Go on, I’m Listening … the Rise in Audio Apps
It used to be “another day, another new mascara”, it’s now “another day, another new audio app” [although I am still here for the perfect mascara].
Back in January 2021 Clubhouse had just a few thousand active users, I joined the waitlist (it reminded me of the “gmail” buzz of old) and waited for that holy grail of an invite from another iPhone user. FYI, as I write, it’s still only available on iOS, rumour has it that it’s opening up to Android users next month.
I was excited, it was new, it was fresh. I wandered the hallway popping my head into rooms and having a listen — it was fascinating to hear voices and accents that a Chichester gal wouldn’t ordinarily hear.
But then I fell out of love with it.
The hallways filled up with snake oil salesmen aka marketing “experts” luring unsuspecting types into their never ending funnel designed to help you part with your hard-earned cash. I’m not here for this, I’m no longer listening. [Yes, I know I’m generalising.]
Hot on the heels of Clubhouse is Twitter Spaces , also in development is Spotify and LinkedIn — and you can bet your arse that Facebook and Instagram are cooking up their own version too.
Exhausting isn’t it?
But, I do still love audio. I’m a fan of podcasts — current fave is “Obsessed with Line of Duty” — I think it satisfies the wannabe detective in me; unpicking the weekly episode.
I prefer to leave a voice message for friends rather than a text message, it’s easier, it feels more natural to me — there’s a comfort in speaking and listening. You get to feel so much more from the audio experience. You can rarely hide when using the power of your own voice (and thoughts) to share a story or help someone to learn something new.
How can you get started if I’m not already on an audio-only app?
Well, you can get some practice in now by doing Lives or video posts — to camera or just a VoiceOver, you choose. But get used to talking and listening. With the desire for consumers to be ever closer to the brands they love and support, immersive audio will only become more essential in your marketing toolkit.
Interesting thread here on Twitter from Social Media Today asking what the marketing benefits are for “audio-only”.
But with every new social channel, take a breath, listen to your favoured experts testing it and giving it a go before deciding if it’s right for you or your business. Ask us questions, that’s what we are here for.
Is it a flash in the pan? I don’t think so. Open your arms to a new era of social engagement.
Are you using any audio apps? What do you think of it as a medium so far, do you think it’s something that will stick for you?
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The next step is in your hands … all you need to do is book a free call at a time and date that works best for you. Or you can email: hello@thechichestersocial.com
This means that you can finally stop worrying about feeling disconnected and start developing better relationships with your customers for the long-term.
