Podcasting to Promote Your Real Estate

                                                                                         

Should a web-savvy realtor start a podcast to encourage people to come to their site? When done well, a podcast can bring listeners from all over the country, some of whom may generate valuable leads.

The Apple iPod changed the face of Internet communication, making it possible for people to create "podcasts", download able audio files that feature speakers on nearly any topic that one could care to find. They started as a kind of audio blog post, but people quickly realized that there was an audience for podcasts - the same people who have their favorite radio program often have a podcast they wait for every month. Despite the name, you don't need an iPod to listen to a podcast - any MP3 player will do.

Many people enjoy listening to podcasts because, unlike radio, they can pick and choose the subjects they listen to. If you develop a reputation for a newsy, insightful podcast about issues that are important to your target audience, it will make people take note. You can use your podcast to market yourself or your homes by pulling in people interested in the related topics that you cover.

The real estate industry has not been exempt - there are many podcasts on all aspects of real estate, from audio descriptions of houses that the realtor is representing, to investment advice.

It's amazing what people will like; don't discount this medium simply because you think you have nothing to talk about. If you have a funny story that illustrates a principle, talk about that. If you have a particular interest in heritage homes, talk about that. Everybody has a passion and chances are that if you can forget yourself and speak engagingly on your subject, people will listen.

If you're interested in starting a real estate related podcast, check out other real estate podcasts and find out what people are talking about and what the trends are. You can go either way - talk about what other people are talking about or focus on something new. Either way, find something new to say about a subject. Check out the growing number of podcast directories for podcasts you can download.

Be aware that there are intricate legalities concerning what you can add to your podcast in terms of music and interviews. Go to creativecommons.org/podcasting for more information.

You will need a microphone, headphones and an application to record your podcast. The need for a microphone is rather self-evident. Headphones are useful so that the sound from the speakers doesn't get recorded onto the microphone. As for programs for recording, you can start with a program called Audacity - it's free, works with multiple platforms, and is easy to use. Do a search on download.com to find the latest version.

The next thing you'll need to do is figure out what you're going to talk about. Sometimes it helps to write it out beforehand. Speak a bit slower than you would normally and make sure you enunciate your words carefully. If you make a mistake, don't worry too much; people aren't going to bother about it as long as you are normally clear spoken.

People are using e-mail, websites, and social networking sites to keep their names out in the real estate world. A successful podcast can help you gain attention and generate leads.

About the author:
For quality information about Margate homes, visit AllianceRealtyFlorida.com. Lisa Brodeur is a certified Realtor offering a wider range of professional services in the South Florida real estate market.

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