Avoid the 5 Most Common Audio Product Mistakes

Audio products are a great addition to an information product program. They can boost your profile and bring in extra income. The power of your voice can help you forge stronger bonds with customers. And customers can enjoy your material wherever they can take a portable audio player.

But there are five big mistakes waiting to trip up first-time audio producers, says audio expert Rob Schultz.

1. Falling prey to the seductive spell of technology. With the myriad of high-tech gadgets and toys on the market, it's easy to get seduced by technology. But technology alone will not make your audio product great, says Schultz. You still need good content and good planning.

On the flip side of the coin, too many people think if they know nothing about technology, they can't create good audio products. This belief is equally false, says Schultz. Even a simple recording on a tape cassette deck can do the trick if the content is good.

2. Being overly ambitious. "You're first audio program should not be a mini-series," Schultz cautions. Many people aim too high the first time out and end up overwhelmed. He recommends starting with a 10- or 15-minute audio product and working your way up to longer pieces as you become more comfortable with the medium.

3. Not allowing enough time. Most people put themselves under too much time pressure with their first audio product. Schultz notes that the first time you do anything, it's going to take you longer simply because you're learning as you go. Give yourself some extra time to experiment and make mistakes.

4. Believing audio is a magic bullet. Do you remember the "build it and they will come" philosophy of the Internet economy A lot of people learned the hard way that just putting up a web site doesn't bring traffic. Audio is no different. Yes, it can make you money and boost your profile. But like anything else, it needs to be a solid product backed by a good marketing plan.

5. Failing to integrate audio with other offerings. Creating audio is not about your great ideas, but about how the material can support your business and your brand, says Schultz. It doesn't make sense to create a CD about acupuncture techniques -- no matter how much you think people might want it -- if you're a baker. Make sure your audio products extend and enhance your core offerings.

These cautionary tips and more great advice on creating audio products can be heard on the audio CD titled "Audacious Audio: How to Catapult Your Profits and Profile with CDs, Tapes and Streaming Audio." Rob Schultz discusses scripting, common recording methods, cost-effective strategies for duplication and packaging, and more. Order at https://www.juicedconsulting.com/productdetail.phpid=7

by Jennifer Tribe, Juiced Consulting
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© 2004 Juiced Consulting Turn your expertise into money-making information products like books, audio tapes and teleclasses! Juiced Consulting shows you how. For a free e-zine and other resources, visit www.juicedconsulting.com
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