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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!

Until recently, there were only two options when setting up template links.

1. Create custom links for specific templates.
2. Create default links that display on all templates.

Now, links are separate from templates. Users can create unlimited numbers of link sets within their account. When they send a video email they can select any template and any link set to accompany the video. For those who rarely change links, a particular link set may be chosen as the default.

Once you send a video email, the links selected will stay with the video and template, even if you select a different link set the next time either the video or template are used. It’s designed to simplify the link process and provide a more user friendly environment within the system.

The directions below are for the NEW BACK OFFICE.

Create a Link Set:                      Video Instructions

• Login to your CoVideo account at www.covideo.com
• On the menu bar, select Graphics followed by Links.
• Click on Add/Edit Link Sets.
• To add a link set click on the Add button or select a link set to Edit from the dropdown menu.
• For the link text, type in the title or text you would like displayed on the link.
• For the link target, type in the actual URL to that link (or go directly to the webpage, copy the URL and paste it into the link target box).
• You also have an option to open the link in a new window (or browser). This ensures your video email will remain open along with the link they clicked on.
• Once you have entered all of the desired links, click on Save or Save as Default (if you wish to make those links your default links).

Set up Custom Link Sets for specific templates:                    Custom Link Sets Video

• Login to your CoVideo account at www.covideo.com
• Go to Graphics on the menu bar, click on Links, then click on Custom Links.
• On the next page, select the template you are assigning the links to, then select the desired link set and click on Save.
• The confirmation “Successfully updated your template links” will appear, along with the newly selected links.
• Please note that you can always choose a different link set to go out with any template when sending a video email.

Manage your Link Sets:                       Edit/Delete Link Sets Video Default Link Set Video

• Login to your CoVideo account at www.covideo.com
• On the menu bar, select Graphics, click on Links, then click on Add/Edit Link Sets.  Select a link set to edit from the dropdown menu. Make the necessary changes then click on Save, or Save as Default (if you wish to make that link set your default. Please note: changing a link set that you have previously sent in a video email, will change it for that video email. If this is not desired, we recommend creating a brand new link set. We do not limit how many link sets you can have in your account.
• To delete a link set, select the link set you wish to delete from the dropdown menu and click on Delete.  Reminder: deleting a link set deletes it from all previously sent video emails. If this is not desired, we recommend creating a brand new link set. There is no limit to the number of link sets created within an account.

Last week we covered many of the video email applications for real estate professionals.  This week we’re moving on to the related industry of mortgage brokers.  This highly competitive field requires extra measures to stand out from the crowd.  Video email has the ability to improve name recognition, prospect-to-sale conversions and overall impressions of a broker and the business they represent.

Below are some of the many ways mortgage brokers can distinguish themselves from competitors using video email.  The applications are particularly relevant to brokers working with out-of-town clients.  A video is often the only way to have personal, visual communication during the mortgage process.  It literally puts a face to a name and makes the broker seem more approachable and service oriented.

1.  Lead Follow-up - Send an introduction or special offer video response to incoming leads.
2.  Product Information - Highlight the various mortgage options available to customers.
3.  Services Offered - Explain the methods used to find the right mortgage for each individual.
4.  FAQ’s - Answer the most common questions people ask about mortgages.
5.  Rate Updates -  Send out updates when rates drop, or notices of impending rate increases to stimulate interest.
6.  Choosing the Right Mortgage -   Help clients make sense of fixed, ARM, reversed amortization and interest only mortgage loans.
7.  Credit Score Importance -  Emphasize the importance of building and maintaining a high credit score.
8.  Explain the Mortgage Process -   Both experienced and 1st time home buyers will benefit from an outline of the mortgage process.
9.  Mortgage Terms – Send a video explaining the terms of a selected mortgage.
10.  Refinance Offers – Deliver periodic refinance offers-especially when rates go down.
11.  Appointment Reminders -  A quick reminder helps busy people stay on track.
12.  Seminar Invitations -  Brokers can quickly and easily promote seminars with a video email to their contact list.
13.  How to Avoid Foreclosure -  Send clients helpful video emails on subjects like ‘Avoiding Foreclosure’ with options available to them.
14.  Video Newsletter -  Many brokers mail paper newsletters to their client base.  Send a video newsletter instead for a more lively and entertaining touch.
15.  Testimonials -  Videos of satisfied clients can make a huge impression on prospects.
16.  Public Relations – Mention community efforts, sponsorships and local events.
17.  Thank You -  Always send a video email ‘thank you’ to a client at the close of a transaction.
18.  Special Occasions -   Keep in touch with clients throughout the year on holidays and special occasions (birthday, anniversary).

