Over the past few years, we have seen a significant shift in the way people consume content. With the rise of smartphones, smart speakers, and voice assistants, audio has become an increasingly popular medium for communication, entertainment, and information. As a result, audio is poised to become a key player in digital marketing over the next few years. In this blog post, we will explore why this is the case and how businesses can leverage audio to reach their target audience effectively.

Firstly, let’s take a look at some statistics. According to a report by eMarketer, there were over 112 million monthly active users of smart speakers in the US alone in 2020. This number is expected to grow to 130 million by 2021. In addition, over 60% of Americans aged 12 and above listen to podcasts regularly. This trend is not limited to the US. Globally, the number of podcast listeners has been steadily increasing over the past few years. These figures clearly demonstrate that audio is a medium that cannot be ignored when it comes to digital marketing.

One of the key reasons why audio is becoming a key player in digital marketing is that it offers a unique and engaging way to reach your target audience. Audio content can be consumed while doing other tasks, such as driving, exercising, or working. This means that listeners can easily integrate audio content into their daily routine, making it a highly accessible and convenient medium.

Another advantage of audio is that it can be highly personal and intimate. When someone listens to a podcast or a voice message, they are essentially having a one-on-one conversation with the speaker. This creates a level of trust and connection that is difficult to achieve through other mediums. This is why many businesses are now turning to podcasting as a way to build brand awareness and connect with their audience on a deeper level.

So how can businesses leverage audio to reach their target audience effectively? One way is to create a podcast. A podcast is an audio show that can be downloaded and listened to on-demand. It can cover a wide range of topics, from news and current events to entertainment, education, and marketing. By creating a podcast, businesses can position themselves as experts in their field and offer valuable insights and advice to their listeners.

Another way to leverage audio is through voice search optimization. With the rise of voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, more and more people are using voice search to find information online. By optimizing their website and content for voice search, businesses can ensure that their products and services are easily discoverable through this medium.

Finally, businesses can leverage audio through messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. These apps allow businesses to send voice messages directly to their customers, providing a more personal and engaging way to communicate. Voice messages can be used for a wide range of purposes, from customer support and feedback to marketing and promotions.

In conclusion, audio is set to become a key player in digital marketing over the next few years. With the rise of smart speakers, voice assistants, and podcasting, businesses have a unique opportunity to reach their target audience in a highly engaging and personal way. By leveraging audio through podcasting, voice search optimization, and messaging apps, businesses can build brand awareness, establish themselves as experts in their field, and connect with their audience on a deeper level. As audio continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, it will become increasingly important for businesses to incorporate it into their digital marketing strategy.