Where Does Audio Sit in My Content Strategy?

Music: Setting the Tone and Mood

Music is a universal language. It evokes emotions, sets the tone, and can create a memorable viewing experience. Think about the last video you watched that really stuck with you. Chances are, the music played a big role in that.

From a behavioural standpoint, music impacts our brains by triggering the release of dopamine, the same chemical involved in pleasure and reward​​. You can read more about this in a study conducted back in 2011 but in essence, to make the video memorable you can connect with the viewer emotionally through music as it can support the release of dopamine while watching. For businesses, this can make a good video great. Whether you're creating an ‘About Us’ video, an explainer, or even a social media cutdown, the right soundtrack is super important.

Tips for Using Music:

• Know Your Audience: Choose music that resonates with your target demographic.
• Match the Mood: Align the music with the emotion you want to evoke.
• Keep it Legal: Ensure you have the right to use the music or opt for royalty-free tracks. I’d go for artlist.com 

Voiceovers: Adding a Human Touch

We’re all about being human first here at Reflect. Hearing a human voice can create a sense of presence, making the content feel more interactive and engaging​​. A well-crafted voiceover can guide your audience through complex information, highlight key points, and keep them engaged from start to finish but make sure the accent is taken into account. This study on audial engagement mentions that a well-crafted voiceover can retain prolonged attention with significant impact.

Tips for Effective Voiceovers:

• Choose the right voice: The tone and style of the voice should match your brand’s personality
• Script it well: Write a clear, concise script that’s easy to follow.
• Professional recording: Invest in quality recording equipment or hire an agency 

Podcasts: Building a Deeper Connection

Podcasts are super popular and have been for ages. In fact, they have grown 10% on average year on year for the past 5 years. They offer an intimate, on-the-go way to consume content. For businesses, podcasts are a fantastic way to delve deeper into topics, share expertise, and build a loyal audience. 

Podcasts are all about storytelling. Humans are wired to respond to stories. Starting a podcast might seem daunting, it can be just a chat between you and a customer to get it all flowing but make sure it has a start, middle and end. One of my own favourite podcasts is Smartless due to its broad range of guests. The hosts are 3 Hollywood stars that each take turns on bringing a guest to the table and talk to them about their story. Guests range from Bon Jovit to Joe Biden and you get to learn the whole back story of each guest in a very funny way.

Tips for Starting a Podcast:

• Plan your content: Outline your episodes and decide on a format
• Be consistent: Regular episodes help build a loyal listener base
• Engage your audience: Encourage feedback and interaction from your listeners

Key Takeaways

• Enhance Emotional Connection with Music: Music is a powerful tool that can evoke emotions, set the tone, and create a memorable experience. Choose tracks that resonate with your audience and match the emotion you want to evoke. Ensure you have the proper licensing for any music you use.
• Add Relatability with Voiceovers: Voiceovers add a human touch to your content, making it more relatable and engaging. Select a voice that matches your brand’s personality, script it carefully, and invest in quality recording. Voiceovers can guide your audience through complex information and highlight key points effectively.
• Build Deeper Engagement with Podcasts: Podcasts are a fantastic way to delve deeper into topics, share expertise, and build a loyal audience. Plan your content, maintain consistency with your episodes, and encourage listener interaction. Podcasts tap into our intrinsic love for storytelling and can significantly enhance your brand’s connection with its audience.

By strategically integrating music, voiceovers, and podcasts, you can elevate your brand’s storytelling, making your content more engaging and memorable. Embrace the power of audio and watch your content come alive.

A final tip from me, make a list of your top 10 prospects. Invite them as guests and get them talking about themselves. Doesn’t matter how many listeners you get, you have the prospect in your office and learning from them.