Better Internet
Video Marketing

It may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie but technology is progressing to the point where when one watches an advertising video in the mall it may watch you back.
Small cameras embedded in the screen or hidden around it can now track who looks at the screen and for how long.  Makers of the tracking system claim the software can determine the viewer’s gender, approximate age and in some cases ethnicity and can change the advertising video accordingly, according to a report by Dinesh Ramde.

That could mean razor ads for men, cosmetic ads for women and video game ads for teens, says Ramde.

The technology is also a goldmine for advertisers as the ability to determine viewers’ demographics will enable them to determine the effectiveness of the reach of their ads.

Technology is still a ways away from identifying individuals and remains in limited use, but manufacturers declare the system can accurately measure gender 85 to 90 percent of the time while other measures continue to be refined.

This means that the system is capable of displaying an ad for a group of men but will switch to a minvan ad when women and children join them.

The idea of smart advertising videos, however, does not please everyone. Some opponents to the use of the technology argue cameras that study people contribute to an erosion of privacy.  The use of the technology without the consumer’s knowledge also raises the hackles of privacy-protection advocates. Although manufacturers claim that nothing is ever stored and no identifying information is ever associated with the pictures, skeptics want privacy protection built in to the technology stage while it is still in its infancy.

Technorati Tags: Advertising Video, marketing video, sales video

Video has long ceased to be merely a medium for watching movies and relaying information.  Thanks to the ever growing popularity of video based social sites, the availability of technologies and the Web’s design and flexibility, online video has evolved to be a means of how people communicate with each other, replacing even e-mail.

Online marketing video is the wave of the future and stands poised to define the Web experience of the future, according to Video Insider’s Dave Dutch.  This trend presents private enterprise with a huge opportunity, Dutch declares, and the successful ones will be those that engage communities with video that is compelling and continuous.

In fact, some well known brands have embraced the increasingly video-centric web and have exploited it in a number of ways.  Dutch gives examples on how promotional videos are impacting corporate Web strategies and business models.

British Sky Broadcasting has eschewed the traditional customary block of images and text on the company’s home page, where visitors may be greeted instead by a running video news feed.   Organizations may exploit this capability as a tool to spread company news and information such as populating on-demand libraries with share holder meetings, annual reports, and video news releases.

Marketing video is also a powerful enabler of product support and advice. Dutch cites Scott’s Miracle-Gro Company which uses promotional videos as the primary format for “help” articles on lawn care, gardening, and related topics.

Corporations may also deliver original marketing video content directly to its consumers.  Dutch cites the example of Nike.com which offer sports-specific channels that offer video-based training, and feature stories about Nike’s athletes.

Video based programs, seminars, and workshops may also provide a valuable tool to propagate best practices and knowledge management within an organization.  According to Dutch, online video could enable a far-flung employee to record and share best practices with his colleagues.  IT consulting firm Bluewolf shares its case studies and testimonials with external audiences on Bluewolf TV, according to Dutch.

Finally, user-generated content can turn customers and fans into a network of content creators who communicate through promotional videos, according to Dutch. For an example, he cites cult footwear favorite Crocs, which has set up a site that invites lovers and haters of the brand to upload videos about how they feel about the product.  Dutch declares online video and the social Web combine to enable business to create and sustain new communities.

Technorati Tags: marketing video, promotional videos

If you’re frustrated with the quality of your video production here are 10 easy to implement tips that will help you produce a better Internet video right away.

Internet Video Marketing is the best way to sell your products and services online! You can put a video clip into your ad page, or it can stand on its own as an ad. You can measure how many hits your video clip gets. You can also equip ads to assess your viewers’ follow-through—for instance, whether they click through to learn moreabout your product, or even order it. These vital ten tips will achieve successful Internet video marketing campaign.

1. Attention–we have a problem! You must convince your audience immediately that they have a problem your product or service will resolve. Your opening seconds are critical to this. Also, consider your targeted population’s likely style preferences. Will your viewers appreciate a humorous look at the product? Is a serious approach appropriate? The very first frame of your video must convince your viewers to click on the play button.
2. Next your video must demonstrate that your product is the first or the best to successfully eliminate the problem. No matter which style you choose, avoid using a hard-sell technique. Use the advisor role and speak to your customer as if you really want to help them solve their problem. Get your viewers to think of possibilities. Rather than trashing competitors’ brands, which can take you down legal roads you don’t want to travel, explain why yours is the most, the best, the ultimate.
3. How will your average viewer’s life change if he or she purchases your product? The next portion of your video should demonstrate that by taking action to purchase your product, the buyer is making a smart, informed decision. And what are their purchase options? It’s wise to offer both online and alternative purchasing. You can capture orders immediately for those comfortable making Internet purchases, but many people still prefer not to give information online.
4. Keep your Internet video ads or clips short. People are busy, and long videos will lose viewers—even if they’re interested, they might not have the time for long ads. Anything longer than two minutes must be riveting.
5. Graphics serve a two-fold purpose. They flash facts or images into your viewer’s memory that will keep him thinking about your product. They also break up shots of the speaker for a creative flow during the video.
6. Music or sound effects must be appropriate to your target audience’s preference. If you’re trying to hook the older baby boomers, rap music isn’t the right approach! Also, pay close attention to modulation and clarity. Annoying sound levels will lose viewers.
7. Lighting is one of the most important aspects of making videos. Avoid flourecent lighting. Use soft white lighting and you don’t need to pay alot. In fact home depot has a lighting kit that works perfectly. Use the several lights in front and a very soft light in back for your background light. This is one area that will take some experimenting on your part. So plan to spend a few hours shooting some test scenes and adjust the lighting as needed.
8. As you prepare your script, speak the language of your market and look at your word choices. Snag the audience’s attention by eliminating fancy words in some places. Punch up your script in other sentences. Use emotional words instead of technical words. For instance, a word like “eliminate” can be replaced by “throw out,” but you want to use vibrant descriptive adjectives.
9. It’s time for you to appear on the video. Don’t depend on memorizing your script; nervousness causes forgetfulness. Instead, structure your videos using short 3 to 5 second clips interlaced with graphics. This way you only have to memorize a few short sentences. Shoot each scene seperatly. Then use your editing skills top piece it all together. Use keywords on index cards that you can flip through while you get your message across. And you must practice ahead of time. Speak slower than you normally do; your voice will always sound faster to others than it does to you. I like to record myself while talking to a family member or friend. Then study the recording and compare it to your rehersed version. Are there any differences?
10. Technology can help your message only if you know how to use it. Stay within your comfort level. If you try a technique that you really don’t know yet, you’re rolling the dice on success. Even if you start out with help from a professional, you will soon become knowledgeable about utilizing high tech effects to create the best ads.

Missing Link, Inc. has been intrumental in helping individuals and small business to successfully market their businesses on the web using Better Internet Video Marketing techniques. The secret is who can tell the better story and how they present it. If you want to keep your customer’s attention longer than 10 seconds then you need to have the knowledge to make a better internet video. It’s not about just the technical stuff. Anyone can tell you how to buy a better camera.

This is how to present your self and be a power video presenter. For more information visit our web site at www.BetterInternetVideoMarketing.com.

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