Additionally, documents may be attached to a video email eliminating the need to send them under separate cover.  If a broker has a series of related videos the first video will play automatically and the remaining videos can be set up as links on the video email template.  This works exceptionally well for mini-seminar and training videos.

We hope this second article has offered mortgage professionals (and professionals in other businesses as well) some creative methods of reaching their clients and prospects using the personal and dynamic technology of video email.

Our first article in the Video Email Business Application Series focuses on Realtors.  Video email has a wide range of applications for real estate professionals but virtual tours is the most obvious and often used.  The ease and convenience of taking clients on home tours, without ever leaving the office, is extremely appealing as it saves time and money.  It’s an excellent way for Realtors to make use of video but certainly not the only way!

Communication between real estate agents and clients often begins with Internet inquiries.  Video introductions are a wonderful response to such leads.  They are usually personalized but can be created for general viewing, depending on individual preference.  Visual introductions give prospects an insight to an agent’s personality, professionalism and knowledge, and pave the way for future communications.  A day or two after the introduction, follow-up topics may include:

(1) Explanation of the home buying process
(2) 1st time home buyer information
(3) How to select the right house for lifestyle & needs (condo, townhome, single family)
(4) Home affordability
(5) Calculating mortgage costs
(6) Community information (schools, shopping, industry, parks)
(7) Testimonials.

Template links can direct viewers to website pages correlating with the video message.  The common denominator in the above mentioned applications is their informative, helpful nature designed to build trust and gain a better understanding of the buyer in order to better serve them.  Realtors working with buyers interested in new construction can send a video email on local builders (with links to their websites).

Once the home search begins, sending virtual tour videos is an effective tool as mentioned above.  In addition, video emails are an efficient way to communicate throughout the buying process: new home listing updates, offer responses, inspection information, lender requirements and appointment reminders; attaching documents when applicable.  Videos explaining foreclosure and short-sale procedures are especially pertinent in today’s housing market.  Immediately after closing, a ‘thank you’ video including Homeowner Tips (general maintenance, lawn care, heating/cooling system checks, etc.) is a thoughtful way to complete the transaction.

Communicating with sellers requires a different set of informational video emails.

(1) Home staging ideas
(2) Getting a house ready to sell (clean up, clear out, minor maintenance)
(3) Home valuation
(4) Realtor marketing efforts
(5) Market value vs appraised value
(6) What are comparables?
(7) Home inspections for sellers
(8) Help for distressed properties
(9) Relocation services.

Video emails sent throughout the sales process are similar to those for buyers – with appropriate tweaks.  After each closing, clients will appreciate a personal video ‘thank you’ for their home listing.

Sending additional touches throughout the year maintain and develop relationships forged during the home buying/selling experience.  Agents can send video emails that highlight sponsored community or charitable events, ask for referrals and testimonials, or feature local service vendor lists.  Video messages add a splash of energy and personality to email newsletters!  And, holiday and special occasion videos are an excellent way of saying hello throughout the year.

At the end of the buying cycle, Realtors often distribute coupons for local businesses to new home buyers.  By working with those businesses to sponsor a coupon web page, the real estate agent can add the link to their ‘thank you’ video email template and the businesses will save money on printing and delivery costs.  Armed with so many video email applications, Realtors can simplify and even speed up the process of home sales, while building stronger relationships with their clients-and that’s a winning combination!

Video email can be successfully applied to nearly every industry and business model.  Whether the focus is on marketing, sales, training, inter-office communications or community outreach there are countless uses of video email in executing company strategies.  CoVideo users recognize the potential value and benefits associated with video email but many struggle with creative implementation of the system after making their purchase.

