Marketing Automation, Web Video and Social Media
Posted: 2/4/2010 12:00:00 AM by
Mike Rogers | with 0 comments
Are you looking for ways to add video marketing to your marketing activities, but don't know where to begin? As a frequent user of the Internet, you have experienced the effects of web videos time and time again. Video marketing not only increases consumer recall, but also translates into more consumer action in relation to your business. If you are an experienced article marketer, you understand the importance of the quantity and quality of the content you create. Similarly, creating web video is a great way to create multiple forms of content, which is all based on a single video. Web video is a form of media communication that is beginning to reshape the way in which consumers receive content, so it is vitally important that you begin to utilize this tool. Here, we will present some tips and tricks on how to get started in web video marketing.
The simplest way to start creating video is to produce a screen capture of a PowerPoint presentation and record a voice over for it. Creating a PowerPoint is easier than articles in many ways because you can create concise short slides with words and pictures. First, start by creating a 10-15 slide presentation about any topic related to your business. In the beginning, choosing a topic to discuss in your video may seem like a daunting task, but remember that you can make a video about anything, as long as you keep it simple. Second, when creating your slides, resist the urge to write too much on each slide and save those thoughts for your voice over. Once again, keep it simple. Anything too complicated or long will lose your audience's attention, so it is extremely important that you avoid the temptation to write too much on one slide. Finally, you must read your slides into the voice over. To do this, use your slides as talking points, but be prepared to speak for about a minute per slide. Also remember to practice, practice, practice. An unrehearsed video is definitely noticeable and can look extremely sloppy to the viewer. Therefore, the more comfortable you are with the slides and the material you wish to speak about in your video, the more professional it will look.
In order to perform your voice over and record your screen, use a tool like Camtasia. This program provides you with free training and recommended tips to get you started, while also showing you how to record, edit, produce and share your very own video. After you have completed all these steps, you now have a video and a PowerPoint that can be uploaded to Slideshare and YouTube. In your video, also make sure to link both pieces of content back to a target page for maximum SEO benefit. Then, using outsourcing or if you can type quickly enough, transcribe the video for a third piece of content. Write a short blog post of about 200 words and embed the YouTube video in it. Now, you have 4 quality pieces of content all linking to your target page.
Once you get the hang of this, you can create the entire package of content in about an hour or two. The process is relatively simple, but it takes quite a bit of effort and practice in order to utilize it effectively. To review, here are 4 quality backlinks: a blog, a transcript, a PowerPoint and a video. Also refer to the next blog, "Producing Your First Video" for more detailed instructions. It is possible for you to create an effective web video that will not only add value and traffic to your site, but also enhance your marketing plan. So now that you know the main steps, get started!
Posted: 2/4/2010 12:00:00 AM by
Mike Rogers | with 0 comments
Like any endeavor, you need to have a plan before your enter into a project. Creating quality web video is no different. In this article we will guide you through the steps to plan, produce and publish a great web video.
First, determine your topic. For those who are using webvideo for Internet marketing purposes, your topic should revolve around your niche and target market. If it is for marketing purposes, you probably don't want to focus on product or sales related content, but rather content related to topics your customers could potentially be interested in. For example, if you are a sports therapist, you want to talk about your therapies and services, discuss training techniques that people can do at home, or teach specific drills. Video is a fantastic medium to create instructional videos.
After you have selected a topic, write an outline of your short video. A good format to follow is "tell em what you're going to em," "tell em," and finally, "tell em what you told em." Be clear and concise and keep on point. A short, focused video will be more enjoyable than a long rambling one.
Your next step is to setup your video shot. Mark sure your subject, you, a white board etc., are all well framed and large enough in the frame. If you are going to be using text or written words in the video, make them 2-3 times larger than normal. Remember that people will be viewing your video on a small box in a web browser or mobile device, so you want to ensure that your text is readable.
Next, start filming. You will need to do multiple takes before you feel comfortable and natural in front if the camera. At first, the camera is hard to become accustomed to, but with only a little bit of practice you will be able to produce a quality video. We also find that it is more efficient to make one and tape all the way through one video than to have to edit multiple takes together. Video editing is meticulous work and very time consuming. If you keep your topics concise, you will be able to create your video in one take after practicing just a few times.
Things to keep in mind if you are going to be on camera:
1. Keep your eyes in the camera. Make sure your are comfortable with the subject and your outline so that you are focused on the camera 90% of the time.
2. If you are doing a screen capture, have a plan of exactly how your are going to display it. You do not want the mouse to wander because people will focus on the mouse, instead of you, if it is moving. Use it like your finger or laser pointer.
3. Have the best audio you can. People are tolerant of mediocre video but they really don't like echo filled, "ummm" and "ah" audio. Invest in a good microphone and sound input and learn how to speak into them properly. Also make sure that you are in a well lighted room in order to ensure that the brightness of your video is optimal. See our other articles here and here, which are on a turnkey audio package and video package for more specific information.
