www.chillingeffects.org/index.xml

Lawyers have begun using RSS to stay ahead and adapt to the needs of their clients. Members of the legal profession are using RSS in very specific ways. RSS is more than simply a communication medium to lawyers, it is helping them filter information that is relevant to their practice and case load. Through RSS they are able to gain access to relevant information in a timely fashion.

RSS and Academics

RSS and Academics
By Sharon Housley

Academia has embraced RSS as a means to educate, but scrutinizing how educational institutions are using RSS feeds in their daily routines show RSS is utilized can vary across different industries.

1. Share Resources
Academics are using social bookmarking websites to share quality websites that relate to their area of expertise with colleagues and students.

Examples of Shared Resources:
Delicious - http://del.icio.us social bookmarking system, can be setup to use as shared bookmarks, RSS feeds are available CiteULike - http://www.citeulike.org share resources

2. Class Blogs
From elementary schools to university blogs, online journals have flourished. Instructors have used blogging as a teaching tool. Helping students learn writing and reporting skills while understanding how to use technology. Many educational bloggers use RSS as a means to syndicate blog posts.

3. School Schedule Sports Schedule
RSS feeds can be used to communicate events scheduled on or off campus to prospective and existing students. Subscribes of a schools calendar feed receive notification as new items are added to the calendar.

4. Podcast Lectures
Podcasts can be used as study guides or even as class preview for students contemplating their course selections or choice of professors.

5. Monitor Research
Students involved in cutting edge research projects can use RSS to monitor news and search engines for specific keywords (like nanotechnology or coldfusion) by creating search feeds. Any time a mention of the keyword phrase occurs in a news piece the item will appear in the search feed.

6. Professional Development
RSS can be used for remote education. Teachers can lose less class time while still staying current on the latest techniques, trends and information in their field of expertise.

7. Job Searches
Professors and teachers can create job search feeds. The RSS feed will update each time a position that meets their criteria becomes available.

8. Collaboration (writely/wiki)
Universities in particular actively participate in collaborative projects and research. New tools have never made collaboration easier. RSS can be used in conjunction with many of the online collaboration tools to notify other contributors of changes.

9. Search Feeds
Students writing papers or working on research papers on specific topics can create search feeds, so that each time that topic is mentioned they receive notification in their custom search feed.

10. Study Guides
Many websites that are focussed on studying. Have created RSS feeds that contain daily questions. There are feeds for "word of the day" or "problem of the day". Students can subscribe to the feed and integrate long term studying into their daily routines.

11. Medical Education
A study recently showed medial students who listened to heart murmurs on an ipod, were more likely to accurately diagnose heart murmurs accurately in patients. Some medical schools have begun adopting podcasts as a means to educate.

12. Scholarships
Students can monitor high school and college scholarship opportunities using RSS feeds.

13. Grants
Academic researchers can monitor funding and grant opportunities using RSS feeds.

14. School News
Schools big or small can use RSS to communicate school news with their population, announcing staff changes, new courses or any other news that is relevant and of interest to the student population.

15. Student Financial Aid News
Students and parents can listen to podcasts that assist with financial aid, student loans and financial podcasts that tackle difficult topics like how to make college more affordable.

Locate Educational Feeds and Podcasts - http://www.educational-feeds.com

RSS is well suited for the world of academia and educators have embraced it as a medium. Technology and communication for years have helped advance the educational field for years. RSS feeds and Podcasting is a natural fit for academics, and its obvious when we look at how teachers, students and professors are using it to further education.

Musicians Podcast

Why Musicians Should Podcast
By Sharon Housley

Independent artists have long struggled to gain recognition and attract an audience. Without the backing of a major label it can be very difficult for independent artists to obtain radio play time, that is, until now. Podcasting a revolutionary new medium, has opened new distribution channels for independent artists. Podcasting is the process of distributing audio files using the RSS format and has become very popular with the younger generations.