With that in mind, we’re running a series of articles, posted every Friday during the month of November, on the many uses of video email.  While each article is tailored to a specific industry, many of the suggestions are applicable to any business.  We’ll outline creative and imaginative uses of video email that help businesses communicate more broadly with their contacts.  The versatility and flexibility of applying video email across corporate communications may surprise some and fire the imagination of others.

Be sure to check out all four articles on our blog!  We’ll announce each article release on Facebook and Twitter every Friday through the end of the month.

In previous blog posts we’ve discussed the importance of creating enduring (or reusable) videos to decrease workload and increase productivity.  Examples of enduring videos include: introductions, thank you messages, product overviews, testimonials, FAQ’s, service benefits, industry news, inspirational messages, etc.  These videos can be cut once, then sent out again and again at a moment’s notice.  This reusability allows businesses to spend more time on critical activities that cannot be automated.

The additional benefit of enduring videos is their effectiveness on social media sites with 24/7 global viewer access.  Tapping into this ever-growing social network can boost corporate visibility, increase message circulation, build consumer confidence and more.  While several sites can boast high traffic and viewer interaction, the most popular video community is YouTube, with 2 billion videos viewed daily by a broad demographic range.

Until recently, uploading videos from CoVideo to YouTube was a somewhat time-consuming process.  With our new one-step upload, videos are transferred directly to a YouTube account with the click of a button.  Now, customers can create a video, send it to recipients and upload it to YouTube all within minutes.  It’s a great time saving feature that adds versatility to each CoVideo account and simplifies the video sharing process.

After the initial establishment of a video email account most users are too busy doing business to think about account settings and other administrative options.  But while they’re diligently sending video messages, their company mailing or email address may have changed.  Their terms of service or privacy policy may have been updated.  Even company branding or employee changes may have occurred.  If video email account information doesn’t reflect those changes, viewers may have difficulty contacting or doing business with that company.  To avoid such a scenario, develop a habit of regular account management.  Just 10 minutes, once a month, will keep vital information updated…and customers calling.  Below are instructions on how to access and edit various account settings and features.  It’s the easiest workout you’ll ever do!

Check Your Speed

Login to your account.
Click on Help followed by Check Speed.
Click on Begin Test.  The system will run the test and display your upload and download speeds.
For Video Email we recommend at least 300 kbps for upload and 1000 kbps for download.
For Live Conference/Live Presentation we require minimum upload and download speeds of 750 kbps.  We also suggest 200 kbps per feed (presenter) if more than 4 presenters are onscreen.
(Example: 6 presenters x 200 kbps = 1200 kbps.)
To convert from kilobytes per second to megabytes per second, divide the number of kilobytes by 1024.

Edit User Account

Login to your account.
Click on Profile followed by Edit User Info.
Edit information then click on Save. (You will not be able to change your username.)

The email address on the account will be used for communications between the User and CoVideo as well as for the Reply, Email Me and Viewer Notification functions within the video email system.
Important Note:  To insure the best results be sure to have the most up-to-date email address on file.

Manage Email Icon

Login to your account.
Click on Graphics followed by Email Icon.  Any custom icons will be displayed on this page.
Click on Upload Email Icon to add a new icon.  Name it and Browse to find the file on your computer.  Then click on Save to add it to your list of icons.  The required size for an email icon is 400 X 200 pixels in size.

Click on Edit Name next to the icon to change the name.  The Default button next to the icon indicates the icon will be used for all video emails sent unless a different icon is manually selected when sending a video email.

Add Social Links

Login to your account.
Click on Graphics followed by Links and then Social Links.
Select one of the 12 links listed and type or copy/paste the URL to that website in the space next to the icon. (Example: www.twitter.com/covideosystems)
Repeat this process for each link you wish to add.
When finished, click on Save at the bottom of the page.

Use the process above to add or update social links at any time.

To remove a social link, delete the text next to the appropriate icon and click on Save at the bottom of the page.

Manage Footers

Video Email Footers normally include items such as: company mailing address, terms of service, privacy policy and about us information.

Login to your account.
Click on Email followed by Footers/Scripts.
Select a footer to edit/delete or click on Add Footer to create a new footer.
Type in the footer name, text, choose font color and style then click on Submit Changes to save.

