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Monday 15 December 2014

Don't Let Bad Audio Ruin Good Video

Vine, YouTube, Instagram. Videos are everywhere online. And what's more, we really like them. 75% of people now share video content, and usually via social media.

But it's not just videos of cute pets and street pranks that go viral. Business videos like adverts and infomercials can be just as effective. Just ask John Lewis!

So here's the thing - how can you make an effective marketing video for your business without spending big dollars? The truth is, it's not that hard. Getting hold of a half-decent HD video camera these days shouldn't be too tricky, even if you need to borrow one, and if you don't have video editing skills in house or a friend to help you out, there are video production companies who can step in for a relatively small fee.


Instead, what tends to let marketing videos down, especially those from smaller or independent businesses, is audio. The voice that's recorded without a proper microphone. Or the monotone employee who's failing to enthuse the viewer about your brand. Or even just the absence of an audio logo at the end of the video to remind customers of who you are. Good audio is often the missing link in the process of creating a hit marketing video.

Why does it matter? A website is 53 times more likely to appear on the first page of a search engine results page if it includes video. What's more, 7 out of 10 people said their perception of a brand was positively altered after seeing interesting video content. So don't just shrug and try to get away with sub-standard audio on your videos. Make sure you pay attention to it because it could be the difference between your video being perceived as slick and professional or just a bit amateur.

Make sure you use professional voice-over where appropriate, and find some custom-made music instead of some cheesy lobby music you downloaded for free. Try using audio effects if you're trying to convey bold emotions like humour or drama and why not invest in an audio logo to capture the essence of your brand? If you think these investments will cost you too much, think again. You can find out more about our prices by using this link: http://www.voicetakeaway.com/category-s/1859.htm. Don't let bad audio ruin good video!

Sources for statistics: Axonn Research, Digital Sherpa, InSivia, Forrester Research

Wednesday 10 December 2014

Christmas Voiceover Outtakes

Here's a little something to brighten your day - especially if it's been consumed to the usual pre-Christmas rush!

Here at Voice Takeaway, we pride ourselves on our quality and professionalism. But even the very best, such as our very own CEO, the award-winning voiceover artist Emma Clarke can slip up behind the microphone every once in a while!

Here what happened when Emma had to read some seasonal scripts...

listen to ‘Christmas Voiceover Outtakes ’ on audioBoom



Thursday 20 November 2014

Top 3 Reasons To Use Audio Testimonials

Imagine hearing a sales pitch as part of a glossy, corporate advert - it might make you sit up and take notice but it won't always guarantee a sales conversion because you're well aware by now that adverts are designed to make goods and services look impressive.

Now, imagine you hear the same pitch but from an ordinary customer like yourself. They have no interest in communicating their positive experience other than a desire to help potential customers like you make the right consumer choice. The chances are, you'll take what they have to say very seriously.

Research detailed in this post shows how customer testimonials have become the most effectives means of content marketing. If your business isn't using them, here's three clinching arguments to start using them now.

1 - Customer testimonials have the highest effectiveness rating for all types of content marketing, with a conversion rating of 89%.
With such a strong conversion rate, why wouldn't you invest in having some created? Find some happy customers and ask them to take a moment to record their positive experiences. Don't put words in their mouths, just let them say what they feel is appropriate.

2 - A website visitor will stay an average of 2 minutes longer on a site after they've watched a testimonial video.
Once they've watched a testimonial video, the average website visitor will have been assured of the credibility of your product or services. They're therefore much more likely to stay viewing your website for longer, and ultimately to become a customer.

3 - 79% of consumers trust customer reviews as much as personal recommendations.
We all trust a personal recommendation from a friend or colleague, but most people actually trust reviews from other customers just as much. Word of mouth is a great tool, but customer testimonials and reviews can reach thousands of people at once, so use them to amplify the positive things people are saying about your business.

If you're having trouble recording or editing your own testimonials, why not get us to help you? Here at Voice Takeaway we can edit your customer reviews into one slick showreel, with special effects and corporate branding. For more information, just contact hello@voicetakeaway.com.

(Sources: WedDam Survey, Comsoore, BrightLocal.)


