Leaving a voice message on your Web site is a great way to really "connect" with your site's visitors (unless you happen to sound like Fran Drescher during one of her famous whines!).   Prospects and clients get to experience you as a real human being, rather than a two-dimensional collection of text and photos --potentially a powerful first step to building online relationships.

Play It Again Sam (and be quick about it!)

It used to be that to play audio files on the Web you had to download the whole file first.  This was not very practical since most people would not wait the several minutes or so it would take.  The ability to "stream" audio files solved this problem since it allows the playing of the file as it is downloading, which means you can listen to the message within seconds of clicking on the link to play it.

All streaming audio on the Web requires a player to listen to them.  These are typically separate browser plug-ins or helper applications.   The two most common one are the RealPlayer from RealNetworks and the MediaPlayer from Microsoft, either one of which can be downloaded and used for free.  However, if a visitor to your site doesn't already have one of these players, they are unlikely to take the time to download one --which defeats the advantage of providing streaming audio in the first place.

Fortunately, a product called Emblaze Audio allows the playing of streaming audio files automatically without the need to download a separate plug-in.   It works with all Java enabled browsers (which means most of your Web site visitors).  To experience an example of this, simply click the play button to hear my audio message!  

A great example of a top real estate professional using Emblaze (audio and video) can be found at The Buyer's Choice Web site.

The Message Is More Than The Medium

Regardless of which streaming audio format you use, there are five steps needed to install your message on your site:

Step 1 - Script The Message

Before you begin recording your message, it is a good idea to know exactly what you plan on saying (what a concept!).  Don't try to "wing it".  Write your message out and fine tune it until it is exactly what you want.  Also, keep it short (15 - 30 seconds is ideal --visitors have a short attention span) and to-the-point.   That is, make sure your message is timely and relevant from the perspective of your target market.

Step 2 - Practice, Practice, Practice!

The key is to practice until it sounds completely natural.  Imagine you are having a conversation with your best friend as you read your script.  This will help bring out the "real you" in your message and will dramatically increase your chance of engaging your listeners.

Step 3 - Record Your Message

For this your computer will need to be multimedia enabled --which means it has a sound card, microphone, and speakers.  Launch the Windows Sound Recorder. (for most Windows 95/98 machines click the Start button, then go to Programs : Accessories : Multimedia : Sound Recorder).

When you are ready, take a deep breath, relax and click the "Record" button just prior to starting your message.  Play it back and if it doesn't sound just right, keep recording it over until it does.  Now name and save the .WAV file at the highest "mono" setting possible (typically 48,000 Hz, 16 bit --don't worry if you don't know what this means, just look for the highest mono "Hz" and "bit" settings).

Step 4 - Convert Your Sound File To A Streamable Format

You need to have a copy of either the Emblaze Audio or RealPublisher software that handles the conversion process (Note: Microsoft MediaPlayer will stream RealPlayer files).  In most cases it is very straightforward process of opening the .WAV file and automatically outputting the streamable one.  Review the software's help files if you need assistance.

Step 5 - Install The Streamable Audio Message On Your Web Site

This is where things get a little tricky.  The process involves an advanced procedure that is beyond the scope of this article.  Ideally, you would just have your Webmaster handle this (and Step 4 above) for you.  They will put a link at the appropriate location on your Web site (i.e. next to your picture) which will cause the file to play when clicked.  If you choose to use the RealPlayer format, it is wise to add a link to the RealNetworks site so people who don't have the plug-in can easily find and download it.

If you have your Webmaster handle the file conversion and installation process for you, it is an easy matter to create and publish new messages on a weekly basis --a great way to keep your site fresh and exciting.  Use the power of your voice, it is very much a part of what makes you, you!