In the beginning, well...many years ago, the only way people could communicate and share information with others, was by traveling on horseback or by boat to personally deliver their news. Then came mail. In regards to advertising, marketing, and providing news and information, this must have been a nightmare. Word of mouth was pretty much it!
Once newspapers were created and evolved, they quickly became the "Resource" to get information, and find out what was going on in local areas and around the world. Then came radio, followed by television. Now the Globe became smaller, and the World felt more connected. The news media still utilizes all three of these methods today.
Newspapers, Radio & Television have been the primary source for getting information into our homes for decades now. We are hooked. So where am I going with this? Look at the costs of advertising and marketing with these traditional methods of media. The fees to run an ad, grab a radio spot, and have a commercial on TV during "prime time" has been, and continues to be very expensive.
How do you compete with the media platforms that have been so effective and had such an impact on our daily lives for so many years? WEB 2.0! We read, we listen and we watch. We are in some way touched daily by one, if not all of these methods of delivery. Still, most of us have a preference.
Do you Read, Watch, or Listen? (Because you Blog, might mean you prefer reading)
Example: Star Wars is a Classic: Would you rather read the book, listen to the audio, or watch the movie? You most likely prefer one over the other.... Now ask someone else the same question. The answer will vary depending on that individuals taste and audio/visual preference. We're all different. Getting to the point...
Today, we have the Internet! We are ALL new to WEB 2.0 and Social Media Marketing, shouldn't we re-evaluate our advertising processes and marketing efforts? I know some will disagree, and I welcome your thoughts and opinions, but just Blogging in today's On-line World isn't going to be enough. That's like only having a newspaper as your source to get your valuable content and information out there.
In addition to Blogging, incorporate Podcasts and Video as a part of your arsenal and marketing plan too. If you are only Blogging, then you might be missing the "radio" and the "television" type listeners and viewers. Blogging, Podcasting, and Video will allow you to get in front of a wider variety of prospects, and on the same media platforms they use and enjoy most, just like the Newspapers, Radio and TV do.
Do you read the paper? Do you listen to radio? Do you watch television? Sure you do, and so do your friends, family, clients and prospects. Do you read Blogs? Do you listen to Podcasts? Do you watch Videos? Yes you do, and so do your friends, family, clients and prospects. I think you get the picture...
By using these "3 Proven Methods" of getting news and information out there, you can expand your audiences and connect with a wider variety of readers, listeners and viewers. The World is changing very fast, and with these "New" methods of delivery now available, you should JUMP ON IT. Just as traditional methods have evolved, these new WEB 2.0 platforms will too, and they WILL be/are just as powerful and effective.
The "BEST PART OF ALL", they are FREE. So don't just get Read, Be Seen and Be Heard too. :-)
3 Ways To Reach An AudienceTime to compete with Newspaper, Radio, and TV. How? WEB 2.0! Blogging, Podcasting, and Video! These are the 3 ways to get your information out to clients and prospects. Unlike the traditional methods, these are all FREE, more fun, and more effective. Blogging just isn't enough! :-)
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107 Comments on 3 Ways To Reach Your Audience - Blogging Just Isn't Enough
SEP
17
2008
I have been doing short videos. Its hard to get in the mood and you have to do a few takes. But it does work. I havnt tried seesmic i have been doing them on youtube and then hosting them myself or bloggin them.
I didn't recognize you! But then I didn't have my glasses on when Bob showed me the video:) Well, been attempting to get to doing the videos and podcasts but the information overload has been getting to us this year. Yikes! So much good stuff to learn and so little time! Thanks for yet another information packed post - great stuff!
Shane - very cool, I know what you mean about being in the mood! You just gotta dive in and do it! Very Important to Have Fun!
I just used seesmic because it was easy, fun, FREE and I didn't want to spend any more time on this post, I just wanted to get the point across.
Blogging, Podcasting and Video are the 3 best ways I know to compete with the paper, the radio, and TV. This is the future of how our message and content will get out there.
Hi Brad - Usual great blog. Can you give me the relative size audience between the three different media? Just curious & many thanks for all the great tips.
