Video-blogging is quickly being established as the No.1 method of selling products on the internet. Everybody knows about text blogging. I was first re-introduced to video three years ago when I was a consultant for a TV production company. Until then, as a PR pro, I had always steered clear of complicated looking cameras like a true technophobe. Limited resources might be needed but it’s a myth that you have to spend $00s of dollars on equipment. If pictures say a thousand words, video blogging exceeds that by far.
A videoblog requires larger disk spaces online, an efficient server, and a whole new set of programs to support it. Video blogs can be fed through RSS feeds. This is technology of syndicating your website to other RSS aggregators.
Vlogging works, with people on the internet expressing themselves. There are many business benefits which accrue from this. Think of it as a highly potent tool in showing your prospects your line of products. It’s very much like showing an ad all for free. And if you videoblog through RSS, then most probably you are reaching your target audience in a powerful way.
This is the way those cable selling channels have been making their money for years.
People like to see what they are going to buy. Some would like to see proof and be sure that they are getting their money’s worth before shedding their pennies on it. All of us know the influence of a thirty second commercial. The effect of videoblogging is similar to that. You show your product, people watch it. If they appreciate it, they buy it. If you present it good enough, they’ll buy the product even though they do not need it. If you put up something that is mobile, it would most likely catch attention. You’ll get phone call orders in no time. It’s the difference between a static image and a moving picture.
If your business is just starting up, you can create a videoblog right at your own home. All that’s necessary is your web camera, microphone, video software, and lights. For as long as you know how to use your camera, then you can create a videoblog.
Invest in a good web camera. The bigger its resolution, the better the results And you like to present your goods in the optimum way so get the best one possible within your budget. Create a script, or just capture your goods in one go. Basically, always make sure you are acquiring the best profile for each.
Think keywords and link to four major benefits, just as you would for a text blog. Don’t forget you can transcribe your script and double sell it as an article too. Google is now assessing the content of videos to govern page rank. More on that if you visit Effective Media where I mention sites like Traffic Geyser
Gear? Let’s examine the options:-
1) Basic HD but good camera: The Kodak Zi8 is becoming legendary. Ideal for video blogging, it allows an external mike. No good in low light or if you are an intrepid zoomer. But apart from that, a revolutionary piece of kit. Price is good at c.$120 It will allow you to use an external mike. For a camera this size this is stunning technology available to everybody. Zooming in HD is a bit of an issue though. And don’t expect it to react in low light. This is why you pay extra for a better camera.
2) Mid range HD camera: Friends have told me that the revolutionary Canon HV30 has been advertised at soime retailers for around $200 mainly because it has been superseded by the HV40. If you can get hold of an HV30 on eBay grab one now as you will save yourself around $500 against the new (but not better) model. My Canon HV30 Review is here
3) Lighting: Generally lights are critical in a presentation. Yes you can use natural light in most cases, but say you are shooting on a winter’s evening and you have a deadline to keep. It might seem an extrvagance but it simply helps you maintain your workflow if you are serious about a decent result. Normally three high power lights offer the best options and if you trawl around on Amazon, you should be able to pick up a basic set for around $200.
4) External micophone. Most inboard camera mikes are basic to say the least. Should you require a rich sound for your vlog (recommended you do), you may need a microphone. You can add a voice over with 99% of the software available. the product and its benefit to customers. Sounds are as fundamental as videos on a videoblog. This feature is vastly overlooked in most of the stuff on You Tube It is advisable to make your sound effects as enticing as the video itself. A wired mike like the audio technica ATR-3350 retails for around $25 and works like a dream. A wireless set will set you back $350 for a decent I’m afraid.
5) Editing: Your editing suite can be any program and many exist as free editing tools. Programs like Video Edit Magic or Sony Vegas retail at about $80 and they’re both excellent! You will need this to finalize your projects. You can add sounds, delete some bad angles, or insert some still pictures in there too. Some softwares are user-friendly and can be used even with 0 % knowledge of video editing. Even simple free video editing programs like Windows Movie Maker should do the trick but remember you get what you pay for. Don’t expect miracles from this basic drag and drop frame software.
6) Vlogging without a camera: Yes it can be done successfully and I am not here to poo poo it. You need Power Point and something like Camtasia Studio and an external mike like the Audio Technica above. Even Windows Movie Maker will grab your slides. But hey are you serious about this stuff or what? Invest to impress.
Video blogging is a great tool but it also has a downside. It may decelerate the computer, especially in HD, so others may steer clear of it. Download time could be be time intensive especially if that customer is on dial up connection. But this is not bad news, Just don’t use the sub 2GB laptop for this job. It won’t handle it! Beasts only 2Gb + processor and 2GB RAM + will survive your demands.
Nowadays, slightly more savvy you are in selling the benefits visually, the more likely you are to succeed. Videoblogging offers an interactive method of selling. You involve the customers. You instil in them the advantages of your goods. And at times, those are sufficient to generate a sale.
Oh and I nearly forgot. All this is fun to do too!