Part 2 of a 3 in a series on Video Using video is becoming so common place that we need to quickly incorporate it on our websites and in our marketing. So, what makes a good video? It needs to work for your brand so you deliver the same message with video as you do with all your other marketing. What a great opportunity because you can do it right, the first time . . . and every time. Here are some suggestions of videos that you can create and use on your website and send via email. • Welcome Video -Tell them what to expect on your site and invite them to look around. • Video of key personnel. We love to look at people! Think about all the star magazines at the local check out counter.
  1. How about introducing them to your staff, your team, or experts.
Where does this video belong? On your “About us” Page of course. • Videos of products. This can go on your home page or on your products page. These are online commercials for subdivisions, communities, and special listings.
  1. Why not create videos of services you offer?
  2. First time buyer
  3. Retirement communities
  4. 1031 exchanges, etc.
Leverage existing video Do you have television commercials? Maximize the investment by putting them on your website. Have any footage of meetings, conventions, speeches by your CEO? Load them up. All these reinforce your branding messages and are important. If you had a Flip camera you could be taking these vides right now! Video of satisfied customers No one believes testimonials that you write on your website. They will believe someone looking into a camera and saying how great you are. Do you own a digital camera? No need to hire a professional for these. These can easily be taken with the video option on your digital camera. Just click away and upload to a video sharing site. Let’s discuss creating this video content. If you decide to hire a professional, this will take some planning on your part, and don’t forget the cost. One other item which I learned the hard way – a professional videographer creates a video in a format that is not easily uploaded on your website. Make sure you include in the price a formatted video that is easily embedded on your website.In the end a professional produced video goes a long way in establishing your brand. Free video services. Sites like YouTube are great in that anyone can create a video uploading on the video sharing site and give you the embed code to put our video on your website. Let’s consider what this means.
  • Your video will now have an advertising logo (like YouTube)
  • This video site includes other video options your prospects may wander off
  • Not professional, need I say more? When are these sites valuable?
As a social networking experience, it allows people to get to know you through your video, profile and photo. Recently I received an email from a REALTOR who had in her email signature: View my listings on YouTube. Click here There she had loaded videos of her listings – quite impressive. But she also had videos of her company, communities she works in and testimonials. Awesome. Do it yourself! I think you need to consider a professional for certain videos, but be comfortable doing some of them yourself. If you are not into Youtube, – consider these sites as alternatives for loading videos
  • Blip.tv
  • Viddler.com
  • Brightcove.com
  • Aolvideo.com
  • Googlevideo.com
  • Tubemogul.com.(A Video syndicator)
Also check out Wellcomemat.com. This site has videographers – who can make videos for you. Samples of their work and pricing are all there. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone, here are quick tips • Short and sweet – 60 seconds to maximum of 3 minutes (I think more than 2 minutes is too long) • Use voice – videos with just pictures and music can’t sell – only your voice can help point out the features that make a house a home. • Call to action – As with all marketing, you need to include up a call to action. Give people various methods of contacting you. Consider: Email - Phone Number - Click her for more information. If you end up starring in your video, remember to represent your brand. Look professional. Sold colors work best and avoid white around your face. Next segment of this article and part 3 or 3 What video products can you use to create your own videos?

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