Wednesday 5 November 2014

4 Facts You Need To Know About On-Hold Messaging

It's amazing how many businesses overlook on-hold messaging when trying to improve their marketing strategy. It's one of the most effective means of content marketing and is extremely cost effective. If you're still dubious - here are 4 facts you need to know:

1. 84% of callers prefer messages on-hold to other options.
Think about it - would you rather have the sound of silence or professional and informative messages about the business' latest offers and services? What's more, there is almost no end of messaging you can use, so even if your caller is on-hold for several minutes, they needn't hear the same thing twice.

2. 90% of callers with silence on-hold hang up within 40 seconds. Music on-hold adds another 30 seconds to the hold time.
The sound of silence can make the caller feel unwanted or forgotten about. Just using music can help keep them on the line that little bit longer - increasing the likelihood that you'll be able to take their call and deal with their request.

3. Callers listening to info and music on-hold stay on the line up to three minutes longer.
Music is better than nothing, but there's a huge increase in the time people are willing to remain on-hold when they're listening to messages. Combining useful messaging with music stops people getting bored and can help re-assure potential customers that you value their time.

4. 15-35% of callers purchase additional items and services as a result of something they've heard on-hold.
Don't waste those valuable minutes when you have a customer's attention. Use on-hold messaging to tell them about other products or services you provide. It may be the first time they're hearing about them. Also tell them your latest deals and offers or any useful stats that might re-enforce their need for your product.

(Sources: AT&T, North American Telecommunications Association, US West, Nationwide Insurance and Maximarketing Studies.)

Make sure you're using on-hold messaging as effectively as you can. Otherwise you're just flying in the face of all the evidence that shows it to be a hugely valuable means of content marketing.

For help creating on-hold messaging for your business or organisation, please visit: http://www.voicetakeaway.com/On-hold-s/1827.htm


Wednesday 15 October 2014

What Roy Keane Tells Us About Call Greetings

There's a much-publicised passage in the newly released autobiography of former Manchester United footballer Roy Keane that tells us a lot about call greetings. In it, the then Sunderland manager is planning to sign a player named Robbie Savage and so attempts to call his transfer target. His call goes straight to voicemail, where he hears the message "Hi, it's Robbie…whazzup!".

Fans of classic Budweiser adverts might be tempted to smile at Savage's answer-phone antics, but not Roy Keane. Upon hearing the message he immediately ditched his attempts to sign the player, deciding "I can't be f***ing signing that".


Whatever this amusing tale tells us about the personalities of Keane and Savage, it tells us something wider about the nature of professional employment. If an answer-phone message can put off potential employers like a football manager, it can sure as day put off clients, customers and colleagues.

A call greeting that is overly informal, or indeed one that just sounds amateurish can act like a big neon sign telling people to stay away from your business. Instead, take the time to invest in a high quality call greeting. Make it short, simple and professional or, if your business has a distinctive brand personality, create an effective way to communicate that in a succinct way.

For more information about call greetings, visit: http://www.voicetakeaway.com/Call-Greetings-s/2001.htm

Thursday 4 September 2014

5 Reasons To Get An Audio Logo

What is an audio logo? It's a question business people sometimes ask in the face of jargon-friendly marketing men. Well here's a no-nonsense explanation:

"An audio logo is a short sound clip that instantly identifies your brand"

For example, the McDonald's "I'm loving it" jingle is an audio logo. So too is this famous ditty from Intel:


As you can hear, it's a simple sound that communicates instantly the essence of a brand and inspires the listener to immediately associate it with Intel.

But don't fall into the trap of assuming that audio logos are only relevant for big corporate giants like McDonalds and Intel. In fact, they can often be most effective for smaller businesses.

Here are our 5 reasons to get an audio logo:

1 - They're Memorable
One of the biggest challenges for any marketing effort is getting your message to stick in people's minds. What's the point of pushing a great product if no-one is going to remember it? Audio logos can be memorable because of their simplicity, and because studies show that we remember music and sounds more effectively than other forms of marketing. When you're competing in a competitive market, having a memorable brand can be crucial.

2 - They're Versatile
Once you've got your own audio logo, there's no end of ways to use it. If you're in the business of commissioning TV or radio ads, then deploying your audio logo at the end of them helps re-enforce your brand. But you can also use it for your website, on-hold messaging, call greetings, presentations and events. Audio logos are one of the most versatile marketing tools.

