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The Power of Video in Online Marketing

By Warren & Melanie McNeil

Real Estate Agent with Re/Max Twin City Realty Inc, Kitchener-Waterloo ON

May 11, 2010 09:36 AM

real estate videos By Warren McNeil,

When it comes to online marketing there are many things that you can do. There is everything from branded and unbranded websites, Kijiji, Criagslist, Youtube, Facebook and Twitter. These are just a couple of examples.

It seems that every other day I am getting a phone call or an email from someone who wants to help me improve my online presence with videos. Now I am not a stranger to video and I have done about 10 or so videos and put them on Youtube.. I can definitely agree there is power in video. What I find so frustrating is the people who tell me that you should just turn on the camera, do a video and put it online. I know this is a big waste of time for someone like myself and I think more thought needs to go into these videos. My feeling is that it cheapens your image if you don't do it right.

I have had my share of poor quality videos. I just recently learned about "white balance" and know my videos look alot better now then they used to. In my first few videos I could have called myself the "Pale Faced Realtor". Another thing I learned is that you need good quality audio. I have yet to buy a camera with a mic jack. I know I need this if I want to create better quality videos.

So what's my point here. Well my point is that video is powerful if done right. If you are a natural public speaker and have something good to say then you can do really well with video. However if you are like me and use "um" alot, then following a script or practicing what you want to say is much better then just "winging" it. I think when it comes to video, practice makes perfect.

Check out my videos at http://www.youtube.com/wpmcneil

What are your thoughts?

Thanks Warren McNeil

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Ray Lane

OpenHouseHD - Salt Lake City, UT

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

I have been saying this for ages, and yet there are marketers who say 'just put something up, it doesn't have to be good.' To me that is the same as saying, 'Don't clean your house before a showing, people don't care.'

Making any old video, without thought or skills is equivalent to making your business cards from crayons and index cards. The idea of video is to promote yourself as the expert in your field, as the person who goes a step beyond. If you do it poorly, this does not happen, or worse, it actually hurts you.

I also suggest if possible that the agent step in front of the camera for a quick intro. After all, only one viewer can buy the home, but every viewer could hire you to buy and sell for them.

Jun 14, 2010 09:10 PM

Terri Adams-Scott

J. Rockcliff, REALTORS - Walnut Creek, CA

Realtor, Walnut Creek CA Real Estate

For those of us who have been video enthusiasts for years, totally understand where you're coming from! We take for granted all that goes into producing a video, particularly lighting and editing. It takes me about 30-45 minutes to shoot video of a property THEN another 3-4 HOURS of editing! If I decide to narrate the video, we're talking additional time on top of that!

I think the point of the posts where they say to 'just do it' is geared toward encouraging Realtors to embrace the future of video for online presence. They have to start somewhere and picking up the video camera is the first step. If they enjoy it and see it as a valuable tool in their marketing, then hopefully they'll want to learn more and improve their skills by gaining further knowledge. Otherwise, I agree that they should hire a professional as it is a reflection of their branding.

I like your videos. You shoot in front of a green screen? Which teleprompter do you use? You a MAC or PC?

Jun 15, 2010 03:04 AM

Warren & Melanie McNeil

Re/Max Twin City Realty Inc, Kitchener-Waterloo ON - Kitchener, ON

Team McNeil

Ray: I think that some effort needs to go into it. If you are a natural speaker then that is different. I believe that the clients will appreciate the quality. I find some Youtube videos annoying and I try not to do what they do there. I know there is alot more forgiveness on Youtube but I like to make a little extra effort so that people will hopefully stay interested for longer then 10 seconds. Thanks for the comment.

Terri: Thanks for your comment, I will checkout your videos too!! There are alot of people who definitely should get in front of the camera because they are naturals. There are some people who just do it because they think they need to. I have a greenscreen... I have used free teleprompter software from the internet and "I am a PC". However Windows 7 wasn't my idea!!! :)

Jun 15, 2010 05:23 AM

Thanks for the chuckle, PC!! I'm a MAC girl when it comes to video editing. I also use the PC side for my teleprompter when needed (Visual Communicator by Adobe). I am not one of those naturals in front of the camera like you are...wish I was though!

Jun 15, 2010 09:20 AM

Warren: You are correct it takes effort, but anyone can talk on camera. After all, as a realtor, you talk to people every day, it shouldn't be any different :)

Jun 22, 2010 08:58 AM

There is something about turning on a camera that makes some people say "umm or uh" alot.... But your right, we should all be good at it since we spend most of working life talking to people. The only difference is with video you are talking to a broader range of people....

Jun 22, 2010 04:13 PM

The Power of Video in Online Marketing

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