Brad, a light bulb went on when I read your post & viewed the video. Re-awakened was the knowledge that everyone has a preferred style of communication - whether it be visual, auditory or kinesthetic (physical). I have resisted getting into these other mediums like video & podcasts, because everything is so time-consuming to learn, figure out how you will use it, & then set it up. That, and the fact that there are so many videos, podcasts, & networking sites out there.
Are these things working well enough for people to make it worth the time (and probably new addiction :) ?
How do people searching, find that you have these features? Are they tagged with keywords like blogs?
Thanks for all the great information that you provide.
Lisa - I didn't recognize me either so no worries! lol~ It's not as hard as it may seem, if you need any help with this stuff, just give me a ring. I'm not suggesting that you use these tools the way I am here, but providing value added content on all 3 platforms is very powerful when used properly. Tell Bob I said hi. :-)
Dude- Are you sportin' a mullet? LOL! I'll check out seesmic, do you need a special camera for that? I don't have one of those fancy Macs with the camera built in. Your posts make me feel like the neaderthals(?) from the Geico commercials. Every time I think I'm hip, or on the cutting edge, you remind me how much I still need to learn. I'm enjoying the ride, though...thanks for trying to help me evolve!
Ernie and Barb - you're the second one's to say that, maybe it's because I didn't have my shades on, my haircut, and I'm dressed down with a few extra pounds hanging around! lol~ The point is, now I know you're a "video" watcher and that's the media platfrom you prefer of the 3, is that correct?
Thanks, and I'll spend a month with you in NJ if you can afford me! (Big Smile) :-))
Brad~ It seems like any way we turn the Internet is the core medium to get noticed. I don't rember the last time I picked up a newspaper! Alot of the news and conditions; I read right here on Active Rain. I better get with the program and get familiar with video and podcasting. Improving my blogging skills is a good idea too. The CyberWorld can be overwhelming.
Hi Brad - Usual great blog. Can you give me the relative size audience between the three different media? Just curious & many thanks for all the great tips.
Margaret - that's a great question. I'm going to guess 100,000,000 million readers, 100,000,000 million listeners, and another 100,000,000 watchers or video viewers. These are just silly guesses of course, maybe I should have included a voting poll??? I can tell you this, if you're doing all three and in different locations, you will most definitely be appealing to a wider variety of prospects. :-)
C-Tann - very easy, user friendly, and FREE. I think you'll like it, they even have a recorder you can download to your PC. I use an Olympus mp3 recorder with a built in USB for my podcasts. It's like a flip video, just plug it in, drag and drop, then upload to any FREE podcasting and hosting site.
I'd love to start a podcasting module/platform here on AR. Jon, are you reading this? lol~
Hi Brad, How about the download time? Don't you think having video on our blogs would turn some people off who do not have fast Internet access? And then again Most people have changed with the times. :0)
Lynn - you hit the nail on the head and said it way better than I... "everyone has a preferred style of communication - whether it be visual, auditory or kinesthetic (physical)". It's true! Touching all preferred styles of communication are important in this new Social Media Cyberworld.
Are these things working well enough for people to make it worth the time (and probably new addiction :) ? I'd have to say yes to that. I know quite a few who are very successful in the Real Estate Industry because of these methods of media and marketing. You really have to decide that yourself though by the results and your own personal rewards and growth to your business from your efforts. The post took me longer than the video and the podcast. haha!
How do people searching, find that you have these features? Are they tagged with keywords like blogs? Yes. The sites I used for this post all have descriptions, keywords and tags, so check back with me in a couple days or google the title and see where this post ends up. I'll be watching too. :-)You can also place each of these media in different locations and not all on the same post, I just did that to demo all 3 and show how they work. Thanks for asking some really great and meaningful questions.
Like everything these days, you just have to keep learning and building before you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. :-)
Missy - What are you waiting for, this stuff is easier than Blogging...well, it is Blogging but a different type of Blogging. You have all the right stuff to share, I say you need to go for it...RIGHT NOW! Why wait any longer? This is the time and place to go boldly where no REALTOR® has gone before! hahaha! I still need to talk to you about our conversation last week, so call me when you get a sec ok? Thanks Miss Missy :-))
Greg - awesome! I know quite a few using HelloWorld, and though they charge a fee, I have heard and seen nothing but good things from them. I know TBWS for lenders is a great VideoCasting tool as well.
