Streaming Audio – Can Audio Make a Difference on Your Website?
With bandwidth becoming cheaper and more easily accessible, many websites are changing the way they present their content to their visitors. For example, both CNN.COM and NYTIME.COM have increased the amount of streaming audio and video content they offer on their sites. We can only hope that more will come. Is streaming audio or video right for your website? It can add value to an online presentation and, coming from the right people, is a great way to pass on customer testimonials.
There are some benefits. You can’t always trust your site visitors to read the content in front of them, but it’s very difficult for them not to listen. A quality voice can make a big difference in influencing visitors and building trust. On the other hand, streaming audio is considered by some to be intrusive (like speaking in a library) and, if produced poorly, can negatively affect your credibility.
There is a place of sound. Whether your site is an entertainment site, a training site, has interviews for content, or even a sports site, audio is a natural complement to the copy. But if you want streaming audio to make a difference on your website, make sure it’s a good one. Use professional voiceovers (which can be found at http://www.voices.com) and if you have a more involved voice and music, make sure it’s professionally mixed. Professionals are not that expensive and are worth it. If you’re not sure where to find such talent, talk to the publicity manager at your local radio station. They will know.