Do You Really Need Podcasting Software Programs?
Michalis 'BIG Mike' Kotzakolios

It seems that everyone is crazy about podcasts these days, and as any enterprising soul should take this as his cue to capitalize on the ever increasing popularity of podcasting. What's stopping most web publishers from hopping aboard the podcasting bandwagon is the seemingly overwhelming technology that is behind this novel medium. This is quite unfortunate. The fact of the matter is, podcasting is very easy to accomplish, and anyone - and this means ANYONE - can create a podcast.

Do you need a podcasting software program to enter the world of podcast publishing?

The short answer: no, you don't. If you're using a Windows operating system, then everything that you need can be found in the preinstalled programs bundled with your OS. You just have to purchase a good quality microphone and you're all set to go. Windows Sound Recorder will allow you to record your episode. You could go back to selected section to do some editing as well. Windows Media Player would allow you to review the finished product to determine if further improvements are necessary. Windows Front Page would enable you to upload your podcasts to your web server, so that your visitors can download the same.

Why are there a lot of podcasting software programs available on the market?

The short answer: to remain competitive. The field of podcasting is fast being populated by big time players. Just try to sift through a collection of podcasts and you'll immediately see that a lot of them have high production values. Some web publishers even go to the length of hiring professional voice talents to deliver their audio message. These are your competitors, and you will need to find the edge to be able to keep up with them. And this edge is often provided by a variety of podcasting software programs offering different features.

Do you really need a podcasting software program?

There is no short answer to this question. There are some factors that have to be considered. Let's take a look at them.

* What is your target market?
* Are you planning to sell your audio content, or otherwise use the same to generate some profit from other means?
* Who are your competitors for the said market? How are they faring?
* How big a role does podcasting play in your marketing campaign, if ever you're using it for business purposes?

The answers to these questions are essential in determining the necessity of third party software. If you're catering to a distinguished market, and if you wish to make money from your podcasting endeavors, you have a collateral obligation to put out the best product possible, and podcasting utilities will help you achieve this goal.

BIG Mike is a well known author, developer and Adsense expert as well as the owner of Niche Maniacs - a unique Adsense Marketing System designed to build long-term passive income streams from Adsense, YPN, Chitika and other PPC services.