Which Social Networks Are Right For Your Business? Part Four: "Audio Based Social Networks"
Content Marketing is about publishing online material that is unique, interesting and useful to the targeted audience. For some types of businesses, it may be very helpful to existing and potential clients to hear key staff members explain a topic, product, service, or something entirely unrelated but attention grabbing. In 2014, the popularity of Podcasting has skyrocketed into the mainstream. Among the many reasons why this decade-plus format has suddenly exploded are likely due to three reasons: the technology to produce high-quality audio presentation is now cheaper than ever, a consumer of a podcast can multi-task while listening, and more cars are now equipped with digital inputs to accommodate the ubiquitous smartphone. Now, not every audio presentation requires a podcast format - but it's a great format to look at for inspiration.
The following social networks are some of the biggest in the online audio publishing industry. The consumers and content publishers range in genre and format, so here we go:
Soundcloud
Soundcloud is a great place to host anything audio based and access a gigantic active network. Though the network is very popular with musicians and producers, it's not just for music. There are many brands that publish their interviews, special interests, lectures, customer testimonials - anything where audio is the primary focus. Strip away the noise and take advantage of the hugely active user base, innovative time-code based commenting system and very robust web-page embedding and sharing options. Soundcloud allows Free users 3 hours of uploads, Pro users (paid) get 6 hours, and Premier users (paid) get unlimited upload time and access to special analytics dashboards. Soundcloud is also one of the several music streaming services offered on T-Mobile's Music Freedom package, which means that Soundcloud data usage does not count against data plans.
Mixcloud
Very similar to Soundcloud, with some small differences. No limit on
upload time for free accounts, whereas there are for Soundcloud. Also,
they have no media take-downs in case that might be some issue. The
trade-off is a less useful user base. Use it for hosting and embedding
on web pages.
Podomatic
The easiest way to get your content directly onto the iTunes podcast directory. Once setup, all uploads go right to iTunes, and onto all your subscribers computers with iTunes or Apple mobile devices.
Audible
Audible is "a seller and producer of spoken audio entertainment, information, and educational programming on the Internet. Audible sells digital audiobooks, radio and TV programs, and audio versions of magazines and newspapers."
Stitcher
Stitcher is very similar to Audible, but more focused on general Podcasting rather than audio books. It "allows users to "Listen to radio shows and podcasts on demand, create custom stations, get personalized recommendations & always be up to date."
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