If you’re creating a video podcast, the process is pretty much the same as an audio podcast. For the complete process, see my checklist for how to create a podcast.

The main difference is that you’ll need a video camera & video editing software. There are also a few more marketing angles you can use to promote a video podcast.

Keep in mind that you can easily do both. A podcast doesn’t have to be one or other other, but can be a combination of media files. See What is a Podcast? for details.

There are a variety of ways to create a video podcast. You have your traditional “talking head” video where you record yourself talking or giving a demonstration. You can also create screencasts for things like software or web-based tutorials. There’s also side-by-side Skype video interviews. Lots of options!

In addition to the items on the checklist for creating a traditional audio podcast, you’ll need a video camera and video editing software.

How To Create A Video Podcast: Hardware

I have a couple of inexpensive hand-held HD quality video cameras, similar to the Flip Video, which work great for shooting video on the go. Very compact and portable, and super simple to use.

I prefer the RCA EZ300HD Small Wonder for it’s simplicity, but mainly for it’s flip-out screen – which is ideal for self-recording. With a Flip and most other handheld camera styles, which do not have a flip-out lens, you’ll have a hard time framing yourself correctly in the video if you’re on the other side of the camera.

I’m currently looking at upgrading to a higher quality camera to set up in my home office. Not necessarily pro-quality (or pro-price) but a good high quality mid-range HD video camera that also takes quality still pics.

While reviewing Jeff Walker’s free product launch formula blueprint, I noticed that he had a camera listed in the resources section – so I’m checking that out. It’s the Canon VIXIA HF S20 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder – 2010 MODEL and looks like it will fit my needs nicely for high quality video podcasts:

So the first step is a decent quality HD video camera to shoot your video podcasts. And yes, the Flip or similar will work. I’ve even seen people record video podcasts via iMovie on a Macbook Pro.

Tip: You want to record & publish your video podcast in HD format so make sure you have a camera that supports that.

Next is video editing…

How To Create A Video Podcast: Software

I use iMovie on the Mac for video editing, and Camtasia Studio on the PC. There is also an open source video editing software similar to Camtasia called CamStudio.

Anyone can shoot a video and upload it to YouTube, but for a video podcast I recommend you go the extra mile. Create a custom intro, use cool transitions, etc. I’m no video pro myself, but you can study the help files or tutorials for your video editing software. You’ll also find tons of tips & tricks on the web.

If you are not the creative type, you can get a video intro clip created fairly easy. Just post a job request at freelance sites, or ask around for recommendations. You can also purchase a stock video – or a video theme/template to customize yourself. Search Google for “video intro theme”, “video intro templates”, and “introduction video clips” as a start.

Once you create your first video podcast episode, you’ll want to upload it to the web and start building your subscriber base.

Just like with an audio podcast you’ll need a host that offers plenty of storage & bandwidth – at a low price. The ideal hosting solution is Amazon S3.

The PodPress WordPress Plugin, which I recommended for audio podcasts, also supports video podcasts. It will create an RSS Feed for your video podcast which you can then submit to iTunes. It will also allow you to embed your episodes into individual blog posts, which you can optimize for free search engine traffic.

In addition to these basic promotion strategies, with a video podcast you’ll have the added benefit of being able to submit your feed to video podcast directories.

Refer back to the checklist on How To Create A Podcast for links and additional resources for setting up your video podcast.

Have questions – or want to share additional tips & resources for how to create a video podcast? Leave us a comment below!

Best,

p.s. Subscribe for email notification below so you don’t miss a single post in this Podcasting series – which is also where I’ll send you the free report on how to create a podcast. That report won’t be available for free any other way so be sure you are subscribed now if you want to get a copy!

Guest post by Alice Seba of Contentrix.com

Today’s technology makes it easy to brainstorm and create content on the go.

Just look at Lynn’s gadget closet – she’s got a Droid, an iPad, MacBook, a handheld video camera… and certainly plenty more handy dandy tools.

This girl can write it, record it and even publish it from absolutely anywhere!

But the good news is, you don’t need to buy all the coolest tools and gadgets to create content on the go.

You probably have what it takes to put together several weeks of content in the next few days…even if you don’t take a step toward your computer. Personally, I have a busy life and my computer screen time is limited, so I work things in where I can…all the while keeping control of my life, my obligations and having fun too…

Of course, technology helps – so I’ll be talking about a few options, but even if you just pick and choose from what you already have readily available…you’re still golden. And who knows, this increased productivity might earn you enough to indulge in a little gadget you’ve had your eye on.

On the Go Activities:

• Idea Brainstorming: Even if you don’t feel like writing out complete articles, posts or emails…you can come up with ideas wherever you are. Set aside some time for brainstorming during a time where you aren’t productive (think waiting for the kids to come out of school, at the doctor’s office) and challenge yourself to come up with 10 topic ideas.

• Ideas on the Fly: Sometimes ideas strike us when we least expect it. If we something happen in a store or we just had a conversation with someone, we might be inspired with an idea. Then we get home – and we forget. Avoid this, by jotting your ideas down.

• Writing Content: Personally, I tend to be very inspired and focused when I am away from the computer, so I do quite a bit of writing on the go. Often I put together email messages, promotions, articles and blog posts when I’m out and about.

• Audio Recordings: Sometimes we can’t stop to write things down, but we can easily create a recording to share with our readers or have transcribed. It might be a recording of just ourselves or an in-person or telephone conversation that we turn into content.