With the use of technology, independent artists have a unique opportunity available, using technology they can significantly expand the exposure of their music.

Why should a musician podcast?

1. Distribution Channel
The power of distribution is no more evident then when looking at the iTunes Music Store, with independent podcasts garnering millions of downloads. Notoriety has been gained and celebrities have been made. Independent artists who produce podcasts should include iTunes tags in their podcast feed and list their podcast in the iTunes Music Store. A listing in the iTunes Music Sore will significantly increase a podcaster's exposure.

2. Gain Interest and Fans
Independent artists can attract listeners by creating a podcast with a music sampling.

3. Send Demos
Indies always searching for the brass ring or wanting to be signed by a big label can use podcasts for their commercial demos. Artists can promote their podcast and direct agents and labels to the demos as an inexpensive means to get signed.

4. Get Gigs
Night clubs looking for entertainment will listen to podcasts to find bands or artists who target their demographic. Clubs will have an idea of what to expect from the artist. Musicians might find themselves with additional booking as their podcast becomes a marketing tool.

5. Promote Gigs at Establishments
Establishments will be more willing to sign artists who will bring new listeners to their club. Musician can use their podcast to provide additional promotion for any booked events. The additional publicity might be the deciding factor, if the club management is torn between booking two artists.

6. Build a Community
Developing a community is critical to an artist's success. Podcasting and consistent communication with loyal listeners will help encourage and strengthen a musician's fan base.

7. Sell CDs
Shareware has long been a staple in the software community, adopted as a marketing method, to allow users the opportunity to sample software prior to making a purchase decision. Independent artists can use podcasting to sell their CDs. Sample music files or single songs that are given freely will encourage listeners to purchase a CD with additional songs.

8. Reinforce Listener Loyalty
Loyal listeners or "groupies" who listen to podcasts will share the podcasts with friends and extend the bands reach.

9. Announcements
Podcasting can be used as an additional vehicle to announce new songs, albums, interviews or other information relevant to the independent artists performances.

10. Cross Promo Opportunities
Bands who have a similar genre can exchange adverts in their podcasts and increase both of their fan bases. Quid pro quo promotion that costs little but can result in huge returns.

Independent artists have a unique opportunity available to them. Podcasting is a fairly new medium that has far reaching distribution opportunities. Independent artists were once restricted by geography, playing at local clubs to increase their base. Podcasting has no borders.

Producing a podcast can mean the difference between success and failure for an independent artist.

Podcasting and Education

Podcast and Education
By Sharon Housley

Schools all over the country have flocked to podcasting as a new medium to assist the teaching profession. Professors are using podcasts to instruct students and get their messages out. Podcasting is not restricted to one educational sector, professors at prestigious colleges from Bentley to Purdue have flocked to this medium.

A growing number of professors are recording their lectures, the term coursecasting has been adopted in academia. Podcast lectures are used as study tools, and are available for students who might have missed class. Some podcasts are password restricted to students who are enrolled in that specific class. While other institution's publicly post their podcasts and offer non-enrolled students insight into the class material.

Why has podcasting been embraced by the educational field? The adoption of RSS is likely in part due to the demographic higher-education attraction. Most college students are young and well educated. Because of their age the students have embraced technology, they have always had technology as a component to their life. This demographic have grown up with computers their entire lives, technology has always been an integral tool in their education.

Bentley initially adopted podcasting in the course IT 101, to introduce students to the concepts of technology as they relate to business, ethics and social responsibility, global commerce and culture. Students are not only required to listen to podcasts, but also to produce their own podcasts. Bentley, understanding the importance, influence and power of technology felt that students would benefit by obtaining a complete and thorough understanding of the podcasting medium.

Certain subject material lends itself to podcasting more than others, for example: foreign language lessons are ideal for podcasts because students can listen to accents, intonations, and speech patterns. Students listening to foreign language podcasts are able to hear and experience the language outside of the classroom.

