Tag Archives: podcasting

Report on RSS penetration

Posted in Marketing on by Paul Boag

Yahoo has published the first comprehensive research into RSS take-up. The results have made me reconsider how I present RSS feeds to the end user.

Key findings

The key findings of the report were as follows:

  • Awareness of RSS is quite low among Internet users. 12% of users are aware of RSS, and 4% have knowingly used RSS.
  • 27% of Internet users consume RSS syndicated content on personalized start pages (e.g., My Yahoo!, My MSN) without knowing that RSS is the enabling technology.
  • 28% of Internet users are aware of podcasting, but only 2% currently subscribe to podcasts.
  • Even tech-savvy "Aware RSS Users" prefer to access RSS feeds via user-friendly, browser-based experiences (e.g., My Yahoo!, Firefox, My MSN).
  • My Yahoo! has the highest awareness and use of any RSS-enabled product.

A good take-up level

Generally, I was very encouraged by the report. Although only 4% knowingly used RSS this did not concern me as 27% of internet users were consuming RSS without knowing it. The majority of people are probably only vaguely aware that the web pages they view everyday are built using HTML but that doesn’t stop people viewing sites.

Hard to add website feeds

What was more concerning to me is that 50% of people who did use RSS (whether they realised they were or not) only selected feeds from the default list made available by their newsreader. That means only 13.5% of internet users are actively adding feeds they find on third party websites.

It would appear from the report that this problem is largely due to the mechanism involved in adding a feed, and the terminology used. As an end user, you have to look for a feed button that could be labelled anything from "XML" to "web feed". Once I have found such a link I have to copy and paste that URL into the appropriate place in the newsreader. It is a messy process, which requires a high level of technical competence.

Yahoo provides a user-friendly approach

It would appear that Yahoo is firmly leading the pack when it comes to introducing RSS to the main stream. My Yahoo! Had the highest awareness level of any RSS enabled product with over 52% of internet users being aware of it. It also had the highest level of usage compared with its competition being 10% higher than its nearest rival.

In my opinion, this is due to the mechanism Yahoo has created for adding RSS feeds to its site. They have avoided hard to understand terminology and difficult subscription methods using their "My Yahoo" button. To add a RSS feed to their site all a user has to do is click on the "My Yahoo" button and they are done.

The future

This report provided an encouraging snapshot of the current penetration of RSS. I am sure that we will see continued growth of RSS and a broadening of the demographics that uses it. Currently RSS users are largely, young, educated, affluent men, but I am confident this will change in the same way that it has for the web as a whole.

My recommendations

So how should a website owner respond to this report? Well, if you do not already have an RSS feed on your site this report makes it clear you should certainly consider it. However, more significantly I think it highlights the need to change the way existing RSS feeds are presented. We need to change the terminology we use, support "quick add" functions like My Yahoo! and provide clear instructions on how to subscribe to a RSS feed.

In order to prove that I practice what I preach, I have reorganised the RSS feeds on this site. I now refer to them as website feeds, provide instructions on signing up for a feed and allow users to either access the feed directly or subscribe via My Yahoo!

Web Design Podcast (6) – The future of the web

Posted in Classic shows on by Paul Boag

So what does the future of the internet have in store? How will this affect your website? This week Paul and Marcus look at emerging technologies and how you can use them on your own site. All without technobabble!

Play

Podcast: Download (17.8MB)

To download the latest podcast click here.

Below is a brief outline of the things covered in this week’s podcast as well as links to some of the sites mentioned:

Avoiding the technobabble

What we try to do is explain the complexity of web design in a way that is accessible to those who are responsible for their organisations website but do not necessarily have the hands on skills to build a site.

The boagworld.com blog and podcast aims to avoid in-depth technical discussion. After all, there are many people out there already doing that. What we try to do is explain the complexity of web design in a way that is accessible to those who are responsible for their organisations website but do not necessarily have the hands on skills to build a site.

With that in mind, this week on the boagworld.com podcast we look at how the web is changing and what impact this will have on your site.

