FoundationHQ

Unlock all your written content with the only AI text-to-speech platform built into today’s top content management systems.

 
 
 

In an era of constant digital innovation, where screens dominate our attention, one medium has stood the test of time: audio storytelling.

From ancient oral traditions to modern podcasts, the spoken word has an innate ability to captivate and transport us to different worlds. It’s no accident that the New York Times just released an audio only app. And on the New Yorker app the center button is labeled “Audio.” According to The Infinite Dial 2023 report, podcasting is still experiencing significant growth, with 82% of the population being aware of this medium and according to a study by LinkedIn, 79% of B2B marketers believe that podcasts are a valuable content marketing strategy, with 43% planning to increase their podcasting efforts.

We love to listen.

Read the full Infinite Dial Report.

Podcasting continues to grow, creating an opportunity to foster deep relationships with brands that are immersive without being intrusive.

Audio storytelling is remarkably powerful. When we listen, without visual distractions, our minds fill in the gaps, creating vivid mental imagery. This mental space encourages active participation, fostering a deeper emotional connection to the story, whether it’s a crisp conversation or a narrative. We become co-creators, nodding in agreement, getting inspired and connecting the dots through our own unique personal experiences.

But to make it work reaching the right audience is critical. Doing this in the crowded podcast space is a challenge. Luckily there some great tools to help. The Podcast Audience Graph from Rephonic. is a powerful way to find your “neighborhood” in the sprawling city of podcasts. I was introduced to this idea by Dan Misner who is a Co-Founder at the podcast growth firm Bumper. Using tools like these and seeking help from industry experts can help you understanding the demographics, interests, and behaviors of target audiences to help refine content ideas and guests as well as drive growth.

Unlike visual media that often demands our undivided attention, audio storytelling seamlessly integrates into our daily lives.

Listeners will be commuting, exercising, or doing household chores. This is an advantage. Design episodes for listening. Be conversational. Deliver value and inspiration through knowledge and companionship. You are the stand in for the audience. It works. 72% of B2B buyers prefer to consume content that provides educational insights and value, making podcasts an ideal medium for delivering informative and thought-provoking content.

Audio storytelling possesses a remarkable ability to evoke powerful emotions.

Podcasts and audio content have the remarkable ability to create intimate connections, spark imagination, foster trust, amplify underrepresented voices, and demand active engagement. As we continue to explore the potential of audio storytelling, let us embrace its transformative nature and recognize its capacity to inspire, educate, and unite us in shared experiences. In a world overwhelmed by visual stimuli, audio storytelling remains a steadfast medium that can awaken our senses, evoke emotions, and transport us to unexplored realms of knowledge and empathy.

How We Help

  • Conduct in-depth market research with customers, prospects and leaders in your company to develop, refine and codify the core audience, topics and format.

  • We connect your brand with popular shows that align with your target audience and brand values. Through strategic advertising or sponsorship placements, we position your brand in front of engaged listeners, maximizing your reach and driving brand awareness.

  • From concept development and scripting to recording and editing, we craft high-quality audio content that educates, entertains, and inspires your audience. By showcasing your expertise and sharing valuable insights, we establish your brand as a trusted authority within your industry.

  • We optimize your audio content for voice search, ensuring that your brand is discoverable on voice-activated platforms and devices. By strategically incorporating relevant keywords and phrases, we help your brand rise to the top in voice search results, increasing visibility and attracting valuable organic traffic.

  • Our creative team designs captivating audio ads that capture attention and deliver your brand message effectively. Whether it's pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll placements within podcasts or targeted ads on streaming platforms, we craft memorable and persuasive audio ads that drive conversions and generate measurable results.

  • Our talented sound designers create a unique and recognizable audio brand identity for your business. From crafting a sonic logo that captures the essence of your brand to composing captivating jingles and sound effects, we ensure a consistent and memorable audio experience that reinforces brand recognition and strengthens your brand identity.

  • With our advanced analytics tools, we provide detailed insights into the performance of your audio marketing campaigns. From podcast downloads and listener engagement to conversion rates and brand sentiment analysis, we offer comprehensive data that guides future optimization and investment decisions.

  • Through our extensive industry network, we facilitate collaborations and partnerships with influential podcasters, industry experts, and popular audio platforms. By leveraging their reach and credibility, we help amplify your brand's visibility, attract new audiences, and create mutually beneficial relationships within your niche.

  • We stay at the forefront of emerging audio technologies, such as interactive audio experiences and personalized content. By leveraging these innovations, we create immersive and engaging experiences that captivate your audience and set your brand apart from the competition.

Michael Rivo is a Founding Partner of FoundationHQ.  A creative leader with over 20 years of experience in marketing and UX, Michael was Global Business Director of Salesforce Studios and host of Blazing Trails, Salesforce’s flagship podcast.  He’s held positions at Google and co-founded the award-winning UX design firm, 17FEET, acquired by Google.