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Since We Are Supposed To Try And Grasp This Whole Video Thing...

By
Real Estate Agent with thredUP.com

How long has it been since everyone has said that we are supposed to grasp this whole video concept of marketing online?  Well, as many of you know, I'm not a fan of the camera.  Actually, I have tried to make several videos before and just can't bring myself to 'talk to myself' - Or atleast it feels that way.

Well, I had to get a WebCam to do my Webseminars and I've had a Flip for a while...and was in a totally goofy mood...so I thought I would make a cheesy video about Solar, Energy Efficiency and answering the question of "Does the meter really turn backwards?"

All in all, it wasn't that bad.  Pretty sure I could probably get used to it.  Go ahead and laugh.  :)  It's ok.  It's by no means perfect but wasn't meant to be. 

So, here ya go.  Make fun of Steph if ya want!  Oh, and maybe learn something by watching it also.  :0)

 

Comments(71)

Stephanie Edwards-Musa
thredUP.com - The Woodlands, TX
knitwit at thred UP

Hi Mike F,  Thanks!  Do you want to share a link to your video?

Hi Dawn,  LOL.  That's what started it.  I was at a home, noticed it was spinning backwards and just had to get proof on video.  :)

Jan 12, 2009 09:23 AM
Stephanie Edwards-Musa
thredUP.com - The Woodlands, TX
knitwit at thred UP

Hi Mr. Parker,  No offense taken.  I just don't think you are seeing the whole picture. 

I picture a pie chart split up with the way people learn and retain information. If I can reach another 25% (made that number up, no idea what the stats really are) of the people out there that just don't like or can't concentrate on a long blog post- Yet I can grab their attention in a short video, then I think it's worth a shot.

 

 

Jan 12, 2009 09:26 AM
Mike Mueller
Tech and Social Media Consultant - Walnut Creek, CA

Credit:  by elenchos

Jan 12, 2009 09:30 AM
Bryant Tutas
Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL
Selling Florida one home at a time

Stephanie. I think you did a very good job. Video can be intimidating. I think I may have been the fist one to use video on AR. If not first at least one of the first. One thing I learned is that I do best when it is spur of the moment and not scripted. I also do best when playing a character or wearing glasses. I guess these things are "disguises". Isn't that weird?

As for video being the end all. I doubt it. Folks really just want good information they don't care too much how it is delivered. For me personally if it's more than about 90 seconds I'm out of there. I did however watch all of yours because......well you asked me to:)

Jan 12, 2009 09:38 AM
Stephanie Edwards-Musa
thredUP.com - The Woodlands, TX
knitwit at thred UP

Hi Bryant!  You have awesome videos.  :) Can I borrow Bertha's costume?  (j/k)

I am hoping to incorporate some very short (less than 60 second) videos in to the web seminars that I'm doing this year.  Not intending them to be long...unless they are more in depth educational type stuff..

And totally agree. I don't think it will be mainstream because there is already so much out there, but I do think it is a great thing to do, for now atleast.

 

Jan 12, 2009 10:06 AM
Tim Maitski
Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage - Atlanta, GA
Truth, Excellence and a Good Deal

Stephanie,  I liked it.  I never saw an electric meter turn backwards.

Also, you came across as a very serious person who knows something about energy and houses.  You are now a real person in my eyes and not just some logo.  If I call you I will kind of know the kind of person I will be speaking to. 

I think that's the big thing that video will get you.  It's not really the information you are providing.  It's the personal feeling that you are conveying to people.  In 60 seconds or less, they are going to decide whether or not they would be comfortable working with you.  They are just going to make a gut decision pretty quickly.  They might have to read a dozen of your posts before they could get to that level of decision making about you.

I'm almost ready to start posting a video blog.  I'm excited about it.  Your video is giving me more motivation to get it going.

Jan 12, 2009 11:34 AM
Lisa Heindel
Crescent City Living LLC - New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Real Estate Broker

Hi Steph, loved the "cha ching, cha ching..." and to hear your excitement when the meter was going backwards.  That enthusiasm is what will get the consumer engaged and I think you did a great job :)

Jan 12, 2009 12:25 PM
Kris Kombrink ~ The Kombrink Team
RE/MAX Excels - Chicago's Western Suburbs - Geneva, IL

Stephanie, congrats on taking that first step.  Who cares if it's goofy, you'll get the hang of it and it can only get better!

Twitter

Jan 12, 2009 01:06 PM
Fred Light
| Nashua Video Tours - Nashua, NH
Real Estate Video Tours for MA and NH

I also have to disagree with much of what Mr. Parker states....

