Why Use Audio in Your Blog?

If you've dreamed about becoming a radio personality, or if you have a message you think would be more insightful if read out loud, what's stopping you from adding audio (or a podcast) to your blog? In this article, Linda provides some examples and feedback on how audio can enhance your blog entries.

How to Add Audio to Your Site

If you are interested in adding audio to your Web site or blog, there are four simple steps you can follow. I’ve also added a few links to help you learn how to create audio.

1. It doesn’t matter what you use to record the audio.
2. Save your finished audio show at maximum quality in the native format of your audio application.
3. Convert the file to MP3 format. MP3 is the defacto standard format for podcasts.
4. Upload the file to your site.

What I liked about all the sites I offered above is that the audio does not begin until you push the button. The reason I like this is that an audio download that is automatic when you come upon a page can slow the download of the entire page. Additionally, I may not want to be assaulted by your audio. Let me have the choice of whether or not I want to listen to your audio.

1. Make Your First Podcast – a simple instructive article about MP3 audio.
2. Making a Podcast – note that Iain has his poetry available on iTunes. You can, too. Great, but intense tutorial offered by Apple.
3. Create Your Own Podcast – Cnet has made the ability to create a podcast into a weekend project. Very detailed, great ideas. PS – a “microphone” can mean a tape recorder, especially if you have one with a USB plug-in for your computer.
4. How to Make a Podcast – Digital Trends offers a very simple and easy-to-follow instruction on this project.
5. How To Create A Podcast – New Media Update’s Podcasting News offers videos with step-by-step instructions on creating a podcast.

Conclusion

What makes the poets I mentioned exciting to me is that I have met many of them in person, and I am getting to know all of them better through Facebook.  The reason I’m imparting this information is that I used this same practice as a designer. I would get out to meetings, join guilds and groups and get to know some individuals in person. While much of this contact did not result in jobs, it helped to network to get to know job sources.

I doubt seriously I will ever get a “job” as a poet through my current networking. There are few poetry “jobs” out there, unless it’s a regular gig like Iain has with his local newspaper, or the possibility of earning money through a blog that features other poets, like Sherry Morrow, or if I become a Poet Laureate, which is much like wanting to become a president or a premier of a country. So, poetry, for me, is a genre that I hope will make my writing in other genres better. Additionally, there’s nothing like meeting poets, artists, designers and other creative individuals to help spur your own creativity.

As for adding audio to your fine art or design portfolio site, think about interviewing other designers or tape your voice as you describe your artwork. What motivated or inspired that particular piece? How did you create it? Has that work been sold, or is it for sale?

When you add your voice to your creative work, you have added a dimension that may appeal to many people who cannot find the capacity to tap into their own creative. You may open doors for potential artists who may not see the light of day without your voice. Along the way, you may make your work more accessible to your viewers, creating fans and admirers.

P.S. Don’t worry about your accent. It’s part of who you are, and provides the listener with clues as to your personality and adds a dimension to your reading or talking. Don’t worry about stumbling, as you probably are not an actor nor an actress. Don’t worry. Just do it.