Matt - I am ROTFLMAO! A mullet? No way dude, that's my Eddie Munster Slick Back look! haha. Now you see why I don't do more video! lol~ You guys are ruthless!!
I use a logitech camera I got at Best Buy for 69.00 a year ago, simple usb plugin, it works fine for the quick seesmic message or simple video broadcast. It sits on the monitor and does a decent job for the price.
Now if I was as pretty as you, I'd ONLY be doing video!! Love ya man!!
Mott - the Internet is becoming the core media platform and it's happening faster than most people realize, that's why the time to do this stuff is now. These WEB 2.0 sites and platforms are FREE, so NOT doing it is actually costing you, not them. :-)
Mana - you can never be everything for everybody, but you can mix it up a bit and be a little something for anybody. :-) Text Blogs for your dial up buyers and sellers, Podcasts for your relocation clients, and Video for your International Investors. Don't wait for them to have the tools and equipment to find you, pull them along and provide the tools that make them realize you are the one on the cutting edge.
Be a leader or a follower, it's a matter of preference and choice. Knowing your Audience really helps too.
I feel bad for those who can't watch my mug on a video, actually, they are the lucky ones!! lol~ :-))
Christopher and Stephanie - have fun with it, it's really easy once you get the hang of it, then it's all about content and value added information. Enjoy! :-)
Brad, just when I feel that I am on the cutting edge, it changes. Thanks for bringing all this new marketing to us. I have to digest all this new information before I take it on.
Brad - you're right. It's so easy to limit ourselves to the media that we choose to use. Learning video is my next task.
Sharon - I think you brought out a great point and observation. I never used to like to read for many reasons. Now I read more than I ever have in my life!! It's easy to get lost and comfortable in the one area we feel most at home. I really do love video and podcasts so much more, but didn't realize that until I had a few conversations with other members this week.
If you need any help with any of this, you know I'm here for ya! Can't wait to see you at NAR, you will let me do a video interview right? :-) BTW - I'm coming to stay with you on the keys...you knew that right?? lol~
Brad, I agree you can't rely just on a blog but are you saying to avoid all traditional media? BTW- I give the current newspaper advertising model a few more years (by then the publishers will figure this Internet thing out).
Josef - No way am I saying to avoid traditional methods of media andmarketing, I'm just saying that the world is changing, old ways will fade and new ways will evolve. The traditional methods that work for those investing in them should continue to do so, but don't miss out on these other opportunities as they become available.
I am saying that Blogging, Podcasting, and Video will reach a larger audience, on a wider scale, for a lot less money though. Newspaper is limited to local distribution. Radio is limited to geographic locations, and TV is limited to and by the cable company you subscribe to, but.....
The Internet and WEB 2.0 are GLOBAL. Reaching to the ends of the earth and for FREE?
Brad, just when I feel that I am on the cutting edge, it changes. Thanks for bringing all this new marketing to us. I have to digest all this new information before I take it on.
Barbara - finding and getting into a comfort zone will never happen here on my Blog! lol~ By all means, do the research and gather the information you need to motivate and inspire you to move forward. I'm just planting the seeds here. :-)
Brad - you make it all seem so darn easy! And did you use the term "prime for the picking" in your video? or maybe I should watch it again. Free is a good thing! You send us so much great stuff, you are the best. Thanks!
Terrie - thanks! Though it may seem easy, there are steps and challenges to overcome with any of this WEB 2.0 stuff, but we all have to start somewhere, and I think now is the time to start fo sure.
BTW - Did I say Prime for the Picking? I'll have to go back and listen too! haha. The video took 2 minutes, the post took me 2 hours! lol~
Brad - very informative and great info. With YouTube, Seesmic, Veoh or Mixpo for video what would be the best choice for Video?
Podcasting and Blogging - since we can include video in our blogs here on active rain or wordpress, what is the benefit in podcasting?
