The Viral Video Virus
Picture a time before YouTube; too difficult to remember that far back? Born in 2005, the video giant is only 6 years old. It grew up quickly and was bought for a cool $1.65 billion barely a year after its inception by a little company called Google. More video content is uploaded to YouTube in any given sixty day period than all 3 major US TV networks have created in 60 years. Large and small companies alike realize the importance for quality video content. Not only is the Web already saturated with video, it is equally saturated with articles about why video content is important.
Better search optimization, more intimate fan/customer engagement, and the ease of viewing vs. reading are only some of video’s selling points. These days, everybody wants a viral video. Is going viral the only thing that matters though, and more importantly, is YouTube the only destination? Not every video is going to go viral; by definition it is impossible. Viral videos are great, but they’re the junk food of the video world. Everyone loves them, they’re easy to consume, and often times they don’t have much substance behind them.
A fascinating lecture given by a brilliant astrophysicist probably won’t garner as many views as Lady Gaga’s latest hit, but does this mean that the lecture is of lesser value or quality? The two videos, simply put, contain different content with different intentions. As ostensibly easy as shooting and posting a video has become, it can be just as easy to forget that not all content is created equally, and that not all content serves the same purpose.
Anyone can shoot decent looking video on an iPhone, but can they add quality sound, smooth editing, and a concise story? Who is the audience? Is the video intended for the Web only or will it have internal purposes? Is its sole intention to make people laugh or to convey a serious message, or both? While it has become drastically easier to produce video content, it’s as hard as ever to make it good and worth watching, especially with all the competition. Skillman Video Group knows this, which is why we make sure everyone of our clients knows what they want and what their expectations are before any cameras start rolling. If viral is the goal, let’s make it, but if reaching a specific audience is the end game, we’ll make sure your video is worth their while, and more importantly, that they know it exists.
The Rise of the “Searchmercial”
We live in a world where the company name Google becomes a verb if you need to find someone, a business, or information. If we don’t know something, we “Google it”. This concept was alien to most of us 5-10 years ago, and now it is standard operating procedure for consumers and businesses alike. Companies are constantly trying to figure out how they can use search engines like Google to their highest advantage. With the rise of YouTube and more advanced searching capabilities, Internet searches are involving video more than ever, and now is the best time to get your message across with a professional “searchmercial” video.
So what exactly is a “searchmercial”? A blog written by RealSEO talks about the increasing need for searchmercials among small to medium businesses. It is simply a web video that can be found on search engines so customers and clients can find your business. Searchmercials are between 30-90 seconds long and briefly explain you and your company, what service you provide, and any special offers going on. These web videos allow you to target your audience effectively, so the viewers become your customers. 68% of Internet users watch video ads. 68%! And as we previously pointed out, it is only expected to grow in the coming year. Television commercials a) can cost an arm and a leg in addition to your bank account, b) you can only use it a select number of times, and c) there isn’t an immediate feedback on the success of the commercial after it airs. The beauty of a “searchmercial” is that you can take the level of quality of a traditional TV commercial, for a 1/4 of the price, and use the power of the Internet to reach the customers whenever you want, AND receive immediate feedback on the success (utilizing Google Analytics)!
With web video becoming more popular, the blog states that Internet companies like Google and Yellowpages.com are making their sites more conducive for web video advertising so that companies can be found by clients. The phonebook is transferring to the Internet, and in addition to being found with a website, you can be found with a quality web video that speaks more than words on a page ever could. Those 68% of Internet users (and rising) will see your ad, visit your web site, and pick up the phone and call. That is what we call a hight “rate of return” on your investment. But how do you want to be perceived? That is where Skillman Video Group comes in. The blog also states that among small to medium businesses, 75% prefer a custom-made professional video to put on the web. Businesses all over the country (and Skillman Video Group) are beginning to realize that quality produces results! It is essential that all aspects of your advertising campaign are done to the highest quality, including your web video, so your clients know you are professional, experienced and the best in your field! Skillman Video Group is here for you to help market your brand on Internet with a professional high-quality “searchmercial.” Skillman Video Group has the professional equipment and expertise to make you look and sound your best to your clients, and the partnership with QLegal to help you take that video and optimize it on the Internet to get the highest rate of return for your investment. These Internet viewers’ first impression of your service or product will be from your web video, so it MUST look and sound good! With your Skillman Video Group “searchmercial”, your clients will see that you have arrived into the new decade, you will have more control over what you can do with your video, and you can track its success. 2010 is here and roaring – Contact us today for pricing!!
