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Insurance professionals, like many others in direct sales, rely on strong relationships to not only maintain, but build their client base.  The best way to keep relationships strong is with regular communication, but relying on expensive mailings or lengthy phone conversations is neither cost nor time effective.  Video email on the other hand, offers a time-saving and economical way to personally reach clients and prospects.  Below are applications insurance professionals can employ in prospecting and customer retention strategies.  The focus is not on ‘hard’ selling, but on educating, demonstrating and personally connecting with consumers through a variety of messages that build trust and familiarity.

Create video emails for the following applications:

1.    Highlight policy types offered (life, home, car, health, motorcycle, RV, etc.)

2.    Respond to internet inquiries with a video introduction

3.    Give price quotes, (attach document if required) compare prices with competitors

4.    Explain how to file a claim- demystify the process for wary consumers

5.    Give safety tips- For the home:  smoke detectors, security systems, fire extinguishers, stair safety (gates and railings), preventing falls, CPR and First Aid training, etc.  For vehicles:  seat belts, drinking and driving, cell phones and driving, system checks (brakes, tire pressure, lights, fluid levels), following speed limits, watch for pedestrians (especially children), etc.

6.    Remind clients of annual coverage review

7.    Life changes and how they can effect coverage needs- marriage, births, new job, college, major purchases, retirement and death in family all present reasons to update insurance coverage

8.    FAQs on subjects such as: Rates & Payments, Choosing an Agent, Understanding Coverages and Changing a Policy

9.    Explain coverage terms- Take the confusion out of insurance terms with clear explanations that help consumers make better coverage choices

10. Special rate offers- Spread the word on discounts and rate reductions

11.  Tax savings- An added benefit of saving for retirement

12.  Testimonials- Nothing better than customers raving about service and price

13.  Event notification and/or invitation

14.  Career achievements, community efforts- Mention degrees, certifications and licenses related to the insurance business that underscore experience.  Highlight community involvement, affiliations and charitable projects.

15.  Non-policy products and services offered: Investments such as Mutual Funds, Brokerage Accounts, IRA Accounts

16.  News releases- Discuss breaking news, trends, company press releases, industry challenges, green efforts, etc.

17.  Retirement preparedness- Give top 10 ways to save for retirement, include links to calculators and attach a brochure with additional information

19.  Updates on insurance legislation- What local, state and national insurance reforms are on lawmakers dockets?

20.  Holiday and special occasion touches- Reach out to clients throughout the year to show them they’re appreciated!

Each video email application leads to ideas for more uses!  By taking the initiative, insurance professionals can transform the way they communicate!

Email icons are an often overlooked but extremely vital feature of video emails.  The first opportunity a business has to make an impression on their recipients is at the inbox, and the email icon creates the visual impact to do just that.

Recent upgrades to our system gives users more options than ever before when choosing, uploading or editing an email icon so we thought a quick video explaining the process would be helpful.  The most notable change is with image uploads.  Previously, our system automatically resized all uploaded images to 400 X 200 pixels.  Smaller images appeared stretched once uploaded and larger images had a squeezed look.  Additionally, the static size of the email icon was bemoaned by numerous users wanting more flexibility.

With the upgrade, users can now upload any size image and it will remain the same size once in our system.  This eliminates the stretching and squeezing issues and gives the email icon size adaptability.  Keep in mind, if a very small 50 X 50 pixel image is uploaded it will be just as small when displayed in the email, making text or design difficult to decipher.  Conversely, extra large images may overflow the inbox and lose their appeal.  If unsure how an image will look, send  a sample video email to see how it appears in your inbox before sending it to your contact list.

For more information on managing email icons WATCH THIS VIDEO.

CoVideo templates have always included customizable links directing viewers to web pages after watching your video.  While those links can be aimed at social network sites, many users prefer to dedicate links to pages more directly related to marketing their products and services.  The result: a gap in their marketing efforts.

Social media marketing has exploded in the past two years and connecting contacts to your social network is now standard practice wherever possible.  With that in mind, we created Social Links.  These links appear as icons just to the right of the video email template on the viewer’s screen.  Users can add up to 12 Social Links to every video email they send (in addition to the 7 links on the template itself), attaining higher levels of interaction and longer periods of viewer engagement.  A single video email can become a marketing and brand building adventure that sweeps the viewer along for the ride!

