ThereÔÇÖs so much talk about audio and podcasts today! If youÔÇÖre still not thinking about finding the best format to use it, donÔÇÖt despair! I penned a blog last summer ÔÇô 5 Steps for beginners, which hopefully should start your thinking process and if you look through some of the other posts here, there are a number of suggestions for you to consider.
I have been saying since the start of the year, that audio is one of the most under used tools to communicate, and IÔÇÖm pleased to see more people are embracing it as another way to reach their audience.
Lifestyles and the way we absorb and consume information has changed so much ÔÇô and almost overnight (for some of us!)! I remember recently interviewing someone and she said she would frown at her partner five years ago when he reached for his phone as soon as he woke up ÔÇô he was a stockbroker, so understandable, right? Now so many more of us instinctively do that ÔÇô yes you do! I am guilty of that even when I know I have to reach for my glasses to read too!
Because of this change in lifestyle, some businesses are adapting how they reach people in different ways ÔÇô audio being one of them. Finally auditory learners like myself are catered to as mainstream! If as a business or firm, we havenÔÇÖt been part of your target market, here are four things to consider about audio that should give you some more reasons to consider it:
 Storytelling and Interactive
A significant ÔÇô though not large numbers of us retain and process information better when itÔÇÖs in an audio format. The sheer nature of audio and podcasts allows you to tell stories and interact with your listeners in different ways. Personally I love stories and itÔÇÖs one of the many reasons why I love my job! IÔÇÖm known on my radio show for getting my guests to tell stories, and listeners get that feeling right through. Once youÔÇÖve thought through what story you want to tell and how you want to tell it, you can better engage your audience.
Audio is mobile
Many people may not know this, but a lot more car manufacturers are beginning to build in mobile and smartphones integration, so people who drive long distances can access audio information on the go. For some, this is the only time they get to listen. Imagine if theyÔÇÖve earmarked and or downloaded information from your website, you have their uninterrupted attention and the ability to captivate them with what you have to say! ThereÔÇÖs an intimacy with audio and remember, people buy on emotion ÔÇô the solution to the problem they have.
 Audio comes up in Search
Yes audio now comes up in search, thanks to SoundCloud. IÔÇÖm not going to re-harsh my last weekÔÇÖs blog ÔÇô 7 Reasons SoundCloud should be your audio partner, but not a lot of people know this. ItÔÇÖs certainly worth reading that blog if you are trying to get your head around how to display audio on your website and how worthwhile all this could be for you.
 Easy to repurpose content
The one thing Google (and other search engines) love is content! Fresh content on a regular basisfresh content that is keyword-rich and relevant and therefore searchable. This is a challenge for most of us. I mentioned in last weeks blog that with SoundCloud, you can add the transcript into the body of it to improve your search-ability.
The other thing you can do is repurpose that content as a blog in a slightly altered or different way. I have tried this ÔÇô a two minute audio clip produces about 350 words ÔÇô give or take. That certainly makes it easier compared to starting a blog from a blank page.
About Viv Oyolu
I’m a radio presenter, audio marketing expert; and creator of the 15-Day Audio Challenge. I’m passionate about giving words a voice; and prior to becoming a radio presenter, I gained over 20 years experience, and have worked for companies such as BMW, Walt Disney, Barclaycard, Thames Water and Royal Bank of Scotland. In my spare time, I love running, reading and chocolate – which girl doesn’t!