video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - When you're smiling... - 11/24/20 09:17 AM
YouTube Thursdays - The Whole World Smiles with You 
 
 
Today, we feature more YouTube videos designed to foster good feelings during the holiday season.  This week, we hope these bring a smile to your face. 
 
We both absolutely love this classic from the old television show, WKRP in Cincinnati. I (Debb) worked in radio for many years, and saw a few on-air promotions fall flat. Fortunately though, never as bad as this one. "As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."
 
Hey Bruce Walter this one's for you. 
  
 
This Saturday Night Live sketch from last year feels more appropriate than ever. Seriously, we gotta laugh at this stuff, … (42 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Time to Share the Love - 11/19/20 08:41 AM
 
 
This 2020 holiday season, we can all do our part to share the love. For most of us, the upcoming celebrations are going to be a bit different this year, but we still have to the ability to make them wonderful. 
 
 
YouTube Thursdays will be focusing on all the positives from now until the New Year.  We'll be featuring a video each week designed to give you good feelings, and perhaps spark some creativity. We like this one from a company in Great Britain. 
  
 
We also agree with the premise, imagine what we could accomplish if we all gave a little love this holiday season. Together we can make a big … (43 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Wonderful, WYSIWYG you. - 10/29/20 09:10 AM
YouTube Thursdays - Wonderful, wonderful, you. WSIGWYG 
 

I (Debb) just finished reading a Debe Maxwell, CRS post, 5 Ways to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others - Be Unapologetically YOU!  
 
The timing is perfect too, as this recent video from Georgie Hunter is so easy to watch - refreshing. We think it's due, in large part, to Georgie's comfort on camera, and her natural communication style. Borrowing a term from the computer world, she's what we call a WYSIWYG person - what you see is what you get. 
 
 
 
If you haven't subscribed to Georgie's YouTube Channel, please do. 
 
Feng Shui Consultant Laura Cerrano does a great job with her live … (37 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - More Thumbnails - 10/22/20 08:40 AM
Last week's YouTube Thursdays featured the importance of thumbnails. It's the first image on a video that either captures a viewer's attention, or not. Many of us get complacent and allow YouTube to randomly choose the thumbnail from a scene in the video. 
 
 
This week, we chose a selection of thumbnails that we think not only capture attention, but are representative of what viewers can expect when they watch. After all, you want to deliver what is expected. 
 
In this video, Joe Manausa discusses a topic that is on the mind of many prospective sellers and buyers. 
 
Watch the video here:
 
You don't always need a photo of you on … (26 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Thumbnails! - 10/15/20 07:27 AM
YouTube Thursdays - The Importance of Thumbnails
 
What's a Video Thumbnail?
 
A video thumbnail is called a thumbnail because it's roughly the size of a human thumb nail.  Thumbnails represent a smaller compressed version of the video's original content and provide a link to it.
 
YouTube offers various thumbnail default options chosen at random from your video. However, using a custom thumbnail can help you better connect with your target audience. 
 
For the most part, we've used nature as neighbors scenes hoping to compel viewers to watch our videos. Though we're learning that video thumbnails with a real face have a greater impact in terms of authenticity. 
 
Here's … (43 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - October Video Fodder - 10/01/20 08:29 AM
YouTube Thursdays - October 1st - Fodder to Foster Your Video Creativity 
 
 
Wow, it's hard to believe it's already October 1st. We have summer weather this week at our home in Camas, Washington, still there's a whisper of fall in the air. 
Admittedly, Fall is my ( Debb's) favorite time of the year. Bernie says it's a toss up for him,  between spring and autumn.  Regardless, it's a good time to consider the opportunities for video marketing this month.  
 

Obviously, the restrictions of 2020 remain in place for many of us and it will require a bit more creative thinking on our part. To help you … (27 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Canva and Video Marketing - 09/22/20 09:53 AM
YouTube Thursdays - September 24, 2020
 
 
We like to use Canva for some of our marketing pieces, especially those we share on Social Media. Canva is online software that makes it easy to create professional designs and use your own brand colors, fonts, and logos. There are plenty of other good ones out there and this not intended to be a promotion for Canva. 
 
However, for those of you who are also Canva users, we want you to know about the option to add a video to your designs. Keep in mind, if you're sharing to Instagram, the video is limited to one minute, if it's longer … (36 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Share the Local Scoop - 08/13/20 06:19 AM
YouTube Thursdays - Sharing the local scoop. 
 
