FMF041 - Using Audio To Grow Your Business (And Brand)
Today I want to talk about using audio, or more importantly, using audio to grow your business and your brand. The notes below are an overview of a presentation I did, ‘How To Use Audio In Your Business To Increase Sales & Make More Money.
This presentation will be available on video shortly ON MY WEBSITE.
In my presentation, I discussed multiple ways you can use audio to:
- Attract more new clients, and specifically the type of clients you want
- Increase your referrals, both professional and non-professional
- Share information about your new products and services
- Build and expand your personal and business brand
- Set yourself up as an expert
- Educate your existing clients. How often are your instructions forgotten?
- Develop long-lasting relationships
- Stand out from your competitors who do not use audio effectively
- Ignite an emotion using royalty free music
- Train your team
- Reduce training time
- Captures thoughts and ideas of key personnel in case they leave
- Develop valuable IP for your business, making your business more valuable.
Audio Is Simple
The thing I like about audio more than anything else is it’s simple to consume. Unlike video, you must stop what you’re doing to get the full benefit, however with audio you can listen and still do other tasks.
This is why radio has always been a popular form of entertainment for many years.
And depending on the type of business you have, marketing your business on the radio is also still quite cost-effective, especially compared to television, and you can also produce high-quality content faster and at a much lower cost.
I Love Podcasting
As you’re probably aware I love podcasting and the reason I like it so much is that you can do so much with it. In fact, everything I mentioned above can be achieved with podcasting and so much more.
Can Everyone Benefit?
So you may be thinking, can every business or individual benefit from podcasting?
YES, they can, which is why I’m developing small-group workshops that I will be running around Australia towards the end of 2018 and early 2019. If you’re interested check out my EVENTS page.
But if you’re thinking podcasting is not for you and you don’t have the marketing budget for radio, can you still use audio to your advantage?
Once again, yes you can.
And the other big benefit of audio is you don’t have to nervously stand in front of a camera, and it doesn’t matter what you wear, you can record in your underwear if that’s how you like to roll.
Capture Audio
So where do you start?
Firstly, it all begins with capturing the audio and there are multiple ways to do this and you don’t need an elaborate recording studio unless of course, you want high-quality audio.
You can simply use your Smartphone and headphones and as long as it is clear that’s probably going to be good enough. If you want improved sound you could use a USB or a lapel microphone and attach it to your phone. It does make a huge difference.
App & Script
You need an App. Most smartphones will have a recording App built in, or you can download one. My favourite recording App on my iPhone is called Voice Recorder.
Before you press record I would highly recommend writing a script, practice reading it a few times and then press record. There’s nothing worse than someone rambling because they’re not sure what to say next.
Editing
If you don’t like what you hear, before deleting it, have someone else listen to it because we are our own worse critics.
Once it’s recorded, you probably will not need to do any editing, especially if you’re keeping it simple. There are a lot of editing programs available, some free and some paid, but that’s a whole different topic.
Now Use It
So, once you’re happy with your recording, in MP3 format, which is the most popular format, you can then start using it as you see fit.
You can simply upload your recordings onto your computer and start using them for training purposes, or you could have them transferred onto a CD and give them to clients for reinforcing instructions on their way home.
And remember, these audio recordings become part of your IP and do add value to your business.
Media Host
Unlike video, you cannot add audio recordings directly to social media platforms like FACEBOOK and LINKEDIN. To upload on these platforms you’ll need to use a media host.
Just like a web host is used to host your website, you’ll need a media host to host your audio files. Once again there are free and paid versions and depending on how big your files are and what you’re planning on doing with them will determine the host you choose.
For my podcast, I use Libsyn, which is paid, but for other audio recordings that not part of my podcasting world I’ve used free media hosts, Soundcloud and Chirbit, but there are many more.
Combine Audio And Pictures
One last thing I’d like to share about using audio is combining it with pictures and creating short videos, which is great for product and service promotion and these videos can be uploaded directly to FACEBOOK and LINKEDIN.
This is also a great way to avoid being in front of the camera yourself, but you can still connect with your audience with your voice.
Here’s a link to see one I did for our shoe store Walk Right Footwear on FACEBOOK. I used HEADLINER to create this and it only took ten minutes and had over 150 views in the first 24-hours.
http://bit.ly/WalkRightFootwearNAOTKirei
If this podcast episode has sparked off some interest in using audio to grow your business, or if you have any questions, please send me an email at
Otherwise, check out my EVENTS page and consider coming along to one of my AUDIO or PODCASTING WORKSHOPS.
FREE DOWNLOADS:
First 16 Pages of My Book – It’s No Secret There’s Money in Small Business.
12 Secrets to Get More People Through Your Front Door.
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