Blackberry or IPhone – Which to Choose

In the class Automated Agent where I speak on all the “tools of the trade” I am constantly asked what I think of the new IPhone, with the recent update release. Although I also have IPhone envy I am sticking with my Blackberry. Why, you ask? Because I still feel it is a superior business tool, and costs less. The encryption of the email keeps my data (any my clients) safe and the ease in which my email arrives is just a lovely thing.

Matthew Ferrara of my company just wrote a great post on this topic on our company blog and he says it all. So here is the link to hear my thoughts . . . and Matthews. Click here to read the article titled: Why iPhone will never beat Blackberry.

Good reading . . .

Lights, Camera, Action – Video on Your Website

You have two tenths of a second to capture a visit to your website. Can video be the key to engage the consumer? Could be, if your video is professional looking, Creating good video is an art form – it gives a good first impression each and every time. If you ever need to be reminded of how bad real estate video is take a look at Rachel Natlie Klein who produces Intothebox and look in her archives for the videos titled “Best of the Bad.” She has a humorous look at the evolving real estate video.

What types of videos should you have on your website? Consider:

• Welcome message
• Top Clients saying why you are great to work with
• Property Showcase
• Town Profiles

Once your videos are produced they can be packaged and marketed as:

Banner video ads on relevant websites

Client videos can be sent to potential new clients

Video on your blog or enewsletter

Video clips can be sent to the press for new services or updates on the market.

Also keep in mind multiple uses for your video so you have a great return on your investment.

The consumer comes to your website from many different entry points. So begin your internal marketing through your website, newsletters and email campaigns. Consider:

Video syndication on sites like:

•  Youtube
• Wellcomemat
• Blip.tv
• Googlevideo
• Yahoo
• Aolvideo
• Facebook

 Add your videos to these sites are free and take advantage of the social networking aspect of the web. When you have a chance to, go to Youtube put in your city, state and the words “real estate” and see who is marketing this way. A great example of this is done by Coldwell Banker in Massachusetts. On Youtube  put in “Marion, MA real estate” with the quotes and watch their promotional video, an excellent use of this resources.

Also consider vendors, industry websites might welcome your video on their website.

As with all social networking sites, never never SELL. A topical video will get more play, increase distribution and visibility. It promotes you to expert and thought leader in your area. Your goal is to “inform and entertain.: This will allow you to take advantage of the viral nature of video on the web, people who find it interesting will recommend it and send it to others.

The product of web video packs a punch. It can be highly engaging, keeps people there and consumers can take immediate action on what they see.

So, don’t leave them hanging.

Consider:

Navigation and search options

Chapters or table of contents allowing them to jump to what interest them. Check out the chapters on the video on RackSpace. The have customer testimonials and a table on contents so you can skip to the topic that interests them.

Try to include between one to four call to actions Consider some of the following:

• Send more information
• Schedule appointment
• Ask a question
• Download PDF with more information
• Share video with a friend
• Subscribe to a newsletter or listing search

 Make sure you track your results so you can gain insight into your prospects and develop better content as you go.

Coming soon: What makes a good video

What free products are out there to help create videos.

Video, Virtual Tours – a Recent Study on Multi Media and photos

Michael Fanning, an EVP from Windermere Real Estate just did a study on Multi Media and photos.  Very interesting results. Weigh in with your comments.

 http://mfanning.wordpress.com/2008/06/02/how-to-create-the-best-real-estate-multimedia-presentation-online/