Some educators are using videocasts to demonstrate science labs and experiments. The portability of the videocasts make it easier for students to review labs, when critically analyzing their data.

Educators are known for their philanthropy and desire to share their knowledge. Technology and podcasting as a communication medium have made it easier for educators to collaborate, share and provide material in a portable format. Podcasting allows professors to extend their reach outside the classroom. With the hectic pace today's students keep between classes, commuting and employment, podcasts fit, allowing students to maximize their commute and use their time efficiently while juggling it all. Just as home computers have become an integral tool in the educational field, todays hectic lifestyles make the need for educational podcasts and videocasts only more evident.

Additional Resources: How Podcasts and RSS are Used in Education http://www.small-business-software.net/rss-and-academics.htm

Locate Educational Feeds
Educational Feeds - http://www.educational-feeds.com
Educational Podcast Network - http://www.epnweb.org/

Podcast Interviews

Podcast Interviews
By Sharon Housley

Podcast Interviews
Conducting a successful podcast interview can be a tricky proposition for a podcaster starting out. Once you have determined individuals that will appeal to your target audience contact potential interviewees and arrange a time to conduct the interview. Following this guide will insure that the interview goes off without a hitch.

1. Prepare Questions in Advance
Prepare a list of questions prior to the interview, contemplate possible follow-up questions based on the expected responses. Create a list of notes along with the questions that are accessible during the interview and will help you direct the conversation.

2. Research Interview Subject
Do your homework about the individual or individuals you are interviewing. A little due diligence will go a long way. Search newsgroups and Google for the interviewees name, product, or company, and build a background. The research will help predict the interviewees responses to your questions. Listen to previous interviews in which the interviewee participated, read their blog and articles to get a feel for the interviewees position on issues.

3. Confirm Pronunciation
Confirm how the pronunciation of the interviewee's name prior to beginning the interview! It will save you from any potential embarrassment if the name is incorrectly pronounced.

4. Scope
Explain the scope of the interview to the person you are interviewing. It is important they are aware of the expectations, agenda, time and format of the podcast show. Create a stock email to send to interviewees that explains the format and tweak the email for any special cases.

5. Hardware and Software
Be sure to inform guests of any required hardware or software that they must install prior to the interview. The more advance notice your provide the easier it will be for your guests to be prepared.

6. Test!
Test equipment prior to beginning the interview. Check sound quality, and volume levels to make sure that the settings are correct.

7. Relax
In order to relax your guest spend a few minutes chatting before the interview begins this will put them at ease and relieve some of the guests interviewer's nerves.

8. Avoid Yes or No
Ask your questions in a logical sequence. When framing your questions, avoid questions that will result in "yes" or "no" answers. Questions should be open ended and you should encourage your guests to elaborate on their responses.

9. Provide Guests Tips
Make suggestions to your guest prior to the interview. Encourage the interviewees to talk slow, articulate their words, and to remain a consistent distance from the microphone throughout the interview.

10. Stay in Control
Keep in mind that YOU are the interviewer and you should be directing and controlling the conversation. Occasionally that means you might need to interrupt your guest or bring them back to the topic at hand. There are ways to effectively do this without being rude, practice language that you might use, or better yet watch television interviewers when involved in a conflict and take a cue from the language and techniques that they use.

11. Time Cues
Let your interviewer know that you will provide time warnings and involve, use statements like: "one more question", or "let's wrap this up, can you quickly tell me" to cue your guest that time is almost up.

12. Give Thanks
Thank your guest on and off air. Provide them a copy or link to the interview. Encourage your guest to link to the show, this could potentially bring your show some additional publicity for your show.

Locating Podsafe Music

Locating Podsafe Music
By Sharon Housley

Nothing really polishes a podcast more than background music or theme music. In the music world, these music segments are referred to as intros and extros. While many enjoy streaming Internet Audio and recording songs they like over the Internet, these songs cannot legally be used in a podcast.