Posted: 1/28/2010 11:32:47 AM by
Kristen Prestano | with 0 comments
It’s finally here: the new Apple tablet, or iPad. With its 9.7-inch display and multi-touch sensors, the 0.5 inch thin and 1.5 pound iPad is revolutionizing the way we think about handheld devices. The iPad not only has a compass, speaker, microphone, and 10-hour battery life, but also has even more apps than ever. But, how exactly is this relevant to you as a small business? With the increasing influx of information regarding future iPad apps, more specifically the iBook app, this technological innovation can be utilized to benefit the marketing of your business.
One app in particular that has created an enormous amount of buzz is the iBooks app. iBooks is like iTunes, but for books. With full color display, HD resolution, and changeable book fonts, Apple is transforming the way we ingest information. Apple has already created partnerships with major publishers so that the iBook app will have a wide array of content for its built in iBookstore and virtual bookshelf. According to PCMag these include: Penguin, Harper-Collins, Simon & Schuster, Macmilllan, and the Hachette Book Group. For small companies the task of finding their way onto the iBook app may seem daunting, however they may just have to go through these major companies to get the job done.
This morning, Apple also released a software development kit (SDK) for the iPad, which provides the tools and software necessary for a universal app creation for the iPhone, iPod touch, and now, the iPad. The enormous amount of interest in this software is overwhelming and not at all unexpected. According to a study conducted by Appcelerator, over 90 percent of developers have taken an interest in creating at least one Apple iPad application after its release. This development software is only available to those who have already purchased Apple's program for the iPhone, so for those of you who are currently enrolled, you're in luck. If you are one of the many who have not enrolled in this iPhone software, you will need to purchase the iPhone developer program for a fee of $99/year (for the standard program) or $299/year (for the enterprise program). After you have done so, you can then download the SDK software for the iPad and begin developing!
What does all this mean for a small/midsized business? Increased competition. So if you are considering creating an app for the iPad, act NOW. To understand this, just think about the 140,000 apps created for the iPhone already. If the same trend goes for iPad apps, the competition in this marketplace will reach new heights. For small business owners, this fact is even more omnipresent because you have to battle against the big guys, along with the already prevalent app world overall. According to the HuffingtonPost, Chad Evans from MLB.com has already displayed an app that streams live video content. It is vital that you have your app developed quickly and creatively. Do you want to get a late start and create an app for the iPad at the beginning of the game or would you rather wait?
With this new SDK software that translates the iPhone apps into iPad ones, the anticipated number of iPad apps is incredible. This calls for especially new and creative ideas for businesses interested in developing an iPad app because now you have all the iPhone apps, plus the new iPad apps with which to compete. The large screen of the iPad does however create opportunities for app development that differs from that of the iPhone. As a small to midsized business owner, use this to your advantage!
Once you have created an app for the iPad, you must advertise it. Do the same for the iPad app that you have done with your website, video content and blogs in terms of increasing your SEO results and traffic to your business. Simply advertise an app for your company through these communication media and you will increase the marketability of your business. Also, as a small business, you probably already have a specific target audience, so gear your app toward them both in price and content. It is not an easy task, but if start quickly you may see valuable results.
According to a survey conducted by vouchercodes, of the 3000 people asked, 54% said they would consider buying an Apple tablet. The main utilities of the device would include: web browsing, downloading books, watching movies and videos, and downloading music. So what does this mean for you as a small business owner? For starters, you can effectively market your business through video content on the Internet and have it show up on consumers’ Apple tablet! Since Apple has announced its negotiations with YouTube to create an app for the iPad, it is important that you try to increase your video-link content in SEO results so that it can show up on the YouTube app or relevant links. If you relate the previous blog “Promote your website for free,” no matter how small your business is, increasing video search results through these various websites could translate into viewings on the new Apple Tablet. Also remember: in your video, always make sure you link back to your main website, blog, and now your new iPad App in order to ensure maximum SEO results.
With all this new technology, the Apple iPad could serve to replace some use of at-home computers. As a small business, this means that you must adapt to the ever-changing times and realize that much of consumer media usage may in fact be on this 9.7-inch handheld device.
Posted: 1/27/2010 12:04:32 PM by
Kristen Prestano | with 0 comments
iSlate, iPad, iGuide? Come on Apple; give us a name already! What other names for the new Apple tablet will be underway in the next few months? Apple has just recently unveiled this as-of-now unnamed tablet computer that fuses the technologies of laptops and handheld devices. Although many companies like Toshiba Corp and Hewlett Packard Co. have introduced similar tablets with Windows based operating systems, Apple plans to revolutionize the way in which individuals currently interact with media. With all of the surreptitious information regarding this new product, Apple has created an enormous amount of buzz in the same way that it originally did with the iPhone.
