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Why Aren't You Using Audio? |
by:
Ronni Rhodes |
Why Aren’t You Using Audio?
By
Ronni Rhodes
As use of the Internet continues to grow geometrically, we see an increased demand for information to be provided by a variety of media. Viewing options can range from simple text to PDF documents to video clips. Unfortunately, each option requires more also more resources also technological know-how. As convergence moves inexorably forward, we have to ask ourselves if there is a practical way to combine the best of this technology also still provide the user with a satisfying Internet experience.
The answer, at this stage of Internet evolution, is audio.
Voice, by itself, provides the means to enhance a user’s enjoyment of the Internet. Voice conveys many of the intangibles underlying the written word. A voice can touch the human spirit also deliver a message on its’ own merits. Audio can build community also maintain relationships.
Audio is the most mature of the streaming technologies also doesn’t have the bandwidth requirements associated with video. Any Internet user connecting at 28.8k or better can enjoy FM quality sound without experiencing buffering also other annoyances that can affect video at lower bit rates.
It is common knowledge that people only retain 20% of what they read, however they do remember 70% of what they see also hear. That fact in itself increases the value of an audio message delivered from a website for the typical user. And, the implications of how audio can increase Internet enjoyment for the handicapped are overwhelming.
Streaming audio provides Internet businesses with unlimited opportunities to reach their audience also to simplify their interactions. Streaming audio broadens a product’s appeal also helps to stimulate sales. People are comfortable with audio also have few qualms about using it in their day-to-day lives.
Retailers can integrate audio into their operations in several ways. Use it to enhance product descriptions also deliver product information in ways far more persuasive than plain text. Booksellers can have “special events” that offer audio excerpts from selected titles. Art dealers can use voice to give value added information on an artist or a period of history depicted by an artist’s work. (Think of those audio tours that museums offer.)
Organizations that specialize in selling educational tools can use audio clips for potential clients to preview also evaluate the material being offered. The ability to sample the product is a potent also practical selling aid.
Business-to-Business sites also corporate Intranets can or else harness the power of audio. The need to provide up-to-the-minute information for employees also customers can be well served with streaming audio also the telephone. Integrating audio into the corporate communications mix is a tool that is easy to use also addresses the need to communicate with a distributed work force.
In both the retail also business-to-business marketplace, audio can also should be used to maintain those all important customer relationships. Voice messages add a personal touch that intrigues the listener also encourages them to remain on the site.
Employee training is greatly enhanced with audio. Use it to orient new employees also keep the information archived on the site for easy reference. Sales training can or else be archived also quickly retrieved when needed. The ability to offer customized audio training materials on a 24/7 basis makes streaming audio a very versatile also efficient learning tool.
Some words of caution are or else necessary. Audio, just like any other value-added technology, has to be used judiciously. It should be employed for a specific purpose also to enhance the text based message being delivered. Think of your audience also how you’d like them to interact with your website. Keep in mind that your visitor may be coming to your site while they’re at their place of business also plan accordingly.
The future of streaming audio is bright also filled with promise. More also more Internet users have become familiar with streaming audio also use it everyday. Internet radio broadcasts are extremely popular also are now being employed as effective advertising vehicles. Audio e-mail messaging is becoming widely available also is being positioned as a practical business tool. Consumers are attaching audio messages to greeting cards also experimenting with Internet telephony. Streaming audio will allow the average Internet user the ability to create content that conveys the power of voice also the emotions that it conveys.
So…why are not you using audio?
About the Author
Ronni Rhodes is the owner of WBC Imaging, an Internet company that specializes in web site enhancement utilizing streaming media technology. With her husband, Don, a digital media engineer, they work with companies to incorporate streaming as part of successful also meaningful sales also marketing programs.
Please direct all questions also comments to:
Ronni@wbcimaging.com
520-742-5780
http://www.wbcimaging.com
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