{"id":4605,"date":"2012-09-27T11:49:58","date_gmt":"2012-09-27T18:49:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rmlsweb.wordpress.com\/?p=4605"},"modified":"2012-09-27T11:49:58","modified_gmt":"2012-09-27T18:49:58","slug":"do-you-use-video-in-your-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rmlscentral.com\/v1\/2012\/09\/27\/do-you-use-video-in-your-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Use Video in Your Business?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There are many ways to use video in your business. This article, reprinted with permission from the REALTOR\u00aeMag, has some pointers on getting started with video.<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s Get Reel\u00a0 | By Stefanie Hahn<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

With millions of people watching online videos every month, it’s time for real estate professionals to consider how they’re adapting this resource in their marketing plans. Here are some tips for getting started.<\/p>\n

As a society, we are consuming video like mad<\/a>. A look at the current YouTube statistics shows that as of September 2012, more than 800 million people come to YouTube each month and watch more than 4 billion hours of video. Last year, traffic from mobile devices tripled. Now wrap your head around this: 500 years worth of YouTube videos are watched on Facebook every day and more than 700 videos are shared on Twitter every minute.<\/p>\n

More importantly, people are interacting with video content \u2014 YouTube reports that 100 million people take a social action on YouTube (likes, shares, comments, etc.) every week.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t think your clients have caught on to the profound impact of video? In April 2011, Mashable released an infographic by Postling stating that, \u201c73 percent of home owners are more likely to list with a REALTOR\u00ae offering to do video<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Based on these statistics, there\u2019s never been a more compelling time to add video to your marketing plan. Here are a few tips to get you started.<\/p>\n

Equipment<\/h4>\n

You probably have multiple devices that can shoot decent video these days \u2014 smartphone, digital camera, and tablets, for example. Try your digital camera with a tripod first, as it helps avoid the \u201cshaking\u201d effect of the picture and give you a smoother plane upon which to move your shots. Tripods are cheap, but they can make a big difference in the quality of your video. Always carry extra batteries and\/or a battery charger just in case you run out of juice.<\/p>\n

Shooting<\/h4>\n

Here are a few quick tips for capturing video:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Turn on every available light if you are shooting inside. <\/strong>Also, avoid shooting for a length of time toward a window or anything that will reflect.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Write a script, even if you think you don\u2019t need one. <\/strong>Scripts will keep you on track and give a bit of confidence. For added security, create a full-blown storyboard with each video shot and the words that should be spoken over top.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Speak louder and slower than normal.<\/strong> Don\u2019t emphasize your words to the point of silliness, but enough so you are easily understood.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Keep it short.<\/strong> If you don\u2019t capture the viewer in the first 10 seconds, you will lose them. Limit your video to less than two minutes whenever possible.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Practice.<\/strong> When you make a mistake, laugh at yourself. Then, try it again.<\/p>\n

Content<\/h4>\n

Sure, you could parrot your listing description and film the house room-by-room, but I would encourage you to be bolder than that. Try something different. Instead, ask your sellers two questions:<\/p>\n

1. What attracted you to this neighborhood?<\/p>\n

2. What will you miss most when you move?<\/p>\n

Really, any variations of those two questions will work. If your sellers do not wish to be on video but are willing answer the questions, you might be able to record their answers in a voiceover while filming their favorite part of the house or what they love about the neighborhood. Your goal should always be to make the buyer feel something and (hopefully) get attached to the property.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t have a listing to shoot video in, don\u2019t use that as an excuse. Start building a video channel with a variety of content that can help you market your services to potential clients.<\/p>\n

Here are more content ideas to consider:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Vendor tips:<\/strong> Get your favorite loan officer in front of the camera to explain mortgage terms, the application process, and what\u2019s happening in the market. Do this with your insurance rep, title people, and home warranty reps. Keep the videos consumer-focused, helpful, and short.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Market statistics: <\/strong>Answer that famous question, \u201cHow is the market?\u201d Get local and you can attack one area within your market each week with statistics and analysis from your MLS reports.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Community information: <\/strong>Show off the communities where you work (or wish you worked). Ask shop owners to wave hello and maybe even grab a \u201cman on the street\u201d interview with a local.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Testimonials:<\/strong> A video testimonial is a powerful public endorsement of your work \u2014 these videos are your best self-marketing pieces.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Profile:<\/strong> If you have somehow managed to keep your face out of all the other videos so far, this is the one to showcase you and how you work. Try to keep your video focused on what you will do for the consumer.<\/p>\n

Editing<\/h4>\n

There are many options when it comes to editing your video. Consider trying the editing tools on YouTube.com if you are planning to upload there already. For beginner video editing, I would go with iMovie<\/a> (Apple) or Windows Movie Maker<\/a> (Windows).<\/p>\n

SEO<\/h4>\n

You can use the same search-engine optimization (SEO) principles that you employ on your Web site to your videos. Know your keywords beforehand and use them in your video title, description, and tags.<\/p>\n

The title of your video should be descriptive yet short. And don\u2019t jam it up with keywords \u2014 use the video description to tell the world what they are about to watch. Each video should be \u201ctagged\u201d with your name, the word \u201cvideo,\u201d and relevant keywords. Don\u2019t over-tag your videos and always use your name (or team name) as the first tag. This will help with your \u201crelated video results\u201d down the line.<\/p>\n

Marketing<\/h4>\n

Once you have a video or two ready, you will need to set up a channel. Think of your video channel as your own little station packed with the content you upload. You can share videos from here and\/or get embed code for your Web site or blog. YouTube is the giant in this space, but don\u2019t rule out other viable options<\/a> like Vimeo or Flickr. Do some research and determine which option is best for you. Here are a few more promotional tips:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Set up your video channel <\/strong>with all of your real estate and contact information. Remember to link the channel back to your Web site and use your keywords wherever they make sense.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Add a title, description, and tags <\/strong>to uploaded videos. If your video is listing-specific, upload it with your listing anywhere you are able to add a video.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Share your video <\/strong>with the listing, use the built-in social shares, and embed the video on your Web site or blog.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h4>\n

Remember: You can do this! Video is easier than ever to record, edit, and upload. The investment on your part is mostly time. Like anything else, you have to be consistent to see real results, but video will give you a marketing piece that lives online and works in your favor long after you\u2019ve uploaded. It\u2019s time to get reel.<\/p>\n

Stefanie Hahn is the education director for Coldwell Banker Hearthside, REALTORS\u00ae in Collegeville, Pa. Visit her Web site: www.StefanieHahn.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Reprinted from REALTOR<\/strong>\u00ae Magazine Online <\/strong>(http:\/\/realtormag.realtor.org<\/a>), September 2012, with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS<\/strong>\u00ae. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With millions of people watching online videos every month, it’s time for real estate professionals to consider how they’re adapting this resource in their marketing plans. Here are some tips for getting started.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4612,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[16,30],"tags":[328,340],"series":[],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/rmlscentral.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/stockxchange316157_1367-film-directors-chair.jpg","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/rmlscentral.com\/v1\/wp-content\/plugins\/seriously-simple-podcasting\/assets\/images\/no-album-art.png","download_link":false,"player_link":false,"audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"","label":"Apple Podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"google_play":{"key":"google_play","url":"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/m\/Iinki5xppiud4zt7r4evlggzzcy?t=Real_Talk_with_RMLS","label":"Google Play","icon":"google-play.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"","label":"Google Podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/rmlscentral.com\/v1\/feed\/podcast","embedCode":"

Do You Use Video in Your Business?<\/a><\/blockquote>\n