What is the best way to create a powerful audio product? Whether it’s a CD series or some MP3s, it’s not as hard (or as easy) as you may think. The best audio products contain three key elements: 1) a good topic; 2) clear sound; 3) valuable and interesting content. These are the basics. If, however, you want to offer more to your listeners, you will want to add more than just the basics in order to give them an exceptional audio experience. Let’s talk about some steps you can follow so that your product stands above the rest.

First off, make sure that you choose your topic wisely. Do not underestimate the value of market research in order to find a topic that will interest or benefit to your future customers. Some things to consider when doing your research:

- Will this help them solve a problem that they have? - Is this something that they want or need to learn? - Will this topic fulfill a need in their particular area of interest, such as a hobby, motivator, etc.?

Once you have chosen your topic, spend the necessary time required to learn whatever you need to know to put out a product that portrays you as knowledgeable, well-informed, and helpful. This step, and the time you put into it, is critical to a successful audio product.

The second factor that you must consider is the content of your audio product. Does your product offer information that will help them understand a difficult to grasp technical problem? Are you attempting to enrich their lives as a motivator or with self-help guidance? Are you sharing your knowledge and experience of a mutual interest? Whatever your goal is, ensure that your product’s content does indeed meet that goal. You want your customers to trust you and value your information or guidance. This will lead to a long-term and profitable relationship in which your customers will return to you for more and recommend you to others.

Absolutely critical to the success of your product is the sound quality. Do you have the necessary tools to ensure this? If not, you may want to consider investing in high-quality items such as microphones, editing software, and a computer that is equipped with a sound card or build for multi-media recording. Your customer is looking for high sound quality, and must be able to understand the information that you provide. Crisp, clear sound will heighten your standing with your clients. Reliable recording equipment is necessary to reach this goal.

Another key factor is that you use a voice that holds your listener’s attention. You do not want to sound monotone, rigid, or dull. I’m not saying that you have to have a voice fit for radio to record your audio product, but add some interest when speaking. Modulate your tone and emphasize key points. Your audience will know if you’re reading a script, so if you need one be sure to practice it. In my experience, it is best to use an outline when making your audio product. This way, you will be sure to cover all of the information in a natural way rather than sounding "rigid" with a word-for-word script.

Finally, you MUST review your audio product and make any necessary changes before offering it to your customers. This is critical. Listen to the product yourself, or better yet, have others listen to it for you. Does it provide the information that you intended? Does it have high sound quality? Does it hold the attention of the listener? If not, you need to make some changes before it is made public.

Creating CD series or MP3s can be highly profitable to you as well as beneficial to your customers. If you follow the steps we’ve discussed, you will be well on your way towards this goal.