Web audio used to be the rage a few years ago. But now that videos have taken over does anyone use audio anymore? I've heard some say it can still be useful. Why? Because not everyone likes or can watch steaming video on their P.C without it stalling. - What do you think? - Is web audio dying or is it still an effective sales tool. - Do you use it, market with it or use it in a newsletter, etc.
I think audio like podcast is still there, users mostly can download into their iPod and listen on the go. Probably video is getting more attentions slightly with the domination of Youtube site. But like everything else, you have to see if it works for you first.
I don't think audio alone is a good marketing tool. The best selling websites out there often have an attention grabbing video since website visitors don't have time to read long articles or listen to boring audio files. A video can really get someone interested if you have done it professionally. Of course you should also include audio in the video, otherwise it would have no point.
I like to provide eBook + Web Audio. Then you use videos to extend on the audio. That's for the product. I think for pages that you need a right mix of them all.
I've had positive results from recording spoken words while displaying what amounts to a power-point presentation. This is not something I came up with. I just saw other marketers doing this, so decided to try it. It's not pure audio, but it's also not full-motion video with me or anyone else in front of the camera speaking. So it's really easy to produce. Oh, and if you're wondering... my tests so far have allowed people to use scrub bars to jump ahead, and they can also adjust the volume, too. Maybe the results are better when those options are taken away? I've yet to test it out.