3 - They're Short
One of the greatest problems with marketing is the fear that potential customers have simply switched off by the time they've finished reading your newspaper ad or hearing your sales pitch. In today's fast-moving world, short and snappy audio logos can be a real asset because they can communicate your brand in such a brief space of time.

4 - They're Creative
There's no set formula for how an audio logo should sound - as long as it's distinctive. In the case of Intel, it's just a jingle comprised of a few notes. In the case of McDonalds it's a simple tune communicated in a number of different ways. But you can also insert words and strap lines into your audio logo. In fact, there's no end to the ways in which you can be creative. If your brand is designed to appear friendly and approachable, you can make your audio logo bright, cheery or even funny. If your brand is serious and professional, you can make your audio logo reflect that as well.

5 - They're Cost Effective
Don't think that just because they're used by big companies, audio logos are necessarily extortionately priced. In fact, once you've commissioned your audio logo, you'll get so much use out of it, it'll become cheaper with each play. At Voice Takeaway, our audio logos start at £35/$58 (excluding VAT) - a price that will soon seem a bargain.

To find out more about audio logos or to purchase one from Voice Takeaway, please visit: http://www.voicetakeaway.com/Audio-Logos-s/1853.htm



Tuesday 12 August 2014

The importance of seasonal content

The Times They Are a-Changin' - Bob Dylan
Indeed they are. Here at Voice Takeaway HQ in the UK, the arrival of Atlantic storm Hurricane Bertha has reminded us that summer won't last forever. What's more, the leaves have started to turn a distinctly duller hue, and the evenings are noticeably drawing in.

Now, you may be wondering what on earth this sentimental observation has to do with audio marketing - well, I'll tell you. Seasons come and go, and when they do they change more than simply the weather. Our working lives and cultural celebrations change with it.

Therefore, audio marketeers have the perfect opportunity to refresh their marketing content to make it appropriate for each new season. Otherwise, the sunny, summery advert you aired in June may prompt fits of nostalgic rage from your customers by the time they're still hearing it on a cold, damp day in November.

What's more, with seasonal celebrations such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and Easter, come prime opportunities for successful audio marketing. If your business has a unique product to offer over Christmas, perhaps holidays, gifts or accessories, then make sure your marketing reflects the festive period.

Similarly, if you've got offers or deals on to mark a certain festival, then why not make a new advert of marketing campaign to reflect this? Not only will it make your business look and sound more topical, it can provide great opportunities to be creative and make a memorable impression on potential new customers.

As a suggestion, why not re-vamp your audio logo for Halloween? Especially if your brand identity is quite playful, why not have fun making it sound a little spooky? Alternatively, update your call greetings and on-hold marketing to notify your customers of your holiday opening hours or seasonal promotions. Then of course, there's always the wonderful opportunity to create a seasonal advert for radio or online.

Bob Dylan was right to note "The Times They Are a-Changin'" - make sure your audio marketing does too.

Sunday 6 July 2014

Why Is Podcasting So Popular?

"Now you have the power to connect with a new audience through the power of audio" - Jenny Brewster

This is a guest blog by Jenny Brewster, founder of 'The Podcast Academy;

Wow, podcasting is rising out the ashes all of a sudden - but why? Podcasting is becoming so popular here in the UK and as with all things we'll have early adopters who reap the benefits and there'll be those who are left scratching their heads a couple of years from now wondering why they didn't start their podcast show!

It's all down to the rise of the smartphone - it's that simple. When you create a Podcast show, you can even call it a radio show, YOU are creating targeted content that your listeners can tune into on ter go! Whether it's by the pool, on their mundane journey into work or even if they're in the gym - when I'm working out I always have the Judge Jools podcast playing and hey! Its' FREE…

Last week we had great news from Apple, they are turning the Podcast App into a NATIVE app! What does this mean for you - well, the Podcast app now comes preinstalled on all iPhones with the IOS8 operating system and above. Wait, there's even more great news, if it's not enough that Stitcher Radio are going into Ford car dashboards, now Apple will be doing the same with podcasts, though this is rolling out in the US first, we won't be far behind.