You can also assign a default footer.  The selected footer will automatically display on each of your video emails.
Reminder:  You can always manually select a different footer when sending a video email.

At one time or another nearly everyone has felt uncomfortable in front of a video camera. You know how it goes, the record light comes on and you freeze up, break out in a sweat or stumble over simple words. With time and some familiarity with the technology, many people overcome their initial butterflies and start to develop a level of comfort during a recording. Others continue finding it difficult to relax in front of the camera and their discomfort can lead to frustrating video sessions followed by overly critical reviews of their work. Anyone experiencing camera anxiety knows it hampers their ability to create effective videos. In fact, most of these people become so frustrated they give up altogether. In a world where video has become the preferred method of communicating, conquering camera anxiety is not only a good idea , it’s essential to compete effectively in the marketplace. Try implementing some or all of the ideas below and start enjoying the process of creating and sending videos!

1.  Put on Your Public Appearance. We face other people everyday in the course of doing business. Whether it’s across a desk, over a partition or around a table, we speak in public situations all the time. If your appearance is acceptable for face-to-face business interaction, relax…you will look fine in front of a video camera.

2.  Make the Camera Your Friend. Many people have difficulty talking to an intimate object (camera). The lack of awareness, normally provided by another person, can make it difficult to speak with warmth and focus. Tape a picture of someone you know to the side of the camera and speak directly to them.  After a few takes you’ll be comfortable enough to visualize a face in your mind and can take the picture down.

3.  Put Your Best Light Forward. Even the best hair, outfit or makeup won’t offset a dark background and shadows across your face. Make sure to have sufficient and well-placed lighting to showcase yourself and/or your products.

4.  Speak From Your Comfort Zone. It’s always easier to speak when you have personal knowledge, and are passionate, about your topic. Let your natural enthusiasm for the subject take the lead and you’ll find yourself more relaxed and at ease.

5.  Mute Your Inner Critic. No video is perfect. So relax, set reasonable expectations and realize most people will focus on your message- not your striped shirt.

Email marketers rely on high delivery rates to get their message out and bring in sales.  Nothing can de-rail a marketing campaign faster than an ALL CAPS subject line or the words Free Offer.  Knowing which words and phrases to avoid can be the difference between reaching consumers- and landing in the trash.

Spam filters use a scoring system to determine deliverability. The higher the score, the less likely your email will make it to the inbox. And, while subject line content is a big factor, email body text is also scrutinized for html code and problematic terms. Normally innocuous lines like: “Sue, my total weight loss is up to 30 pounds.” may now be zapped as spam by some of the more aggressive filters. Look carefully at your overall content to minimize trouble spots.

The lists below highlight some of the trigger terms for subject line and email body.  While not all spam triggers are represented, this provides a starting point of the most commonly used terms.

Subject Line Trigger Terms

$$$                                                        100%                                                     free ad

affordable                                            amazing stuff                                      apply now

auto email                                           removal billion                                 cash bonus

cheap                                                    collect child support                      compare rates

credit                                                    credit bureaus                                   double your income

earn $                                                   earn extra cash                                 eliminate debt

email marketing                               explode your business                   extra income

free                                                         fast cash                                               financial freedom

free gift                                                 free info                                                free investment

free leads                                             free membership                              free offer

free preview                                       guarantee                                            hidden assets

home based                                        income from home                          increase sales

increase traffic                                  incredible deal                                  info you requested

internet market                                limited time offer                             make $

mortgage rates                                 multi-level marketing                     investment opportunity

order now                                           prices refinance remove               reverses aging

save $                                                   search engine listings                     serious cash

stop snoring                                       web traffic                                           weight loss

Email Body Spam Triggers

1-800                                                    1-888 100%                                         free

100% guarantee                                remove remove                                accept credit cards

as seen on tv                                       be your own boss                             call toll free

cash in on                                             collect your $                                    click here for removal

credit card #                                       click here to be removed              confidentiality assured

custom quote                                     dear homeowner                              dear fellow entrepreneur

debt free                                               earn extra income                            email marketing

free                                                          featured on tv                                    free consultation

free cruise                                            free free free                                        future mailing

future promotion                             get out of debt                                    get your free sample

hair loss product                              home based business                      home shopping

joke of the day                                    increase your revenue                   information you requested

life insurance quote                         limited time offer                              lose inches

lose weight                                          make money online                         one time mailing

online promotion                             reduce body fat                                 remove from list

weight loss                                          work from home                                you have won

Mac users have access to all three of our core products: Video Email, Live Conference and Live Presentation, with no downloading required.  In fact, the web version of Video Email was originally designed expressly for Mac users, while the desktop version is PC oriented.