Web 2.0.

The web is currently undergoing a dramatic transformation and many people have referred to this change as the birth of the 2nd generation web, otherwise known as web 2.0. So what changes are occurring and how do they affect your site:

The growth of broadband

Recently years has seen a dramatic growth in broadband with 50% of UK home users now connecting to the internet in this way. But, how does this affect your site?

Multimedia

It gives you the freedom to add more multimedia content such as video, audio, and product demonstrations.

Casual surfing

Broadband users tend to use the web more casually and are not so task orientated. Your website needs to take into account this shift in behaviour by using hooks to keep them coming back until they respond to your call to action.

Broadband services

Less consideration has to be given to the depth of your information architecture, as broadband users do not have to wait as long for additional pages to load. Things can be more clicks away if that helps your architecture be more logical.
Broadband users are more comfortable with services like Skype (internet telephony), podcasting and even IPTV. Consider how these services might fit on your site. Could you provide a "call us" button for Skype users or perhaps a podcast would compliment your site offering.

However, remember, it is more than likely a significant proportion of your users still use dial up so be careful how you implement broadband related changes.

RSS and XML

You will need to listen to the podcast for the details on this one. However, among other things XML provides the following opportunities to website owners:

  • The ability to put your content or products on a partner’s site so exposing them to a wider user base
  • Allowing better communication with users, while avoiding the pitfalls of email such as SPAM filters and poorly displayed HTML emails.

At the very least you should be considering adding an RSS feed for the news on your site.

User lead services

There is currently a new wave of social services such as digg.com, flickr.com and delicious that gives power to the users. Instead of relying on search engines to find content, these services allow users to recommend content to other users. This will affect the marketing strategy of your site:

  • You will need to place less time ensuring good search engine ranking and put more emphasis on the quality of your site
  • Because these services are user driven, old tricks used to "trick" automated search engines will no longer work.
  • Content will really become king and there will be a greater need than ever to ensure it is engaging.
  • Viral marketing techniques may become a more attractive option.

Web standards

I have talked enough about web standards elsewhere in this site so I wont say much here expect to point out that web standards (the separation of content from design) opens up a wide range of possibilities when it comes to branding. The same site could have multiple brands (looks and feels) depending on who is viewing the site and how they found it. Your site no longer needs to have a single look and feel, rather it can change to suit the person viewing or the device they are viewing on.

AJAX

AJAX is the coming together of a number of technologies which have been around for a while. They offer a new range of functionality that can really enhance the usability of your site. I recommend you take a look at the examples below and think about how that kind of functionality could benefit your site:

Google suggest (try typing in a search term)
Google maps (you can add this directly to your own site!)
Personalised Google (try dragging the boxes of content around once logged in)
Other great examples of AJAX at work

But remember not everybody’s browser can handle this kind of code so its important you can still use the site without it. Also, be careful that you do not just use it because it looks cool. Make sure it is useful to your visitors.

News: Headscape is recruiting

If you have a good understanding of XML/XSL/XSLT, web standards, JavaScript, ASP/PHP and SQL server then get in touch. We are happy to consider new graduates, however some form of commercial experience would be required.

You will be required to work alongside our lead developer and so will need to be able to commute to the Southampton area.

Send your CV to [email protected]

For more information on Headscape, visit our very out of date website :)

For more web design related news why not subscribe to my digg.com RSS feed or if you are a digg member add me as a friend at: http://www.digg.com/users/boagworld

What is podcasting?

Posted in Classic shows on by Paul Boag

It occurred to me that many of the people who read this blog might not yet have tried podcasting. As more and more of my efforts are going into this area I thought I would write a few lines about podcasting and how to start listening.

What is podcasting?

Podcasts cover every conceivable subject from science fiction to knitting and so offer a much wider range of subjects than commercial radio.

Okay let’s start at the basics so nobody gets left out. The best way to think of a podcast is an on-demand radio show. The majority of these shows are talk shows rather than music. This is largely due to problems with copyright when it comes to playing music. Of course, many podcasts play new music where copyright is not an issue.

