Create your own Company Video September 12, 2010

The website is about low cost and no cost marketing activities.. keeping this in mind I want to ask you the questions …. Ever thought about introducing your business to potential customers by creating your own company video?

What tools do I need?

Today, doing such an activity is very easy, especially if you purchase of a Flip or Samsung flashcam (which range from $130 upward and available at your local Dick Smith or electronics store), or even use your phone video capabilities (just make sure the pixel ratio is high, nothing worse than a very grainy video). All these tools are so easy to use.

TIP:  Got an iphone? There is a fabulous little app that is called a Telepromt (cost to download is around $10).  It is great for those of us that feel more comfortable to have a script on front of us while creating a video.  The beauty here is that you can look directly at the camera, just read the script and you won’t miss a beat in what you are wanting to tell your intended audience. Just write your script directly in to the Teleprompt or copy and paste by mail, set your scroll speed and start talking!

What Angle will I take?

So you have the tools, the next step is to think about your angle. Do you want to educate?  Showcasing your product or service? Do you want to explain & demonstrate a particular process?  Do you want to include client testimonials?  Have your happy clients relate how they found your product or service provided the right solution for the problem they had been experiencing, A client testimonial is so much more convincing than anything you could ever say.

How many videos should I make, and how long should they be?

You are passionate about what you do, so you have a lot to talk about, so create maybe three different videos to begin – an introduction, product demonstration, an insiders tip or strategy.  Don’t restrict yourself if you are motivated do more. Decide on a style for each video – chatty and relaxed or if you are educating take on a more serious manner. Just remember to make it interesting to the viewer.

As to the length, I suggest no longer than three minutes, less if possible.

How do I put it all together?

Depending on the type of video recorder used, upload to your computer and use Windows Movie Maker (already pre-installed in your computer).  Here you can cut and paste, add music (don’t forget to use royalty free music) and titles.

If you used an iPhone, Flip or a Samsung U10, they have software installed where when you connect them to your computer where you can cut, paste and edit your video.  Just make sure the background of your video is well lite and what you are showcasing is in focus, clear easy to see, and your voice is clear and audible. Once you are happy with finished project, copy the video to a cd/dvd and get ready to play,  you can even upload your finished product to YouTube.

Note: It all takes a bit of practice, but if you persevere (or give the job to someone who likes doing that sort of stuff), you will be more than happy with the outcome.

Now my video is created what do I do with it?

Congratulations, the final result is in your hands.. Play it in store, on  your website, YouTube, blog, infact whereever you would like to have your video posted,it makes a fabulous sales tool and will increase links to your site.

Creating videos for your business is cheap and easy.  Stay ahead of your competitors.  Build your business, make those sales ….

What are you waiting for??

The marketing power of oversized postcards August 18, 2010

Using post cards as part of your business marketing strategy

Postcards are one of the most successful and original marketing activities available that have truly stood the test of time. Even though I promote the importance of internet marketing, I must admit many people still prefer to receive personalised mail delivered directly to their postal box or household letterbox.

Take advantage of this powerful low cost marketing medium by following these guidelines:

• Have your postcards stand out to capture your potential clients attention, make them unusual, use photos or graphics that are large, bright and colourful.
• Personalise your postcards by having them hand addressed with a quick note written saying for example “Thought you might be interested in this special offer, Regards Tom” (have a junior staff member, or pay one of your kids, a student or family friend who wants a bit of extra cash to write them up – remember the 20/80 rule?).
• Make sure your special offer is easy to understand. Keep it simple, stick to one offer for each postcard and make sure you have an expiry date.
• Have a box or bundle of postcards both at work and in your car, you never know when you will need one.
• Give them out to those that walk in to your office to make an enquiry.
• For potential customers that phone in – capture their details, have them entered into your data base and immediately send out a personalised post card, making note in your diary to follow up a couple of days later.
• Give them out while networking or canvassing in your local area, or exhibiting at tradeshows or special events you are promoting.
• Send them out with your monthly statements

The more people that see your post cards the better chance you have of getting that next customer to contact you.

Do not stop with one mail out, send another out to your contacts within 3 weeks, this time with a different offer (remember your Marketing Calendar?). By keeping your business continually in the mind of your clients, you build a relationship, over time they know you are keen to do business, even if they don’t require your services right now they are sure to recommend you to family and friends.

As always

• Keep track of what advertising works and what doesn’t
• Capture your clients details and enter them into your contact database and keep in regular contact with them