Podcasting is one of the many vehicles we can use to get our message across to our audience of readers, listeners, clients and customers. If you’re a regular visitor here you probably know about my YouTube channel, but it might come as a surprise to you that I’ve been podcasting for almost two years. Earlier this week, I made the podcast available to a wider audience and you’ll be happy to know that you can download the Ms. Ileane Speaks podcast on iTunes. Yay!
As interest in the format continues to gain popularity, now is an excellent time for you to educate yourself about podcasting and how you can use it to expand your audience and perhaps grow your business. By definition, (according to Wikipedia) a podcast:
“is a type of digital media consisting of an episodic series of files (either audio or video) subscribed to and downloaded through web syndication.”
One crucial component to starting a podcast that cannot be overlooked, is getting the right podcasting gear. You might find podcasting gear to be one of the most fascinating and down-right fun aspects of the whole concept of podcasting. And just like anything else, you can take the high road and make a huge investment or you can try to do it on the cheap. I started out using a really cheap headset microphone that picked up tons of background noise and hum. I ended up somewhere in the middle of the road with a USB mic from Samson.
Podcasting Gear I’m Currently Using
The Samson C03U is the condenser mic that I’ve been using since 2010. I admit that when I first started using the mic, I didn’t know what I was doing 
I was fortunate enough to meet up with @mediacastguy on Twitter which was a blessing (and one of the reasons Twitter is my favorite social network). When he saw that I needed help with my mic he was nice enough to meet with me on Skype and walk me through all of the settings and explained how each one can be used. Once I got the mic set-up properly and found the “sweet spot” in terms of how far I need to place the mic from my mouth, the sound quality of my recordings was improved 100%.
If you decide to get this mic, let me know and I’ll be more than happy to pass along the settings to you. At less than $100.00, this is a great mic if you’re not ready to make the huge investment of a professional recording studio and it does a great job of capturing your voice without making you sound like you’re in a wind tunnel or an echo chamber.
Podcasting Software
When it comes to software, once again, you can take the high road and invest in professional software or you can take advantage of some of the low cost and in some cases, free alternatives for recording your podcast. I use a two step process, that starts off with Screencast-o-matic and ends with free software called Audacity. I talked about using Screencast-o-matic for recording YouTube videos but did you know you can use it for producing audio recordings also? In this video, I’ll walk you through the process and talk more about some other podcasting tools I’m using including the Logitech HD Pro C910 Webcam. Please watch this video I recorded called Podcasting with Samson C03U Mic and Logitech C910 Webcam
What podcasting gear are you using?
Have you started a podcast yet? If not, what’s holding you back? If you are podcasting, please let me know what gear you’re using so we can compare notes. Check out this awesome ebook from JontusMedia – Launch a Podcast to help get your podcast started.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Ms. Ileane Speaks podcast on iTunes and give it a 5 star ratings and review. Happy podcasting!
{ 69 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: BGJosh
January 25, 2012 at 8:59 AM
I’ve thought about podcasting, but so far have passed on it. It seems like a much bigger time commitment than blogging when it comes to making a high-quality product. However, it is good to know that if I do decide to make that plunge, I can get decent equipment for around $100.
Josh recently posted..Yomi Review
Twitter: Ileane
January 25, 2012 at 11:33 AM
Josh, if you compare high quality podcasting to creating “high quality” content on your blog or website, there’s not much difference in terms of time. In fact it’s probably quicker to make an audio recording than it is to type up a blog post.
Give it a try, all you really need is a mic. Thanks for your comment.
Ileane recently posted..Record A YouTube Video with Screencast-o-matic
Twitter: BGJosh
January 25, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Really? How long do your podcasts normally take you to record and edit, and how long do they normally run? Most of my blogs posts take around 30 minutes to an hour and a half (depending on pictures needed and length), so I’m wondering how they compare.
Josh recently posted..Quarriors Review
Twitter: Ileane
January 25, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Josh, it’s hard to put a time on how long it takes for me to write a post. The problem is that I never write the whole post in one sitting. I right the first paragraph or so, than I go looking for images or other articles to link out to, then when I come back I find typos or I end up re-writing parts of it….I guess if I sat still it would take any where from 3 – 4 hours. I want everything to be just perfect. With a podcast I just start talking and unless I make a serious blunder I go with it. It only takes about 30 minutes to an hour max for editing.
