New statistics released last week in a CNN Money report state that the use of online video is up significantly in the last year.
"Last year, video comprised the majority of consumer Internet traffic for the first time, making up 53% of all uploads and downloads.
By 2015, video traffic will more than quadruple, and the Internet will be two-thirds made up of video..."
Videos are the key tool in online marketing today. YouTube has revolutionized the internet through its video content and we, as marketers, must embrace that technology. Yes, YouTube celebrated its sixth birthday last month, and they shared a couple of impressive new statistics: 48 hours of video are now uploaded per minute, and YouTube has surpassed 3 billion views per day.
This generation grew up with television and movies, people enjoy the "entertainment factor" which reinforces the concept that when people look at a screen, they want to watch something live not just read a lot of text.
A majority of businesspeople surveyed by Forbes in October 2010 said they watched more online videos than a year earlier. Nearly 60% of all respondents said they would watch video before reading text on the same webpage, and 22% said they generally liked watching video more than reading text for reviewing business information. Three-quarters of all executives said they watched work-related videos on business websites at least once a week, and more than half did the same on YouTube.
"2010 was a very positive year for the digital media industry, highlighted by a strong rebound in e-commerce spending, significant innovation and increased demand for online advertising, and an explosion in digital content consumption across multiple platforms," said comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni. "As we embark on a promising 2011, marketers must have a sound understanding of the digital media landscape and how it is changing if they hope to capitalize on key trends that can drive their business into the future."
So how can you produce your own videos and effectively use them on your site? Here are some video production tips from a pro in the industry.
Insist on Good Lighting This is the most important aspect of your video production is lighting. Most small businesses are using lower end video cameras to produce videos for their website and social media campaigns. They work well as long as there is adequate lighting and since light is directly relative to the light that is getting in through the lens, the smaller the lens the less light that gets into the video. A low cost alternative is to go to Home Depot, get some of those aluminum lights (sometimes referred to as chicken lights) and a soft white bulb. For less that $20 you have a solution to your video lighting problem.
Quality Audio is a must It is important to have good audio when you are producing a video for online purposes. The solution: a good microphone. There are many options for good microphones at places like Radio Shack for under $100.00. Also, if you using a flip video, try to have a noise free environment when you shoot- it will make all the difference in your audio quality.
Use a Tripod The mistake many do-it-yourself videographers make is trying to shoot without a tripod and afterwards they find quality is just not there. Its a good idea to mount your digital camera on a tripod whenever you can-your results will look far less jerky than using a handheld camera. Also, when you focus your video, watch not to have too much space between the top of the head and the screen.
Write a script and practice before going live Even the most professional of speakers have a script to work from so why wouldnt you? Even if you ad lib during your presentation, you have a guideline that will help you stay on track.
Brand your videos Whether you are a small business marketing your services or a large company marketing a product, videos can improve your online brand. Pull out all of your marketing materials and utilize your graphics and logos to continue to brand your company. You might want to discuss how to build your brand with a Denver branding company.
Dont be afraid of video Video is where your true personality comes through so be yourself and avoid the nervous twitches while you are being taped. The one good thing about video is the editing feature so do not be afraid to make a mistake or say the wrong thing.
Get professional help If you are still concerned about getting the best quality video on your website, hire a professional. For top notch videos on your website, email campaign orsocial media marketing, hire a professional Denver marketing services company to help you produce and edit your videos and strategically place them into your online marketing sites.
Video is here to stay and growing at break neck speeds: time to incorporate it into your online marketing strategy.
Sell you websites online
Believe it or not, social networking isnt the next best thing... You are! Its the personal connection that still seals the deal.
The Internet, social networking, and other breakthroughs in technology have fundamentally changed the way we do business. New technology drives communications, messaging, and information access at warp speed, and our clients expect immediate access. This pattern of ever-increasing speed and sophistication not only creates an intensely competitive marketplace, but places further demands on us to act and react quickly.
The rise of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, and LinkedIn have lured many sales pros into scaling back their personal interactions and relying on social media to get more "qualified leads."
Its time to get real!
Social Media Is a Powerful Tool for Three Things and Three Things Only
1. Search engine optimization: Use your key words and raise your presence on the web.
2. Find out who people are: Learn about a persons background and your connections.
3. Find out who people know: Look for close connections that you can leverage
Some salespeople tell me they actually get clients through social media. Well, maybe if you have a commodity business.
Could it happen?
Yes.
Do I rely on it?
Absolutely not! I only count on what I bring about-through a proactive, intentional, referral strategy with personal introductions.
Why Social Networking Your Way Wont Bring You More Leads and Sales
The most important business decisions are still based on personal relationships. There is significant research about why customers make buying decisions. Bottom line: Its because they like and trust the salesperson and his organization. Think about it. Were selling services, investments, systems, products... were asking for peoples time and money! Why would they work with someone who hasnt been referred?
