Making News

(Sept. 11, 2007)

RSS FEEDS AND PODCASTS

The Next Great Marketing Tool?
By Monica Cubbage

Whether you’re just getting your feet wet or have been using RSS feeds and podcasts for some time one thing is for sure, they are unlike any online marketing tools out there.

Beginning with the fundamentals, an RSS feed is simply defined as “real simple syndication.” These “feeds” gather and distribute content to millions of consumers through aggregators, deriving from a multitude of sources across the Web including blogs, newsletters, headlines and podcasts.

The 411 on podcasts
Podcasts are a series of digital files disseminated over the Internet using RSS feeds, mobile media players and personal computers. They can be utilized to deliver news ranging from entertainment to breaking headline stories or the latest trends and updates from industry trade shows. An excellent way to reach your target audience(s), podcasts are the latest tool to circulate information quickly in today’s technologically-driven universe.

Should you incorporate into your marketing campaigns?
Business leaders everywhere are posing the same question: Are these online tools truly a beneficial marketing vehicle? The answer is yes.

Recently Yahoo! began to syndicate several of its news outlets using RSS feeds. The primary benefit of RSS feeds and podcasts is that they take you out of the spam clog. They are not emails, and users determine what type of content they receive and whether or not they wish to continue receiving it.

In our industry, an excellent way to utilize RSS feeds is for alerting potential customers of a new product launch. The product availability can be instantly communicated over the Web, and the best part is that consumers want to hear about it! When it comes to podcasts, consider using them to enhance a sales staff presentation or to impress potential new prospects. Combine your voice and music to create a persuasive and personalized message about what your company has to offer. Keep them simple, concise, relevant and fresh.

The bottom line
With the enormous growth of the Internet and innovative communication devices, the traditional means of marketing are ever-changing. To stay ahead of the pack and at the forefront of your consumers’ minds, consider using non-traditional marketing vehicles in your strategic planning. The software and rights to publish them are free – giving you the best bang for your buck.

The vast number of people gathering information via RSS feeds and podcasts continues to increase on a daily basis and this group of savvy, well-informed consumers can be reached with the proper marketing tools.

For more information on how RSS feeds and podcasts can benefit your company, contact us at bizdevelopment@kleberandassociates.com or call 770.518.1000.


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