One thing I can suggest is to try recording your most popular blog posts as audio files. That’s a quick and easy way to re-purpose your content. In fact I need to take my own advice on that little tip.
Ileane recently posted..Do You Plan Before Writing Blog Posts?
Twitter: BGJosh
January 25, 2012 at 12:45 PM
That’s an interesting idea – I hadn’t thought about reading my reviews to be audio files. That does seem like a quick way to make a podcast… I may try that out sometime!
Josh recently posted..Yomi Review
Twitter: itrush07
January 25, 2012 at 9:08 AM
haven’t tried any yet but planning to use one real soon. Thanks for sharing your best podcasting gear.
IT Rush recently posted..3 New Anticipated Games for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC Games for February 2012
Twitter: Ileane
January 25, 2012 at 11:40 AM
It’s so easy to get started with services like Spreaker you can even record right from your iPhone or Smartphone. Let me know if you need help getting started.
Ileane recently posted..How To Embed YouTube Videos and Podcasts To Keep Readers on Your Blog
Twitter: sagarsharmas
January 25, 2012 at 11:01 AM
Podcasting software is great! Liked the post! Go on…
Sagar Sharma recently posted..Google unifying & rolling updates on its privacy policies and ToS
Twitter: doug_eike
January 25, 2012 at 11:23 AM
I am not currently podcasting, but I am creating audios for one of my blogs. I use Audacity, and I am quite pleased with it. I still have not learned all I need to know about how best to store and feed the files to my blog, but the reception of the audios has been strong. Thanks for the tips!
doug_eike recently posted..Seven Healthful Dinner Ideas For A Week Of Evening Meals
Twitter: Ileane
January 26, 2012 at 4:10 AM
Hi Doug, if you have the audios recorded, all you need to do is upload them to Spreaker and voila, you have a podcast! Spreaker has a great recording console but you can also upload mp3 and wav files with ease. That’s how I’m doing it. In CommentLuv I linked to an Audacity tutorial that explains how to generate the wav or mp3 files. Keep me posted.
Ileane recently posted..Audacity How to Save a WAV or MP3 File | Export Sound Format Tutorial
Twitter: tomshark
January 25, 2012 at 11:27 AM
Great stuff Ileane! I like your mic: the quality and the price. Chris Parillo sells another mic that is top of the line and pricey but it’s probably hard to tell the difference on most podcasts.
I luv podcasting because it usually means I can produce more great content in a shorter time frame than if I blogged it all. Plus, it’s great for Q&A and interviews.
Tom Shivers recently posted..Does SEO Trump Conversion?
Twitter: Ileane
January 26, 2012 at 4:39 AM
Tom, I find that there are a lot of professional podcasters who are admitted “audio snobs” and they encourage people to make huge investments in equipment. That’s fine if someone can afford it, but there are very affordable options out there and now with services like Spreaker, Audioboo, Cinchcast, Chirbit and others, all you need is a smartphone and you’re good to go.
You’re doing a great job with the audio interviews Tom. Thanks for adding to the conversation!
Ileane recently posted..Interview With Ms. Ileane of BasicBlogTips.com
Twitter: VirdiAmrik
January 25, 2012 at 11:44 AM
I listen to many of the podcasts featured in your post and I believe they are a superb way of keeping readers interested, I like to listen on them on the go on my iphone.
Amrik Virdi recently posted..10 Best Advices For New Bloggers
Twitter: Ileane
January 26, 2012 at 4:41 AM
Amrik! Thank you so much for saying that. Now I know that I have at least one faithful listener.
Ileane recently posted..New YouTube Layout and Channel Design
Twitter: sweetsfoods
January 25, 2012 at 4:01 PM
Hi Ileane,
I know and I listened you how wonderful you manage podcast and also video!
I’m still out of this media, but I recognize that is fundamental to have good products or the audio sounds terrible.
I didn’t know about Screencast-o-matic for audio, I’ll explore more about that.