Jennifer - podcasts are a piece of cake. Most computers have a jack for a microphone in either the front or the back of the computer. I like using an external digital recorder for mine, it's just easier and better quality in my opinion. :-)
Lizette - great to hear from you, hope all is well. The time it takes to do video and podcasts is actually shorter than doing a Blog post, at least for me. I think I'm too much of a perfectionist! lol~ You know I'll help you any way I can if you need it. :-)
I'm not sure if I'd like video. I dont think I like the sound of my voice. Haven't tried Podcast either. I know, someday I will. I was very hesistant to blogging at first. It felt alot like being a teenager. Plus my English as my 2nd language wouldn't help either. But I'm glad I tried it though. Otherwise, I wouldnt have a platform and a whole new bunch of Blogging friends. I'm just slow at accepting new things.
Matt - I know, you Rock dude! Thanks, and when you ever make it over here to Cali from NJ, dinner's on me my friend. Let's do a t-bone BBQ, my specialty. :-)
Brad - very informative and great info. With YouTube, Seesmic, Veoh or Mixpo for video what would be the best choice for Video? Podcasting and Blogging - since we can include video in our blogs here on active rain or wordpress, what is the benefit in podcasting?
Hi Petra -
The best one for video is the one you like and work best with. For recording, I have not used Veoh or Youtube, I thought they were just hosting sites, and mixpo is for hosting and editing. I'm sure there are others that allow you to record on the fly, there is no upload time with Seesmic, it's real time and others with cameras can also comment on the video with video. I like it cause it's easy, fast and FREE.
Podcasting is huge! Just go to iTunes and see. You can upload right from MyPodCast.com to these sites.
One of the most effective ways to gain more popularity is submission of your podcast to podcast directories. Below are the top ones:
Others can download your podcasts onto their iPhones, iPods, Desktops etc. to listen and learn. There's even tutorials and educational podcasts like learning foreign languages etc. The thing is, more and more are starting to pop up about Real Estate - "how to do a short sale" "how to stage your home for sale" What 10 things should you look for in a REALTOR®" you know, stuff like that. There is a place for podcasts, believe me, just like there is a place for radio. I would spread these out in all different locations kind of like fishing and see where you get the best results and on what platform. Have fun! :-)
Fran - you are good my friend, that was a test to see who's really reading this stuff! lol
You're obviously a reader. All you title guys never miss a beat. I meant Decades, guess I better go fix that eh? My credibility is on the line, and my reputation has been untainted for centuries now! ROFL!! :-))
Loreena - that is all totally normal, tune in to Rain Radio tomorrow at 11:00am, I will have a pro on the show that will help you with everything you just mentioned. Tara Jones from Real Dwellings TV will be my guest, I hope you'll join us. :-))
Chastity - podcasts are for listening to, check it out, I hope you'll like it. There's one in the post above, just above the video. I basically just read the post into a microphone. Nothing fancy or special, just trying to make a point.. (no pun intended...really) :-)
Terry - it's all about balance. As long as you're busy selling and helping others buy Real Estate, this will always be here for you. It will be here when you have the chance to refill the pipeline with new prospects and past clients. It's always about balance though.
You can only do what you can do and you have to do it in your time and only when you're ready. Thanks for commenting and stopping by here, it's always great to see your comments. I can't wait to meet you one day soon. :-)
Brad - You've got my attention again. I'm listening and getting what you're saying. I love the way you think and your commitment.
Okay - now, I've reached out to you a couple times and you helped me out perfect. The last was with my outside blog www.DiscoverSherwood.com and I'm getting the hang of it - and now I'm ready to do THIS. Can you help me understand how to get the podcast bar on the AR blog and the video to play in the AR blog?
Great advice and I look forward to geeking-out and getting it all figured out!
Thanks again for all the value and commitment to providing effective tools that will make us all great!
Brad - I am still trying to Flip Video - my videos are horrible - and now you are podcasting! I am waiting for a Mixpo for Dumb and Dumber Group, not just dummies.
Brad- excellent stuff, asa always. We need to keep in mind that buyers and selelrs can differ in how they process information, adn we need to adjust what we do to suit those possibilities. There are definite preferences for difference mediums - print, on-line, video vs. podcast - so it makes sense to explore all mediums. Plus each of us has out preferences and will likely excel at one vs. the others.