It only takes a couple of minutes to set up Social Links.

Watch This Video  to see how it’s done and fill in that marketing gap on your next video email!

There are two items in today’s system update.

1)  Link Set Page – The link set editing page has been streamlined for a more intuitive process, beginning with the page tabs.  The old page had 4 tabs and required the user to bounce around a bit to make editing changes.    We’ve removed the ‘Set Default Link Set’ tab and integrated the default function into the main Add/Edit tab. The ‘Select a Link Set’ drop down menu has been eliminated.  Link sets are now displayed in list form with pagination options available.  Once a link set has been selected for editing, a pop-up overlay appears allowing the user to make changes without leaving the page.  This allows the user to edit multiple link sets quickly and easily.  Click on the link to watch a short demonstration of the new link set editing process.  LINK SET EDITING VIDEO.

2)  Manage Groups – The search function has been changed so that it displays contacts based on the tab you have selected.  If you are on the Add Contacts tab, your search will encompass all your imported contacts.  If you are on the Group Contacts tab, your search will pull from the selected group only.  This should eliminate confusion when searching for contacts to add to specific groups.

Do you regularly send video emails to the same group of contacts?  Would you like an easy way to select those contacts when sending a video email?  We can help!  It only takes a few moments to import a list of contacts and place them into a group.   You’ll see how easy it is when you watch our demonstration video!

WATCH VIDEO

The videos in your CoVideo account can easily be integrated into a CRM, Auto-Responder or Email Marketing system using our Post Link #5 function.  Add the impact of video to regular text communications with the bonus of a branded funnel to your website for increased marketing exposure.

Watch the video demonstration to see just how easy it is!

WATCH VIDEO

Below are newly released updates effective May 10, 2011.

•  Email Icon Page - In addition to the Edit Title and Delete Icon functions, users can now upload their own email icon with no size limit.  Previously, email icons were limited to a 400 x 200 pixel size.  Keep in mind that the image will upload the same size as the original so be sure to preview before sending it out with video emails.

•  The Phone Number field has been adjusted to accept + for international numbers and Ext. for extensions.

•  First and last name fields can only contain letters, numbers, parentheses, dash (-), plus (+), and period (.).  No other special characters are allowed in those fields. (Profile page, Add a User page, and Contacts.)

•  Title field can only contain letters, numbers, parentheses, dash (-), plus (+), and period (.).  No other special characters are allowed in that field. (Profile and Manage User pages.)

•  Desktop Recorder Download page has been simplified, fewer steps required.

•  Only level 3 users (admin) have access to Reports.  Other users will no longer see the Reports option in the navigation bar.

Updates for Broadcast users

•  When posting a broadcast to a featured broadcast page and no video is selected, completing the fields for template and links is not required.  If a video is selected an * appears next to template and links indicating those fields are now required.

•  There is now a dual camera option when using the whiteboard.  Click on Select (next to the word Whiteboard), then click on Camera.  A dropdown appears for you to select the second camera from.

•  The Record button has been moved to the bottom right of the screen.

•  To see slides/video or whiteboard in full-screen mode click on the button at the bottom of the screen next to the Record button.

If your business has a website, squeeze page or blog, you have the perfect online real estate for embedded videos!  Videos add an exciting dimension that can quickly inform and engage your visitors like no other media, turning your web presence into a more personal, interactive experience.

To embed videos on a webpage from your CoVideo account, use our Post Link #4.  Embedding videos requires some HTML knowledge so you may need to send the code to your webmaster to complete the process.  Learn how to use Post Link #4 by clicking on the link below and then create some buzz on your site with video!

WATCH VIDEO     

Employee engagement and internal communications are hot topics in the corporate world these days.  Businesses everywhere are searching for ways to better engage their employees and improving internal communications is a key component in achieving that goal.

A first look solution is the replacement of boring text emails with dynamic and personal video emails.  When managers send internal video messages, they can more clearly express their vision for the company and provide coherent employee expectations.  In return, employees can articulate ideas to colleagues and managers that effectively drive innovation and move the organization forward.  Sending a video message implies a more personal connection with the viewer, thereby increasing the value of the content.  Internal video emails elevate message quality, clarity and visual appeal.

Early adoption of internal video messages by HR staff (new employee welcome, company outings, retirement party, employee of the month, etc.) paves the way to broader applications by management and general staff.  Once fully introduced, video emails transform internal communications and help cultivate a culture of engagement.

