If your business has tried conventional marketing (print, TV, radio, direct mail) with less than stellar results, now may be the time for you to embrace SMS video text messaging as a marketing tool.  Here are some compelling statistics.

Studies show that 83% of all US adults use a cell phone and 73% of them regularly send and receive text messages.  Over 9.6 trillion text messages were sent in 2012.  30% of consumers interact with brands via text message and of those consumers nearly 50% would like to receive text ads.  Text message users in the US send or receive an average of 35 messages daily.  Among smartphone users 22% say texting is the top function they cannot do without, followed by the Internet (17%) and Email (16%).

While these statistics alone get my attention, I want to really make the case by offering 7 real-world advantages of using video text message marketing to promote your brand and sell products. Read the rest of this entry »

If you are wondering how to improve video quality, start with lighting.  Good video lighting will produce a more professional result, regardless of the video camera you are using.  How you approach lighting your subject will depend on whether you are shooting indoors or out.

Types of Lighting
Natural Light:  The sun is the best source of natural light for outdoor videos, but it comes with challenges. Avoid making videos when the sun is directly overhead as it will create harsh shadows across your subject’s face.  The best time of day for outdoor videos is mid-morning or mid-afternoon when the sun isn’t as bright.  Cloudy or hazy days will provide a softer, more even light source than the sun but often require additional lighting to keep the subject from appearing too flat against the background.

Read the rest of this entry »

Ever wonder how effective your videos are?  Do viewers watch the entire video, replay segments, or simply tune out after a few seconds?

In this week’s 1-Minute Tech Tip, Ryan answers these and other questions as he delves into HotSpots Reporting. Read the rest of this entry »

For those of you not familiar with the Covideo Android app, it makes creating and sending video emails easier and more convenient than ever!   Users can capture, upload, save and send video emails from an Android device; anytime, anywhere.  It also boasts many of the features available in the regular Covideo account such as Video Library access, Template, Email Icon and Link Set selection, and Profile management.  If you are using the new Covideo Android App you already know how well it complements your Covideo account!

What you may not know is many Android devices come with filters that give videos cool and entertaining effects.  Filters vary by device but include effects such as: black & white, sepia, negative, thermal, background imagery and funny faces.  Your videos will take on a whole new life from turn-of-the-century Read the rest of this entry »

Email newsletters are a staple of online marketers. They provide a more casual approach to sales by inserting articles and industry updates, in between event sign-ups, new product releases and special offers.  Add in a short overview by the editor, a couple of social network links and an image or two and you have the basis for a solid company newsletter. Solid, but in today’s competitive online marketplace…boring.

With the decreasing attention span of consumers, businesses have to make a big impression quickly to keep them focused. Adding video to your newsletter is just the trick. Wow people with a video message from the editor that briefly touches on all the main points of the newsletter, right at the top of the page. Convert articles into video messages that only require a short, catchy, text lead-in. Include video links demonstrating new products. Give a video review of current trends or extend a personal video invitation to an upcoming seminar, convention or sales event. In short, inserting videos into all aspects of your newsletter can pack the needed punch to engage recipients quickly, and hold their interest.

The most successful video newsletters maintain brand consistency, but keep things fresh by changing up the look and feel of their videos. Creativity pays off, so put as much thought and energy into your promotional videos as you would written articles. Most importantly, relax and have fun! Viewers connect more quickly to someone who enjoys what they’re doing.

Start small (the message from the editor is a good beginning point) and expand from there. You’ll see magical results in no time. A well-executed video newsletter can become a focal point of your marketing, sales and customer retention strategy.
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Jamie Bidwell is a team member at www.covideo.com. Covideo provides video email software that helps companies build relationships quickly and reinforce their brands more effectively with easy-to-make video emails that truly communicate. jamie@covideo.com.

Keeping employees motivated in a sluggish economy can be challenging.  News reports of layoffs and production losses add to employee jitters and contribute to a lack of enthusiasm for their jobs.  Conventional wisdom tells us that communication, communication, communication is key in maintaining a positive, motivated workforce; but simply sending out multitudes of messages with dry facts and figures may not garner the results you’re after.

Other than physically meeting with the entire staff for weekly updates (not often realistic!) a video email can deliver the same personal, face-to-face message to each employee, right at their desk.  Whether it’s from the CEO, HR Director or Department Manager, a video transmits real emotion and clearly conveys important news.  Employees can share the excitement over a big order, better understand the scope of a project and realize the value of their individual contribution as described by company leaders.

Put rumors to rest by clearly stating:
• The company’s short and long-term strategy for success.
• Any restructuring plans
• Programs designed to sustain (or grow) revenue in a difficult climate
• The importance of each and every employee to the company’s overall success

No other communication tool provides direct contact and personal interaction on such a grand scale as video email.  It’s effectiveness lies in the ability to reach even a global workforce quickly and earnestly, infusing them on an individual level with a renewed commitment to the company cause.  Try that with a text email!

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Jamie Bidwell is a team member at www.covideo.com. Covideo provides video email software that helps companies build relationships quickly and reinforce their brands more effectively with easy-to-make video emails that truly communicate. jamie@covideo.com.

When I was asked to research video cameras for an upcoming office purchase, I was surprised to discover how far DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras have come since the first fully digital SLR camera was introduced by Kodak in 1991.  Their 1.3 mega-pixel DCS-100, was only available to professionals at a cost of $30,000.  Over the next nine years a number of companies began developing their own DSLR cameras.  In January of 2000, Fujifilm introduced the FinePix S1 Pro, the first DSLR camera marketed to the non-professional.  It was the beginning of the end for the 35 mm market.

