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Video Mistakes You Might Be Making
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Key Considerations For Video Marketing

It’s no secret that videos are trendier than ever. From hilarious cat videos, to live news on your smart phone, our society is in love with videos. Embracing film as part of your marketing strategy can drastically improve your reach. We are all for video content because we know how powerful it is, when it’s done right that is. Whether you are gearing up to incorporate video into your marketing strategy or already have it implemented, these considerations for a successful video are key.

Concept

Whatever your concept is, make it clear in the first 8 seconds. The first couple of seconds are when the viewer decides if it is appealing or not. This is your do or die window for their attention. Reflect on what audience you are trying to reach and what you are trying to say about your brand, this is your time to shine.

Overselling

Finding the balance between being clear about your product or idea and drowning people in it can be tricky. The goal with any video is to make a lasting impression and call the viewer to action. You want them to remember your brand, and dig a little deeper on their own free will. It’s about creating engagement from the viewer. Rather than spill all the beans, lead them on with excitement and have all the info they’ll be craving ready in another video, or written on your website and point them in that direction.

Feedback

Everyone needs more feedback. Ask strangers in your target audience what they think about your video. Outside sources are best for feedback as your team, family and friends will have a bias.

Call to Action

As mentioned in overselling, each video needs to call the viewer to some kind of action. The call can be just to create curiosity, generate a referral, get a free quote, how to use your product and so on. Maybe all you are trying to do is get them to like your Facebook page, whatever it is, make sure it is clear in your objectives before and after the video is created.

Boring

A few things can make a video boring. If it is too long, it’s boring. If the concept isn’t portrayed in an engaging way, it is boring. If the people in the video are, well boring, it is of course going to be a boring film. Spending a couple of extra bucks to hire someone to film and act in your video could make all the difference. This is something you’ll need to weigh out for yourself, but if you were planning on using Larry, the monotone receptionist as your lead star, maybe rethink that one.

Placement

Now that you’ve created your perfect video, don’t let it go to waste! Placement on your website should be front and center. On YouTube it should be on your own channel which will eventually have more videos to fill the auto play, this will keep your target audience much more excited about your company as there is even more material for them to view. Be sure to cross post on other outlets like Vimeo and Facebook. If you choose to do paid advertisement with your video choose the sites that will appeal to the right demographic, and again watch placement of where your video will be on each page that you are paying for.

We can’t say this will make video-making fool proof, but it is a step in the right direction. When creating or perfecting your video content keep these helpful hints in mind. If you are interested in video marketing but don’t know where to start, check out Cloud9’s video production & marketing services.

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digital marketing for real estate agents
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Calling All Realtors: You Need a Digital Marketing Strategy

Dear Realtors ®,

Have you thought about your digital marketing strategy lately?

We know, you’re busy – you’re busy farming, prospecting, marketing your listings, preparing listing presentations, staying in touch with clients, building your network, and doing plenty of other activities.

This might be a good time to mention that a sound digital marketing strategy can help with all of those things.

There’s no denying that the internet is playing an increasingly large role in the world of real estate marketing — you’ve probably heard the stats about how many prospective buyers begin their housing search online. Listing your properties on MLS, WLS, or whatever local listing service your market uses is one place to start – but it’s only just the beginning.

Consider the following:

  • Your website is often your first impression (you do have a website, right?) A well designed website with useful content creates a great first impression – a fill-in-the-blanks standard template site that looks like every other Realtor’s® site, not so much.
  • Harnessing the powers of social media allows you to connect with your client base on an ongoing basis. It can also help you build your community.
  • If your marketing package for your listings doesn’t include digital marketing components, you are missing out on valuable opportunities – and you are disserving your clients.
  • You know you’re different from your competitors, but how can a client differentiate you from the rest of the pack? Branding goes a long way. If you haven’t developed a branding strategy yet, it’s time to start planning.
  • Postcard mailers. Newspaper ads. Promotional products. All of these initiatives cost a lot of money, but they don’t always give you the most bang for your buck. Invest in your digital marketing, and you might be surprised at your returns.
  • Online presence is no longer considered an added perk – most clients expect it from their real estate agent. Don’t be left behind.

This all sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? But back to the original point: you’re busy! You’ve got enough on your plate, and digital marketing takes time.

That’s where we come in. Cloud9 works one-on-one with real estate agents to plan, execute, and measure a strategy. You get to call the shots, providing input on content, direction, and themes, while we implement the day-to-day activity. From blogging to branding, from SEO to social media, we do it all.

We’ll work with you to ensure that you (and your clients) are getting the most out of digital marketing, while freeing up your time to focus on other activities, whether than be taking your buyers on a property tour or negotiating a sale on behalf of your seller. You don’t have to be a marketing expert to implement digital marketing – you just need Cloud9!

So give us a call – we promise not to take up too much of your time – and find out how we can help you get ahead of the game. We looking forward to talking with you, and we can’t wait to help.

Yours,

Cloud9

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