Last Update: December 18th, 2014. I now use a video on my About page instead of audio.
Think about it for a second. When it comes to blogs and blogging you are the brand. People want to read about you and your experiences with the subjects you write about. That’s how they relate to it. And that’s how you get them addicted.
The About Us page is usually the first or second thing that people look at when they first encounter your content. So why not use it as a personal introduction to your brand? Why not give people something more than the usual plain text verbatim?
In this post I am going to tell you why I added some audio to my About Us page, how I did it and why you should do it too.
Why I added audio to my About Us page
As I mention on the About page itself, I have this fancy new mic that I just like using. So part of the reason I did an audio About Us page is probably because I just felt like recording something new.
But there was some method to the madness. Here are a few other reasons that might tickle your fancy:
- Personalization is like caffeine
You know that feeling in the morning when you really feel like a cup of coffee? That’s the caffeine talking. Personalization is a lot like that. People love it. They need it. And even when I put out crappy content it keeps them coming back. All the big bloggers keep a loyal following by virtue of making content personal. Even if it has been written about 100 times, the personal edge will make people interested. So I thought that an audio About Us page would give me a chance to take you out for that first coffee nice and early. - I thought people would share it
I haven’t even seen an audio file on an About Us page before so I did had the selfish thought that perhaps people would share it around and thus send me more traffic. I could be wrong on both counts though. Perhaps you would like to prove me right? - I can get more information in
You need to keep About Us pages short. People get bored. They want to know how your site is going to help them. But when you add an audio file you automatically shift people’s expectations. Suddenly they are willing to give you two minutes instead of 20 seconds. This is a good thing.
Now, as I only put this audio file up the other day there hasn’t been enough time to track and test its results. This post, however, should serve as a mini-promotion to the idea and hopefully generate me some useful feedback. That means comments people!
What to include in your audio About Us page
So you want to do an audio file for your About page. What should you include in it? Here are some ideas to think about from an online marketing point of view.
- Create authority
One of the main things you want to do is subtly create authority by talking about your experience and why you are a person worth listening to. Now, this is tricky because it can cause you to talk about yourself too much. You need to balance this point with the second. - Make it about your listener (reader)
Whilst creating authority you want to also make sure you tell people why your site is good for them. What benefits will they get from reading your content? For every authoritative statement you make you should also relate why it will help the readers. - Be humble
I am not very good at this but I try. You need to remain humble. People flock to an “expert” who is also humble and approachable. The goal of the audio file is to make people loyal to your and your site, not scare them away with your ego. Self deprecation goes a long way to making friends. - Include a call to action
Make sure you tell people what to do next. Whether its subscribing or checking out a certain section. Don’t let them close that audio file and leave your site.
All of these things are important but don’t include them all unless you can keep the audio file short. Anything more than a minute or so is too much. People will lose interest fast. Its a lot like an elevator pitch in that way.
How to make that audio file
So for all of you looking to now record some audio and embed it on your blog here are a few things that I use and highly recommend.
- Get a good quality mic
You need a good quality mic that you can then use for Podcast, videos or whatever other online audio you might need. Now, some people spend thousands on proper equipment but I found that the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Condenser USB Microphone is a perfect solution for less that $100. Its smooth, clear and just plugs in to your USB port. - Use Audacity to record
Audacity is a free program that you can download and start recording in a few minutes. It also has some super simple editing tools that allow you to filter out background noise, cut and paste tracks, tweak the sound, etc. I highly recommend it for beginners and experts alike. - Use Audio Player to get the little player thing
Audio Player is a WordPress plugin that allows you to add that neat little player in any post or page you like by just adding a simple tag. Very easy.
That’s it! Its a very simple set up that will cost you less than $100 but last you a very long time all the while putting out some very good quality sound. And like I said, you can use the mic for videos, Podcasts and even Skype chats.
What do you think?
What are your thoughts on the audio version of the About Us page? Is it something you would do on your own blog? I’d love to hear your ideas about this one so please leave comments and let me know.
Hey BT!
Loved this post and I had a listen to your audio. Very cool
Thanks!
Another BT idea for me to consider. Thank you, Mr. Tyrant.
Thank you Mr. Hage.
Hi,
I just listened to your new audio. Cool.
