Online Video Uses - Let me count the ways... Part 3

Online Video Uses - Let me count the ways... Part 3
Scott Dennison
2-11-08


I'm sure you have noticed... its something so pervasive, we cannot escape or hide from it. As a result, my DVR is getting extra work over the next few months. What am I talking about? Election season...

Now the reason I mention it here is because very few business owners are using online video as effectively at the politicians do. Today I want to continue with the series of ways you can (and should) be planning to use video on your website. If you watch closely you will see your most favorite (probably even your least favorite) candidate using video on their site in one of these ways.


11) "On location" updates, or updates from the road. With all of the traveling to the different states where the primaries are being held, there are many opportunities to capture some footage, talk about issues that are of interest to local voters and post it to their site.

If you travel in your business, you can do something similar. A few months ago we provided technology for one of the cars in the "FireBall Run" that went from Orlando to LA. The drivers regularly stopped, and shot video which was then posted to their "update" page. Viewership was huge on those pages as people checked in daily to keep up to date on the race.

12) Viral Videos. I'm sure you are familiar with this concept, right? Develop a video that spreads and spreads around the world until millions see it. (Think Mentos and Diet Coke video or LonelyGirl 15) Most of the candidates do this with policy proposals. you know,"here is what I'll do for you if you elect me..." These take a bit of planning to develop something that people will find amusing and are willing to pass it along to their friends, but it can be done. I encourage you to try, and if necessary try again. The guys at BlendTec sure pulled it off. So can you!

13) Highlights of a political rally (or a seminar). If there is a political rally today, by tonight the highlights of the speech will be posted for everyone to see or hear. So if a part of your business involves the seminars, where you put on events, then you should absolutely be using clips of that event to either sell the DVD/CD package of the event or to sell the next event.

14) Insiders (staff) guide. Everyone loves the "inside" information, right? The secret stuff that is discussed behind the scenes. Do you think there some things that are going on in the inner workings of a campaign that people would love to know about? When it comes to business applications, obviously Coca Cola is not going to go on camera and tell us their secret formula, but if you set your mind to the task you can come up with something that sounds exclusive and shoot a quick video to share with the world.

15) Family introductions. When we consider electing someone to high office, we want to know as much about them as possible. So a carefully staged interview of the candidates spouse or children make great videos to post on their site.

When it comes to applying this to your business always remember that people do business with people that they like and trust. When you show your "other" side, such as your values or philosophies, and that part which is involved in family and home, you can gain major trust with potential customers.

So don't let the candidates be the only ones using video in smart ways. Its clear we can't beat em, so me might as well join them.

~Scott
KeyThing Marketing Technologies