My biggest constrains lately are time and my Spanish accent in the English record. Even, I thought to start podcast in Spanish and when I have more experience go to English, at least the tech aspects will be gone and only will need to improve my speech
Cheers,
Gera
Gera recently posted..Internet Marketing Graphics Plugin Review – Landing Pages and More
Twitter: Ileane
January 26, 2012 at 4:45 AM
Hi Gera, I’m probably the only one using Screencast-o-matic to produce audio podcasts but I’d love to learn if someone else is doing it that way! I really like your idea about starting a podcast in your native language. I know that Spreaker had a large number of non-English speaking podcasters because the service was introduced in Europe and they had thousands of podcasters before they entered the US market. I would listen to it just to hear your voice
Best wishes Gera!
Ileane recently posted..Interview With Ms. Ileane of BasicBlogTips.com
Twitter: vanmarciano
January 25, 2012 at 6:57 PM
Hey Ileane, glad to see your podcasts on iTunes, I’ll be busy catching up on some of your episodes on my iPod shortly, I’ve also given you a 5 star rating. I’ve just started off with podcasting but my setup is on a bit of a budget run at the moment, I’m just using a standard headphone microphone setup but it does the trick for now.
I downloaded Audacity some time ago but never got around to using it properly, but would like to as I’m using Spreaker to record directly at present however you can’t pause recording on there at all I’ve noticed. Anyway keep up the fantastic work as always.
Fabrizio recently posted..StudioPress Theme Package: Last Chance to Save Money
Twitter: Ileane
January 26, 2012 at 4:55 AM
Fabrizio, I was so excited to see that you started up a channel on Spreaker! Congratulations my friend.
Yes, you absolutely should be using Audacity to pre-record your audio and then editing and uploading your file to Spreaker.
The Spreaker console is great for the times when you’re doing a live broadcast or if you want to access any of their music tracks or sound clips from the Spreaker library. However, I rarely do a live broadcast, I use the uploading feature instead. Let me know if you have any questions on using it. Btw – don’t forget you can add links in your descriptions just like we can on YouTube.
You might end up getting interviewed on being featured on Spreaker like I did.
Looking forward to your next podcast episode. Cheers!
Ileane recently posted..How To Record a Podcast Using Spreaker
Twitter: FerbHinlor
January 25, 2012 at 8:14 PM
Hi Ileane,
Your Microphone looks good but I have question for you “why do you use Pro Mic” even though, there are lots of software available use to fix sound. Isn’t that cost you badly?
Ferb recently posted..4 Steps Being the Best Blogger in the World
Twitter: Ileane
January 27, 2012 at 6:09 AM
Ferb, I think I understand your question, but let me know if I’m wrong. This mic is really a basic USB mic. A pro mic would cost around $500 and up! I like this mic and the cost is under $100. Editing audio files is very time consuming and it’s not as easy as it sounds. Let me know if that’s what you mean.
Ileane recently posted..Interview With Ms. Ileane of BasicBlogTips.com
Twitter: FerbHinlor
January 27, 2012 at 7:25 PM
That’s pretty expensive, you shouldn’t bought that’s expensive Mic. I’m using the $30 Mic but I still can set the sound quality exactly like your $500 Mic.
Ferb recently posted..Guidelines for New WordPress Theme Review
Super lesson Ileane and I kind of like to believe that I helped inspire this post.
Either way thanks for sharing your knowledge and I have been practicing with Spreaker. I’ll definitely let you know when I’ve got something live.
Keep inspiring !!
John Komatsoulis recently posted..15 Point Check List for Your Online Business Website Launch
Twitter: Ileane
January 27, 2012 at 6:11 AM
John, I recorded the video and wrote the post based on your feedback and question from the other day. So for me, YOU are an inspiration.
Thanks so much for pushing me to do something I should have done months ago.
Ileane recently posted..Interview With Ms. Ileane of BasicBlogTips.com
I’m touched Ileane and happy to have provided you some inspiration.
John Komatsoulis recently posted..15 Point Check List for Your Online Business Website Launch
I think this is the first time I heard about this Pod-casting how I wish I can try this for me to know what is the best benefit using this. I have to admit you have given me a great knowledge I can adopt.
