Audio content is more popular than ever before. People enjoy listening to audio content when driving, exercising, or working, among other activities. Interestingly, people listening while doing other things are paying more attention than those trying to read and talk or watch TV. Because there are so many potential listeners out there, it’s smart for small businesses to invest in audio marketing and equipment to drive sales.
You can do just that by following our audio marketing tips below.
Use Your Current Videos
If you have Youtube videos promoting your company and products, you can start audio marketing by pulling their audio and making them into podcasts or other audio marketing. Doing this is the perfect way to find new customers and clients without spending a lot of time or money.
It helps to add links to the videos’ audio content and talk about your Youtube videos in your podcasts. Some consumers find listening to a podcast easier than watching a video, and vice versa.
Provide Content In Text and Audio
Some people don’t have the best vision or hearing. You’ll find a bigger audience if you make your marketing materials more accessible. If you create an e-book, make an audiobook, too.
Many regular magazines now make audio versions for people who are visually impaired. Also, consider tapping a crowdsourcing website to make transcripts of your marketing audio content.
Become a Guest
Consider becoming a guest on other people’s podcasts and vlogs. Think about talking to a local radio show to see if they are interested in interviewing you. Many radio shows sell advertising, and many people listen to a local morning show when they are driving to work.
This is an effective way to find a new audience for your company, and a regular conversation between you and the radio host can be fun for the audience. For ideal results, talk about mundane things, such as your pets or hobbies, as well as your company and brand.
Want ideas on what to talk about? Listen to the radio show a few times before you’re a guest.
Host a Podcast
Getting listens on iTunes or Soundcloud is challenging for most people. So only consider taking this big step when you’re a regular guest on a few podcasts. Having a popular blog helps, too. You can also grow your audience by hosting guests every week or month.
Make the podcast a regular feature on your blog, and talk about it whenever you can. You can push the podcast at the end of your videos, at the top of a blog post, and in an email. Other places to talk about podcasts include your social media channels and business cards.
Regarding a schedule, don’t commit to one until you’re confident you can follow it. Listeners may bail on you if you say you’ll broadcast every Friday, and nothing happens. Depending on your specialty, you might record several backup podcasts for when something comes up.
Focus On Quality, Not Quantity
It doesn’t matter if you have 100 podcasts if they are dull or low quality. Investing in a high-end microphone and audio editing software is vital. The good news is that audio editing programs are free for the PC and Mac.
Also, record your broadcast in a quiet place, edit out pauses, and move the content around with your editing software. And include a podcast introduction with intro and closing music, too.
For a high-quality podcast, expect to spend double the time editing and preparing that you do recording. For instance, if you have a one-hour podcast, you should do at least two hours of preparation and research and two hours of editing.
Focusing on audio diversifies your marketing strategy and expands your company to a new audience. So, take the time to invest in your audio marketing – your bank account could thank you!
By Anna Johansson
Anna is the founder and CEO of Johansson Consulting where she works with businesses to create marketing and PR campaigns.