Shortly thereafter, Canon, Nikon, Kodak, Olympus, Panasonic and others began releasing DSLR cameras with higher resolution and lower prices.  In 2003 Canon’s 6.3 mega-pixel EOS 300D SLR, commonly known as the Digital Rebel was introduced to the consumer market at $999.  Other manufacturer’s encouraged by it’s popularity, stepped up production of affordable digital SLR cameras allowing greater numbers of amateur photographers to make DSLR purchases.

More innovation quickly followed.  In 2004, as Kodak ceased production of film cameras, Konica Minolta released the Maxxum 7D, the first DSLR camera to include in-body image stabilization.  The following year Canon and Nikon unveiled competing full-frame digital SLR cameras priced for consumers.

By 2008, the stage was set for the next big advancement-HD video.  Nikon delivered the first HDSLR with the D90, capturing video at 720p24 (1280 x 720 resolution at 24 frames/sec.).  Not to be outdone, Canon quickly released the competing EOS 5D Mark II, capturing video at 1080p30(1920 x 1080 resolution at 30 frames/sec.).  By 2009, consumer versions of both cameras hit the market.  Virtually every DSLR camera produced after that would have HD video capability.

For the professional (and amateur) movie maker there are now a number of HDSLR cameras that can shoot in standard/broadcast compliant resolution and frame rates.  This includes the Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon EOS 60D, Canon Rebel T3i and Nikon D5100 among others.  For the beginner, Sony, Pentax and Olympus offer entry level HDSLR cameras.

For those wanting something slightly different, Panasonic has developed a Micro 4/3 camera, the Lumix GH2.  It looks and operates the same as a DSLR camera with one difference.  DSLR cameras use a moveable mirror as part of the image sensor whereas the Lumix GH2 uses a solid state chip.  What does that mean?  Well, DSLR cameras seem to have the advantage when it comes to still photos, but Micro 4/3 cameras may have better video quality.  Also, the GH2 has an important feature DSLR cameras do not- it never overheats.  DSLR cameras can only shoot video for about 10-12 minutes before they overheat and must be shut off to cool.  The GH2 will stay cool and can shoot video until the battery goes dead or it runs out of memory.  Here’s a great review by Web Video University. Panasonic Lumix GH2 Review

If you are in the market to purchase an HDSLR  or Micro 4/3 camera, determine your price range (prices vary widely) and carefully compare features and functionality.  Read or watch reviews and join forum discussions to gain insights from the experience of other movie makers.  Then buy your camera and go make videos!

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Jamie Bidwell is a team member at www.covideo.com. Covideo provides video email software that helps companies build relationships quickly and reinforce their brands more effectively with easy-to-make video emails that truly communicate. jamie@covideo.com.

Want to include more than one video when sending a video email?  It’s a snap when using Post Links.  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! 

 
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Jamie Bidwell is a team member at www.covideo.com. Covideo provides video email software that helps companies build relationships quickly and reinforce their brands more effectively with easy-to-make video emails that truly communicate. jamie@covideo.com.

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!

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Jamie Bidwell is a team member at www.covideo.com. Covideo provides video email software that helps companies build relationships quickly and reinforce their brands more effectively with easy-to-make video emails that truly communicate. jamie@covideo.com.

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!

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Jamie Bidwell is a team member at www.covideo.com. Covideo provides video email software that helps companies build relationships quickly and reinforce their brands more effectively with easy-to-make video emails that truly communicate. jamie@covideo.com.

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 email video.  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.

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Jamie Bidwell is a team member at www.covideo.com. Covideo provides video email software that helps companies build relationships quickly and reinforce their brands more effectively with easy-to-make video emails that truly communicate. jamie@covideo.com.

We have recently added an enhancement to our video library. You can now download videos onto your computer that were recorded using our web-based recorder, located in your back office.

To download a video, just simply click on the D/L option in your video library and select the location on your computer that you would like to save the video to. Videos recorded using the web-based recorder are in flash (.flv) file format.

*Please note:  When downloading a video that has been recorded using our desktop recorder, you have to right-click on D/L and select “Save Link As” or “Save Target As” depending on what browser you are using. You will only see one of the options available.

Email marketing campaigns usually deliver 2-5 emails to the average inbox per week.  Although, many businesses adjust their email campaigns based on sales volume, op-outs, opens, forwards, etc.   The strength of email is direct access to large numbers of potential customers in a non-threatening setting – their inbox.  The idea being, people are more likely to read an email from a local window company than speak to a telemarketer selling the same product.

Where many emails fall short is relationship development.  Multiple emails with similar messages, bombarding an inbox each week is counter productive.  Especially if the consumer isn’t touched on a personal level.  This is where promotional video email comes in.   From the first video email, recipients are treated to a live person speaking directly to them about the benefits of a product or service.  Whether the content is directed to an individual or 1000  people are receiving the same video, it ‘feels’ like a personalized message and creates a relational building block.  Successive videos by the same individual foster face recognition and familiarity, creating a comfort level not experienced through text emails.

For professionals in the medical, legal and financial arenas, nothing is more important than client trust. Unfortunately, those same clients seldom see their doctor, lawyer or financial advisor, and then, under potentially stressful situations.  By sending video email appointment reminders, stock market insights or case updates these professionals set themselves apart from their colleagues and gain not only trust, but loyalty as well.

Anyone currently running typical email campaigns should take a serious look at integrating video emails into their marketing strategy.  CoVideo has a feature rich, easy to use video email product designed to increase sales, enhance brand recognition and build relationships.

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Jamie Bidwell is a team member at www.covideo.com. Covideo provides video email software that helps companies build relationships quickly and reinforce their brands more effectively with easy-to-make video emails that truly communicate. jamie@covideo.com.

Send video emails that portray enthusiasm and excitement and create a lively interest in your viewers.

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