Web stores sound off

To draw new customers and keep existing ones, online merchants increasingly are adding interactive features. While most sites rely on graphics and design to create personality and help customers navigate, some merchants also are turning to sound.

eCall.com, a Hoboken, N.J.-based online communications provider, recently launched BeeLink, a service that allows merchants to add a voice their Web sites. Through the service, merchants can imbed a "talk to me" icon on their pages where they can record greetings and create a dialog with customers through the exchange of instant and non-instant voice messages.

Web site owners and consumers can implement the service for free by visiting www.beecall.com/beelink and downloading the necessary software.