So why do YOU want a podcast show? Where do I start, if you have a business that you make a revenue stream from why would't you want one? Do you market your business? Do you use social media in your business? Maybe you blog, maybe you send out flyers or do mail drops? Now you have the power to connect with a new audience through the power of audio, the 1 billion strong iTunes audience, or the SoundCloud and Blackberry audiences - it's free!

By creating your very own Radio show you are reaching a target demographic with the power of audio, so how does this sell more of your products? When done the right way your intro and outdo on your show drive listeners to your website, when you dangle that lead magnet in front of a bunch of avid fans of your show you can bet your bottom dollar they're going straight to your site and grab it! Boom, you've captured their email data to talk to them offline through email marketing.

None of this is rocket science, it's simply applying all the marketing strategies you know but applying them to your podcast not your blog post that people don't have time to read. We're in a scan economy, you need to be capturing people's attention in creative ways. The minute we sit down at a PC we have a to do list as long as your arm, but when we're on the move the content we tune into is purely our choice. Podcasting is powerful - embrace it to position, promote and profit.

To find out more about Jenny or 'The Podcast Academy', please visit: http://jennybrewster.com

Tuesday 17 June 2014

Audio Marketing for Beginners

Audio marketing is taking off - but for many business people it is still something of a mystery. In this blog, we aim to answer what audio marketing is, why you should be using it and how to do so.

What Is Audio Marketing?
Audio marketing is exactly what is sounds like - the use of audio for promotion and marketing. This includes everything from radio adverts to on-hold messaging, events voiceover to website audio.

Why Should I Use It?
Many people are auditory in nature and so appealing to their sense of sound can be a far more effective way of marketing a product or service than more traditional means of marketing. Also, in today's competitive market, the use of effective audio marketing can help your business stand out from the competition.

How To Use It?
Audio marketing can be deployed in a number of ways, but if you're a small or medium sized business just starting out with it, why not make use of these three staple audio marketing techniques.

  • An audio logo: a short sonic image that captures the essence of your brand and can be used at events, on your website, at the start of your videos and in adverts. Just think of the McDonald's "I'm lovin' it" jingle.
  • A call greeting: make sure your answer-phone messaging contains more than just a dry voice. Hire a professional voiceover artist to record a carefully scripted message to give your callers all the information they need whilst conveying the professionalism of your brand.
  • On-hold messaging: in stead of simply playing cheesy old songs to your on-hold callers, create some on-hold messaging to inform them of your latest offers, products and online presence.

For more information about ways of using audio marketing, please visit: http://www.voicetakeaway.com/

Friday 6 June 2014

3 Ways To Use Audio At Events

Audio can be used in a variety of contexts, and business events are increasingly among them. Here are a three quick business scenarios in which audio can be applied to good effect.

Annual General Meetings
AGMs can often be quite dry affairs, so the use of audio for announcements and information can help liven up proceedings. What’s more, the choice of audio and voices used can help establish the brand of the organisation in question.
Tip: Why not use the voices of your employees to make announcements at your AGM? It’ll help show that the organisation is inclusive and adds a personal touch.

Business Conferences
At business conferences, the dissemination of information is especially important. The use of audio can alleviate any confusion and provide clear messages to the delegates.

Industry Awards
There’s nothing quite so disheartening as an awards night that is poorly produced. If the event is slick and professional the award winners will instantly feel more pride in their achievement and the reputation of the awards will increase simultaneously. Using professional audio to announce the nominees and categories or to communicate other important information is a great way to establish this.


For more information about using audio at events, please visit: http://www.voicetakeaway.com/Events-s/1833.htm

Monday 19 May 2014

5 Reasons To Use Presentation Audio

We’ve all sat through dry and dull presentations in our time, be it a client pitch, in a business meeting or at an interview. Whenever the content of the presentation is dull it can seriously harm its chances of success - so here’s a tip for spicing things up a bit and increasing your prospects of landing that client, job or the trust of your boss: use audio!

Many people are auditory in nature, so the careful use of sound and voiceover throughout a presentation can not only make you stand out from the crowd, it can also increase your chance of delivering an effective presentation. Here are some top tips for using presentation audio.

