The Power Of Audio For Relaxation

This is a guest blog for Voice Takeaway by The One Thai Massage, who offer mind-unwinding therapies in the heart of Manchester city centre.

Imagine yourself in a spa, or a massage centre. You’re relaxed, lying on the massage bed, the room is warm and scented with aromatic oils, the atmosphere is peaceful, and it’s completely silent.

There’s something missing, isn’t there? For the vast majority of people, music is part of the treatment experience. Soothing sounds help to enhance a massage, facial or therapy more than you might realise.

In America, studies by the Touch Research Institute in Miami have shown that music is helpful in reducing people’s cortisol levels. High cortisol levels are often present in people who are stressed, in pain or anxious, and so it figures that anything we can do to bring down the levels of this hormone will be beneficial for them and help them get even more benefit from their massage therapy. In one study, just ten minutes of hand massage combined with music was effective in reducing agitation in a group of elderly participants.

We find that the right music sets the scene for a massage treatment, and all of our rooms are kitted out with separate stereo systems. Therapists choose the musical accompaniment according to the type of treatment, from a selection of options on a memory stick we provide. It makes the whole experience incredibly relaxing, and studies have shown that it’s not just the clients who benefit from the use of music; it also helps to set the tempo for the therapist, and helps them get into a rhythm.

In the future, as we expand, we might look into a more advanced stereo system such as  Sonos or something similar as an option.

We don’t currently have on-hold music although it’s something we are keen to explore as an option as the business expands. We have to be very careful about the type of music we choose too, clients might enjoy staying on hold while listening to a relaxing piece of classical music, but pop music isn’t for everyone, and might be more likely to put clients off in some cases. We’d be looking at selections of soothing, relaxing music that evoke the atmosphere of a massage room, and hopefully set the scene for a potential client’s treatment.

For more information about The One Thai Massage please visit: http://www.theonethaimassage.co.uk/Home.html#.Ut5L3xY4m2w

Top Tips For Valentine's Day Audio Marketing

Is it mid-way through January already! Well, yes...and what's more, it's now less than a month until February 14th - known around the western world as St Valentine's Day. Traditionally a day dedicated to romance and relationships, it's a big money-spinner for many different industries. From florists to hotels, chocolatiers to restaurants, there is no end to the number of industries who can increase their business in the middle of February.

With that in mind, it's essential that you start your marketing push early so that potential customers know about your deals, promotions and services in advance. Audio marketing needs to be a central part of your strategy, and here are just a few top tips for making your business stand out for Valentine's Day.

1. Use Audio Testimonials From Past Customers

Every couple will be wanting to make Valentine's Day 2014 truly special. But how can they be sure that your business can really deliver on all of its great promises? By using audio testimonials from previous Valentine's Day customers, you can reassure potential clients that they're in for a memorable experience. For example: 

"Hi, we're Matt & Alice and when we stayed at the Voice Takeaway hotel last year they went the extra mile to make our Valentine's Day as romantic as possible. We'd recommend it to anyone wanting a sophisticated couples break."

Testimonials like the above work especially well because they're coming straight from the mouth of a happy customer. Why not contact previous Valentine's Day customers and start using the as part of your marketing push ahead of the big day.

2. Update Your On-Hold Messaging

On-hold messaging needn't be dull and boring, in fact you should already be using it to detail your business' values, services and promotions. It can be especially useful around January/February, when you should use it to let your callers know about your Valentine's Day deals, offers and events.

3. Record A Valentine's Day Audio Blog

Audio Blogs are a great way to get your message out there without appearing too much like a 'hard sell'. They're also great if your brand or business has a concept that might take more time than usual to explain. For example, if you're a dating company wanting to appeal to lonely singletons around Valentine's Day, why not record an audio blog featuring a few of your previous matches and explaining the way your match-making service works.

If you're a florist, chocolatier or wine merchant, why not try recording an audio blog where you discuss the most romantic bouquets, truffles and vintages. It shows off your expertise and can be a great way to reach new potential customers.

4. Create A Radio Advert

Radio adverts can be expensive, so if you're working on a small budget it's worth thinking about commissioning one for just a few weeks at a particular time of the year. For many hotels, restaurants, florists, spa, jewellers, chocolatiers, dating services and travel agents, the weeks approaching Valentine's Day could be the perfect time.

5. Update Your Call Greeting

A simple way to mark Valentine's Day is to simply update your call greeting/answer-phone message on the day itself, wishing your customers a happy Valentine's Day. It's a simple and effective way to add a personal touch to your brand.

Those are just a few top tips, for more information and ideas about audio marketing and business audio visit: http://www.voicetakeaway.com

3 New Year Audio Marketing Resolutions

Still searching for a meaningful New Year's resolution - why look any further than your business? 2014 is a new year and the perfect chance to relaunch your business' marketing strategy and, of course, that has to include your audio marketing package. Here are 3 audio marketing resolutions for your organisation.

Update Your Advertising

If you've got a radio or online advert, make sure it's relevant to the start of 2014. Whatever happens, make sure you're not still playing your Christmas advert in February! If you're running sales, promotions or offers for the New Year, make sure you create new content to advertise this.

Revamp Your Sonic Branding

Whilst this is not always necessary, if you've been thinking of a re-brand for a while, then the start of the New Year is the obvious time to do it. For a fresher, more contemporary sound, update your call greetings, on-hold marketing and audio logos.

Update Your Audio Testimonials

Audio testimonials are a great addition to any business' website as they demonstrate the customer satisfaction that you can deliver. However, if you've had the same testimonials on your website for a while, it might raise questions about whether your services are still so great. By updating your audio testimonials you leave your web visitors in no doubt that you are delivering top quality services. 

Those are just 3 basic tips for improving your audio marketing for 2014. For more information about audio marketing and business audio, visit: http://www.voicetakeaway.com