PodSafe Music
Podsafe music refers to music specifically for podcasters. The music is licensed in such a way that podcasters can purchase a license to include the music in a podcast without incurring additional fees or expenses. In order to use traditional music that is heard on the radio in a podcast, podcasters may have to pay royalties for each time the song is played. Some music files licensed under public domain or creative commons are exempt from royalties and these songs are available for use in a podcast, but generally when searching for music to include in a podcast it is probably best to stick with music that is specifically designated as "podsafe".

Where to find Podsafe Music:
Fortunately the popularity of podcasting has spawned an industry of "podsafe" music. All podcasters need is an Internet connection, and they can have access to a variety of songs and musical clips that are deemed podsafe and available for use in podcasts.

Podcast Themes
If you want your podcast to have a distinct sound and you lack the talent to create a theme consider using Podcast Themes. Podcast Themes can create a unique musical theme for your show. Podcasters will own the rights to use the podcast theme and the podcaster will not be required to pay royalties for the themes use in podcasts.
http://www.podcasthemes.com/

Podsafe Audio
PodSafe Audio promotes music that is licensed under Creative Commons. Musicians can upload their music to the Podsafe Audio website. Podcasters can use the music files in their podcasts, they just need to credit the musician in the podcast, for the musical clip.
http://www.podsafeaudio.com/

Instant Music Now
Instant Music Now provides professional digital quality background theme music for purchase. Podcasters must voice over the music in intervals of 30 seconds or less. In other words podcasters cannot allow any music segments that exceed 30 seconds in length without any additional commentary.
http://www.instantmusicnow.com

Opuzz
Opuzz provides royalty free music to podcasters. Music clips can be purchased for as low as $ 2.99, there are no additional licensing fees for the use of purchased music clips.
http://www.opuzz.com

IndiePodcasting
Indie Podcasting podcasts offer a way for webcasters, broadcasters, and podcasters to find quality music content from new Independent and unsigned musicians. The promo podcasts and artist directory contain only 2 minute versions of songs, these clips can be used in podcasts but the artist should be contacted about the clips use. Those wishing to play full versions of the songs on the air or promote them in a podcast should contact Indie Podcasting for additional licensing information. http://www.indiepodcasting.com

Sound Effects - Partners in Rhyme
Partners in Rhyme provides royalty free sound effects, that can be downloaded and used in multimedia projects. A note of caution however, podcasters should be aware the Partners in Rhyme website does include a disclaimer, that the sound effects are believed to be in public domain but Partners in Rhyme is not responsible for verification, meaning if you use a sound effect and it violates a copyright you will be responsible.
http://www.partnersinrhyme.com/pir/PIRsfx.shtml

NeoSounds
Neosounds provides royalty free music tracks that start at $ 6.95 per clip and sound effects are available at $ 1.65 per clip. NeoSounds complicates things a bit though; if the licensee uses the music or sound effects in public (as in podcasting), the "Licensee" is required to fill in and submit a cue sheet to a local performing rights organization (PRO). There are no additional fees associated with submission of cue sheets.
http://www.neosounds.com
http://www.neosounds.com/?mod=info&modfile=cue_sheet

Adding music and sound effects to a podcast does not need to be difficult. There are a number of podsafe music directories that allow for podcasters to locate theme music or sound effects to enhance their podcast. This new industry understands the complexity of licensing professional music and the majority of these repositiories provide royalty free music clips for podcasters to use in their shows. Music and show sound effects give show a professional edge and really make it difficult for listeners to discern the difference between a hobby and a studio broadcast.

Making Your Podcast Standout

Podcasts are relatively inexpensive to create, as a result, and the quality in published podcasts is extremely diverse. Corporate podcasts can be very polished audio productions while hobbyist experimenting with podcasts may have dogs barking and children's screaming in the background.