Brad- Yours is a perfect teaching post with an example of what to do. Of course, the hard part is doing it. It is not as natural to everyone and some people are shy uh, prefer to be read, uh, heard and not seen. I guess there is no time to sit and be comfortable with what we know-- we have to get accustomed to the constant change or go join the dinosaurs. I hope you will give some more lessons.
As if ActiveRain isn't enough of a time-suck without all of this great advice that adds to my to-do list. Damn you, Brad ;) Thanks for the great advice.
Strength through diversification of media is the lesson I'm seeing. I'm on Seesmic, just haven't done a whole lot with it. Thanks for the lesson, Brad!
Great post. I admit that I personally prefer plain old blogging myself because it's a lot easier for me to get a blog post together than it is do record audio or a video. I am jumping back into the other media because I know people have different learning styles. Yikes, that's the teacher in me coming out! LOL Keep up the good work.
Hi Brad! - You are so smart & willing to share info. I love it! Ok, Ok, Ok. So, I suppose we will be checking this out tomorrow to see what else we are BEHIND on! Thanks for the revelation. KM
Brad, nice video...and mullet! I love it! They're back in style... or on there way back in...you're a little ahead of the times.
You're right about hitting your target market with different means of stimulus. I started video emails a while ago, but the lighting wasn't perfect. I've been thinking of breaking out the camera again and giving it another shot. Thanks for the motivation.
I didn't know you play keyboard (I can see it in the background).
Excellent information. I just started videocasting by creating video out of pictures and posting them on youtube. Next I will do the videocasting and will try this seesmic. The podcasting has been on my mind for so long and I can't wait to try it. I will check out the site right now. Thank you for always staying on top of technology for us! You are an awesome tutor!
I can see its time for me to venture out of my newly developed 'comfort zone' of blogging and start playing with the videos.......hmmm thats really made me think!
I can see its time for me to venture out of my newly developed 'comfort zone' of blogging and start playing with the videos.......hmmm thats really made me think!
I just watched the video and two things I need to correct here publically, it has NOT been centuries for Radio Newspaper and TV, I meant decades, and second, that was my chair making that noise at the very end of the video, I did not fart! ROFL!! :-)
Great video Brad, you sound intelligent and concise as always. Thanks for making us aware of the Web 2.0 platform and for leading us into new technology. Keep up the good work my friend.
Brad, this is a good post...and really makes me realize how much I have been shying away from podcasts and video - I am actually afraid of doing them! I am getting ready to get a new computer, which will have a webcam on it, hopefully that will be the kick in the butt I need to get going on newer technology. I can't preach to my clients what I don't practice after all, right?
Brad, I feel like I should just say Amen, but this is a really good post. You're right, we listen to "experts" that tell us that print media is dead, yet I know that Darcy and I still enjoy reading the paper. We listen to the radio and watch TV. Thanks for reminding us that we need to not put all of our eggs in one basket!
Brad: This blog sounds awfully familiar...didn't you tell me this at lunch 2 weeks ago. I guess your blog ideas must incubate for awhile. Great post, as always, Mr. Andersohn.
Brad- I love podcasting. I have done it for other subjects but have not incorporated it on my AR blog. I have it on my list to do. I am using video and that is fun. I wish there was more time to do all the cool stuff you can do in ActiveRain video with editing and text, etc. So much fun, just need to clone myself.
Great post - you're right - technology is changing, and methods of advertising are changing, but the GOOD news is that many of the advertising methods are FREE - all it takes is a little reading online to see how to make a "Podcast", etc.
I'm staring into the lens of my web cam right now. I've had it for a couple of months and yet still no videos. You've inspired me to clean up my office and finally get around to making my first video.
TOTOH, it could be good business to do what works with great effeciency. To follow your theory, we would be doing newspaper, magazine, radio, TV, web page, blogs, social networks, video, podcasts, etc., etc. and perhaps writing on blimps.
I still believe that it is better to focus on what you know works, do it well and do it consistantly and incorporate other features, venues or media slowly so that you don't lose momentum with what is a proven business producer.