Theres a saying in sales: Clients buy with emotion and justify with fact. If our clients dont like us or dont feel comfortable with us, they wont buy from us. You can wow your clients with technology know-how now and try to win them over later, once they find out youre honest and reliable. But the reality is you need people to start liking you within the first few seconds of your relationship. You need to start off on the right foot. Fancy gizmos wont make that happen. But a trusted referral and a personal connection will.
Thats why Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO of Google, in his commencement address to the graduating class of the University of Pennsylvania in May 2009, urged college graduates to step away from the virtual world and make human connections. "Turn off your computer. Youre actually going to have to turn off your phone and discover all that is human around us."
That said, a social media presence is a must-have in todays world-but you need to change the way youre social networking.
3 Ways to Get More Leads and Sales with Social Networking and Referral Marketing
1. Develop a social media strategy: Like a sales plan or a marketing plan, write your social media plan. What is your goal? Who is your audience? What do you want to communicate? Leverage social media as part of your go-to-market strategy. How does your strategy link to your customers needs and your business priorities?
2. Establish relationships: Take the time to build your personal connections, pick up the phone and talk to people. Just because you have a name in hand, doesnt mean you have a relationship.
3. Communicate useful information: Social sites are not for selling. They are for establishing connections, identifying ways to collaborate, and providing value. What tips can you provide? Link to other sites you strongly recommend. Get recognized as the expert and build your web presence. Be a resource.
To Trust You Paves the Way
The most energizing and exciting part of our work is the relationships with our clients-the interaction. We enjoy learning about our clients business and matching our solutions to their needs. In an era dominated by ever-expanding technology and social media pressures, always remember that personal connections, referrals, and earning trust count most.
Targeted Website Traffic
The Internet, social networking, and other breakthroughs in technology have fundamentally changed the way we do business. New technology drives communications, messaging, and information access at warp speed, and our clients expect immediate access. This pattern of ever-increasing speed and sophistication not only creates an intensely competitive marketplace, but places further demands on us to act and react quickly.
The rise of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, and LinkedIn have lured many sales pros into scaling back their personal interactions and relying on social media to get more "qualified leads."
Its time to get real!
Social Media Is a Powerful Tool for Three Things and Three Things Only
1. Search engine optimization: Use your key words and raise your presence on the web.
2. Find out who people are: Learn about a persons background and your connections.
3. Find out who people know: Look for close connections that you can leverage
Some salespeople tell me they actually get clients through social media. Well, maybe if you have a commodity business.
Could it happen?
Yes.
Do I rely on it?
Absolutely not! I only count on what I bring about-through a proactive, intentional, referral strategy with personal introductions.
Why Social Networking Your Way Wont Bring You More Leads and Sales
The most important business decisions are still based on personal relationships. There is significant research about why customers make buying decisions. Bottom line: Its because they like and trust the salesperson and his organization. Think about it. Were selling services, investments, systems, products... were asking for peoples time and money! Why would they work with someone who hasnt been referred?
Theres a saying in sales: Clients buy with emotion and justify with fact. If our clients dont like us or dont feel comfortable with us, they wont buy from us. You can wow your clients with technology know-how now and try to win them over later, once they find out youre honest and reliable. But the reality is you need people to start liking you within the first few seconds of your relationship. You need to start off on the right foot. Fancy gizmos wont make that happen. But a trusted referral and a personal connection will.
Thats why Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO of Google, in his commencement address to the graduating class of the University of Pennsylvania in May 2009, urged college graduates to step away from the virtual world and make human connections. "Turn off your computer. Youre actually going to have to turn off your phone and discover all that is human around us."
That said, a social media presence is a must-have in todays world-but you need to change the way youre social networking.
3 Ways to Get More Leads and Sales with Social Networking and Referral Marketing
1. Develop a social media strategy: Like a sales plan or a marketing plan, write your social media plan. What is your goal? Who is your audience? What do you want to communicate? Leverage social media as part of your go-to-market strategy. How does your strategy link to your customers needs and your business priorities?
2. Establish relationships: Take the time to build your personal connections, pick up the phone and talk to people. Just because you have a name in hand, doesnt mean you have a relationship.
3. Communicate useful information: Social sites are not for selling. They are for establishing connections, identifying ways to collaborate, and providing value. What tips can you provide? Link to other sites you strongly recommend. Get recognized as the expert and build your web presence. Be a resource.
To Trust You Paves the Way
The most energizing and exciting part of our work is the relationships with our clients-the interaction. We enjoy learning about our clients business and matching our solutions to their needs. In an era dominated by ever-expanding technology and social media pressures, always remember that personal connections, referrals, and earning trust count most.
Targeted Website Traffic