 
Most of us live in communities with little known gems, or quirky things that only the true locals know about. For example, in Camas, there is a private residence known as "the castle." We wrote a post about it in 2013,  The Camas Castle.  It's definitely an oddity that gets attention. And, we think it would be a perfect subject for a video series called, We Know Camas!
 
Another interesting landmark in Camas is the Leadbetter House located on the shores of Lacamas Lake. The Queen Anne Victorian house was actually a gift from parents to their son, and his new … (22 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Be Yourself, Everyone else is already taken. - 12/19/19 08:48 AM
 
The Best Way to Be - Be Yourself 
 
We often talk about the importance of being yourself in video marketing. As our friend Alexandra  (Ron and Alexandra Seigel) says, referencing an Oscar Wilde quote, “everyone else is already taken.” 
 
Being genuine and authentic is the best way to put others at ease and build relationships.  Phony is a turn-off, and while it can fool some for a while, eventually the facade chips away. 
 
Last week, Andrew, with Bozeman Real Estate Group asked members of Active Rain to critique a video. One of the things we immediately appreciated about it is the authenticity coupled with a sense of humor. 
 
The … (31 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Looking for Video Marketing Inspiration - 10/17/19 08:33 AM
 
YouTube Thursdays - Video Marketing Inspiration Abounds
 
 
When someone we subscribe to on YouTube posts a new video, we get a notice. Therefore, when Charlie Dresen of Steamboat's My Home posts a new video, we have to take a peek. He's just that good.  
 
In my opinion, he's one of the best Realtor Videographers out there - period. Not only does he do a stellar job technically, his videos tell a story. They are entertaining and engaging. We can't imagine anyone selling a home in Steamboat and not choosing Charlie. 

Not only do his listing videos reflect the Steamboat lifestyle, but the lifestyle you can expect living in … (66 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - It's a Great Time to Fall into Videos - 09/26/19 09:34 AM
YouTube Thursdays  - Fall Video Fodder
 
 

 
 
This beautiful season is filled with opportunities to showcase your local real estate markets. It's a great time to create a library of short videos featuring neighborhoods with the best fall foliage, seasonal events such as hayrides and pumpkin patches,  and the best local spots for seasonal treats such as apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes. 
 
To help you get in the creative mode, here are few ideas. 
 
In this first one, it's October and Charlie Dresen helps viewers prepare for winter in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. 
 
 
 This beautiful video shows a Harvest Moon rising over Albuquerque - thanks John McCormack, CRS. We especially appreciate his closing messages. 
 
 
 Andrew Mooers | … (28 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Useful Tips to Share with Your Niche - 09/12/19 07:19 AM
YouTube Thursdays - Useful Tips to Share with Your Niche
 
 
Occassionally, we scroll through our subscribers channels to see what they are up to...and at times, we find delightful ideas that spark creativity. Recently, it was a video from Francine Viola. 
 
Francine, who has moved to a rural property, solved the issue of getting trash cans up and down a long driveway. It's a familiar problem that many rural homeowners share. Including us. 
 

We think it is a great video to provide for our niche. Plus, it reminds of us the other little challenges people might face when living in a more remote location.  A series of short … (30 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Allowing the Creative Process to Unfold - 08/29/19 07:35 AM
YouTube Thursdays - Allowing the Creative Process to Unfold
 
We continue to work on our new video for our niche, multigenerational homes. This video is taking longer than expected due to business obligations and a few unexpected personal obligations. However, we’re finally making some progress.
 
This week, I ( Debb) have been organizing media ( video and stills) in Final Cut Pro X. Yesterday, it finally started coming to life. It's an exciting time when a story begins to emerge. While similar to the original outline, as with most things creative, it's turning out a bit different than expected.
 
For example, the opening scene begins with the sunrise … (22 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Video Apps for Your Smartphones - 05/22/19 09:32 AM
Video Recording and Editing Apps for cell phones.
 
The quality of cameras in our smart-phones has come a long way, baby. And since we generally have our cellphones with us, we are lucky to have such a great tech tool on-board. Especially for those unexpected moments when we stop to capture a sunset, or a rainbow, or wildlife. Stills and video. 
 