Thank you for the links, I agree with you 100% and have been meaning to incorporate podcasting for over 1 year now and just haven't sat down to figure it out, I guess I shouldn't wait any longer.
Now I have to take the plunge. I have tried a few video info on my cam and the response has been very positive.I'll have to look at this one more closely. Many believe 2009 will be the year when videos, wibenars, podcasts will be more and more a normal part of a real estate agent's tools. Thank you for a great post. a Bookmark.
Looks like you do have a valid point. It's true that people still watch TV, but are they then receptive to a mortgage pitch? Or a real estate pitch? They may just want to relax and enjoy the ballgame or the show. When they need mortgage info they go to the computer and start searching, now being task-oriented.
Man what a great post i'm so glad you took the time to talk with me a couple days ago you really inspired me. After watching how calm, collected and real on the video i'm going to be doing some personal videos in the future.
Check out my video of my kid at a great inside playground in wisconsin. I added the audio to it after and just hit record on the mixpo audio and was real with my audience. Let me know what you think.
Brad, thanks for the tips. I just visited the other two sites, and signed up. I am still a layman person when it comes to podcasting but will play around and lay the groundwork to make both part of my marketing.
Hi Brad, Thanks for those tips. We have actually been using Helloworld, which includes all the things that you had listed under one roof, plus if you wanted a TV show you could run as often as you like. There is a fee, but for as little at 9.95 per month is could be worth it. You can customize your video's with 3 customizable banners, you could do one with the MLS listings, where the client can click on it and it takes then right to the listing. Here is the site: www.helloworld.com/roni-n, take the tour and check the studio out and to see the different pricing levels. www.vmdirect.com/roni-n, click on the American Flag, then on the left click on become a customer or an affiliate. For testimonials check out soldnow.tv
I am proud to report that I am a tri-media professional. I write syndicated columns every week and post them on my blogs, I host a weekly radio show on WSB, and I create web videos for my YouTube site. It is nice to hear that I am doing it right!
I don't know how I missed this...glad Marti featured it. I admit, I haven't ventured into video and podcasts but I know I will...I guess this post moved them up on my to-do list!
On my list for 2009: Incorporate Video and Audio in to my blogs. I'll probably even go back and re-do many of my past blog entries! Thanks for the constant reminder!
Brad - thanks for the information...your blogs are always full of useful information and reminders...podcasts have been one area I've been hesitant about doing but I think you have it nailed on the head...you need to market to all the senses...not just one
Sometimes..it's a bit overwhelming but then I take a breath, and try and contribute here and maybe begin fleshing out my localism "hoods" and now will bookmark this for future reference. Actually I am just saying thanks for providing so mnay great opportunities to learn and a lot of really simple steps to implement the new items! See you again soon!
HEY BRAD QUICK QUESTION - I signed up for the podcast service you suggested, I've set up everything, recorded and all, but can't seem to figure out how to get the player on my AR blog... Can you help me out when you have a chance?
Jason - there are a few ways to do this, it really depends on what player you want to use and how you wnat it to appear and play on your Blog post. Why don't you give me a ring and let's see if I can help you out. It would take too long to try and explain all the options here in a comment. Maybe I'll make that my next post. lol~ :-)
HEY BRAD QUICK QUESTION - I signed up for the podcast service you suggested, I've set up everything, recorded and all, but can't seem to figure out how to get the player on my AR blog... Can you help me out when you have a chance? Thanks Amber Gardner, Sherwood Oregon
Amber - there are a few options for embedding a player into your Blogpost or on your sidebar or website. Give me a jingle when you can and we can explore some options for you. I liked your podcast site by the way, very nice. :-))
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
In the beginning, well...many years ago, the only way people could communicate and share information with others, was by traveling on horseback or by boat to personally deliver their news. Then came mail. In regards to advertising, marketing, and providing news and information, this must have been a nightmare. Word of mouth was pretty much it!
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I have been doing short videos. Its hard to get in the mood and you have to do a few takes. But it does work. I havnt tried seesmic i have been doing them on youtube and then hosting them myself or bloggin them.