After all it is the content that matters right? Well no, not exactly remember when black and white televisions could "kind of" tune into stations it was just a hazy effect. How many continued to watch the grainy or flipping screen. Rarely was the show so riveting did it hold the interest of the viewer. Unless of course the content was forbidden to young eyes (as in the playboy channel).

Sound Quality Matters
Having a decent quality microphone is critical to ensure that the audio recording is a quality recording. Filter out extraneous noises, or select a recording area that will not be Interrupted. Use recording software that will allow you to edit out audio snippets that are subpar.

If you generally record in the same location a fixed mic is generally better. If you do field recording you will want to consider a cordless microphone.

Intro and Extro (Outro)
Using music to introduce and end the podcast adds polish to the overall show. You can licensee rights to podsafe music that will allow you to use music in a royalty free capacity. If your show is popular you might find that the music is linked to your show, as part of your brand, so you will want to choose it carefully. There are a number of podsafe music directories where podcasters can purchase music that is royalty free, meaning there would not be any recurring charges when using the music in a podcast.

Theme Music
As with intro and outros, theme music can add a level of professional to a podcast. It is illegal to use copyrighted music in your podcast unless you own the copyright or license it through the proper channels. Consider visiting one of the podsafe music directories to locate music that is reflective of your show.

Edit
It is not enough to record the audio for a show. Polished podcasts are produced using audio editing software. The editing software allows podcasters the ability to filter unwanted noises and edit any dead air or parts of the show you dislike.

Catchy Relevant Name
Keep in mind that many listeners will find your podcast through a web page or search engine. Your podcasts title should be catchy and related to the podcasts content. The podcasts title should contain a slogan that conveys the general theme of the show.

Add iTunes Tags
The Apple iTunes Music Store has a huge audience. Podcasters can tap the iPod audience by adding the appropriate iTunes tags to their podcast. There are software applications that will walk you through the process of adding iTunes to podcast feeds. After adding the tags simply submit your podcast for inclusion in the iTunes Music Store. The listing should appear within a few weeks.

Spin-It
Podcasts are now a dime a dozen. In order to truly stand out the show needs a unique angle, a unique view, an interesting perspective, something different from all the other podcasts out there.

Logo / Image
Add an image to your podcast feed, the extra step will add a bit of polish to your show. Many podcatchers or RSS readers will display the image beside the podcast listing. The visual effect will make your podcast jump out of the list.

Understand Demographic
Who are Your Listeners? Understanding your audience will allow you to cater to them. Know the demographics of your target audience. A well-defined target audience will also help you find show sponsors or advertisers.

SEO for Podcasts
Optimize your podcast shows summary for search engines. Be sure to include keywords or related resources in the podcast feed. This will allow search engines to spider the text for words that relate to your podcast.

Transcript or Show Notes
Many podcasters neglect to include a show transcript, podcasters should consider including detailed show notes or a transcript of the show in the description of the podcast feed. If you display the feed this will increase the likelihood that those interested will find your show in the search engines and podcast directories.

Podcast Length
The show should only be as long as necessary, without being a rambling. Most listeners will have a limited amount of time to listen to podcasts, as a result they will be selective about what they listen to.

Keep it Regular
Create a recording schedule and stick to it, if you don't have time to do it properly then skip a show, your listeners will appreciate that you did not waste their time.

Podcasts are becoming more and more commonplace, distinguish your podcast by polishing it and properly publicizing it.

Monetizing Podcasts

Monetizing Podcasts
By Sharon Housley

Making Money for Podcasts
Podcasts started out as fun ways for ambitious garage DJs, independent musicians and talk show hosts, who had not ventured into radio broadcasting as a way to show their stuff and make a name for themselves. What started as a hobby for many, has turned into a lucrative profession for some.

Not surprisingly, podcasters, just like radio stations, have looked for ways to profit from their on-air dialogue.