1. Audio Adds a Professional Sound

Whether you’re in a business pitch, job interview or company meeting, making yourself seem as professional as possible is always a winner. By using audio, you can help make your presentation sound extra slick in a way that will be sure to impress whoever you’re pitching to.

2. The Power of Audio Testimonials

These can be used in a variety of presentation environments. If you’re pitching to a potential client, why not play a couple of audio testimonials from the happy customers you already have. Hearing other businesses enthuse about your services will make your offer instantly more trustworthy.

Alternatively, if you’re doing a presentation as part of a job interview, why not get your past employers and work colleagues to provide audio references. Hearing your former boss’ voice will lend their words a lot more power than if the interviewer simply read them on a page.

3. Audio Logos Can Capture Your Brand

An audio logo is a short sonic image that captures the essence of a brand. Just think of the McDonald’s ‘I’m loving it’ sound or Intel’s ‘leap ahead’ logo. At their best, an audio logo can encapsulate everything that your brand stands for - something that any prospective client or buyer will want to know. Firstly, make sure you have an audio logo and then use it strategically throughout your presentation for maximum effect.

To create your own audio logo, visit: http://www.voicetakeaway.com/Audio-Logos-s/1853.htm

4. Audio Makes You Stand Out

If you’re presenting to a potential client or employer, the chances are that yours is not the only presentation they’ll sit through that day. By using audio throughout your presentation, you’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd in a way that demonstrates your professionalism, creativity and attention to detail.
5. Audio Can Help If You’re Not A Natural Presenter

If you’re not a natural presenter or you get nervous doing pitches, using audio is a great way to help make your presentation engaging and original without placing too much pressure on yourself to deliver your best performance. For example, if you’re nervous about extolling your own virtues, use audio testimonials from previous clients or employers to do it for you.


To source your own presentation audio, please visit: http://www.voicetakeaway.com/Presentation-s/1832.htm

Friday 9 May 2014

Using Audio To Boost Online Traffic

This is a guest blog from Tom Benedict, co-founder and director of Britain's Best Home, a property portal showcasing some of the UK's most luxurious homes.

A few years ago, my business partner and I were wondering what would be the next “Big Thing” in online marketing. We’d done everything known to mankind but were looking for something really different, something that would take us ahead of the crowd.

We decided to try a video landing page and experimented with a number of designs before deciding on a page design with interactive links. To save on costs, mine was the voice that guided you through the website. We utilised our own video production equipment and the total cost of the experiment was £42.

At the same time, we were asked to design and host a website for a PR & Marketing company in Northamptonshire and we added this “new” concept. The client loved it and once the SEO was completed, the traffic hitting the site was beyond all expectations. We’d hit on a magic formula.

A couple of years later, I decided to incorporate the same idea into the world of estate agency. The results were outstanding with a traffic flow that exceeded 25,000 visits per week. As an experiment we then took out the voice over and video’s and as a subsequence the online traffic fell by 75%. We knew video and voice was the way forward. From that moment on, we have never changed our thoughts regarding voice over and video production to market products online. 

Done right, voice overs are one of the best ways of communicating with potential customers. We have worked with some of the largest TV production companies in the UK and incorporated our idea to great effect.

We highly recommend Voice Takeaway and the services they offer, it works for us and so why couldn’t it work for you?

For more information about Tom Benedict and Britain's Best Home, please visit: www.britainsbesthome.com

Wednesday 23 April 2014

Using Audio To Enhance Film

Businesses are waking up to the power of video to communicate their message. From online adverts, customer testimonials to in-house productions for staff messages or events, video is continuing to gain relevance. Yet oftentimes the difference between a bad video and a good video is nothing to do with the picture quality or production values at all - it's all about the audio. Whether it's pairing your brand with the wrong music, bad audio levels or using amateur voice artists, it's important not to let your video's poor audio undermine the message you are trying to communicate to your customers.

If you'd like an example of just how good audio can enhance a video - check out this fabulous video from soundideas.com which is not only great fun to watch also illustrates the transformative effect of professionally made audio:



Pretty cool, eh? It just goes to show how important good audio can be when trying to produce a great video. And it doesn't just apply to movies, in fact it's especially important when you're trying to sell your brand - poor audio quality will make your business look unprofessional, no matter how good the rest of the video is.