To create video emails, login to your account at www.covideo.com and click on Video Email.  If it is your first time using the product check your video/audio settings before recording.  To do this, click on Settings then Change Camera Settings.  Click on the camera icon to make sure the correct webcam is selected (on a Mac, it’s most likely USB Video).  To check your audio, click on the microphone icon and select the correct microphone.  To test your microphone while on that screen simply speak several lines.  The green input bar will go up and down as you talk, if it is a working microphone. Adjust your recording volume by moving the slider to a desired position.

To record your video, click on Start Recording and begin your message.  You can record up to 10 minutes per video.  When finished, click on Stop Recording.  You may now preview, save or email the video. If you choose the email option, click on Email Video and fill out the necessary information (make sure the pop-up blocker allows the Email Video page to display) and click on Send Email.  Once you have emailed the video, it will automatically be saved in your Video Library.

Be  sure to have the latest version of Adobe Flash installed on your Mac (CLICK HERE to install)

If you are having issues with the audio cutting in and out on your Mac while recording a video email or while in the Live Conference or Live Presentation, follow the steps below to solve the issue:

• Click on System Preferences
• Click on Sound
• Click on Input, choose a device for sound input, adjust the settings for the selected device all the way to the right and make sure that the box for “Use ambient noise reduction” is unchecked.
• Follow the instructions from above to adjust your camera/mic settings.

To learn about using our Live Conference CLICK HERE or to learn about our Live Presentation CLICK HERE

If you have a list of contacts, you can upload them directly into your CoVideo account. Depending on what package you have purchased, you can either upload up to 1000 or 5000 contacts into your account. We accept your contact’s first name, last name and the email address. Please have your list of contacts in an Excel spreadsheet and saved as .csv (comma delimited) format before uploading your list.

To save your list as .csv file:

• In Excel, go to the Office Button and click on Save As
• Under the File Name, type in the name you would like to save it as
• Under Save As Type, select CSV (comma delimited)
• Click on Save
• Click on OK then click on YES when prompted

To import your contacts please follow the following steps:

• Login to your CoVideo account at www.covideo.com.
• Click on User Options followed by Import Contacts.
• Agree to our spam policy then click on Browse to select your Excel (.csv) file.
• If you would like to upload your list as a group, (allows you select that group and email the whole group at once when sending video emails or meeting invitations) type in your group name.
• Click on Send File.
• On the next page match up the fields such as First Name – First Name, Last Name – Last Name and Email Address – Email Address.
• Click on Submit.

CoVideo offers two options for creating video email: Web-based Recorder and Desktop Recorder. The Web-Based Recorder can be accessed from any computer with an Internet Connection and a webcam, while the Desktop Recorder is our downloaded version that puts seven features right at your finger tips.

The Desktop Recorder is available for download to Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.  The downloads option can be found by logging in to your account at www.covideo.com.  Click on the Downloads tab and select Video Email.

Here is a list of features/options available in the Desktop Recorder:

Administration – edit your user information

Videos – access your library to view, email, rename or delete your videos, see viewers or move to a different folder

Contacts – add, edit and remove contacts or manage groups.

Scripts – add or edit scripts to read during your video recording

Upload a Video – allows you to upload a .wmv file and keep it in the same format (you can upload the following video file formats from our website: ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG, SWF, TS, VOB, WMV and we will convert them to .flv)

Insert Media – lets you select and insert videos (.wmv format) or images into your video email recording.

Camera Settings – check your camera and audio settings.

To check what operating system you have, click on your Start Menu, go over to My Computer or Computer and right-click on it then select Properties. The next page will provide basic information about your computer.

CLICK HERE for instructions on how to download on XP.

CLICK HERE for instructions on how to download on Vista and Windows 7.