Create your own podcast But first, what is podcasting? Podcasting is a new type of technology so here is some background for those who have not yet entered in this period. The definition on Wikipedia is quite good: "Podcasting" is that the audio files (most commonly in MP3 format) available online so that software can automatically download files to listen to my user convenience.The think podcasting is a cross between a radio and a blog. The advantage is anyone can produce a podcast with a little spending and only a basic knowledge of information technology. After having produced a podcast can allow people to register to receive updates when you upload your website. This is very similar to using an RSS reader to syndicate blog / news (more on that later). How to make and publish my first podcast? The first step for me was the research. I wanted to know what other podcasts, and sound like that of other people were doing (especially in my field of personal finance). This was also a useful activity to remove the fears that all the podcasts that are of professional quality - some are, but no more! Once it was established that no one else is doing what he was planning to do (with the exception of Martin Lewis, an expert on saving money, but it is more money to save financial planning) is the time to consider how to record my first record show.I scheduled shows ten minutes to reduce production time and also keep the file smaller. Because this is an audio file hosted on our site that wanted to make sure that it was not too big (to keep download times fast, but also to save the restriction on the bandwidth). To save the contents of my podcast for the first time attempted to use "Sound Recorder" that comes with Windows XP. This is not ideal for a couple of reasons. The recording time is limited to 60 seconds, which would have cut my exhibition planned in ten segments then perfectly time editing together. Also, I did not have permission to mention the support of the music (something I felt was important for a professional sounding show / introduction). Search the web and find some free software to try it on download.com. This software is called propaganda and 1.0 provides a complete solution for podcast creator. I downloaded the free trial to ensure that everything we wanted to be bombed, then $ 49.95 to activate the full version.o wanted to make sure it was my ten-minute podcast talking about Pensions me so I asked my sister to record some songs of the moment for me. These were simple bits of audio which can be used to introduce the program, split the content and purpose of using the podcast (my regulator waing / disclaimer). In terms of hardware that uses only a microphone headset, the same system to use Skype. This cost me? 10 in Dixons and do a good job in terms of a single registration voice.Using Propaganda can record the contents of the exhibition, are lined up to 16 different audio tracks (including some samples of music) and play with the calendar. The whole process takes a little 'less than 2 hours before I was happy with my final version.Publishing propaganda podcastThe this software very easy too. Basically there are three steps for the publication of podcast.1 - creating an MP3 file of the podcast. MP3 is the most common file format for podcasts, so I stuck with tradition. Propaganda has allowed me to convert the 16 audio tracks that were aligned in a single MP3 file and choose the best quality of the file. I opted for something mid-range, not too low, as the experience and the sound quality is not too high to keep the file size reasonable (less than 4 MB) 2 - host the MP3 file on your website. Use MS Frontpage to design my website and some freeware FTP to transfer files from my PC to the Inteet. To host the files even built a website that will tell prospective listeners a little 'more on my podcast, in general, and more on this podcast show.3 - making an RSS feed. Once again, the propaganda was made for me, with its publication office. The RSS is the syndication feed of content that allows players to find podcasts in your podcast and subscribe to updates. When a new podcast show RSS feed for this update (found on their website) and various podcast players think the new update and download the podcast listener.Promoting my podcastNow I had a podcast that I had to get listeners! I sent a request for help in an online network, Ecademy.com, and got some useful answers. It seems that the root is Apples iTunes podcast so I started there. It 'easy to get everything they need to know is the link to your podcast, web sites and RSS feeds. There is a process of selection so I had to wait a couple of days to get the list, but by Sunday moing I found my link and was able to use iTunes to download, listen and subscribe to my podcast.There have loads other podcast directories, but one that caught my attention was Britcaster.com. As the only UK podcast directories (most directories, including iTunes, are at the heart of the United States), which should lead to greater relevance audience.As as well as the inclusion in the various lists that I have added a blog on my website and a mention in my Ecademy signature. The combined effect of these two points is to get a high result on google.co.uk when the search term 'personal finance podcast "is used.I think of a good story to tell to the press today, since that this is a UK first for a podcast (personal finance an independent financial adviser). I have already had some positive responses from the press this weekend I intend to move to the next financial press.What to consumers? Well, besides working to demonstrate that the two plan to improve the quality of the performance over time. I might consider to get some 'jingle' that may occur in the mix to improve the sensitivity and quality of production. There is of course a matter of business for the production of this podcast as (I hope) that will lead to further research and greater visibility on the web and press.For who is considering its own podcast (or read this article and thought might be something you could do), I would suggest not to go! Podcasting is still in an early stage and not many people in the United Kingdom have adopted the technology yet. With the explosion in iPod and other MP3 players owned by all predictions of a massive growth of the podcast market.Because relatively few people produce their own podcast is a good time to get his own show in place before the capture of its competitors in idea.Martin Bamford is an independent financial consultant and Managing Director of Business Development Ciris limited (only 26 years, combining the finanical counseling high net worth clients with investments using cutting edge technologies to market and help develop the business of professional advisory firms in the United Kingdom.