• Videos: Take a video of yourself talking, demonstrating something you’re already doing or anything that would be of interest in your market.

• Photos: A picture is worth a thousand words. It’s easy to take a quick photo wherever you happen to be. Whether you’re sharing something personal from your own life, a scene or something else relevant to your market – there are many photo ops available if you’re ready for them.

Keep these in mind as you’re out and about next time and see what content you might create while you’re having your car serviced, are lounging by the lake or are waiting for your takeout dinner to be ready.

On the Go Tools:

Again, you don’t have to have all of these…but you probably have a few of them available to use, so get in the habit of keeping them handy.

• Paper & Pen: Ah…the good old classic. A notebook and pen are always with me, wherever I go. If you’re high-tech, you might invest in the Livescribe pen what can turn your written words into audio recordings and transcripts.

• Digital Notes or Smart Phone: A digital device that allows you to take notes makes it easy to later import to your computer and you don’t have to fuss with paper. It really depends on your preference or what is most convenient at the time.

• Digital Audio Recorder or Smart Phone: Carry some type of digital recorder with you and you’re ready to create content at a moment’s notice. Record your thoughts and publish them to your blog. If you’re meeting someone who is an expert in your market or a fan of your niche, record a quick interview and you’ve got content! If you’re talking on the phone, call into a teleconference service that will record your conversion. Try freeconference.com – you just dial a U.S. based long-distance number and pay a small fee for the recording.

• Camera or Smart Phone: Most of us carry a camera around with us at all times, right in our cell phones. The quality of phone cameras is ever-increasing and it makes it easy to load our photos to photo-sharing services and social media sites.

• Mini Video Recorder or Smart Phone: Video is becoming a staple on mobile phones as well, so even if you don’t have a Flip camera or other trendy device, you might just have a video recorder available to create content at anytime.

Hmmm…there seems to be a common theme. How many times did I say “Smart Phone”? It is an ingenious device for online business owners. Whether you already have one or don’t have one yet, let’s talk about…

Embracing the Smart Phone:

As I said earlier, you don’t have to have all the fancy gadgets to create content wherever you are. Even if you’ve just got a digital camera with a notepad and pen, you have plenty of possibilities. But if you’ve got a Smart Phone along for the ride…you have virtually limitless possibilities.

Some people shy away from any type of Smart Phone because they hesitate to be “too connected” or “chained to their business”. I guess it really depends on how you use the phone. There’s no need to load up all your business email addresses and check every stat at every given moment because yeah, that would just mean you’re working 24/7. However, there’s something to be said about being able to get away from the computer for the day or however long you’d like (or need to) and still work on building your business value.

Lynn has her Droid. Many have a Blackberry. I personally have an iPhone and there are countless other options. Many apps (or applications) are available across platforms or you can often find something similar available on different phones…but let me share some of the things I can do with my iPhone.

My iPhone (or insert your own device here) is a:

• Phone: Great for recording conversations, with permission of course. I can use Skype or regular old-fashioned dialing.

• Note pad: I use the default note-taking program, but there are many other sophisticated apps you can download to create and organize your notes.

• Camera – Still & Video: A quality camera that makes it super-easy to load pictures online. I even have apps to edit my photos for even more possibilities.

• Audio Recorder: This is a device I’ve recently embraced, thanks to Ed Dale. The recorder creates m4a audio files that I can easily load to my server.

• Social Media Device: Sharing content through Twitter and Facebook is a snap.

• WordPress Management System: The Wordpress app allows me to post, edit and manage comments on all my WordPress blogs.

• Feed Reader: Great for content inspiration, sharing and more.

• Dictionary, Thesaurus & Encyclopedia: All the knowledge I need is at my fingertips.

In short, we have so many opportunities available at our fingertips to create content. We don’t have to sit at our computers and say, “I am going to write X blog posts,” or today, “I will write X articles” and then sit there until we’re done. Before you know it, the day is done and we’ve sat there trying to force creativity. Live your life and allow inspiration to come to you…wherever you happen to be.

It’s a sunny day. Forget the computer. Grab a towel and head to the beach instead. You can create content anywhere you go.

About the Author: Alice Seba is the creator of Contentrix.com. With a focus on using content to create relationships, loyalty and results from writing, she loves helping online business owners get more bang out of their content. Click here for your free Profit with Content guide.

Wowsa – I’m behind on opening my mail (again!) And I really need to get those checks to the bank -lol. If it seemed like I was in a rush this time, you pegged it – I’ve been running at full speed all week. I’m heading out today for Atlanta, to attend the NAMS Workshop this weekend. And I really needed the video camera in the box at the bottom of that pile!

The camera & mic I unboxed were ordered from Amazon:

• Aiptek Action HD GVS 1080P Hi-Def Camcorder
  with 5x Optical Zoom
• Audio-Technica ATR-35S Lavalier Microphone

Also, remember the golf balls I got in the mail awhile back? And the look on my face, no doubt. You might recall that I sent those to Tyy – and he has sent us back a picture. Love it! No broken windows at my house, and Tyy and his super-cute kids will actually get to enjoy them

Have a great weekend! I’m off to the bank with this stack of affiliate checks and then heading off to Atlanta. I’ll be testing out the new video camera, finally unboxing the Macbook Pro, and all kinds of cool stuff – so stay tuned for more fun pics & videos from the trip!

Best,