There are many ways to create an .mp3 file. Some methods include creating an mp3 directly from your editing system including Audacity, Garageband and others.
My preferred method is to use the free iTunes software. This gives you a better sounding file due to the technology (Fraunhoffer (best for voice)) that iTunes is using to compress your audio into the .mp3 format.
The video below shows you how to setup your iTunes software for compressing an uncompressed file (.wav or .aiff) into the .mp3 format.
The settings shown are my preferred settings for audio only (mostly voice) for podcasting. You can change the bit rate to your desired setting for the best compromise between size and quality.
After properly setting up the iTunes software to create mp3′s, I’ll show you how to add in metadata to your file. ID3 tags are the information that helps identify your podcast episode within someone’s portable media player such as an iPod, iPad, or Android device.
This information will display each episode’s title, description and album cover art as well as any other information you choose to include.
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Continuing where I left off in part one of this two part series, I wrap things up with a discussion about the remaining basic pieces you’ll need to start a successful podcast. I’m defining a successful podcast here as a podcast that starts off with all the core elements in place so that you don’t have to go back and fix the foundation of your show in the future. Often times, mistakes are made when setting up a podcast (understandably due to excitement and the rush to get started) that will often require an entire rework of the core elements of your podcast.
In this episode I guide you through creating artwork for your podcast, establishing an RSS feed, getting your show on various podcasting directories such as iTunes, marketing and promoting your podcast and a few extra elements to add to your show as you grow.
Most important of these factors is the proper setup of your RSS feed. The best way to ensure that you don’t run into major problems in the future is to use Feedburner to enhance your originating feed. This will not only help create a valid feed, add extras to your feed while allowing you to easily control its appearance but most importantly it will give you the ability to move your audio and/or video file host anytime you want without affecting your audience.
This episode, in combination with episode 050 (part 1), provides a solid foundation on which to build your show. You’ve learned how to produce a podcast and with this episode you learn how to enhance, deliver, and promote your show. All of these factors will set you up for a long lasting show that can be built upon as your grow your podcasting skills, knowledge and library.
Here’s a way to see if you have received any iTunes reviews and/or ratings for your podcast in different countries.
There are 123 different countries with an iTunes store. And although you can’t purchase from countries you don’t reside in, you can see your ratings and reviews for each podcast you have in the iTunes store. And it’s simple.
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If you use WordPress to create your podcasting RSS feed then you may have noticed that only ten or less of your most recent episodes are showing up in podcatchers such as iTunes. There’s a simple fix.
Simply adjust the default syndication setting (10) in the Reading section of your WordPress settings.
Click here to see a screencast tutorial of me walking you through the process. This works for both free sites on WordPress.com and your own installation of WordPress.
If you are having an issue with iTunes, or any other podcatcher, only showing your most recent ten (10) or less episodes and you are using WordPress to feed your podcast, this is the fix for you. Even if you are also using feedburner, changing this simple setting will allow more episodes to appear in [...]
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On this episode, Soundcloud.com announces that they will soon be supporting RSS feeds for their audio hosting service. I discuss what I think of the service for use as a podcast audio hosting solution and how you can get into the Soundcloud beta to be a tester for this new feature. Learn what options you [...]
Best viewed in full screen mode. Press play then select 720p HD version in the bottom right of the video player and then view full screen. In this tutorial I show you how to create a podcast ready RSS feed using either wordpress.com or your own installation of wordpress. I combine the power of wordpress [...]
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How long does it take before a podcast RSS feed is accepted into the itunes store once you have submitted it? When you’ve submitted your podcast to itunes and its not showing up in the itunes catalog, many podcasters start to worry that they did something wrong. So what do you do once you have [...]
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The importance of having a clean, easy to read, relevant show logo. Learn why your podcast’s show art is so important and how to improve on the one you already have or create one for free. Also find out how to use Posterous to host your podcast for free but reasons why you might not [...]
Learn why having a logo for your podcast is so important and how to create one for free. Also learn some of the most important elements of show logo design for maximizing the impact it has on your audience. right-click to download Subscribe to Podcast Quick Tips