This blog is dedicated to helping you understand both the benefits and technical points of video production. For our last blog post of the year, we wanted to recap some of the most useful tips from 2010. Enjoy!
From “A Whole New Meaning to Word of Mouth” Originally posted 9/19/10
Video Testimonials are an invaluable tool for helping gain new business. Research shows that 90% of customers identify word of mouth as the best, most reliable and trustworthy source of information about products and services. With statistics like this, you’d be foolish to discount the power of video testimonials on your website. Below, some tips for getting your satisfied customers to appear on camera:
· Point out it’s free exposure for their own business.
· Sweeten the deal with a discount on a future service.
· Tell them that it won’t take up a lot of time, probably just 30 minutes.
· Assure them that it’s a professional production. A professional set up will show them in their best light.
· Provide them with questions they’ll be asked ahead of time. They’ll feel more confident if they’re prepared.
· Remind them that your only goal is to make them look and sound as good as possible; after all, they’re representing YOU!
From “The Video-less Video” Originally posted 9/12/10
Many commercials rely solely on graphics (like illustrations, animations or photographs), moving text on the screen (called “kinetic typography”) and voiceovers to communicate key ideas. For some types of businesses, creating a video-less video can be a great way to wade into the world of video on a budget. Video-less videos are also great for communicating more complex ideas, for instance “Earn 10,000 Frequent Flyer Miles between April and June and Get a Free Night at a Hotel or a First Class Upgrade.” What was that again? Hearing and seeing information makes it easier for the viewer to understand it the first time.
From “Getting the Most Video for Your Buck” Originally Posted 9/6/10
Different videos have different purposes—you may want to air a 30 second commercial on TV, produce a two minute video for your website, and create a video that sells your product without sound (for instance, by using words on the screen) for noisy trade shows.
You may not need all three of these projects at the same time, but if you consolidate the production by shooting elements for all three videos in one shoot day, you’ll get a 3-for-1 deal on shooting and most likely a discount on scripting and editing for doing multiple projects at once.
You may not need all three of these projects at the same time, but if you consolidate the production by shooting elements for all three videos in one shoot day, you’ll get a 3-for-1 deal on shooting and most likely a discount on scripting and editing for doing multiple projects at once.
From “Pump Up Your Sales Presentation” Originally Posted 11/7/10
With a pre-produced video, you can ensure your sales presentation as flawlessly and succinctly as possible, time after time. Incorporating a video into your existing presentation is effortless; videos are easily inserted into PowerPoint. When adding a video to your sales presentation, consider the following:
Keep it brief: A two or three minute video that introduces your company or a specific product is impactful, impressive and entertaining.
Brag!: One of the greatest benefits of having a pre-produced video is that you can lay on the boastfulness pretty thick. After all, those words aren’t coming out of *your* mouth.
Use a Professional Narrator: In a sales video, I don’t recommend having your president or someone else from your company talking into the camera. The client might think “Why isn’t THAT person here today? Are we not important enough?”
Bring “Friends”: Incorporate video testimonials! It’s the next best thing to having your past success stories there in the room with you. See my earlier post "A Whole New Meaning to 'Word of Mouth'" for tips on getting your past clients to go on camera.
Stay Evergreen: If there are certain parts of your product or company that are constantly changing, like pricing, don’t be specific about them in the video. Once you’ve spent the money to have the video produced, you’ll want to get as much use out of it as possible.
Plum Productions wishes all of our friends a safe and happy New Year! See you in 2011!