Sponsorship
Many podcasters profit from their podcast by having companies related to the show's content sponsor the podcast in its entirety. Sponsors might also sponsor specific themed shows or show segments for a fixed fee.

Sponsorship is usually indicated by an audio advertisement. Audio advertisements are typically 10 to 20 seconds in length, and they may be inserted into the podcast show at any point. Podcasts can also include what would be considered traditional commercials very similar to what is heard in a radio broadcast. Like radio broadcasters, podcasters can recruit advertisers directly that wish to advertise, or they can work with an ad agency to locate potential advertisers. Not be left out, video podcasters can also insert video advertisements into shows to raise revenue, similar to what would be seen as a television commercial.

Advertisements in Podcast Transcripts
Many podcasters create transcripts of podcasts, and post the transcript in an RSS feed. Podcasters will often sell advertisements to be included in the podcast show transcript. Podcasters can recruit advertisers directly and negotiate the advertisement price or they can use a 3rd party network that will automatically insert advertisements into their podcast feed. The most effective advertisements, are not surprisingly those that are contextual and related to the podcasts contents.

There are a number of third party services that work with podcasters to match advertising partners with podcasters. The advertising agencies attempt to match advertising content with the podcast's content. Pheedo and AdSense for RSS Feeds are two of the more popular third party ad serving platforms for RSS feeds. When using Pheedo advertisers select the categories of their advertisements, the categories narrow the types of advertisements that will appear in their feed. Google Adsense for Feeds uses contextual language in the feed to place the advertisements that most closely relate to the RSS feed's contents. If you are using Google AdSense for Feeds and wish to improve the advertisement's relevance be sure to include as much about the podcast show in the feed description. This will mean that Google will be able to use the language in your RSS feed to serve related advertisements.

Publicize other Ventures
Many podcasters use podcasts as a covert advertisement. They use the podcast to attract interest to other products or services through which they receive a revenue share. Some podcasters promote products through affiliate programs or they own multiple ventures and use podcasts to subtly promote their ventures.

Subscription Based Podcasts
No, not Cerious radio, some podcasters have moved to a subscription model where subscribers pay a weekly, monthly or annual fee to subscribe to the podcast show's contents. Podcasters can build a subscriber base and profit from the podcast subscriptions and renewals.

Communication
Other podcasters see no need to profit directly from the podcast. The podcast is used as a means to communicate, establish brand and name recognition. Podcasters can create good will in their industry by publicizing consumer alerts, health warnings or other relevant and valuable information.

Additional Benefits - Part of the Whole
Some companies may promote their product or service by offering podcasts as an added benefit. In other words the podcasters are not selling the podcast in itself, but customers receive access to the podcast as part of something larger. Many organizations have found that providing a podcast to members in addition to other member benefits is a great way to increase membership.

Podcasting once defined as a geek hobby, has now spawned an industry. Entrepreneurs have adopted traditional advertising mediums to the podcasting technology as a way to make some extra money.

13 Tips to Maintaining and Growing a Feed Subscriber Base

You have an RSS feed and you have worked hard to get the word out. According to your logs you have subscribers! Now the hard part: how to retain the subscribers to your RSS feed. Follow these simple steps to insure that your subscriber base will grow.

1. Original Content
A consistent stream of original content will do well to earn subscribers loyalty. The best RSS feeds provide content that is compelling and unique. Do not rehash existing content, look for a unique angle or spin if you wish to cover something that is hot in the blogosphere.

2. Quality Over Frequency
A posts quality is far more important than a post's frequency. Readers will tire of rambling or nonsensical posts that contain no real value. Time is precious and there are plenty of feeds and blogs, in order to retain readers provide quality not quantity.

3. Get it Right
Syndication has the power to do damage; misquoting or just plain getting it wrong can affect your reputation and perpetuate incorrect information. Be sure to verify all your RSS feed and blogs information prior to posting.

4. Literate
Blog posts are not instant messages: you should always use proper grammar, correct spelling and punctuation. Your posts are a reflection of your knowledge; content presentation matters and will affect how you are viewed.

