Adventures in Audio Blogging

Reading time: 3 – 5 minutes

So, I decided this week to try doing audio versions of my blog.  I’ve done one.  You can listen in here: http://michelleshaeffer.com/have-a-little-faith-in-yourself/2010/07/06

More are coming soon!

I’ve been having fun playing with two of the options, CinchCast and AudioBoo, and thought I’d share some info about each.

CinchCast.com

  • No set time limit
  • Cool widget features to share your Cinches
  • Created by BlogTalkRadio
  • Create from your computer, by phone, or their iPhone App
  • Share on Facebook, Twitter, CinchCast or embed on your site
  • Gives you an RSS feed that can be subscribed to through iTunes

My two cents: CinchCast was easy to use and embed on my blog. I really like that it allows me to see how many times a recording has been played.

Here’s what it looks like embedded on Facebook:

And on my blog:

AudioBoo.fm

  • 5 minute time limit
  • Record from the web or upload a file
  • Can sign in with a Twitter ID and automatically post your Boo to Twitter
  • Can link your account to Facebook, Posterous, Tumblr and Friendfeed, too
  • Can publish to iTunes as a podcast (http://forum.audioboo.fm/faqs/publishing-boos/creating-an-itunes-podcast)

My two cents:  It was super easy to record an AudioBoo with their pop up window recorder (this came in handy since I wanted to record a blog post I’d need to read while recording, I didn’t have to flip windows or open a new one). The recorder displays how much time you’ve used so you can keep an eye on the 5 minute mark.  Also very easy to post the AudioBoo to Facebook and it has a nice player there. Looks like this:

And here’s what it looks like on my blog:

Both got good sound quality when I recorded on my PC.  I use a Plantronics headset (like this one)  for audio.  I didn’t try the apps or phone recording.  If you’re going to record from your iPhone/Android/etc or by telephone I’d suggest testing those out on each option to see what type of audio quality you get and whether you like one app better than the other.

So, what am I going to do?  For now I’m going to give CinchCast a shot.  The listen count available on CinchCast is important to me.  I want to be able to see whether the audio versions are getting played so I know whether it’s a good investment of time (time quiet enough to record is tough with three usually-happy kids in the background).  I doubt I’ll go over 5 minutes but it’s nice to know I could if I wanted to.

If you do audio on your blog or offer a podcast, please do share your two cents below as I’d love to hear more about what works best for you and why (and I’m sure my readers would, too!).  Also, please include a link to your blog or podcast for us so we can come listen in!  :)

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17 Responses to “Adventures in Audio Blogging”

  1. Mtn Jim Fisher
    Twitter: outsourcejim
    says:

    hi Michelle!

    I’ve used audioboo to post audio comments on people’s blogs. have not used CinchCast, but like the features and that it’s tied to blogtalkradio.

    looking to incorporate audio on my blog, only one post so far with interview available:

    http://www.outsourcingcontrol.com/hibblers-excellent-outsourcing-adventures/

    just used a WP plugin to post the mp3. http://wpaudioplayer.com/

    Mtn Jim
    Mtn Jim Fisher\’s last blog ..Top 3 Internet Marketing Newbie Outsourcing MistakesMy ComLuv Profile

    • MichelleShaeffer
      Twitter: SmallBizMuse
      says:

      Awesome! I didn’t realize you could use it to post a blog comment, that’s a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

    • Gonzalo J. Suarez
      Twitter: gjsuap
      says:

      It’s a great idea to do audio comments on other blogs!! It could be quick and very atractive. Thanks, Mtn Jim!

  2. Lisbeth Tanz
    Twitter: lisbethtanz
    says:

    I’m always amazed at how the same ideas seem to hit several people simultaneously. I was thinking of doing this, too. In fact, I just learned about AudioBoo YESTERDAY. Small world. You sound great, BTW. How do you envision using this going forward?
    Lisbeth Tanz\’s last blog ..Jack Canfield- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for What You WantMy ComLuv Profile

    • MichelleShaeffer
      Twitter: SmallBizMuse
      says:

      Isn’t timing funny sometimes? :) I had briefly considered it in the past but didn’t really check into what tools were available out there until #blog30 motivated me to do it.

      I’m planning to record my blogs as audio and set it up so people can subscribe to it as a podcast through iTunes.