The new Apple tablet is expected to look like a very large version of the iPod touch with multimedia offerings, allowing people to play games, read electronic books and newspapers, go on the web and even watch movies and television shows. With a 10.7” screen and resolution of up to 5 to 6 times more than the iPhone, the tablet will offer superior picture options for wireless access to photos, music, videos, games, and much more.
It has been released that Apple is working to enhance its audio, video gaming, electronic book features. In December, Apple acquired the music-streaming service La La Media Inc. in order to revamp its current audio system, while videogame publisher Electronic Arts Inc. is one of the target companies with which Apple is looking to negotiate a contract. In terms of magazines, electronic books and newspapers available on the tablet, Apple has also been in talks with HarperCollins Publishers, the New York Times, and Condé Nast Publications Inc.
Video content is a major focus regarding the capabilities of this new product. With a screen size of 720x1280 pixels, the tablet will offer a 720p high-definition resolution that will be incredible for video streaming. But how exactly does Apple plan to provide this for its consumers? So far, Apple has been seen working on deals with various television networks and YouTube for valuable and quick access to video content. It has also been speculated that Apple is consulting with television networks, like Walt Disney Co. and CBS Corp, in order to make it possible for consumers to purchase monthly subscriptions and access on-demand video content.
It is clear that the new Apple tablet will be a revolutionary piece of technological machinery, however information pertaining to its video streaming speeds specifically are still in the woodworks. Although there has been much speculation about the speed at which video streaming will be made possible for the Apple Tablet, it is expected that 3G speeds would be enough to back most video and media communications. According to Matt Hamblen of Computerworld, in order to support a more intricate video feature, talks have been in place with Verizon and AT&T about Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks in order to ensure fasters speeds of video streaming. Although it is still unclear as to which service provider, or both, will be supporting this feature for Apple, both plan to launch LTE services between 2010 and 2011. Of course, this multifaceted feature is still speculation and would require Apple to update its product for such LTE connections, however it is clear that the possibilities are limitless with this new piece of technology.
Although Apple desires to be the market leader in this entirely new product category, the introduction of the new tablet serves as an technological archetype that could now begin to revolutionize and revamp the computer and consumer electronics industries. But, with all the buzz being generated about this new product, Apple cannot expect other companies to sit back and stand on the sidelines. According to Bruce Einhorn and Tim Culpan of BusinessWeek, Acer plans to launch a similar product of its own that will have unique modifications and features that vary from the tablet. The new Apple tablet will set the bar high for other companies, thereby increasing the competition and value of video and communications media in this industry.
Apple is strategic in its thinking. Whereas the past introductions of new Apple products were unveiled in ready to ship form, failing to do so with the tablet will undoubtedly create even more hype and anticipation for this products eventual release. Maybe it will generate enough excitement to gain media company and TV network interests in forming contracts with Apple? With all this speculation, it is clear that Apple will serve as a paradigm for new communications and multimedia technology. The new tablet will, if it hasn’t already, begin to transform video and media technology and the way we purchase and process various forms of multimedia as we know it.
Posted: 1/20/2010 2:57:41 PM by
Mike Rogers | with 0 comments
It has been widely reported that Zappos has achieved a 5-30% increase in sales conversion by utilizing video product demos on their website. This makes complete sense since users cannot (yet) touch and feel a product online and they need additional ways to become familiar with something they may never have seen in real life. Video product demos can provide consumers with a better understanding of a product and how it can perform for them.
Even better than the Zappos example is the success of informercials and TV shopping networks. These mediums use video as the primary driver of sales. Video will continue to grow as an effective medium to provide depth of information, not only on e-commerce sites, but on information-driven sites such as news outlets and written entertainment. With the explosion of video-capable smartphones and netbook sized computers, consumers can now access video content just as easily as text, most of the time. If you are not using video, now is the time to start thinking about it.
Producing video instead of written content has a number of advantages. First is the ability to distribute that video content to numerous outlets where people can find you. At this moment, duplicate video content is not heavily penalized by the search engines because it is relatively undetectable. Cross-posting your content, even if it is product-specific, is a great way to potentially leverage the power of sites like youTube, Google Video and other niche sites. YouTube is now the #2 search engine on the planet. If you sell products, you MUST be creating video and distributing it on YouTube with focused attention to SEO.
If you produce video for demonstration purposes, make sure that you do not treat it as a replacement for product art. For example, don't just shoot a picture of the product itself. Rather, demonstrate its actual usage, let the potetntial customer see how they may use the product. The goal, after viewing the video, would be for a consumer to imagine themselves using the product in their own particular situation.
Watch some infomercials and the home shopping network to gain ideas about the language the pitchmen use. You need to convey a sense of urgency and enthusiasm for the product. However, be genuine; video is very revealing and a viewer will know if you are actually passionate about a project. If you have never done this before, you will want to make many takes to rehearse and get it correct. You are looking for clear speech, good screen presence, conscise product descriptions, and drive the user to add the product to the cart and checkout. Adding a verbal call to action at the end of your pitch is a good idea to consider.
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