Podcasts cover every conceivable subject from science fiction to knitting and so offer a much wider range of subjects than commercial radio.

How does it work?

A podcast is an MP3 file that has been recorded by the owner of the podcast. He uploads the file onto a web server and people download and listen to it. However, to avoid people having to constantly look to see if there is a new MP3 file you can "subscribe" to a podcast using various podcast software. This software is then informed byRSS when the latest episode is released.

How do I listen?

I would recommend that the simplest approach is to listen using a music player with integrated podcast facilities such as iTunes. However, in theory it is possible to listen to a podcast on any player that allows you to play MP3 files.

How do I find podcasts to listen to?

iTunes has a built in podcast directory but there are also many others available, many of which are considerably better. Take for example Podcast Alley and Odeo both of which allow you to vote on your favourite podcast as well as listen to the podcast online without downloading it.

What about the boagworld.com podcast

The boagworld.com podcast is aimed at those who design, develop or project manage websites and covers many of the same issues as this blog.

If you would like to listen to boagworld and see what you think click here.

If you would like to subscribe to boagworld click here

If you would like to subscribe to boagworld in iTunes click here

I think the boagworld podcast is great and want to vote for it!

Additional reading

Click here to learn more about the benefits of podcasting to your business

Web design podcast episode 2

Posted in Classic shows on by Paul Boag

Back by a lack of popular disapproval, comes the second boagworld.com podcast. This weeks podcast covers, my failing to be American, an introduction to web standards, arguments over accessibility, rumours of Photoshop CS3 and a review of Dreamweaver 8.

Play

Podcast: Download (24.2MB)

To download the latest podcast click here.

Well here it is, somewhat early due to a British Bank Holiday and a client meeting on Tuesday.

Below is a brief outline of the things covered in this week’s podcast as well as links to some of the articles mentioned:

Thanks for all the emails

Thanks to everybody that has taken the time to contact me, encouraging me to continue podcasting. Don’t forget, if you have any comments, questions or suggestions please email them to me. Or even better, record them as MP3 files and then email them to me. That way you don’t have to just listen to my voice droning on!

I mention that I have been listening to some other technical podcasts and so here they are:

  • Diggnation (Absolutely brilliant, if only I was half as funny as these guys)
  • WebDevDesign (Yes there is another web design podcast and damn him he is good)
  • This week in tech(general ramblings on technology. Very entertaining)

A better way to build websites

What are web standards? Why should I bother with them? Why I shouldn’t be smug if I already build with them.

Check out my article on the subject

News

Accessibility vs. Availability

There has been an argument going around for a while about web accessibility. Is it about meeting the needs of disabled users or about meeting the needs of all users no matter their disability, device or browser? This article gives a very balanced view on the subject…read accessibility vs. availability

AJAX

In Britain this is a floor cleaner, but for the rest of the world it is an exciting methodology that brings together JavaScript, XML, CSS to allow web pages to update without reloading (among other things). Read my article on AJAX

A listapart fuels fixed vs. fluid debate

Should websites be fixed width or fill the browser window? The launch of the new listapart site has caused some to restart this long standing argument. Read one of the more balanced responses.

Photoshop CS3

Rumours have emerged about the next version of Photoshop only months after the previous version has been released. Read some of the proposed features.

Review: Dreamweaver 8

‘Very nice indeed‘. Macromedia are currently talking about a UK release date of the 17th September.

See the complete feature list

Web Design Podcast

Posted in Classic shows on by Paul Boag

After trying to avoid the issue for a while now I have finally decided to practice what I preach and launch my very own podcast on web design.

Play

Podcast: Download (10.6MB)

A while back, I wrote a short blog on the opportunities in podcasting and I have to say I am genuinely enthusiastic about the concept. It is certainly a technology I have adopted personally and I am subscribed to a number of podcasts on technology and science fiction.

What no web design!

