When we heard there are bloggers out there seeing a 2,000% increase in exposure when they convert their text blog posts into audio blog posts, we had to dig more in to it. Specifically: how to do that.
But first, why go through the trouble? Well, simply because it lets people consume your blog posts in an easier, mobile-friendly way. People can just pop in the ear buds and take a listen during their morning run or commute.
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to engage their audience and stand out from the crowd. As the world evolves, so do content formats. One format that’s gaining traction is the audio blog.
If you’re unfamiliar with this term, fear not! We’ll delve into what audio blogs are, their benefits and how you can create audio content to captivate your audience and drive your small business forward.
Understanding Audio Blogs
Audio blogs, also known as podcast-style blogs, have emerged as a versatile and engaging medium for conveying information, stories, and insights. They are a seamless fusion of traditional written blogs and podcasts, providing an auditory experience that caters to a growing audience with varying preferences.
An audio blog, at its core, involves transforming written content into an audio format, allowing users to listen to it conveniently. This format has proven to be particularly appealing to busy individuals who can consume content while on the go, such as during their daily commute, workouts, or household chores.
The Benefits of Audio Blogs
1. Enhanced Accessibility
Audio blogs break down barriers for individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties. By providing content in an auditory format, you extend your reach to a wider audience, ensuring inclusivity in your content strategy.
2. Multitasking Convenience
In our fast-paced lives, multitasking is the norm. Audio blogs empower your audience to consume your content while performing other activities, making it a versatile option that seamlessly integrates into their routines.
3. Humanized Connection
The human voice is a powerful tool for building connections. Through audio blogs, you can infuse personality, emotion, and authenticity into your content, creating a stronger bond between your brand and your audience.
4. SEO Boost
Search engines are increasingly favoring diverse content formats. By incorporating audio blogs into your strategy, you can enhance your search engine visibility and potentially attract a new stream of organic traffic.
Crafting Captivating Audio Blogs
Creating compelling audio blogs requires a strategic approach to ensure you deliver value and keep your audience engaged. Here’s how to get started:
1. Choose Relevant Topics
Select topics that resonate with your target audience. Address their pain points, answer their questions, and provide insights that are genuinely useful to them.
2. Script and Structure
While audio blogs may sound conversational, having a clear script and structure is crucial. Outline key points, transitions, and any anecdotes you want to include to maintain a smooth flow.
3. Invest in Quality Recording
Audio quality matters. Invest in a good microphone and soundproofing to ensure clear and professional-sounding recordings.
4. Voice and Tone
Match your voice and tone with your brand identity. If your business is casual and friendly, your audio blog should reflect that. If it’s more formal, maintain a professional tone.
5. Engaging Introductions
Captivate your audience from the start. Craft compelling introductions that highlight the value of the content and entice listeners to keep listening.
6. Include Call to Actions
Guide your listeners on the next steps. Whether it’s visiting your website, subscribing to your newsletter, or exploring your products, incorporate clear calls to action to drive engagement.
7. Choose audio software
There is a lot of free audio software out there, but Audacity seems to get high marks from everyone. You really just need two things: the ability to record live audio and the ability to remove static and other background “white” noises.
If, like me, you have a Mac, you are in luck: Macs come with built-in Podcast Capture software. Just go to Applications > Utilities to find it. Podcast Capture lets you record your audio, and then it automates the processing and publishing (you need to host your audio files on the Web somewhere, and this application helps you). Sweet!
In my travels around the Internet, I also found Post by Voice, a WordPress plug-in that lets you publish audio posts to your blog from your phone. You call a phone number, enter a secret code, record a message, and they handle the rest.
8. Create a podcast feed
To maximize your audience reach and increase discovery, consider creating a podcasting feed that people can subscribe to – this is different than subscribing to your blog.
Once you record your audio, upload it to a podcasting platform like Podbean or Feedburner and publish from there. Now that you have a podcast feed, submit it to iTunes. Just go to the iTunes Store, find the Podcasts directory, and click on the “Submit a Podcast” link.
9. SEO the heck out of it
Just like you should name your blog based on its content, you need to name your podcast. For each podcast, add a description, keywords, category, and image or logo for your show.
In an era where content consumption patterns are evolving, integrating audio blogs into your content strategy can give your small business a competitive edge. By harnessing the power of auditory storytelling, you can create meaningful connections, boost accessibility, and amplify your online presence.
Remember, consistency is key. Regularly release high-quality audio blogs to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more. Embrace the evolution of content, and watch as your small business flourishes in the world of audio blogs.