I love it when you try something new and share it with us. I hope you also let us know how good the new audio works, if people listen to it.
I wonder if that guy who has a copy of your blog will copy this too.
Cristina
There are two flat copies now. Pretty lame.
I only know one of them, although I just saw he has added his name to the about page.
However, his free e-book is exactly like yours, at least outside.
Not sure what to do about it really.
I don’t think you need to do anything. There’s a huge difference between your blog and the copycats. Anybody can see it inmediately.
Your content, style and strategies are high quality, then you don’t have anything to worry about.
Thanks Cristina. Appreciate it. Still feels weird having someone rip your ideas.
I’m pretty sure if you rolled that way you could do some black hat stuff to them. You just choose not to.
Yeah. It’s a slippery slope.
Hi BT, On the face value I didn’t appreciate how an audio could help the about us page ( except for if one considers it as a differentiating point from other about us pages ).
But suddenly one interesting use case came to my mind. Lets say someone has a lot of text on his/her about us page. With an audio option, Instead of me as a reader spending time to read the whole stuff, I can choose the audio option and start listening to it while I move on to browse to other sites in parallel. So it helps me to save my time while getting the information I wanted. Probably you should mention this as a value add of doing an audio about us page in your post above!
Great idea. I think I did mention it, didn’t I?
🙂
Hi BT
Excellent idea and I was interested at my initial response which was ‘nah … I don’t listen to audios’.
I went and listened to your because i like what you do … and well done mate.
You sound great and I liked what you said … and there were no ummms and aaahs … which can drive a person crazy.
Having a small written intro encourages people to click and listen.
The pitch and pace of your voice was just right and struck a friendly tone.
In a minute or so you:
1. welcomed the listener
2. established your authority
3. described the purpose of the blog and the problems you solve
4. gave your existing community a big pat on the back [well done!]
5. created a few options regarding calls to action
You changed my mind about using audio. I still prefer video but understand how audio can be created quickly and send out a series of clear messages.
Liz
Hey Liz.
How’s life?
Thanks for the feedback. I think video is probably better but not so good for a faceless tyrant like me.
Life is good and full of interesting ventures BT.
Yeh, I get why there’s no vid and I liked your audio.
I’ve seen a lot of awful vid and heard crappy audio. Some of the vids have turned me of even considering buying a product.
Basically, whatever tool people use they should use it well. They need to have a clear structure for the presentation and a script helps keep it tight and in focus.
Well done you for trying something new … that’s what really impressed me.
Good to see that the toys you buy get used.
Sometimes get used…
I think this is an excellent idea, basically it comes down to different strokes for different folks.
People learn in different ways, some by seeing, some by listening and some by doing.
By including as many styles as possible into your blog, you can reach more people… There’s a reason that YouTube is the 3rd biggest search engine.
Exactly. Rachelle knows where its at.
I think audio is great. I went ahead and did a head shot video for my about page on my WordPress security site. I think that little extra personal touch helps people to relate that you’re a real person just like them.
Tone of voice and facial expressions also do two things (amongst others):
– Help convey the emotion you’re trying to get across
– Stick in the mind better because it’s what our every day life is use to every second we are awake
The video works really well in that scenario; especially when a payment is needed. Very well done there.
Your Aussie accent is a definite plus to lots of Yanks like me who fell in love with all things Australian after a long-ago vacation down under.
Until I heard your audio About I wasn’t aware of your other podcasts but found them by scrolling down the right hand sidebar, and now I can listen to my hearts’ content.
My own blog is about how and why I make art and to help other artists, so I intend to think long and hard about how to use what I’m learning from you on my own site.
Thanks a bunch.
No worries Jo. Glad you liked it.
I’ve only come across one issue with the wordpress audio player: it is a flash program. Since I do most of my media consumption via iPad, I can no longer make use of flash programs. I guess I’ll have to wait to get home to hear your audio file?
Considering the large amount of iPad users, what other methods are there for getting audio files up and running are there?
Tim
Honestly Steve Jobs and those guys at Apple need to just stop being so stubborn and include Flash. I have an iPhone and an iPad and its so ridiculous. Other tablets don’t have this problem.