5. Griping
Do not constantly gripe, no one likes a whiner. If you are going to complain it is not enough to point out problems, you should offer a suggestion for improvement or specifics on how to solve a problem.

6. Balance
Titles of RSS Feed Items and Headlines of blog posts should relate to the contents of the actual post. There is nothing worse than just tempting readers with information and not following through. Use catchy titles but be sure to follow it with related content. In your actual posts, strike a balance be sure to provide enough information without overwhelming readers.

7. Focus
Regardless of your RSS feeds focus' stay on topic! Your feed or blog posts will generally revolve around a specific theme, don't stray too far or you might lose readers. If your RSS feed has a specific theme, stay true to that theme.

8. Length Matters
Not too long, not too short it is a difficult balance, but your post length does matter! If a post is excessively long consider breaking it up or partitioning it into easy to digest paragraphs or break it up into multiple posts. Post length should be consistent throughout your blog and feed. Try not to vary it too much.

9. Credibility
As a publisher, you want to be viewed as a credible source. Posting or reposting inaccurate information will reduce if not nullify any credibility that you have. Provide credentials when offering an opinion and be sure any factual information is accurate before posting.

10. Link
Include links to any related information in the description field of your RSS feed, this is a great way to supplement content. Outgoing links will also often result in links back to your blog or website.

11. Consistency
It is important to remain consistent, try not to vary too much in your daily posts. Stay true to your formula for content if it is working .

12. Listen to Your Audience
Readers will often communicate what they like and what they dislike about your content. It is important that you stay in tune with what your subscribers like and don't like and make the appropriate accommodations.

13. Advertisements
Do not clutter your RSS feed with advertisements. If you choose to include advertisements in your RSS feed be sure to strike a balance between advertisements and quality content.

Starting an RSS feed or is not difficult to attract readers, it is however difficult to retain readers. By following a few simple unwritten rules you will find your subscriber base swell.

Top 10 Podcasting Do's and Don'ts

Consider following these simple podcasting tips to get the most from your podcast and make it stand out from other podcasts in the crowd.

DO
1. Make it Professional
Regardless of whether you are podcasting from your garage or a corporate boardroom there is no reason that your podcast cannot have a professional sound and feel. Use software to edit the audio file and filter background noise. Listeners will not tolerate poor audio quality. With the wide range of relatively inexpensive software and hardware available there is no reason you can not provide good quality audio podcast.

2.Transcribe
Provide listeners a transcript or detailed show notes in the description of the podcast feed. This will help prospective listeners locate your podcast using ... If you do not wish to transcribe the entire podcast be sure to provide detailed show notes and links to products mentioned in the podcast.

3. iTunes Support
With automated tools like FeedForAll it is easy to add iTunes support to podcasts. By listing your podcast in the iTunes directory your will significantly increase your podcast's exposure. With iTune's huge audience and distribution, podcasters are foolish to not target this channel.

4. Content
As important as audio quality is, it should not be at the expense of content. What you have to say is just as important as how you say it. Provide engaging content that is informative, educational or entertaining.

5. Subscribe To Your Podcast Feed
Subscribe to your podcast feed, this will allow you to see and hear what your audience sees and hears.

DON'T
1. Stray
Do not stray too far from the topic. If your podcast is about cooking it is probably not the best idea to go on a tirade about your political views. While you will likely interest some of your listeners you might alienate others. Focus is important, and critical for retaining listeners.

2. Ramble
Make a point then move on, there is no need for redundancy and rambling. Dead air, or "umms" will drive listeners away, keep your show moving. Do not be afraid to use audio editing software to remove any uncomfortable silence or repetition, it will make your show more professional.

3. Forget Meta Data
It is critical that you include appropriate and relevant keywords in your podcast feed title and description, this will help listeners locate your podcast.