My videos show up regularly, often and multiple times on PAGE ONE of Google for TOP keywords within 24 hours after posting.  They have for almost two years.  In fact, I almost could guarantee this to my clients!  (and yes, I also know something about SEO - my site shows up just under yours :)

Secondly, video is not meant to replace photographs.  When a buyer searches for real estate, they search on basic criteria FIRST (#beds, #baths, price, location, etc.).  THEN they read the description, THEN they glance (quickly) through the photos.  If they still like everything they see, THEN, and LASTLY they watch a video.  It is the FINAL qualifier.  And they DO watch the videos...  in fact, often times they scrutinize them and watch them more than once.  THEN, if they are still interested, they set up an appointment to view the home in person.

People don't watch real estate home tour videos as entertainment.  If that were the case, I would agree with you 100%.  But if one is seriously interested in the home, it is no longer entertainment, and they DO watch.  The majority of America is on broadband.  Yes, not everyone will be able to view it, but MOST will.  And for those who can't, they can view the photos.  Nothing is lost.

Professionally done video not only sells homes, it is almost a slam dunk guarantee to get listings, and it always makes the real estate professional LOOK professional, and elevates them and their marketing high above almost all of their competition - and there is great value in that.

Proof:  This video was shot YESTERDAY.  It was uploaded THIS MORNING.  It is on page ONE.... in TWO PLACES.... for East Boston, Massachusetts condos

 

 

Jan 12, 2009 02:18 PM
AMBER NOBLE GARLAND - Top Real Estate Expert, Property Tax Appeal Specialist & Author
Strategic Marketing Expert & Relocation Specialist Serving New Jersey and nationwide! - Marlboro, NJ
- The Agent You Can Trust To Deliver REAL Results!
Stephanie you did a really nice job!
Jan 12, 2009 03:23 PM
Chris Olsen
Olsen Ziegler Realty - Cleveland, OH
Broker Owner Cleveland Ohio Real Estate
Stephanie, you don't give yourself nearly enough credit. After watching a ton of videos by agents and others, the quality, bandwidth, background, your eye contact, the quality of your voice, facial expression changes, the content and you are engaging. In short, I think it's very well done and you should use it across the board as you a very approachable and likeable person on camera. You also come across as smart and knowledgable. If I were looking for an agent, i would hire you after seeing this video.
Jan 13, 2009 12:26 AM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

YOU GO GIRL!  loved it and educational to.  I especially liked your comments back to Mr. Parker.

Jan 13, 2009 03:12 AM
Jeff R. Geoghan
Coldwell Banker Realty - Lancaster, PA
REALTOR, Marketing Manager

I posted a new introduction video to my blog - you can see it on the right side!  I should also do a post about it to see what everyone thinks - took me about 30 takes.  Wore me out, I tell you!

Jan 13, 2009 08:56 AM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

Stephanie, great job. I know Google likes video's that why I upgraded to a Mac a few weeks ago it is one of my big goals for the year 2009. I had no idea meters could go backwards, i have kids it is never ending battle to turn off the lights, T.V's and everything else in our house with power.

Jan 13, 2009 10:11 AM
Russell Lewis
Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Hey girl! I am so glad you wrote this and I am glad you did the video, I think I am going to dive in myself soon. Thanks for the inspiration and BTW I like your new profile photo!

Jan 13, 2009 11:24 AM
TIM MONCRIEF
Tim Monciref - Austin, TX
Over 2,000 homes sold…..

Way to go.... The trick on these is to get the first visual to pop out and be an attention getter.  Look at the first frame and ask yourself if you would click on the video.  It is no different than pulling up a home on the internet....if you like the first picture, you dig deeper...

Jan 13, 2009 12:37 PM
James Shiner
Yelling Mule - Boston, MA

Glad to see you're using video! It's a little scary at first but once you get the hang of it you'll love it!

Jan 14, 2009 02:51 AM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

Stephanie !!!!! - Terrific job !

I really enjoyed watching that !

It was clearly informative, had great visual backup with the meter shots, and your delivery was very smooth and relaxed !

BRAVO !!

...... you just inspired me to open up the flip camera box thats been sitting on our shelf !!!

Great job :o)

Jan 15, 2009 05:22 AM
Amanda Evans
DFW Living - Fort Worth, TX
Real Estate Broker - Fort Worth Texas

I love your video and good for you for doing it!  If you don't mind, I am going to follow your lead with my first video and will post it soon.  :)

Jan 15, 2009 11:05 AM
Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate

Stephanie - you did a great job on the video. Congrats on the feature!

Jan 16, 2009 03:03 AM