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Podcasting presents a great opportunity for both large and small companies to get more exposure. A recent report by eMarketer said that the podcast audience in the United States will reach 10 million in 2006 and increase to 50 million by 2010. With this kind of growth you just can't afford to ignore podcasting as a marketing avenue.

But the question is "just exactly how do you create a podcast?"

There are literally hundreds of ways to create a podcast and with so many choices it can be confusing.

For beginners the easiest way to create a podcast is to join either Odeo.com or Evoca.com. Both sites give you the ability to create a podcast and make them available to a web community. Of course for greater control and distribution for your podcast, its better to create your podcast with your own equipment.

The first piece of hardware you need is a microphone. It's important not to go cheap with this. A poor quality microphone will produce an inferior sound and make you sound unprofessional. You can find high quality headsets with microphones for only 20 or 30 bucks at your local Radio Shack or Circuit City.

Next you need software. Audacity is a free software program for recording that is hands down the most popular and the most used for the do-it-yourself podcaster. You will also need an MP3 encoder to convert your audio file into an MP3. The LAME MP3 encoder is popular and iTunes for Mac and PC can convert recordings into MP3 for free. Using these resources will get you going without spending much money.

Now if you're looking to get the highest quality equipment for podcasting there are more choices. I would suggest using a Sennheiser e845 supercardioid microphone, connected through an M-Audio FireWire Solo Mobile Audio Interface, using Sony Sound Forge for the software.

Now if you need to record telephone interviews and make it into a podcast there are a few options. The first option is a mix and mash solution with Skype to initiate the call and Audio Hijack Pro to record the session. Another option is to use JK Audio Inline Patch to record the interview directly to your computer, use a Plantronic DSP microphone headset to record your voice, using Audacity to process the audio files, and then Audio Acrobat for the listen lines.

Clearly there a many ways to create a podcast. Make sure to use one of the options that I covered and you will be set to go in no time.

You will also find that a great deal of practice is important. Once you have your podcast sound smooth and professional, you will create content that others will like well enough to pass it along to friends and family.