More and more communities are now publishing podcasts to promote and seek economic growth. Two great examples are the cities of Virginia Beach and Denver.

Virginia Beach’s Department of Economic Development began podcasting in March. Interviews have included a city councilman, the editor of Men’s Fitness magazine and retired NFL icon Emmitt Smith.

“We’re trying to show we’re really in tune with what’s happening,” said Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis, the department’s strategy and performance coordinator.

City of Virginia Beach Podcast

Matthew

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A lot of our clients have either published books or are in the development process of releasing a book.  Here’s an idea, what about releasing a couple of the chapters as a podcast?  That’s exactly what Seth Harwood did, he writes crime stories.  Seth started out the podcast route, eventually released his novel through Amazon with a small publisher, and how has been picked up by Random House.  It may seem strange to give away part of something you are creating and hoping to sell but it has several advantages.

I know feedback is a critical component to getting a book project off the ground, or I wouldn’t get so many manuscripts.  How about distributing that first chapter through your podcast feed to get feedback from listeners who are already supporters?  If you get  enought feedback then create an online forum for fans to participate, give you ideas and suggestions on what they are looking for.  This type of market research has an added value in building up an audience that is ready to go out and  support the book sales once it is released.  It obviously works for a crime story writer, can it work for you?

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