Kate Brown Wilson recently posted..loans
Twitter: abhibalani
January 26, 2012 at 12:23 AM
LOL what a preview of your youtube video.
I am not in podcasting, right now. But wish to enter soon.
Abhi Balani recently posted..Good Blogger And A Good Blog: What Are The Signs?
Twitter: Ileane
January 27, 2012 at 6:12 AM
I’m glad you watched the video, thanks Abhi.
Ileane recently posted..iTunes – Podcasts – Ms. Ileane Speaks Podcast
Twitter: uncommonchick
January 26, 2012 at 1:12 AM
Love your resources here Ileane and bookmarking this so I can come back and make sure I have what I need
I also will be sharing this with everybody that ask me about podcasting as I get that question a lot!
My first step (and easiest) will be to record some of my popular blog posts into audio format. Oh, and interviews are pretty easy to do as well.
You have sparked some new ideas for me with this post
~Kesha
Kesha Brown recently posted..The Misconception of Being Grown
Twitter: Ileane
January 27, 2012 at 6:17 AM
Hi Kesha, In a comment here Josh and I had the same conversation about recording an audio version of your blog posts. It would be a great experiment to try it with two different kinds of posts – one that got a lot of traffic and another one that didn’t get much attention. It’s possible that using audio will bring more attention to the slacker . Thanks for sharing the post Kesha. I appreciate you!
Ileane recently posted..Find Backlinks To Your Blog in the Dashboard, Technorati and Google Webmaster Tools
I only use FeedBurner, podcasting is a new thing for me, through this article, then I know its use, thanks Ileane
Andy recently posted..How to Know if Your Simple Resume is Free from Errors
Twitter: Ileane
January 27, 2012 at 6:18 AM
I’m not sure what you mean by using Feedburner but I’m glad you use it. It’s one of the best tools a blogger can have.
Ileane recently posted..Interview With Ms. Ileane of BasicBlogTips.com
Twitter: SaiTheGeek
January 26, 2012 at 3:24 AM
hai Ileane Smith ,
This is first time that i’m seeing your real life video with your own voice.very nice explanation
Twitter: Ileane
January 27, 2012 at 6:24 AM
Hi Sai, are your going to do a video now too so we can see you?
That would be cool.
Ileane recently posted..Interview With Ms. Ileane of BasicBlogTips.com
Twitter: BetterBloggingW
January 26, 2012 at 4:07 AM
I like to think of podcasting as the overlooked, red-headed stepchild in the content marketing family.
It’s rarely shown any love, even though it’s a wonderful tool for your brand and a great addition to nearly any content marketing strategy.
Shamelle recently posted..7 Twitter Retweet Tweaks To Encourage Others To Retweet You On Twitter
Twitter: Ileane
January 29, 2012 at 3:00 AM
Hi Shamelle, nice to see you here. Have you started up a podcast yet? Please share the link so we can check it out.
Thanks for your comment.
Ileane recently posted..Is Your Blog Post An Essay or A Novel?
Twitter: BetterBloggingW
January 29, 2012 at 10:16 PM
Hi Ileane,
Will get around to it soon.
I actually started a youtube channel for my blog, after reading your post about “How To Promote Your Content on YouTube”
Haven’t started a podcast yet. I guess I am a bit conscious about my accent and how it will be perceived. I am from Sri Lanka and English isn’t my first language.
Yes, one of those limited beliefs, I know I know.
podcasting is in my to do list
regards
Shamelle
Shamelle recently posted..7 Twitter Retweet Tweaks To Encourage Others To Retweet You On Twitter
Twitter: Ileane
January 30, 2012 at 3:10 AM
Congrats on getting on YouTube Shamelle! What is your channel name? I’ll be sure to subscribe.
Ileane recently posted..An Overview Of Guest Blogging
Well, Ileane, believe it or not, I’ve never tried podcasting. Now that I’ve read your article and I’ve understood how useful it is, I’ll give it a shot using your “tools”
Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.
James recently posted..How to Choose the Best Blender For Smoothies
Twitter: Ileane
January 30, 2012 at 3:11 AM
Hi James, give it a try and come back and let us know where we can find your podcast. I’m looking forward to it!
