A Matter of Convenience

For those who are new to TED.com, it's a series of conferences featuring short presentations from experts around the world:

Just last week, I've started listening to TED.com audio recordings on my iPod. Rather, I should say I've started listening again to TED.com audio recordings.

I first came across TED a couple of years ago, and I eagerly downloaded their recordings. But then it I "went off" TED for a while ... until just last week.

During that time, TED has continued to produce high-quality presentations. So I didn't get turned off by the content.

So why the long break for me?

Because I just discovered that they have a podcast.

A podcast is an audio newsletter. Like an e-mail newsletter, which is delivered automatically to your in-box, a podcast delivers audio clips automatically to your iPod or other audio player.

The TED podcast means I don't have to go back to their Web site regularly to look for new material. I don't even have to click links in their e-mail newsletter. With the podcast, I simply connect my iPod to my PC every few days, and it automatically downloads the latest audio clips.

You see, a podcast is convenient.

And that's made all the difference.

Don't assume your clients and prospects are constantly visiting your Web site, eagerly waiting for the latest material you create. They aren't! Despite your best efforts - and even their best intentions - they just don't have the time.

Make it convenient for them. Write a regular e-mail newsletter for those who like to read. And publish a podcast for those who like to listen.

Key words: Internet Marketing, podcasting, Web 2.0, audio

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Gihan Perera is the author of "Get Active: Web Sites for Speakers, Trainers, Coaches and Consultants" and "Fast, Flat and Free: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead in a Connected World". Visit http://GihanPerera.com and get your complimentary copies now.

I would also appreciate receiving a copy of the issue in which it appears, if that is convenient.