Want to include more than one video when sending a video email?  It’s a snap when using Post Link #2.  Each CoVideo template comes with 7 customizable links and any or all of them can be used for videos.  It’s a great way to follow your primary video message with video testimonials, product demonstrations, staff introductions and more!  We’ve put together a short demonstration showing two options for linking videos that give you very different and dynamic results!

WATCH VIDEO

Watch for more articles on Post Link features and benefits in the coming days! 

Shortly after we released our article comparing webcams to Flip mini camcorders, Cisco announced the decision to shut down their Flip video camera division.  We decided a second article was in order and began researching mini camcorders.  What we found are several sound alternatives to the Flip that can accommodate both business and personal use.

Sony Bloggie 

New to the market this past year, the Bloggie brings the goods (1920 x 1080p MP4 HD video with 5-megapixel stills).  It’s small, lightweight design is perfect for handheld, on-the-go videos.  To counter the video shakiness often associated with handheld cameras, Sony equipped the Bloggie with Stableshot image stabilization technology.  Like the Flip, it comes with a kick-out USB adapter to quickly connect to your computer for video downloading.  The Bloggie offers 4GB of built-in memory for up to 2 hours of recording and comes in several models starting at $149.00

Kodak Zi8 and Playsport

Kodak handheld video cameras have the bells and whistles you want and some nice extras too.  They’re small, lightweight and have large record/playback screens.  The Zi8 captures HD quality 1080p video and 5 MP still photos all in 16:9 ratio.  The expandable SD/SDHC card slot holds up to 32 GB for as much as 10 hours of video recording.

The Playsport takes video to the extreme (conditions, that is).  Outdoor enthusiasts will love it’s rugged shockproof, dustproof and waterproof (to 10 feet) design.  It’s more than just a tough exterior though.  The Playsport boasts full 1080p HD for vivid video playback, as well as 720p for fast action or super slow motion playback.

Both the Zi8 and the Playsport have image stabilization and smart face tracking technology for clear, well lighted videos.  Onboard software allows for easy video sharing to YouTube, Facebook and more.  Both video cameras retail around $179.00

Kodak Playfull

This 1080p HD video camera is even more compact and lightweight than the Zi8 and Playsport and is priced around $140.00.  Video quality is excellent as is the video sharing option.  Some folks may find the video screen a bit too small and the USB arm is somewhat difficult to access, but the price may be a sufficient offset.

Coby Snapp

We include this video camera, for personal use, because of it’s attractive price.  At somewhere between $30-$60 the Snapp has visual similarities to the Flip (the red record button, sleek black design and kick-out USB).  Beyond that, there is little of comparison.  The internal memory only records up to 20 seconds of video, making the optional SD/SDHC memory card more of a requirement.  The 1.44″ display is the smallest of all the cameras reviewed here and it only operates on non-rechargeable AA batteries, providing up to 1.5 hours of power.  Customer reviews we found indicated video quality was average to poor but audio quality was fairly good.  Based on the feedback we found, the Snapp is best as a starter video camera.

While the Snapp may not be the answer consumers are looking for, the Sony and Kodak models have a lot going for them, and the Flip’s demise may offer an opportunity to market these video cameras to a larger audience.

Beyond Mini Camcorders

Some smartphone users are already creating high quality videos.  In fact, it was the burgeoning video capability of smartphones that played a role in Cisco’s decision to drop Flip production.  As phones take on more functionality, they are quickly replacing other products (watches, alarm clocks, GPS units, etc.).  Video cameras may end up the next casualty as more people purchase smartphones (and other devices) with many or all of the same features.  Examples include:

iPhone 4, iPod Touch and more

The iPhone 4 and iPod Touch have front and back cameras that can take 5 MP stills using an LED flash.  Depending on the model and how much storage you’re using for photos, music and apps, you can record up to 4 hours of HD video.  They also come with easy social network sharing.  Of course the prices on these devices is higher than the video cameras above, but you are getting so much more, all in one place.  Many Android phones also have video recording capability.  Features and functionality vary by model.

Want your videos to be used for more than video email?  We figured you might.  That’s why every video stored in your account has a blue P/L button to the right of it.  What does P/L mean?  It stands for Post Links.  Post Links allow you to create hyperlinks in emails, web browsers and websites, that point directly to your video.  Over the next couple of weeks we’ll be posting tips on how to access and apply all of the Post Links in your account.  Today’s video tip covers Post Link #2.