Therefore, when making videos for business use, make sure you invest in quality audio. Be it through top quality sound editing software, or through outsourcing it to professionals like ourselves, make sure you don't let your video down with poor audio.

For more information about using audio for videos, please visit: http://www.voicetakeaway.com


Monday 31 March 2014

5 Ways To Use Audio To Sell Books

Audio is one of the fastest-growing means of marketing and one of its greatest advantages is the fact that it can work for almost any product. Today, we’re going to explore how you can use audio to sell books. Below are your essential tips:

1 - Create A Book Trailer
A book trailer, I hear you ask?!? Believe it or not, book trailers are one of the hottest new things within the book market. Record a short audio or video clip that captures the essence of your book and share it online via social media. Want some inspiration - check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r90INxcl1bc

2 - Audio Book Previews
Long before the obsession with e-books started it was all about the audio book. As any parent will know, it’s hard to find a young boy or girl in the western world who hasn’t listened to the Harry Potter audio book series. And in this newly digital age, the appeal of the audio book has by no means disappeared. Therefore, try using audio samples of your book as a way to reach out to potential buyers. Do a reading from your book - it could be anything from a few paragraphs to a couple of chapters - and publish it online.

3 - Book Club Podcasts
Podcasting is one of the most effective means of marketing as it shows off your expertise and draws in new people without appearing like a blatant marketing exercise. Within the context of selling books, perhaps use a podcast to have the author discuss their latest publication, what inspired them to write it, what it is about, etc. You could even upload a regular book club podcast, encouraging regular listeners to write in and review new books. If a potential customer hears an in-depth review of the book they are far more likely to buy it than if they just read the usual promotional jargon.

4 - Online Bonus Material
Ever finished a book and loved it so much that you just wanted more? Online audio content is the perfect way to provide bonus material for loyal readers, but can also be great for giving those who haven’t purchased the book a chance to get a glimpse at what it’s like. Why not try uploading short audio chapters about the main characters or the central themes?

5 - Guest on Radio and Other Podcasts
Don’t feel like you have to only use your own channels of communication to sell your book. Try pitching your book to radio stations with book review/arts shows and offer to come on and guest. Similarly, hunt down some of the many other book review podcasts available online and offer to come on. You’d be surprised how often these types of shows are looking for guests and contributors!

For more information about how to use audio for selling books, please visit: http://www.voicetakeaway.com

Friday 14 March 2014

How The Travel Industry Can Use Audio Marketing


This is a guest blog from travel journalist Ben Clatworthy.

Audio marketing is one of the fastest growing ways to communicate a message, and it is particularly effective for businesses who rely on selling experiences. In few places does this apply more than the travel industry, where a well deployed piece of evocative audio can often be instrumental in securing those all-important bookings.

Imagine you're starting to think about holidays in the cold, damp months of late winter and early spring – the relaxation of the summer can seem a million miles away. Yet if you're a travel agent, hotel or resort, you can use audio marketing to help make such a scene feel a little bit more tangible. An exotic audio logo can neatly define the essence of your business. An emotive radio advert can make the listener dream of their summer break. Perhaps a collection of audio testimonials from your previous customers can help convince them that yours is a company they can trust to deliver a quality experience.

There is almost no limit to the number of ways in which audio can be used to help sell the wide range of products and services associated with the travel industry. Because of the nature of audio, its a great chance to get creative and communicate your message on a more instinctive level. For example, the sound of cow bells will always be more effective at painting a mental picture of a skiing break than some words on a page. Or try an audio blog from travel experts offering holiday advice and tips – it will always sound more personal and trustworthy than a round-robin email.

A key part of what drives our decision to book holidays, travel and foreign trips is our emotive desire to get away, explore and discover new experiences. Audio is one of the most powerful tools to unleash those emotions and it's about time the travel industry took full advantage.

Ben Clatworthy is a British journalist, specialising in travel, skiing and adventure sports. He has written for various publications including 'The Times' and 'In The Snow' magazine. For more information about Ben, please visit: http://benclatworthy.com

Friday 28 February 2014

5 Reasons To Discover Audio Blogging

Everyone has heard of blogging, right? Well image what would happen if you could HEAR blogging? Well, you can. Audio blogs are becoming an increasingly effective tool for businesses, organisations and charities to communicate their message. Want to know why? Here are Voice Takeaway’s five reasons to discover audio blogging.

