YouTube Aims to Improve Quality of Video Production
Recently, Youtube has gone out and acquired two new companies with the intention of improving the visual quality of the videos that are uploaded to the website. One of these companies is Green Parrot Pictures, an Ireland based business that specializes in improving video quality. Youtube is looking to create a better image from homemade and amateur videos such as for example the ones coming in from Japan recently documenting the wreckage. The service will also help to lower the bandwidth of the videos uploaded.
The other Youtube acquisition is the video production company Next New Networks, which will specialize in helping to improve and accelerate the video production process in order to bring more money to Youtube’s content partners. Youtube’s content partners would include those that have established Youtube channels, which are making money by allowing for display advertisements to be posted next to the videos.
It would appear that through the acquisition of these two companies, Youtube is attempting to create more consistent and quality video channels to compete with media outlets such as cable television and Hulu, which broadcasts high quality video programs. Youtube’s steps toward creating a inexpensive and easier way to create and upload high budget caliber video at a low budget cost is great news for all content creators. It also means that Youtube is investing in the idea that more people will be turning to the internet for their entertainment programming. This is a golden opportunity for a Medium to Small business to market their product or service using video on the #3 search engine on the web – YouTube. With their new focus on quality, YouTube is hedging their bets that more and more people will be looking for their entertainment and information from Social Media as opposed to traditional Broadcast or Cable television. Is your company taking advantage of Social Media and video marketing to their fullest? At Skillman Video Group, our service Social Video Marketing, uses all aspects of Internet Marketing - from high quality video to SEO, web design, blogging and Social Media – to both drive more traffic to your site and then convert those visitors into business prospects. We have our own Youtube channel, which we continue to grow by posting our high quality videos and directing others to the channel through our various social media outlets. Ask today how Social Video Marketing can increase business for you!
To see the type of enhancements Green Parrot will provide to Youtube users, follow this link: http://www.greenparrotpictures.com/stabilization.php
SVG Video of the Week: Old Spice Man Demonstrates the Power of Social Video Marketing
In 2010 Old Spice unleashed a commercial featuring a shirtless actor named Isaiah Mustafa who became famously known as the old spice guy turned into a viral video sensation. In case you missed it, check out the original commercial here:
Recently a new Old Spice commercial has been released, and below is a video with a behind the scenes look at what went into creating the 30 second spot. Looking back on what Old Spice was able to accomplish with Viral video marketing, it is important to point out the great decisions they made.
First and foremost, they created the original commercial, which was funny, clever, and garnered multiple viewings once it was put on Youtube. After that, Old Spice capitalized on this success by filming short clips of the Old Spice Guy answering questions sent to him via Twitter. These weren’t questions sent by anyone however. The Old Spice Guy was creating video responses to famous people such as Ashton Kutcher and his wife Demi Moore. In the Twitter world, Ashton Kutcher has about 6 million followers, which means that when he tweets about the Old Spice Guy responding to his question, a lot of people are going to see it and then watch the video. In doing this, Old Spice used celebrity Twitter user to generate an enormous and invaluable amount of free advertising.
The is just one of the many success stories of online social video marketing and just another reason why it is important to have an online video presence. What’s great about Social Media is that it completely blows open the box of traditional TV or radio advertising. The sky is the limit as far as what can be possible in marketing business of all sizes.
A Rise in Online Video Marketing for Small Businesses
A recent study indicates a rise in Online Video Marketing for Small Businesses. Many small businesses which don’t specialize in using the internet to promote their companies are starting to catch up with the times. More and more companies are getting websites so customers can learn about their services, and they are also beginning to embrace the idea of adding video to their websites.
In a study done by Ad-ology, it was found that “45% of small businesses are planning to increase their companies’ resources for online video in the coming year–that’s nearly double the number from last years similar survey.” The study also says that last year the number was only at 28%, which could mean that in the next couple years there will be a major increase in the online activity of the small businesses become more and more accustomed to social media and the advantages of having a website, it would seem that video advertising through these different channels may not be far behind.
Consider the success that businesses have had utilizing online video marketing. The company Blendtec, which sells blenders among other appliances, launched a viral marketing campaign with its “Will it Blend?” videos. The videos have had tremendous success as they showcase the Blendtec blender easily shredding everything from an iPhone 4 to a Rubicks cube. The point here is that the traditional 30 second commercial is no longer the only option, and with platforms such as Youtube, businesses now possess the ability to really think outside the box when it comes to marketing. So what’s does this mean to you as a Small Business owner? That technology has opened the doors wide open to market your product or service to a wider audience than TV, radio or print ads ever could – and all for a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising. The Producers at Skillman Video Group have the expertise and experience to not only create a beautiful video, but to also provide a platform to drive more traffic to your site through the use of video marketing, Social Media and SEO thereby increasing business. The study also indicates that it in the modern advertising and marketing world, it is no longer just enough to have a web site, but that web site can and must be used in a larger marketing strategy. With Skillman Video Group’s new service, Social Video Marketing, we can help Small Business’s create a market for themselves at an affordable cost. Call today!