If you plan to take advantage of your cellphone camera, it’s worth your while to explore some of the apps out there that can really up your game.  They offer new tools with filters, options for quick editing, and more.  Here are some highly recommended apps we … (38 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Does Your Marketing Story Include Stories - 05/16/19 08:45 AM
YouTube Thursdays - Does your Marketing Story include Stories?
 
 
Videos stand out in social media - and you can take advantage of it. YouTube and Instagram Stories continue to take center stage in 2019. One big reason for their popularity is they get prime viewing on both news feeds. For example, unlike regular Facebook posts, which appear on people's feeds, Stories are displayed right at the top of the Facebook app. Your Stories will be the first thing your followers see when they open their profile! 
 

Both Instagram and Facebook Stories disappear after 24 hours, however you have the option to save them to your camera. We … (21 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Instagram Videos for Branding - 04/25/19 09:19 AM
Instagram Videos - Are they Valuable for your Brand? 
 

 
Here are some recent statistics about the viewers on Instagram. 
 
32% of all Internet users are on Instagram. 59% of internet users between the ages of 18 and 29 use Instagram and 33% of internet users between the ages of 30 and 49 use Instagram 38% of female internet users use Instagram and 26% of male internet users use Instagram  
If you have an Instagram account, we highly recommend adding videos to your feed once or twice a week. It’s a great way to boost engagement, build your brand, and put your personality out there for making connections.  
 
 
There are … (26 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - April's Shower of Video Opportunities - 04/11/19 08:31 AM
YouTube Thursdays
 
Video Idea starters for April. 
 
If you’re not feeling inspired to produce videos this month, why not? April  brings us a number of opportunities for producing short and relevant videos. Further, many of them can become evergreen videos, timeless, meaning you can use them again and again in new blog posts. Remember, much like your blogs, video channels need consistent and new updates to keep viewers engaged. 
 
Industry Related 
 
Realtor.com claims April is the best month to sell a house. Do you agree?
Is Spring the best time to sell a home? ( Check the stats from your local market!) 
Tips for getting your house … (18 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Videos for Email Blasts - 03/21/19 07:44 AM
YouTube Thursdays - Vary your videos for Email Blasts
 
   Join Here!
 
We are very particular about what we send to our clients. Whether it's mail through the postal service, emails, texts, or a phone call, it needs to be informative, or valuable, or entertaining.  The jackpot is when it hits all three. 
 
Six-times a year, or every other month, we send a short video to our SOI. It's one small part of our touch system to remind them we are always here. Naturally, we vary the subject matter. Sometimes it's real estate related, or features a news worthy event such as Earth Day. There's … (31 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Animated Videos - Yes, or No? - 03/14/19 02:29 PM

If you've been following YouTube Thursdays for long, you know we believe authentic videos, with just a touch of you, is a great way to make connections. Trust is an important aspect of doing business, and we think you can build trust with the right video marketing formula. 

Since we're always researching the topic of real estate video marketing, we stumbled across this animated video. Full disclosure, it has over 8-thousand views. We are both wondering though, how it fosters trust or encourages connections. 
 

One company that produces animated videos, claims they cut through the noise of all the other videos people find on-line. Admittedly, this … (17 comments)

video marketing: YouTube Thursdays - Mindfulness, Videos, and Joy - 03/06/19 06:34 PM
YouTube Thursdays - Mindfulness, Videos, and Joy 
 
 
Enjoy Life and Stay Mindful
 
About two weeks ago, on one of our few nice days of late, Bernie pruned the fruit trees and sprayed them with an organic dormant oil. I encouraged him to shoot a video of the process. Many of our ViewHomes™ of Clark County clients have rural properties with fruit trees and it will be helpful to have a "how-to" video to share.  
 
 
While Bernie was working on the Asian pears, he heard the loud humming of bees in the nearby spring heather. Even though it's been in the 20's and 30's nearly every day for weeks, Nature is still a buzz with … (36 comments)

 
Debb Janes, Put My Love of Nature At Work for You  (Nature As Neighbors)

Debb Janes

Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Camas, WA

More about me…

Nature As Neighbors

Address: 3200 SE 164th Avenue, Suite 301, Vancouver, WA, 98683

Office: (360) 608-4900

Mobile: (360) 608-4900

Debb Janes and Bernie Stea have been a real estate team for over a decade in Clark County, WA, where they specialize in ViewHomes™, family estates, multi-generational living, and homes with large lots or acreage.


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