1 - The Voice Is Always More Engaging Than The Pen
*Not that written blogs are really done with pens but you take our point! Hearing something direct from the communicator has an innate power and personality that is often lacking in standard written blogs. By using your own voice to create an audio blog you can inject personality and pace to enhance its effect. We instinctively trust a human voice more than just words on a screen.

2 - It Can Make Your Blog Stand Out
The blogosphere is a crowded place and so using audio blogs is a great way to shake things up. You don’t have to replace all your written entries, but by publishing an audio blog from time to time you are more likely to grab the attention of your online followers and fans.

3 - They Fit In With Our Busy Lives
The modern world is a hectic place and we don’t always have time to read a full blog post. By contrast, an audio blog which can be downloaded and transferred to a smart-phone or mp3 player gives us the opportunity to engage with blogs by listening to them on our commute, at home or even at the gym!

4 - They Can Showcase A Range Of Voices And Opinions
A great tool for making the most out of audio blogs is to incorporate many different voices or opinions. For example, if your business centres around advice and expertise why not make one of your audio blogs a discussion between members of your team to showcase the experience and knowledge that you can offer. Because of the nature of audio blogs there are far many more possibilities for creativity and innovation, so embrace that and use it to your advantage.

5 - They Are Great For Sharing On A Range Of Platforms
Blogs are already a great tool for creating shareable content, but audio blogs are able to reach a whole new range of platforms. Audio blogs can be uploaded to platforms such as AudioBoo, SoundCloud and YouTube and embedded within your own blog and website. They can also then be shared via Twitter, Facebook and Google+ and help integrate your social media platforms to create a commanding and engaging online presence.

And before you ask, no it doesn’t cost the earth to produce an audio blog. You don’t need professional recording software, indeed you can record yourself via free downloadable apps or software on a smartphone, laptop or PC. We’d recommend checking out some of the free versions of the old Adobe Audition which is a great place to start for no cost at all.

And just to demonstrate the power of audio blogs, here’s an audio blog version of this very post! Have a listen and hear for yourself what effect they can have:


Those are just five benefits of audio blogging - a new and exciting form of online content that could be perfect for your business. If you’d like more information about audio blogging or business audio of any type, feel free to visit our website www.voicetakeaway.com.

Tuesday 21 January 2014

The Power Of Audio For Relaxation


This is a guest blog for Voice Takeaway by The One Thai Massage, who offer mind-unwinding therapies in the heart of Manchester city centre.
Imagine yourself in a spa, or a massage centre. You’re relaxed, lying on the massage bed, the room is warm and scented with aromatic oils, the atmosphere is peaceful, and it’s completely silent.
There’s something missing, isn’t there? For the vast majority of people, music is part of the treatment experience. Soothing sounds help to enhance a massage, facial or therapy more than you might realise.
In America, studies by the Touch Research Institute in Miami have shown that music is helpful in reducing people’s cortisol levels. High cortisol levels are often present in people who are stressed, in pain or anxious, and so it figures that anything we can do to bring down the levels of this hormone will be beneficial for them and help them get even more benefit from their massage therapy. In one study, just ten minutes of hand massage combined with music was effective in reducing agitation in a group of elderly participants.
We find that the right music sets the scene for a massage treatment, and all of our rooms are kitted out with separate stereo systems. Therapists choose the musical accompaniment according to the type of treatment, from a selection of options on a memory stick we provide. It makes the whole experience incredibly relaxing, and studies have shown that it’s not just the clients who benefit from the use of music; it also helps to set the tempo for the therapist, and helps them get into a rhythm.
In the future, as we expand, we might look into a more advanced stereo system such as  Sonos or something similar as an option.
We don’t currently have on-hold music although it’s something we are keen to explore as an option as the business expands. We have to be very careful about the type of music we choose too, clients might enjoy staying on hold while listening to a relaxing piece of classical music, but pop music isn’t for everyone, and might be more likely to put clients off in some cases. We’d be looking at selections of soothing, relaxing music that evoke the atmosphere of a massage room, and hopefully set the scene for a potential client’s treatment.

