Podcasting has become the new internet marketing trend, much like blogging had the last few years. If you search the internet, you can find podcasts on all subjects- interviews, “how-to” information, and even audio blogs.

Podcasts take their name from the iPod, the popular Mp3 player created by Apple. As stated above, there are many types of podcasts to choose from, and it can be hard to give a single definition that fits all those types. Basically, a podcast is an audio file created with the intention of communicating some type of thoughts or information to the public.

A large percentage of business podcasts are designed to be similar to a radio show. The podcaster may interview guests that have knowledge on their particular website topic, or the podcaster might go solo and do all the talking themselves.

What are some other reasons for having a podcast on your site? Importantly, it is a really good way to increase your website’s visitor traffic. People search podcast directories for new podcasts to listen to. Hopefully they will find yours and if they enjoy your podcast, will visit your website.

You can also use your podcast to promote products and affiliate links. For example, if you have an information product about dog breeding, you can talk about it on your podcast. If you are an affiliate for a dog biscuit manufacturer, you can provide a review of the product and tell your audience that if they want more information they can to a page on your site that will redirect them to your affiliate link with the company.

Podcasts will also help you develop relationships with your customer and prospective customers. Your customers will listen to your show, and will feel as though they can get to know you. As they continue to listen to your information, they will start to think of you as an expert in your particular field. You will become that person that they will go to for more information in that subject.

You can further monetize your podcasts by accepting sponsorships and advertising. For example, you could play an ad, similar to what you hear on your local radio stations or you could charge a fee for interviewing someone that wants to promote their product or service on your podcast.

If you’re interested in trying out podcasting, a very easy way to start is to use Audio Acrobat. Audio Acrobat is a monthly fee-based service; you record your message with a computer microphone or with your telephone. Through the audio service, you then create streaming audio players that you post to your website, as well as links for others to download your podcast to their computer or MP3 player.

On average, a website visitor will spend about 10 seconds looking at it before they decide if they will continue to stay and browse or leave. By adding an audio greeting, you can help peek the interest of your visitor, and keep them on your site.

When you have the opportunity to meet someone in person, you get to meet them face to face- introduce yourself by name, shake their hand, etc. Business on the internet is so much more impersonal, as you aren’t able to meet someone in the same way.

If you add a photo of yourself in the top right corner of your website and add an audio greeting that introduces yourself, you can let them feel as if they are “meeting” you in person. They can put a name to the website- they see who they are doing business with.

Another great way to use an audio message is to provide an auditory tour of your site. Instead of having to click through all your pages or search your sitemap, your voice can offer a guided tour through your website. If you are offering a free report, you could announce that. Whatever your message, it will help show the message that you are there guiding them through the website and are helping them.

You can also use an audio greeting to show your enthusiasm in your products and for your site. Your customers are able to see your products, but they cannot touch them on the internet. All you have to convince them to purchase is the words you put on their screen and some graphics.

An audio message can be the tool you nee to help you get the sale and increase profits. If you show excitement and enthusiasm in your message, you can spread your belief to your prospective customer. They will hear confidence in your products. Share with them why they don’t want to live without your product, and give them reasons. They will begin to share your energy and will want to buy your product.

There are endless ways to add audio to your website. You could have greetings on different pages, like your “about us” page, or your “contact us” page. If you’re adding audio, don’t forget to keep written print on the pages as well.

Print content needs to present on your site for the search engines, so you can get traffic. Your audio message can be the key to keeping visitors on your site.