4. Skimp on Bandwidth
There is nothing worse than building a large listening audience and being unable to handle the bandwidth loads. Use a reliable web host that can handle your shows bandwidth. Bandwidth and accessibility is critical to a podcast's success.

5. Ignore Your Audience
Do not ignore your audience. Create a venue for listeners to communicate with you, whether it be through email, a forum or a blog. Listen to what your audience is saying, and even more importantly listen to what they are not saying.

Monitor your web logs and monitor your subscription levels and bandwidth to know when a show is a hit. By adopting good podcasting practices, you will be on the path to podcasting success. Following these simple podcasting do's and don'ts will get you started.

Podcast Recording Tips

Podcast Recording Tips
By Sharon Housley

Before you begin podcasting develop a plan and a format for your show. Determine the focus of your podcast and what types of guests you would like to interview. Time spent planning your show will contribute to it's success.

Location, Location, Location
When you are producing a podcast on a regular basis it is important that you select an appropriate location for the recording to take place. The location should be free of external distractions and relatively quiet. It is easiest if you use the same location each time, that way the equipment can remain in place and will not require moving or setup each time you produce a show.

The room should have a carpet or furniture that will absorb echoes and dampen the sound. The room should also have a door, so that you will not have unexpected interruptions. Reduce extraneous noise by turning off fans or any equipment. Consider hanging a note on the door, so that you will not be disturbed while recording.

Recording Away from Home
When taking your podcast on the road it is equally important that the quality of the podcast is not compromised for the sake of portability. Consider using a directional microphone or finding a quiet alcove for interviews when on the road.

Equipment
Make every effort to minimize background noise, at the very least use software that will allow you to edit out extraneous noises that occur while recording.

While Recording
Before you begin recording sample different volumes and microphone distances and determine what levels result in the best recordings. To save time, do a test recording and listen to it prior to every show, this will help you catch anything that was inadvertedly unplugged. Spending a little more money on your microphone goes a long way.

Permissions and Contracts
The legalities surrounding audio recording are a bit muddled. Regardless of what the legalities are in your region, it is best that you request permission prior to recording anyone!

When requesting an interview with a specific individual, be sure to tell them the topic of the show and give them an idea what types of questions to expect. Let them know how long the interview is planned for and the format of the show. Let prospective interviews know whether the broadcast will be edited or will the interview be broadcast live. It is always a good idea to provide interviewees a link to previous interviews. If the interviewee will require any specific equipment or software, provide them ample notice and do a test run to ensure that everything is working properly.

Interviews
A little preparation goes a long way; if you have an interview scheduled, be sure to adequately prepare. Make sure that you can accurately pronounce the interviewers proper name, and ask them prior to the interview how they would like to be addressed. Research the interviewee and come up with a list of questions. In some cases it might be appropriate to provide the interviewee the list of questions prior to the interview, this will not only help them prepare but help them relax and prepare for their on-air debut. If you prefer not to tip your hand in providing the questions prior to the interview, then be sure that you have an idea of what their reaction and responses will be. Follow up questions should based on the interviewee's reactions to your queries. While broadcasting, use your research notes as talking points to direct the conversation. When you guest is talking let them explain their point of view; don't interrupt them unless there is a point to clarify.

Biographies of show guests should be included in the show notes or on the shows websites. Request the interviewee send a photo to be included along with the biography. After the show is published be sure to thank the interviewee and provide them a link to the finished interview along with instructions on how they can listen to the show.

Have Fun
Use voice inflections to add emotion and passion to your comments and questions. Use music between segments not only does theme music create a brand and audio identity, it also helps transition one segment to another. Intro and outros can soften a podcast and give it a little extra polish. Introduce your podcast at the beginning and end of the show. Remind listeners who and what they are listening too. This is your opportunity to establish your audio brand. And finally have fun, listeners will be able to tell if your podcast is a labor of love or a painful rendition, keep your spirits up and your mood light!