A.
We have combined the audio recording, creative script
writing, and professional voice talents of the Production
Department, Inc. with the technical talents and state-of-the-art
software solutions of Synergy Soup Interactive to produce
audio tracks that load instantly and play in a matter of seconds
- not minutes like other file types.
Q.
What other file types are you referring to?
A.
RealMedia, WindowsMedia, and MP3. In all three cases
your browser has to open a separate software player for your
audio files to play. This alone can take 15-30 seconds… time
you don't have to waste, not to mention average RealMedia,
WindowsMedia, and MP3 files are 2 to 5 times as large as our
"TLK" format audio files.
Q.
How do you get your files so small?
A.
"Ancient Chinese secret!"
Q.
Really?
A.
No, not really. We have developed a technique utilizing
our state-of the-art software that allows us not only to compress
audio files, but also play them right in your visitor's browser
immediately upon entering your pages. This can all be added
to your existing website with less then six lines of code
(per page), and no visual changes in your web pages.
Q.
So, the solution can plug into our existing site?
A.
Yes, exactly! With no change in page load time and
no visible change in design.
Q.
How Hard is it to add to our web site? A. Simple. We can work with you or your web
developer to add the code to your pages. It's a matter of
inserting a few lines of code on the pages of your site with
audio. We have a tutorial available for all of our clients
on how to complete the insertion - it shows exactly how and
where to place the code for proper implementation. It's really
as easy as copying and pasting the code and uploading your
updated pages.
Our audio
flies do the rest and we upload updates as you make them,
so the only time you need to change the code is when you initially
place audio on a page. For those of you that need help - our
technical staff are available to help you.
Q.
What about updates? You said earlier that we don't need to
update the code each time we update. Is that right?
A.
Yes, any of your pages that already have audio on
them will not need to have code changed. We update the audio
files by uploading them to our server and instantly your voice-overs
are changed through out your site. After the first implementation
you are hands free for all updates. The only thing you will
be required to do thereafter, is approve your new script!
Q.
No change in load time? How is that possible? A. Our programmers have been developing solutions
for the web for over 12 years. A fast load time has always
been high on our priority list. Our solution utilizes streaming
audio files, which means that while it's downloading, it's
playing within five seconds of your page being accessed.
Q:
Ok, why should I put audio files on my site?
A.
The obvious answer is to stand out from the other
70 million websites out there, but there are many more reasons:
Touch
another sense. Don't just touch their eyes. Stimulate their
audio senses and effect their emotions.
Build
a unique, professional image and leave a lasting impression
that your company is a leader.
Keep
visitors at your site longer. Our clients find that the
average visitor will continue to click through most, if
not all of their pages just to hear all of the voice-overs.
Enhance
the text content of your web pages by highlighting content
with a professional voice.
Play
audio recordings of testimonials from your clients.
Most
visitors only stay on a page for 10-20 seconds… They stay
longer if someone is talking to them.
Increase
sales.
Q. Who writes the script for our voice-overs?
A.
We provide professional, creative copywriters. But
some of our clients write their own or have their advertising
agency write their scripts. Either way is fine with us.
Q. How often should I change my audio files?
A.
That's totally up to you. We recommend you change
audio in key pages on your site (like the homepage, CEO's
message page, or testimonials page) frequently; if not monthly,
at least quarterly. This will keep your site fresh as visitors
return. The rest of the site you should change at least yearly…maybe
seasonally if you want to recognize a specific holiday.
Q.
Can we choose multiple voices?
A.
Yes, we have many voices to choose from. Males and
females, mature to youth. This is one of our strengths - we
currently have over 5000 active on-hold messaging customers
at The Production Department, Inc. so, as you can imagine,
we are required to provide many different voice options. The
advantage to you is that unlike most of our competition we
staff many voice talents and don't have to charge extra for
additional voice options. (Character voices and impersonations
could require an extra fee.)
Q.
Your competition charges extra for multiple voice talents?
A.
Yes, and for other services too...things that we
include in all of our productions. Things like script writing,
sound effects and music. Be careful, our competitors have
a lot of up charges in their programs.
Q.
What kind of turnaround time does it take to get voice-overs
on our site?
A.
The first implementation usually takes 24 - 48 hours
during business days. The updates usually take less time because
the code already exists on your page so when we upload the
new audio file it automatically activates. Rush processing
is available for an additional fee based on your required
turn time. Of course your approval is part of the process.
If your approval is slow, the turn time will be slow as well.
Q.
What if we don't have a web site yet? Will you work with our
developer to implement the voice-overs?
A.
Yes, we'll work with them. However, we suggest Synergy
Soup Interactive for your whole web project. One award-winning
source for your whole project definately has its advantages.
Synergy Soup has been developing Internet marketing solutions
since 1994 and Sports Illustrated called one of their sites
"A Major Presence"!
Q.
You mentioned on-hold messaging earlier. Can we use the audio
files you create for our web site within our on-hold system?
A.
Yes! You should! Consistency is good for your marketing
efforts. You should contact our audio specialists at the Production
Department to discuss the details, but they can help
you implement the audio files into your on-hold system.
If you have any questions that we haven't answered
here, please contact us via e-mail by clicking questions@talkinsites.com.