  3. MJ Schrader
    Twitter: mjSchrader
    says:

    Michelle!
    That is so crazy. I been thinking of changing my blog to offer once a week video and then a once a week audio. But while video is easy with YouTube, audio was beyond me. Like Lizabeth said, It’s funny the timing of it. Thank you so very much!
    MJ
    MJ Schrader\’s last blog ..WordPress 30 Menu VideoMy ComLuv Profile

  4. Gonzalo J. Suarez
    Twitter: gjsuap
    says:

    Hi Michelle!!

    I had the same doubt; after all, I decide on AudioBoo for the following reasons:
    1.- You can record on something else, then upload the file. So, I do my recording on GarageBand, add some music and effects, convert it to MP3 and upload in AudioBoo.
    2.- The social share tool on AudioBoo and it’s integration on iTunes is very good.
    3.- I found the interphase more elegant, and also can use it as a sidebar widget.

    But for longer than 3 minutes, I will try Cinch. (I started my blog as a radio capsule with a limit of three minutes).

    You or your readers can see the sidebar integration on http://gjsuap.com and for the Ultimate Blog Challenge there will be 4 AudioBoo post on my blog!!

    Saludos,

    Gonzalo.

  5. Gonzalo J. Suarez
    Twitter: gjsuap
    says:

    I don’t know why it’s reporting my twitter address like gjsuapgmai.com; its gjsuap only.

    ¿Can you verify why?

    Thanks!

    Gonzalo

  6. Daphne
    Twitter: BousquetCMP
    says:

    Thanks for posting this. I had downloaded the AudioBoo app on my iPhone a while ago, but haven’t really done anything with it. Good to know I can upload mp3s and post them on my blog as well.
    Daphne\’s last blog ..Marketing Your Workshop- What Are The Benefits Of Attending Your EventMy ComLuv Profile

  7. George Arthur Burks says:

    Cool idea. I just downloaded the plug-in. I noticed you didn’t read your post word for word. I thought that was a good idea since we talk different than we write. I’ll have to think about how to incorporate audio posts into my blog. I don’t think I would want to podcast all of my posts. Just the really good ones. But who knows.
    George Arthur Burks\’s last blog ..Top 10 Membership Website Tips – 9 Members Promoting Your Membership WebsiteMy ComLuv Profile

    • Michelle Shaeffer
      Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
      says:

      You know, I tried the first time and it just sounded weird – you’re right we don’t write like we talk. :)

      That’s a good idea to build a pod cast of the best posts.

  8. Karen Wilson Wehrle says:

    Like Mtn Jim, I use the wpaudioplayer plugin to add audio to my blog posts. I’ve done two so far.
    The one today is: http://www.personalfinancemoneymanagingblog.com/audio-build-wealth-with-positive-thinking-how-to-leap-your-first-hurdle/

    A couple days ago, I did this one: http://www.personalfinancemoneymanagingblog.com/audio-8-proven-money-saving-tips-that-are-proven-to-work/

    I can see your CinchCast and AudioBoo have superior social media capabilities. Your audio is posted elsewhere than just your blog. I might be able to put mine on Facebook, but it’s likely more work.

    • Michelle Shaeffer
      Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
      says:

      Thanks for sharing the links Karen, you’ve got a nice setup. :)

      Yes, that was one of the things I liked about CinchCast and AudioBoo–ease of sharing on social networks.

  9. Lyman Reed
    Twitter: lymanreed
    says:

    This is so awesome, Michelle. I’ve been thinking about doing audio versions of my blog posts ever since the walkcast I did last week. Thanks for the push, and for the tools to try (signed up for Cinchcast, haven’t tried Audioboo yet.)

    In the spirit of your questions, for my walkcast I used the native iPhone memo recorder, then converted it using Switchsound File Converter, and used the SSG Google Audio Player to play it from my blog. Using either Cinchcast or Audioboo sure seems a lot simpler! :)
    Lyman Reed\’s last blog ..You’ve Failed Before… and You’ll Fail Again Thank God For ThatMy ComLuv Profile

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Tweets that mention Adventures in Audio Blogging | Michelle Shaeffer -- Topsy.com says:

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Solo Entrepreneur. Solo Entrepreneur said: RT: @SmallBizMuse: Adventures in Audio Blogging http://ow.ly/183eiQ [...]


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