Ileane recently posted..Simple Ways to Get Free Website Traffic
Thats awesome that you’re now on iTune Ileane! Well done you
I’m going to go search for it and download it now. 
Harriet recently posted..Samsung Omnia W
Twitter: Ileane
January 30, 2012 at 3:11 AM
Thank you Harriet, I appreciate your support and your comments.
Ileane recently posted..5 Tips to Keeping Your Blog Visitors Hostage
Twitter: ForteProperties
January 26, 2012 at 8:47 PM
Podcasting is a great way to get yourself known and gain exposure to your website. Having a good microphone is also essential!
Austin Schools recently posted..Where To Find Owner Financed Homes Austin
Twitter: Ileane
January 30, 2012 at 3:13 AM
What type of mics have you tried so far? I’d love to hear about your experience with different the mics you have recorded with. Thanks.
Ileane recently posted..Record A YouTube Video with Screencast-o-matic
Twitter: careysuante
January 27, 2012 at 2:03 AM
As most commenters said, podcasting do take more time and effort however the results they bring for your online business is awesome.
It brings new readers and audience to your blog that “content” alone cannot.
Carey Suante recently posted..5 Reasons to Have Your Video Blogs and Podcasts Transcribed
Twitter: Ileane
January 30, 2012 at 3:16 AM
I think podcasting can be done quickly as long as you don’t spend too much time editing. Yesterday I was editing a podcast and I forgot to save my changes. Oh boy was I sorry for making that mistake. In that case you are right, took all morning to get it done possibly because I kept wanting to kick myself for not saving the first go round.
Ileane recently posted..Simple Ways to Get Free Website Traffic
I have been doing several different marketing tactics and I admit that I thought about doing pod casting as well. It doesn’t look complicated and I believe I could do it with the right technology. It would be discouraging to experience some complications and setbacks during the recording. I am sure your recommendations would make my first podcast memorable and convenient.
Kimberly recently posted..DTS Home
Twitter: Ileane
January 30, 2012 at 3:17 AM
Good for your Kimberly, please be sure to come back and let me know how it goes and where I can find your podcast.
Ileane recently posted..Best Small Business Book Awards Presented By SmallBizTrends
Doing a podcast would be a great addition to my marketing tactic. It isn’t as complicated in making a video as well. I like it that you recommended these software tools and devices. This will assure quality when I finally perform one.
Twitter: Ileane
January 30, 2012 at 3:37 AM
Dorothy, I’m glad you are going to start podcasting. I think you’ll enjoy it. Let me know when you’re all set up.
Ileane recently posted..How To Embed YouTube Videos and Podcasts To Keep Readers on Your Blog
Twitter: marketsecrets
January 28, 2012 at 10:36 PM
Ryan Diess and Perry Belcher recently spoke about how iTunes is a secret backdoor to traffic so I would be greatly interested in knowing how traffic flows to your podcast there Ileane..
btw, Peace to you to Queen!
Caleb recently posted..Why You Need to Backup Your WordPress Blog and Database
Twitter: Ileane
January 30, 2012 at 3:38 AM
Caleb, thank you for your lovely comment and salutation
Ileane recently posted..5 Tips to Keeping Your Blog Visitors Hostage
Twitter: makewebworld
January 30, 2012 at 2:48 AM
I have not started podcasting section yet but its in line for 2012. Nice mic, I will check the other tools and setup mentioned by you. Lets see how it comes out.
Sanjeev recently posted..Business Blogging: 5 Risks Which Needs Mitigation on Your Blog
Twitter: Ileane
January 30, 2012 at 3:39 AM
Hi Sanjeev, what mic are you using now for your YouTube videos? I think you’re doing a fine job with them. Thanks for stopping by.
Ileane recently posted..Simple Ways to Get Free Website Traffic
Twitter: makewebworld
January 30, 2012 at 4:37 AM
Its a regular comp mic, nothing special and does not have any advance feature. I guess it work with video in front.
