Hip Hop Affirmation of the Day#213
Ambassador’s Note: This is the 1st of the month which means we have a marketing message from my man Scott. Enjoy and show him some love by commenting of reaching out to him directly.
“CASH RULES EVERYTHING AROUND ME, C.R.E.A.M,” ~Wu-Tang(C.R.E.A.M)
Listen: http://tinysong.com/kPHm
I’m back (back again) for Month 2 of my scheduled monthly takeover. August 1st marks Part 1 of ‘The Value of Online Video’ and will be organized in a concise ‘Video for Dummies’ setup. Expect more comedy, music talk, quotables, and introspection in months to come!
Online video refers to anything on Youtube but, for the most part, this post is about utilizing easy-to-create web-videos in a productive Business context. The first thing that probably comes to mind when you think of Online Video is a Monkey smelling his funky finger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzZqje04vLE ), some shaggy-haired tween singing Lady Gaga (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxDlC7YV5is ), or videos of individuals ‘Cranking that Soulja Boy’, ‘Stanky Legging’, or ‘Doing the Douggie’ from the privacy of their own bedroom (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIz80L9eJhA).
While viral videos like these are fun, time-wasting, and even potentially valuable for a business – think Interscope Records’ and Soulja Boy’s ‘Crank Dat’ – for our purposes, let’s stick to business video. Getting a video to “go viral” is too difficult, too unlikely, and has too many intangibles to waste time on.
Let’s focus, instead, on three types of video: unedited homemade, somewhat ‘produced’ homemade, and screencast / demonstration / presentation style videos created to either add to or replace key marketing functions. Why only these 3 types? Because YOU can create these videos on the cheap or even for FREE! The only necessary investment is a video-camera, which you probably have on your cell-phone, digital camera, or laptop.
The next 2 steps (after procuring a camera of some sort) involve downloading tools from the interweb. First, you must download a video recording or video capture software for your device. I chose Debut Video Capture for free, though there are dozens of other similar offerings available for little or no dough.
Next, you’ll need an editing program. I use SolveigMM AVITrimmer for barebones editing–a nice addition to my “free” video arsenal. There are FAR sexier tools out there, but bells-and-whistles confuse me (http://video-editing-software-review.toptenreviews.com/ ).
My motto: Keep it simple (and free).
Your goal is to create a positive viewer experience without wasting time and money. A lack of flashy production value won’t have much effect on the end-product or how viewers watch your video. Spend money elsewhere.
Hope you found my video tips helpful. Next month we’ll dig deeper into HOW video can enhance your Marketing strategy.
Key topics for September 1:” -increasing conversion rates” -using video for technical demonstrations” -creating customer testimonial videos, support and Help Desk videos” -increasing overall client engagement.
Your Man,
Scott Rossow
Scott Rossow is a passionate Hip Hop Head, emerging Technology Sales/Marketing/Renaissance Man with a passion for soulful music that sticks to your ribs, ribs that stick to your ribs, and the combination of all of the above. Every 1st of the Month Scott with bring you information on Marketing so you can triple your worth. Check him out on Twitter: @scottrossow, on facebook: facebook.com/scottyrossow , Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/scottrossow or send some love to scott.rossow@gmail.com
