TheHistoryOf.net

Podcasting has been around since 2004 and its presence on the World Wide Web is as common as blogs and video. Podcasting finds its roots in the weblog, which eventually became known as a “blog,” and in the Internet itself. Of course if it weren’t for the Internet neither blogs nor podcasts would exist. Both grew from innovative minds that recognized the potential for new types of communication.

Blogs started to appear some time in the mid 1990s. Suddenly, people could share their thoughts, knowledge and information with the world. Additionally, blogs allowed for two-way communication as readers could comment on what others wrote. This was a new way of sharing information.

Before the Podcast

Various forms of technology devoted to communicating more effectively were developed in from the mid 1990s through to the mid 2000s. Most important was the RSS (Really Simple Syndication (feed). This technology came to fruition in 1999 due to efforts by Netscape Communications Corporation. This newsreader could check for updates and allowed user to access those updates

Around 2000, innovator Dave Winer created the forerunner to podcasting, the audioblog. These audioblogs were recorded on MP3 files. By the mid-2000s entrepreneur Adam Curry became heavily involved in developing podcasting technology.  He’s credited with coming up with the idea to automate the updating and delivery of audioblogs.

Podcasting is Born

Curry’s idea is the manifestation of the podcast. Working together, Curry suggested to Winer that he rethink the RSS feed so that when a new MP3 file was posted it would automatically be updated via the RSS feed. Winer added a “file enclosure,” which told a computer where to download a new audio file that had been posted.

With that innovation, the modern podcast was born. In February 2004 writing in The Guardian the term podcasting was first used by Ben Hammersely in reference to audioblogging. He coined it by combing the word iPod and broadcasting. Then in September of that same year Dannie Gregoire used the same term to describe the process that Curry was developing.

The rest, as they often say, is history. As it is with some many new ideas, images and events in the Internet, the word “podcast” was seen over and over as in October 2004 people were writing articles regarding how folks could engage in podcasting.

In early 2005, the New Oxford English Dictionary recognized and defined the word “podcast.” By mid 2005 a keyword search of the term podcast resulted in over 2 million hits. The podcast was a reality.  

Benefits of the Podcast

The podcast is a common form of communication. It has proven to be extremely effective. Although most consider a podcast to be purely an audio file, there are also video podcasts.

This form of communication can be extremely effective for a few reasons. In many ways, it outperforms the blog. Here are some of the ways in which a podcast can benefit entrepreneurs, affiliate marketers and small businesses.

• Target your podcast, creating an effective message
• Allow people to get to know you and connect you directly with your company
• Develop an ongoing, verbal relationship with customers and clients
• Respond to customer feedback and questions
• Develop relationships with new clients
• Develop a reputation as an authority
• Offer free beneficial information and insights to possible clients
• Develop trust with the general public

When you think of it, it simply does not make sense to not utilize this technology.

Experience the Power of Podcasting Firsthand

Prior to preparing your own podcast take some time and perform some research by checking out what the competition is doing. Along with listening to podcasts from those who are in your line of business, you should also listen to podcasts by folks who you admire.

To get an idea of what an effective podcast sounds like, you can go to this affiliate marketing podcast. This will give you a good idea about how to focus, deliver and package your podcast. Utilize the podcast on a weekly basis to keep connected with your customers and to create new links with potential clients.

About the Author

James Martell is a recognized expert and frequently sought out speaker in the affiliate marketing industry. Founder of the Affiliate Marketers SUPER BootCamp, a premiere affiliate marketing training program, James has been teaching and mentoring others in successful affiliate marketing strategies for over ten years.  What James isn’t a self proclaimed guru. He’s a laid back guy who could be your next door neighbor but he’s also living proof that if you follow your passion you’re life can be much more fulfilling both in terms of financial rewards and the quality of life. James and his wife of 24 years, Arlene, live in a seaside suburb of Victoria, B.C. along with their four children.