Sanjeev recently posted..Business Blogging: 5 Risks Which Needs Mitigation on Your Blog
Wow Ileane, I am trying to prepare some videos for the first time. I’ve been blogging for a while but speaking and preparing video its the first. Some of the tips on finding the sweetspot as to how far do you stand from the mic and so on. Your the Podcast go to guru.
Eddie Gear recently posted..Amazon.com Open’s Out In India As Junglee.com
Twitter: Ileane
February 5, 2012 at 8:20 AM
Hi Eddie – now I’m blushing
Thank you!
Ileane recently posted..Blogger Interview: Marcie Hill of The Write Design
Twitter: marcie_hill
February 3, 2012 at 7:55 PM
Right now I’m using my digital voice recorder and audacity for editing. And I’m about to become an affiliate of B & H photo and videos. I love them. I’m about to raise up in 2012!
Marcie recently posted..Marcie Writes is Up and Running – Follow Me There!
Twitter: Ileane
February 5, 2012 at 6:33 PM
Hi Marcie, that’s great news! In a few weeks I’ll share my progress with the B&H affiliate program. One thing that impressed me that I got a personal phone call from welcoming as an affiliate. Best wishes with the program Marcie!
Ileane recently posted..Blogger Interview: Marcie Hill of The Write Design
Twitter: marcie_hill
February 5, 2012 at 10:38 PM
Please do because I really enjoy their products and service. I bought my camcorder and digital camera from them a few years ago, and it was a wonderful experience.
Marcie recently posted..Happy Update: I Have an Interview with Maya Angelou Next Week!
Twitter: marcie_hill
February 3, 2012 at 7:58 PM
Ileane, do you use the free podcast on matic or did you go pro?
Marcie recently posted..Special Interview: Christian Terisi, AWP Conference Director
Twitter: Ileane
February 5, 2012 at 6:36 PM
I have Screencast-o-matic Pro. All of the awesome editing features are included for only $12 per year. They just added some new features too and I can’t wait to explore them.
Ileane recently posted..Record A YouTube Video with Screencast-o-matic
Twitter: marcie_hill
February 5, 2012 at 10:37 PM
Ok, I’m about to make that investment, too!
Marcie recently posted..Happy Update: I Have an Interview with Maya Angelou Next Week!
Twitter: techtutshub
February 7, 2012 at 11:54 AM
Podcasting software is great! Liked the post! thanks for the sharing
Hammad Baig recently posted..How to backup and restore Posts and Comments in Blogger Blog or Blogspot.
Twitter: reachnathalie
February 10, 2012 at 12:18 PM
This is so interesting to me! You are doing such a wonderful job in sharing your great skills on how to be successful with podcast. It’s important that if we are going to start podcast…we have to do it well! Great post and loved your video ~ Nathalie
Nathalie Villeneuve recently posted..Heart, Vision And Self-Confidence
Twitter: Ileane
February 10, 2012 at 12:24 PM
Hi Nathalie, after visiting your YouTube channel I see that you have a nice set of gear going too! Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for some new videos and podcasts coming soon.
Ileane recently posted..Your Brand New Blog Engage Membership is Waiting For You
Twitter: blogger_navin
March 18, 2012 at 3:33 AM
Thanks for sharing your best podcasting gear. i will try it soon so i have bookmarked this page.
Navin kunwar recently posted..7 Pinterest Like WordPress Themes for Inspiration
Twitter: ish88an
March 24, 2012 at 8:45 AM
Podcasting sowtware is just awesome…. enjoyed the article, great one.
ishan recently posted..Top Wordpress Plugins | 10 must have wordpress plugins for your blog/website
Twitter: cwfgamecast
May 25, 2012 at 7:19 PM
I enjoyed your post. One thing I am curious about is what equipment you use when you record a podcast with another person, in person.
I use an Altec Lansin AHS-515 headset w/mic to record, into Audacity for editing, then into Garageband to combine everything (music, etc) and publish to iTunes via my blog, running on WordPress with the podPress plugin.
Levelator is also a good free program for normalizing the audio levels.
Twitter: sportssansar
June 23, 2012 at 1:49 AM
Thanks for the awesome post.. I will follow your podcasting gear article…. but one thing came into my mind that will it takes too much time?
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