Photo courtesy of Martin Cathrae via Flickr Creative Commons

In my own response to “5 things that WON’T enhance your podcast,” learn how a few investments can improve your audio or video podcast. Each of these do cost time or money, but are well worth it!

Also read the conversation about last week’s episode in the Podcasting Technology and Resource group on LinkedIn.

1. Add video or audio with big “IFs”

If you’re hosting an audio podcast that has to explain a lot of things, consider releasing videos.

If you’re hosting a video podcast that is mostly a talking head, consider releasing an audio edition, too. This may help you appeal to the larger audio audience who prefers audio for its easier consumption.

2. Better mic, mixer, camera, or other equipment

Software very rarely enhances your podcast to your audience, but upgrading your equipment will!

Consider a better mic, or an additional one. Maybe a larger mixer for including more cohosts. Or maybe a nicer camera so your live-stream or published video can be higher quality.

3. More time

Time doesn’t cost money, but it is still a great investment. Consider how much better your podcast would be if you spent more time:

• preparing your topic,
• writing shownotes,
• blogging in your field,
• interacting with your audience,
• editing distracting parts of your podcast (but sometimes, mistakes are good to leave in, like when my iPad “exploded” in my clean-comedy podcast),
• finding more content,
• and more.

4. New knowledge

Learning new or better things may cost time, money, or both. But it’s another way for you to invest in your hobby or business. There are a lot of things we could all learn to improve:

• better mic technique,
• speaking/presentation skills,
• productivity tools,
• shortcuts and know-how on software you already have,
• and more.

5. Improved website

Your podcast isn’t only about the audio or video download! Your website is the home to your podcast, so it should be organized and welcoming to current and potential listeners.

I’ve previously shared 5 steps to an effective (podcast) website, and there are more things you can do or hire someone to do for you:

• make your website mobile-friendly (or at least compatible),
• encourage more subscriptions with effective calls to action (I mentioned CorrectionalNurse.net as a recent example),
• make money with affiliate links,
• better shownotes,
• optimize your site to load faster,
• redesign for facelift and memorable attractiveness,
• make it easier for visitors to find or share information,
• and more.

Please retweet this!

5 things that WILL enhance your podcast http://t.co/YvuBWnWV #podcasting

— Daniel J. Lewis (@theDanielJLewis) July 16, 2012

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