Hi Ty, your idea about a vocal connection with your audience is a good idea. Your voice sounds good and upbeat and I liked that you told a little about yourself to start with. The music intro was a bit long for me, but it was jazzy and set the tone of your blog. Maybe I’m in too much of a hurry.
Since you opened the subject about voice, I’ll share a problem I’ve got with doing videos and voice overs. I don’t have one. It’s a problem called spasmodic dysphonia that causes me to talk in a low, raspy, whispery voice. It has little authority to commands attention. I hate that I can’t do videos about baby nursery decorating and baby wall art demos, because that’s what I do. The written word/picture is what I’m stuck with.
If anyone in this great group has a suggestion how to get around this ridiculous handicap, I’d love to hear it. I know I could hire a voice to pretend to be me, but I’m not in a position to do that right now. Thanks.
Interesting. Sorry to hear about that Dorothy. Perhaps you could try hiring someone to do your videos?
I always find that I sound like a squeaky mouse…
I want to record podcasts for my next project but English is my second language and I don’t know if my accent would actually keep people away.
I doubt it. Try it and see how the feedback is.
Yes, I’m going to do it no matter what. The only way to know if it works is to try.
I have been using Audicity these days to test it.
Thanks BT
Neat idea BT. Can you make it auto start?
I wouldn’t do that. I know so many people who hate auto start music, videos, etc.
I also tend to click close when I hear something “by surprise”
Yeah its an interesting debate in marketing circles at the moment. I haven’t done enough testing to really know.
I turn off anything that’s auto start as I like to feel I have some choice in what I read, watch and hear.
This is good proof that it’s not all about how, or if, audio is done, but rather by whom the audio is done. You have commanded a great deal of loyalty and genuine interest here because you’re helping others with truly valuable content, and you’re sincere about it.
My experience with your audio was
1)curiosity/mystery.
2)This guy always puts out good stuff. I want to listen.
3)Inspiration to prepare something similarly unique 🙂
Perfect! Thanks Scott!
…and it just occurred to me that perhaps your use of a tiny Elvis has some significance here. Or maybe it’s an Easter Egg? Do tell!
Ha ha. You are on the ball Scott.
I know you are hiding behind your mask (tell Tonto I said “hi.”) But for everyone reading this, I’ll say that adding a photo of yourself would help a lot. A nice closeup would be good.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the audio (even video) idea on an About page after reading your blog.
Why do we read an About page? Find out the person’s education/experience on their site topic. Find out a bit more about them as a person (oh, I do underwater basket weaving, too). Maybe even find out where they live, as in “do they live near me.”
This leaves me wondering what the audio or video would add. If it’s alone, without any text below, then it doesn’t allow me to scan through the text. I’d probably not even spend any time on the audio/video.
What I might suggest is a two-prong approach;
1. A video or audio with a photo that’s very personal in nature. Highlight your accomplishments/background but use it as a means of expressing appreciation to the visitor and making some sort of connection with them (“I started my first foray into XYZ when…”)
2. Below the audio / video, write up the normal About me page.
The benefit of the two-pronged approach is the visitor still maintains the ability to scan, you can list facts and figures in the text, and use the multi-media to telly our story. Any everyone loves a good story.
I’ve actually been thinking about this for a while now…not just the About page, but doing podcasts as well. (Gotta let peeps know that I actually say y’all when I talk, not just when I write.) I just never how to actually *do* any of that.
Thanks for the brief how-to on making and getting the recording onto the site. Now if I could just shake this cold long enough to get a decent recording.
Never occurred to me to do that before – always love picking up some fresh ideas, so thank you!
Anything with an additional call to action can only enhance a blog, IF it enhances user experience at the same time.
Ana
Good post! I felt the same way but I created video for my site (www.optimize3point0.com). I put the short video on my homepage and About page. I’ve got a few others ready to roll out over the next few months. Video is a bit trickier but well worth it. I feel that one of the important but understated advantages of video is that you can start a YouTube channel (another content outlet). Plus, embedding that on your site with the YT player certainly can’t hurt in Google’s eyes.
In the future I plan to use video for client testamonials.
Thanks,
Doug
Great idea Doug!
Its a fantastic idea and gives a bit more personal touch. And LOL they’ve already copied it.
Who is they?
You never said who they are. But I understood there are two that copied your way bluntly, as you were talking with Cristina.