Here are two links referencing the Ad-ology study:
http://www.reelseo.com/small-businesses-embrace-video/
SVG Video of the Week: Frito Lay “Crash the Superbowl” Video Contest Winner
The Video of the week is an advertisement for Doritos that aired during Super Bowl XLV and tied for first place in the USA today admeter, which consists of a selection of consumer panelists who rate the superbowl ads. What makes this commercial unique is that it is a fan made video, entered into the annual Frito Lay “Crash the Super Bowl” contest. In this years contest, thousands of entries were made, and only six (Three for Doritos and Three for Pepsi Max) were picked to air during the big game. In doing this Doritos was able to score a top ad without spending a ridiculous amount of money on special effects or celebrities like some other advertisements that did no fare as well.
The real genius behind the Crash the Superbowl Contest is how much free marketing Doritos gets by hosting it. First of all they are able to connect with consumers by allowing them to not only create their own commercials, but also vote on which ones they think are the best. So as people watch all the contest entries online to decide which one is best, they are going to have Doritos on their mind.
Most importantly, this contest stimulates conversation. People who enter the contest will talk about different ideas for a commercial. Once they enter a commercial they will tell all their friends and family to watch it and most likely post their commercial to Youtube or create a Facebook page in order to promote the ad. It will then be viewed by all their facebook who can then pass it on to their friends and family. Now imagine thousands of entries doing this and Frito Lay has a lot of people talking about Doritos and Pepsi Max, all while waiting in anticipation to see if the entry they want to win will air during the Super Bowl!
For more news on the “Crash the Superbowl Contest” and other information about video contests check out Video Contest News: www.videocontestnews.com
Different Uses for Product Videos in your Social Media & Video Marketing Campaigns
As you work to create informative and engaging content for your social media assets, product videos are a powerful tool to leverage within your Social Media and Video Marketing campaigns. As we have mentioned before, videos can not only help bring people to your site through Social Media channels and optimization, but can also convert those viewers into viable business prospects through the video conversion point. There are various types of product videos which can be created. However, to be successful, a product video should be:
1. Engaging – In addition to being informational, product videos should be memorable - If the viewer does not remember it, what’s the point?
2. On-brand – Must be consistent with the product’s brand attributes and brand marketing messages
3. Quality – If the product video is not well produced it will weaken your brand and turn people away from your product as opposed to peaking their interest.
4. Positioned – Has your video been optimized on your site to attract viewers and leverage the power of Search Engine Optimization? Has it been placed and tagged appropriately on the Social Media sites, such as YouTube, with keywords people are actually searching for?
SVG crew setting up a shot for a product video produced for HolliBalance Well-being Center.
To be effective at achieving the above four points, you need to know your audience, since different approaches will be more appropriate for different target groups. Consumer products need a different approach from B2B product videos for example. It is also important, when producing a product video to keep in mind what the end use of the video will be. What may be successful on a Social Media platform may not be as successful at a trade show or for your business’s home page. The Producers at Skillman Video Group will be able to guide you into the appropriate video type for your target audience and target platform (Social Media, DVD, email marketing campaign etc). The point is that product videos have a myriad of uses to increase awareness in the marketplace and thereby increasing business. Call today to schedule a free consultation!
Skillman Video Group Produces Marketing Videos for Law Firm Parker|Scheer
Last week Skillman Video Group filmed a series of videos for the personal injury Law Firm, Parker|Scheer at their Charlestown office. The videos featured co-founder and Managing Partner Eric Parker, who used the opportunity to explain several different types of legal cases commonly handled by Parker|Scheer attorneys and the success their firm has had representing clients. These types of cases included construction-related injuries, dog bites, and automobile accidents.
Parker|Scheer decided to film a series of videos rather than one longer video to appeal to website visitors interested in specific aspects of their practice. For example, someone looking for representation in a dog bite case would most likely not be seeking information on automobile accidents. The more relevant a video is to what a viewer is seeking, the better the odds that they will watch the video in its entirety. Producing multiple videos on different topics offers increased opportunities for internet marketing and search engine optimization.
Andrew setting the lights on set!