Watch Here!

We’ve completely revamped the look of our email body to include a Video Snapshot Email Icon.   Email recipients are drawn to video snapshots and studies have shown click-to-open rates increase significantly when video images are used.  All CoVideo customers can access Video Snapshot Email Icons simply by downloading the new Desktop Recorder Version 7.1.  If you are using an older version of the desktop recorder, uninstall it before downloading Version 7.1 from your CoVideo back office.  Uploaded videos sent from your back office also have the snapshot option, although videos uploaded before March 2011 will not have a play button over the image.  Currently, videos recorded using the web recorder do NOT have snapshot availability.

For customers looking for an added visual punch, we also have a Branded Video Snapshot Email Icon.  Our graphic designers surround the video screen with your logo and other branded imagery to increase recognition and promote even higher open rates.  Contact our graphics department for more details on design options and pricing.

To see examples of both Video Snapshot Email Icons and how to access them CLICK HERE! 

New customers often ask us for camera recommendations.  The questions used to start with,  “Which webcam should I buy?”  Recently that’s changed to,  “Should I buy a webcam or a video camera, and which ones are best?”  The reason for this shift is the emergence of small, easy-to-use mini camcorders.  (We will focus on the popular Flip Video Camcorder in our comparison.)  Gone are the days of lugging around a bulky camcorder.  Today, you can take high quality video with a device that fits in your pocket.  So, which option is right for your needs?  Let’s discuss the pros and cons of both.

Webcams
Pros:

• convenient – ready to use when you are
• ideal for stationary videos, video conferencing and video chat – perfect for ‘at your desk’ videos, no stabilization worries
• excellent for livestream video
• attaches to monitor - no set-up or tripod required
• can be embedded in laptops

Cons:

• must be connected to a computer to function
• no mobility
• embedded webcams often have fewer features and lower video quality

Flip Video Camcorder
Pros:

• small, compact, light weight – easy to carry
• up to 2 hours of video time – great for events, short films, instructional videos
• mobile and versatile – take video on-the-go or use a tripod for stationary videos

Cons

• setup involved (if using a tripod)
• image stabilization – video quality can be reduced if unit is moved quickly
• requires an upload – not connected to computer

As you can see, web cams are great for stationary videos created at your desk.  They are easy to use and require little setup time.  At CoVideo we use Logitech brand webcams, specifically the Pro 9000.  It provides sharp video with autofocus and a quality, built-in microphone.  The Flip camcorder shines in it’s mobility and video recording time.  We use Flips for a variety of ‘location’ style videos, indoors and out.  Both Logitech and Flip offer HD models for high quality videos.  Determine which type of video you want to create and purchase a video camera accordingly.  For some, both a webcam and a Flip make sense and offer the best of both worlds.

Businesses have long recognized what a powerful tool testimonials can be in attracting customers. For this reason, many online businesses have space on their websites allotted to testimonials. Some have a small box with scrolling or rotating text from satisfied customers. Others, devote an entire page to paragraphs of glowing reviews and words of praise. Some even include a photo of the customer for added credibility. The problem with this type of testimonial is the lack of connection between the reader and the person providing the testimonial.

This is where video testimonials come in!  Not only do people hear positive words and phrases, they see the reviewer’s facial expressions and body language.  Message clarity (often a problem with written testimonials) is drastically reduced with video, while the impression of reliability increases. Viewers find personal video messages more trustworthy as an actual customer is speaking directly to them about a particularly satisfying experience with a product or service. Testimonials are even more effective when the video includes specifics or addresses questions other customers may be asking. Especially compelling are testimonials that cover initial skepticism that is overcome by a great experience.

Consumers often face several choices when making purchasing decisions and video testimonials can tip the scale in favor of your business. Encourage new and established customers to send video testimonials by offering incentives (contests, discounts, etc.). Be sure to let them know when and/or how their videos may be used and express your appreciation for their compliments. Periodically rotate testimonials on your website and in emails to keep them fresh for returning visitors. Above all, make sure any testimonial you post is an honest representation of your company, your products and your service. Video testimonials can be a major factor in converting prospects to customers. Don’t settle for text, make your testimonials ‘come alive’ with video!