It irritated me that you could find podcasts on knitting but not on web design!

The problem I found is that there seemed very little in the way of web design podcasts. In fact, after searching both Google and iTunes I found nothing dedicated to the subject. It irritated me that you could find podcasts on knitting but not on web design! I moaned about all of the web design sites I liked and complained that they were not running podcasts. This is such a perfect subject for a podcast and the majority of the audience interested in the subject would have an MP3 player. Surely somebody would do it! In the end I decided to stop my moaning, get off of my ass and do something about it.

With fear and trepidation

So, it is with great delight and absolute terror that I introduce the boagworld.com podcast. Let us just hope I do not make a complete fool of myself. In order to spread the blame for the success or failure of this cast I urge you all to email me with suggestions for it. What should the podcast cover, how long should it be, how often do you want it? Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.

Although I have worked in web design for over 10 years now I am still making it up as I go along and hate to be referred to as an expert. There are many people much more knowledgeable than I on the subject and so any help would be much appreciated.

Anyway to business:

To download the latest podcast click here.

Enjoy!

The opportunities of Podcasting

Posted in Classic shows on by Paul Boag

There has been a lot of talk about Podcasting over the last couple of weeks with the latest version of iTunes now supporting the technology. But what exactly is a PodCast and how if at all, can it benefit your organisation.

Sometimes it feels like the whole world has gone iPod crazy. iPod has spawned the next generation of music devices and single handedly changed the fortunes of Apple. But even though it is near on impossible to have avoided the iPod you may yet have escaped the phenomena of Podcasting.

What is Podcasting?

In many ways the PodCast is a natural extension of blogging. It allows anybody with a microphone and an internet connection to publish a radio show/blog that can be subscribed and downloaded to any MP3 player. PodCasts cover every imaginable subject from science fiction to gardening and are produced by enthusiastic amateurs and large corporations alike. They range from being entire radio shows such as those published by the BBC to short 5 minute bulletins.

It is still very much an emerging technology but it has seen much larger adoption than many other such technologies especially among the younger iPod generation.

How could it benefit my organisation?

Although largely untested I believe there are some real business opportunities in Podcasting. Podcasting provides a powerful new marketing and communication medium that is almost completely unexploited.

Of course the opportunities for organisations to utilise PodCasts are largely limited to those groups who are trying to reach the demographic that uses MP3 players. Currently this seems to be teenagers, students and young male professionals with disposable income. However there is an expectation that this audience will broaden significantly over the coming months.

Higher education PodCasts could contain hints and tips on university life, interviews with existing students and even demo tracks from student bands.

Nevertheless, for those trying to reach this demographic there are some interesting opportunities. Take for example the higher education sector that is always looking for new ways to attract school leavers. They could use popular existing PodCasts to advertise their courses or even run their own casts. These could contain hints and tips on university life, interviews with existing students and even demo tracks from student bands. Many university student unions also run their own radio stations which could be tapped for content.

With a bit of imagination it soon becomes apparent that PodCasts are an excellent way of connecting with a generation who are extremely unreceptive to traditional forms of marketing.

Click here for additional uses of Podcasting in the educational sector

How do we create a PodCast?

Because Podcasting is designed to open up broadcasting to everybody the process of producing a PodCast is very straightforward and there are many pieces of software that automate much of the technical process.

The real challenge is ensuring the quality of the PodCast doesn’t undermine the message being communicated.

The average PodCast listener is used to quality media and as a result has high expectations. The production value will be key to the Casts success. A combination of good content, professional vocal presentation and quality music will make your PodCast stand out from the crowd. In many cases finding this balance can be hard to achieve and could require the use of professional agencies to assist in the production process at least initially.

Looking beyond the PodCast

I would like to leave you with one last thought. At the end of the day a PodCast is just a downloadable MP3 track and so there is no reason why you need to limit the content you produce to a PodCast. What about broadcasting directly from your site or allowing users to subscribe to an email version of the Cast. Podcasting really has opened up a world of possibilities.