Tune In to Your Future: Why a Career in Audio Advertising Might Be Music to Your Ears
The advertising world is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. While video and display ads may have dominated for years, audio advertising, a powerful contender, is making waves due to a slew of macro factors including technology advancements and changes in consumer behaviour. This evolution makes audio a high growth channel to explore when seeking a new career challenge.
Why Audio? Why Now?
Think about your daily life. How often are you listening to something? Music, podcasts, radio - audio content is everywhere, and it's highly engaging. More digital audio is now streamed into your earbuds than ever before. Unlike a banner ad you scroll past, audio captures your attention. Did you know that your ears are your only sensory organ you cannot turn off? With the rise of smart speakers, audio is becoming even more interactive, commercial radio listening on smart speakers grew by 22% last year and in the last few years commercial radio listening has overtaken free to air services bringing massive gains to audio advertising.
Beyond radio, new streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Music, Soundcloud and the meteoric rise of podcasts has added more and more audio advertising opportunities.
Why is audio advertising so good?
Audio advertising taps into the power of personal connection and undivided attention. Unlike visual ads, which compete for attention in a crowded environment, audio ads can reach consumers in moments when their focus is naturally more receptive, such as during commutes, workouts, or while relaxing at home. The intimate nature of sound creates a sense of trust, especially when delivered by familiar voices or through tailored messaging.
Audio also boasts an unparalleled ability to evoke emotions and create memorable brand associations through tone, music, and storytelling. Good audio adverts play to the idea of audio adding to innate human creativity and ‘Theatre of the Mind’.
Innovations in the field
Digital audio listening is rising fast and more than half of all digital audio streams are now listened to on smart speakers. Listening on these devices allows 2 way engagement with audio advertising called ‘Actionable Ads’ where listeners can speak back to the ads, offering a low friction way for the consumer to engage, a more engaging brand experience for the advertiser as well as real time information about delivery and engagement.
Innovations like this will continue to develop and joining the industry at this stage will offer you opportunities for rapid career progression.
You have many roles to go after including:
Audio Production: Creating compelling and engaging audio content that captures attention and drives action.
Conversation Design: Crafting seamless and intuitive voice experiences for smart speakers.
Data Analysis & Campaign Management: Analysing real-time data to optimize campaign performance.
Creative Strategy & Innovation: Developing new and innovative ways to leverage actionable audio for brand success.
Audio Ad sales: Crafting high performing and engaging advertising solutions
So, Why a Career in Audio Advertising?
If you're looking to be part of a dynamic and rapidly growing industry, audio advertising is calling. With the rise of actionable audio, you can be at the forefront of innovation, shaping how brands connect with consumers in a meaningful and engaging way. Plus, you get to work with a medium that's inherently entertaining and creatively stimulating.
If you're passionate about audio, technology, and marketing, tune in to the possibilities of a career in audio advertising - it might just be the perfect sound for your future.
Charlie Cadbury, CEO, Say It Now
A Multi-Award winning technologist at the leading edge of human-computer interaction with a focus on voice assistants where he is a regular industry thought leader and commentator.
Winner of Amazon's "Alexa Cup” and founder of ‘Say It Now’ a conversational technology company enabling anyone to engage with advertising using their voice. This makes it easier for the consumer to engage and for the advertiser to measure engagement and increase campaign conversion rates.
Say It Now has won many awards for its technology innovation and applications and is working globally with brands like Unilever, Chase Bank, Starbucks, Coca-Cola and many more.