Parker|Scheer has one of the best track records of any Boston area law firm, and attorneys pride themselves on their commitment to client needs. A professional video is the best way to portray this commitment to potential clients visiting their website. To project a professional image, a video needs to be very high quality. The Parker|Scheer videos were shot in high definition with Broadcast quality lighting and sound equipment.
Contact Skillman Video Group today to schedule a free consultation to see what video marketing can do for your business or Law Firm.
Skillman Video Group Produces a Video Series for Hollibalance
Skillman Video Group has been filming a series of videos for Hollibalance, an alternative healing and acupuncture practice in downtown Boston. The video shoot involved the creation of customer testimonial videos to be used on the Hollibalance website, as well as a product marketing video for their exclusive new pain spray. The videos were shot in high definition using a professional lighting setup.
Cameraman & Lighting Technician, Andrew Nelson setting up the shot
Hollibalance required video content for several reasons, so rather than create one long, all inclusive video it was decided to produce a series of shorter videos. Using more videos that are shorter in length enables visitors to view the information they are looking for without exposing them to an excess of information that might dissuade them from choosing your business.
Skillman Video Group’s product marketing services can help your business present your product or service in a concise and user-friendly video medium that can also increase traffic to your website. Our experience producing video testimonials can give your website a commanding new tool for converting website visitors into clients.
Contact Skillman Video Group today to discuss what styles of video will work best for your business!
Video of the Week – Allstate’s Mayhem Commercials
As we’ve recently discussed different applications for video, this week we will look at an example of a video that is used on television and on a company’s website but also has strong social media appeal. Allstate has been well known for their serious-natured commercials that aim to convert viewers by appealing to their vulnerability and offering a service that is reliable and comforting. Recently, Allstate launched a new advertising campaign that delivers a similar message but replaces the serious mood with comedy; as a result their videos have received thousands of hits on Allstate.com and on YouTube.
In their new campaign, Allstate is tapping into the free advertising power of social media by offering videos that are humorous and enjoyable to watch. They’ve personified the unpredictable nature of car ownership in the form of a character called “Mayhem.” Viewers who enjoy these videos feel inclined to share them with friends, and in this way they can achieve viral status. It is important to note that Allstate still runs its serious commercials as well, recognizing that although there is some overlap, these differing video styles appeal to different audiences.
Skillman Video Group can help your business choose which style of video is most appropriate for your needs, or produce a series of videos to optimize your company’s internet presence. The amount of high quality videos your business has on the web has a direct correspondence to your website’s search engine rankings, and professional video content can greatly enhance your visitors’ first experience of your business.
Producing Video with an Eye for Social Media
When deciding what video content to produce for your website, it is important to keep your goals in mind and consider the different applications of video accordingly. Although they are not necessarily mutually exclusive, videos designed primarily for enriching site content may not have equivalent success on social media outlets. Likewise, a video produced specifically for social media websites may not convey the proper message to convert website visitors into clients.
What makes videos successful in social media applications is their appeal to a general audience and their relevance to what masses of people are already searching for. People will probably not be searching for your business on Youtube, but they may be looking for something that your company offers or information on a general service that your business provides.
On the other hand, when visitors reach your website, they are already interested in your business and therefore more targeted videos can prove advantageous. For this reason, you may consider creating separate content for your website and a social media campaign. Depending on your needs, certain video formats such as “how-to” videos, can work well in both domains.
Contact Skillman Video Group today to see what type of video content would be the most useful for your on line marketing campaign!
Marketing Your Law Firm with Professional Video
There are many different applications for video on law firm websites and Skillman Video Group can assist you in creating the right content for any of your needs. As most clients seeking counsel are sensitive towards the issues facing them, a video introducing the actual lawyers that would be helping them through their difficulties could be the deciding factor in them choosing your firm over its competitors. Clients seek attorneys who they feel they can trust, and it is much easier to develop a sense of assurance from a video than a picture with accompanying text alone.
Another great way to showcase your firm is to create a video of an associate addressing the audience at an event or conference. Displaying someone speaking to an audience demonstrates their expertise and can make your company appear larger, broader, and more real to an internet viewer. It can position your firm as a leader in your area and convince prospective clients that your firm has the knowledge and experience to handle their needs.
Please contact Skillman Video Group today to learn more how tools for allowing video to help market your business or firm!
Two minute SVG videomercials capture the attention of website visitors as the power of video vividly showcases the excellence of a product or service.
Our Social Video Marketing service is a holistic approach to internet marketing. It increases our clients’ return on investment and expands their presence in the marketplace.
SVG offers small businesses a simple and cost-effective way to increase sales through online video advertising.
