The Power of Audio Testimonials

People who visit your website generally absorb your information there through reading, listening, viewing (like watching television) or printing out copy for later. In order to reach the greatest number of visitors possible, you need to cover plenty of bases, then, and not just post print information online. Add video clips, graphics, printable pages and audio.

People like to click and listen to others tell their stories. So add audio files to enhance your testimonials. The best combination is to have the testimonial printed out plus a photo to help link up the info with a real person, then insert an audio button that invites visitors to click and listen.

For a free software program that enables your customers and you to create audio files that are cranked out in either .wav or .mp3 formats - for both PCs and Macs - check out Audacity, online at http://audacity.sourceforge.net . With this software, you can also edit your recordings quick and easy, then re-save them to post online.

To post the audio files to your website, check out software like Web Audio Plus or head to GoDaddy.com where you can post podcasts through their services for cheap and not worry about hosting space while you're at it.

Making Audio Testimonials

One of the easiest ways to create audio testimonials is to have your customers write out their testimonials first. Then use the written forms as scripts and have them revise and edit their content to that it's clear and to the point (or offer to do this for them), focusing on solid points you want presented on your website. Then ask them to record a reading of their script - a couple of times, if necessary. And go in and edit it for them to get a good, clear file for posting.

Ask your clients for accompanying head shots or other digital photos you can use. Then create testimonial blocks in a highlighted background color like yellow or light blue to present the text versions, audio file with activation button and digital photo all together.

Some people refer to audio testimonials with head shots as 'talking heads.' And these can annoy some website visitors. So make sure to label instructions on the web page to tell visitors how to click on the sound and how to disable it.

In the end, it's what your visitors like that adds value to their online experience. So test audio testimonials and see how your results are overall. You might be pleasantly surprised!