For more information about The One Thai Massage please visit: http://www.theonethaimassage.co.uk/Home.html#.Ut5L3xY4m2w

Thursday 16 January 2014

Top Tips For Valentine's Day Audio Marketing

Is it mid-way through January already! Well, yes...and what's more, it's now less than a month until February 14th - known around the western world as St Valentine's Day. Traditionally a day dedicated to romance and relationships, it's a big money-spinner for many different industries. From florists to hotels, chocolatiers to restaurants, there is no end to the number of industries who can increase their business in the middle of February.

With that in mind, it's essential that you start your marketing push early so that potential customers know about your deals, promotions and services in advance. Audio marketing needs to be a central part of your strategy, and here are just a few top tips for making your business stand out for Valentine's Day.


1. Use Audio Testimonials From Past Customers

Every couple will be wanting to make Valentine's Day 2014 truly special. But how can they be sure that your business can really deliver on all of its great promises? By using audio testimonials from previous Valentine's Day customers, you can reassure potential clients that they're in for a memorable experience. For example: 
"Hi, we're Matt & Alice and when we stayed at the Voice Takeaway hotel last year they went the extra mile to make our Valentine's Day as romantic as possible. We'd recommend it to anyone wanting a sophisticated couples break."
Testimonials like the above work especially well because they're coming straight from the mouth of a happy customer. Why not contact previous Valentine's Day customers and start using the as part of your marketing push ahead of the big day.


2. Update Your On-Hold Messaging

On-hold messaging needn't be dull and boring, in fact you should already be using it to detail your business' values, services and promotions. It can be especially useful around January/February, when you should use it to let your callers know about your Valentine's Day deals, offers and events.


3. Record A Valentine's Day Audio Blog

Audio Blogs are a great way to get your message out there without appearing too much like a 'hard sell'. They're also great if your brand or business has a concept that might take more time than usual to explain. For example, if you're a dating company wanting to appeal to lonely singletons around Valentine's Day, why not record an audio blog featuring a few of your previous matches and explaining the way your match-making service works.

If you're a florist, chocolatier or wine merchant, why not try recording an audio blog where you discuss the most romantic bouquets, truffles and vintages. It shows off your expertise and can be a great way to reach new potential customers.


4. Create A Radio Advert

Radio adverts can be expensive, so if you're working on a small budget it's worth thinking about commissioning one for just a few weeks at a particular time of the year. For many hotels, restaurants, florists, spa, jewellers, chocolatiers, dating services and travel agents, the weeks approaching Valentine's Day could be the perfect time.


5. Update Your Call Greeting

A simple way to mark Valentine's Day is to simply update your call greeting/answer-phone message on the day itself, wishing your customers a happy Valentine's Day. It's a simple and effective way to add a personal touch to your brand.


Those are just a few top tips, for more information and ideas about audio marketing and business audio visit: http://www.voicetakeaway.com


Friday 3 January 2014

3 New Year Audio Marketing Resolutions


Still searching for a meaningful New Year's resolution - why look any further than your business? 2014 is a new year and the perfect chance to relaunch your business' marketing strategy and, of course, that has to include your audio marketing package. Here are 3 audio marketing resolutions for your organisation.

Update Your Advertising
If you've got a radio or online advert, make sure it's relevant to the start of 2014. Whatever happens, make sure you're not still playing your Christmas advert in February! If you're running sales, promotions or offers for the New Year, make sure you create new content to advertise this.

Revamp Your Sonic Branding
Whilst this is not always necessary, if you've been thinking of a re-brand for a while, then the start of the New Year is the obvious time to do it. For a fresher, more contemporary sound, update your call greetings, on-hold marketing and audio logos.

Update Your Audio Testimonials
Audio testimonials are a great addition to any business' website as they demonstrate the customer satisfaction that you can deliver. However, if you've had the same testimonials on your website for a while, it might raise questions about whether your services are still so great. By updating your audio testimonials you leave your web visitors in no doubt that you are delivering top quality services. 

Those are just 3 basic tips for improving your audio marketing for 2014. For more information about audio marketing and business audio, visit: http://www.voicetakeaway.com