Podcasts and REALTORS: Another Way to Crush the Competition

Make a move to stand out among the rest.

Podcasting: it’s an idea spreading like wild fire, showing up in classrooms, replicating radio broadcasts, and now rearing its head in real estate. The term refers to broadcasting audio information over the Internet so others can download and listen to it. And no, you don’t need an iPod to listen to or view a podcast.

The added twist relevant to you… video podcasting.

The video podcast now opens the door to producing an audio report simultaneously with the video your audience sees. Sound like a step up from the Web-based photo tour clients typically see? It is.

The video podcast gives you the ability to narrate the entire video the way you see fit. Here’s a golden opportunity.

• You direct the viewer’s attention to relevant points of interest in the video.
• The viewer becomes comfortable with you and your style through the podcast.
• You offer potential clients something no one else has.

Take notice now.

Until recently, the equipment necessary to develop a video podcast could run somewhere between six and seven thousand dollars.

Oh, stop gasping for air. Everything you need to create a podcast is now available to you on the Internet (either free of charge or for very little cost.)

You can create your own video podcast for close to nothing with equipment you probably already have. A PC or Mac computer, a digital video camera, and possibly a higher quality microphone is all you need (your computer will pick up sound, but the quality can be improved with a separate microphone.)

Hop on the Internet and check out a few sites like About.com, Apple, and Podcastblaster to get a feel for how to create your own video podcast.

I would recommend a self-paced workshop to thoroughly take you step-by-step through the entire process. There’s a site I wish I would have found earlier!

After it’s complete, upload it onto YouTube and/or Google Video (both sites allow you to upload your videos free of charge) and post a link to the video on your site so your potential clients can get to it.

Quick. Easy. Free. Need I say more?!

If you think this “technology stuff” is just too hard, make it a priority to sit down, read about it, and experiment with it.

Here’s the thing with technology: a lot of it seems difficult because it is the unknown. We just don’t take the time to figure it out. Block out some time in your day, and make an effort to understand podcasting. If it’s not for you, drop the idea. If it’s something you want to try, do it.

Think about it: chances are good that your competitors are not taking the time to sit down and learn about something this innovative.

Podcasts at Work and Tap the Power of Podcasting are both excellent sources for REALTORS ready to dive into the world of podcasting.