It looks like video is getting more powerful, more professional, and more essential to effective online marketing campaigns. The good news is that it’s cheaper and easier than ever to produce these videos yourself.
Take a look at this video from John Reese. The two videos he’s released this week are pure content and contain valuable traffic tips… in advance of the launch of Traffic Secrets 2.0, of course.
But the remarkable thing about John’s videos is not the excellent content, it’s the production values. The buzz is that Reese has upped the ante in the video-marketing arena, and I’m inclined to agree.
We’ve already seen the presentation-style video and screencast techniques we reveal in Teaching Sells used in promotional videos. And Tony Clark and I are collaborating on some really cool animated videos for the launch of Lateral Action later this summer.
What I need help with is integrating live-action video elements with graphical elements, much like Reese does in his videos. Based on a recommendation from Darren Rowse, I’m about halfway through the 4-week Web Video University course… and I’m loving it.
Producing these types of professional videos is a lot easier than you might think. It’s amazing what you can do with an inexpensive video camera and the right software.
If you’re ready to get in on web video production, you can’t go wrong with the course, and I’m happy to endorse it as an affiliate. I think the price is a lot lower than the course is worth, so it’s also an exceptional value.
But if you’re still on the fence, no worries… I’ve convinced WVU founder Dave Kaminski to do a free teleclass with me about online video marketing. We’ll look at the latest video trends and techniques before getting into copywriting and content strategies for video scripts.
Stay tuned for details about the free web video call next week, and have a great weekend.
About the Author: Brian Clark is the founding editor of Copyblogger, and co-founder of Teaching Sells and Lateral Action. Get more from Brian on Twitter.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Michael Martine 07.11.08 at 11:25 am
Looking forward to that teleclass, Brian. The timing on this is good. When you see how incredibly successful some marketing is with video (StomperNet, Eben Pagan, Frank Kern) you’d have to be silly not to at least give it serious consideration.
Besides, everybody loves video. Especially James Chartrand.
Gaje Master 07.11.08 at 11:49 am
I love watching teleblog cast but haven’t been able to figure it out for myself.
DJ Wilson 07.11.08 at 12:42 pm
The video is slick. I’m wondering if graphics/live video integration is covered in the Web Video University class, or are you loving how it’s helping you in other ways?
Brian Clark 07.11.08 at 1:08 pm
DJ, yes… the course covers this type of video production that uses greenscreen backgrounds and graphical integration.
Scott Fox, Author of Internet Riches 07.11.08 at 1:34 pm
I’ve also been expecting an “upgrade” in video production values across the web. It only makes sense as the web gradually steals TV’s turf.
BUT I had an interesting discussion with Gary Vaynerchuk last week on my E-Commerce Success Radio/Podcast Show. (Gary is a HUGE online video star because of his WineLibrary.TV wine-tasting videos.)
His take is that authenticity is more important than production value - not to let visual presentation concerns hold you back.
The interview is here if anyone wants an opinion from a true online video “success story”:
http://www.ScottFoxRadio.com
(It’s the 3rd one down - dated July 3.)
Looking forward to your teleclass, too.
Brian Clark 07.11.08 at 1:42 pm
Scott, excellent point. While I think people will expect better production values across the board as we go forward, it still comes down to what’s right for your audience.
Gary’s style wouldn’t work for a divorce attorney (I hope), and probably not even for John Reese. It just depends.
That said, I’m betting John is getting a serious buzz bump just because he went the extra mile. A lot of Internet marketing promo videos are so amazingly amateurish.
Vince Stott 07.11.08 at 1:44 pm
We launched our company TheMediaZoo.com 1 year ago. We have seen amazing results by using professional actors, proper lighting, and great sound quality. Many customers have voiced to us that the “home-made” You Tube quality is just not giving the professional image that most sites need. Content is obviously very important, but with today’s standards with picture quality, and several other factors, most will not find success with the You Tube style video. Our analitics have shown us that this is the next big piece of the internet puzzle. Check out our “Try Your Site Here” button, it’s very cool.
Bucktowndusty@ FromThePen.com 07.11.08 at 1:53 pm
Curse John Reese! Ever since watching his video I’ve been thinking of all the equipment I need (want).
Bucktowndusty@ FromThePen.com 07.11.08 at 2:22 pm
Brian, One thing I would like to see from WVU is what programs and equipment they will show you how to master.
Camtasia? Teleprompter? Audacity? Adobe After Effects? Best cameras? Best lighting techniques?
Although, the videos they create do impress me, the main page doesn’t cover these specifics.
Damon 07.11.08 at 3:52 pm
Ha ha. I almost killed the video in the low-fi intro thinking it was a dumb joke…there’s a lesson in there.
Al Kalar 07.11.08 at 10:21 pm
Great video, BUT
He makes the mistake of so many marketing hucksters in today’s world. He spends an inordinate amount of time telling us how great it’s gonna be to the point of boredom. I never did get to the meat of his idea because I got disgusted with his pitch.
This sort of thing is a bit like making love. If you spend all your time discussing how great it’s going to be and never get down to business, someone’s going to be very frustrated (and probably won’t come back).
So, yes, use the new techniques and “gee whiz” stuff, but for cryin’ out loud, don’t bore your audience with a fluffy script.
Oh, and if you insist on being your own star, learn some stage presence and don’t make the same hand motions over and over again. Your body language is as important as your words when you step in front of a camera.
azam 08.24.08 at 11:15 pm
uhm did this guy remove his video and replace it with long copy?