Essential Tools for Podcasting

It seems that many agents are slowly, but surely, becoming painfully aware of the rapidly-evolving technology that is at their fingertips to improve their efficiency, offer better customer service, and enhance their Internet presence. One of the new technologies that exist to keep you in-front of your prospects/customers and create more sticky content to your site is informative podcasts.

Although, the overall work required is far less than you would expect for the impressive end result, it may be more prudent to outsource such work to a professional virtual assistant or some other provider.

However, if you decide to go it alone (as I often like to do...so I can say that I gave it a try )... Here are the tools that you will need to get started. This is a 3-part series post that will include:

* Essential Tools for Podcasting
* Podcasting Production
* Advanced Postcasting - Getting Your Content to the Masses


Essential Tools for Podcasting

1. Powerful Computer

I won't delve into much technical detail about this, but most likely if your computer is less than 2 years old and free from memory-hogging software and viruses... you should be fine.

2. A/V Editing Software

PC: Windows Movie Maker for Video Editing; Audacity for Audio Editing (both are FREE)

Mac: iMovie for Video Editing; Garageband or Audacity for Audio Editing (both are FREE)

3. A/V Hardware

* Built-in Mic
* Wireless Mic (I recommend a Sennheiser Lavalier)
* Studio-Monitor Headphones (not your Bose ones for your iPOD)
* Speakers
* Interview Kit - if you plan on conducting over the phone interviews, etc. (Purchase a telephone-recording adapter from Radio Shack)
* Tripod
* Video Camera (I've listed some minimum spec requirements below that you should consider when purchasing)
o Digital DV
o Mic Input
o Handheld (not too bulky)
o Firewire/iLink port
o Manual White Balance
o Image stabilization

Most store salesmen can point you in the right direction...



Check back soon for Part 2: Podcasting Production (to include a step-by-step how to and common timelines for podcasts...)



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