7. Create RSS feeds for your site and submit feed URLs to major RSS feed directories online. A good place to start is http://www.guidetorss.com/ which provides a list of top RSS directories.

8. Be an active commenter. Try to leave comments on blogs that you regularly visit. Most comment systems also provide a way for you to leave a link back to your blog or website which begs a visit at very least.

9. If you plan to have anything printed up, put your web address on it. You can print your URL on business cards, stickers, leaflets, etc.

10. Add your web address to your forum profile signature. Every time you post or respond to questions your ad will be displayed. If you post good content in forums, people who read your threads will also check out your website.

I think at this stage there are a few firm conclusions to be drawn from this experience. The first one is related to our particular market space - singing lessons. This may apply to you if you are in leisure and lifestyle market. Our customers, and probably yours, take a considerable time to make decision to buy. Although we have been well established now for over 3 years, in early days, it was hard to get a clear understanding of what our customers' buying habits and expectations were. Our podcast gives them an opportunity to consider what we have to offer in a way which is non pressuring. The real value of doing a regular podcast is that people can download it and listen to it when it suits them, when they have time and can give it some proper attention. This means that your message can be a building one. It can impart useful information, entertain, teach and build brand awareness all at same time. If you create a podcast be patient. Don't try to impart your sales message by doing a half hour infomercial. You have to trust in basics of relationship building. Give something of value for free to someone and chances are very high that they will come back for more. All you have to do is tell them briefly in simple terms what your product is and how they can get it and then move on.

When people think about taking singing lessons it is a test of their self confidence and sometimes they make quite a few forays before they decide to get started. For those people it a lifestyle decision as much as anything else. They are often looking to fulfill a dream, to improve themselves and impress others. Above all be yourself when you podcast. If you do it right your listeners will identify with you and what you have to say. They will feel they are getting to know you and trust in what you say. This is best path to a sale and also most honest one. Insincerity has a tone all of it's own and is easily spotted. If you would like to check out The Explore Your Voice Show Podcast it may give you a good idea of how to start your own.

Michael Oliphant is a musician, producer and web developer. He co-hosts The Explore Your Voice Show Podcast with Kate Slaney and Roger McLachlan. http://www.exploreyourvoice.com