Archive for the ‘Internet Marketing’ Category

Should I be my own Video Spokesperson or Hire an an Actor? Part 2

Saturday, April 10th, 2010

Should I use an actor or be my own video spokesperson? A few weeks ago I posted an article on this topic (http://ispeakvideo.com/blog/?p=80 ) .  I felt it necessary to discuss it further and provide examples.  This is a common question that we get asked quite a bit at iSpeakVideo. 

The answers is: It Depends!  It depends on a two key questions.  Are you the face of the company? &   How comfortable are you in front of the camera?  Some industries it just makes sense to be your own web spokesperson especially if you are the face/brand of the company.  Insurance, Real Estate, Medical, Legal are all industries where the owner is the brand.  The old adage “people buy from people” still resonates today.  So, if you are the brand then it’s kind of hard to justify hiring an actor to be on your website.  However, there is a caveat.  Comfortability?  The worst thing you can do is get on camera and be nervous and not represent website/brand in a confident/professional manner.  If this is a real concern that you can’t get past then it may  be better to hire a professional actor.  At iSpeakVideo, we always include Professional Direction & a teleprompter.  Which really helps! 

Below are a few examples sites where the client was the spokesperson themselves and I feel each of them did a really good job explaining their message and representing their company professionally and effectively.  The message came across sincere…these folks are all very passionate about their business and it shows! 

Examples:

http://www.howardkayeinsurance.com

http://mleye.com/ 

http://www.robertheyman.com

http://www.powterinsurance.com/

Video Banners and Ad Units

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

 

Click-to-play video ads are one of the highest converting types of ad units available. You can choose from a variety of shapes and sizes, including video banner ads that run across the page horizontally, video ad units that can be placed in ad blocks on a webpage, or video skyscrapers that run vertically – usually down the right hand side of a page to draw attention.

 

When you add video banners to your site, you increase the chances that your visitors will have their interest captured and that they will stick around to watch the entire advertisement. The sudden movement of a video spokesperson in an ad unit and the subsequent 10-second video will grab your visitors’ attention and keep it, getting the message across in a memorable, entertaining format.

 

Once the ad is finished, your visitor should be sufficiently intrigued to click on the ad unit, banner or video skyscraper, boosting your conversion rate and increasing your return on investment. The video spokesperson literally talks the prospective customer into taking the desired action by providing a personality they can relate to.

 

Video banners, video skyscrapers or video ad units can work to:

 

Ÿ  Maximize a customer’s ability to understand or relate to an offering

Ÿ  Effectively demonstrate features and convincingly explain benefits

Ÿ  Personally engage the customer and create a bond of trust

 

Online video can enhance the advertising experience for all three groups of participants – users, advertisers, and publishers. The various formats and sizes available mean you can easily fit a video banner or ad into any website layout. This can create movement and animate your entire website, creating interest on the part of your website visitors and allowing you to reach each one with a personal message about the product or service your are trying to promote.

 

To maximize your earning potential, choose the video spokesperson that most closely represents your target demographic, and then create an online video that includes a clear call to action. Once you have placed the video ad unit on your site in either banner, block or skyscraper form, you can sit back and watch your conversions begin to pick up speed. The video ads will add depth to your site and prevent it from feeling static and ordinary.

 

For more information on how to increase conversions by adding a video spokesperson to your website in the form of a video banner, skyscraper or ad unit, visit www.ispeakvideo.com.

Online Video Distribution – Video SEO

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Online Video Distribution

 Once you have created website videos, you can use them to draw more attention to your website through video distribution. Video networks are becoming one of the search venues most often used for specific types of information, and if your business, service or product can be explained or demonstrated using a virtual presenter, you can take advantage of a huge network of video sites to promote your site.

 

The first step to getting an online video noticed is to properly submit it to the major video networks: YouTube, Yahoo Videos, AOL Videos, Revver and Metacafe, to start. Follow approved video SEO tactics by properly tagging your video with relevant keywords as well as your business name, address and phone number. Think about what searchers might input if they were looking for information on your topic, and use those keywords for tagging. Since Google indexes regular web content and video site content differently, you need tag carefully to ensure your video is categorized properly.

 

You should aim for the following when putting website videos together for online distribution:

 

Ÿ  Make sure your video is interesting, factually correct, and flows smoothly. You may wish to use professional web spokespeople to ensure that your video is of the highest quality.

 

Ÿ  Use the most relevant keywords from your website to SEO your video, and link back to your website. If all of your content is properly optimized, Google can serve up both your website listing and your online video to searchers.

 

Ÿ  Try for a humorous approach if possible, Most ‘viral videos’ (videos that get linked to and passed around generating thousands of hits) are videos that make people laugh. Avoid being crass, however.

 

Ÿ  Concentrate on video distribution to the main video sites first, but don’t neglect smaller niche sites and blogs that allow you to upload your video. The more people who get access to your video, the more potential views if they find it worthy enough to pass along.

 

Once you have created a captivating, informative video using a virtual spokesperson, you can begin video distribution. Think about what searchers might input if they were looking for information on your topic, and use those keywords for tagging. You can link your video back to your website, and link to your video from comments on blogs, social networks and in niche forums related to your product or service.

 

Visit www.ispeakvideo.com to learn more about web spokespeople and video distribution.

Choosing a Web Spokesperson- Should I use talent or shoot it myself?

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Choosing a Web Spokesperson – Self, or Talent?

 If you’ve come to realize that a virtual greeter is one of the best ways to catch the attention of new visitors to your website and to keep them on your site longer, your next question is probably “Should I be my own video spokesperson or should I use talent?” There are good arguments either way, and you will need to weigh a variety of factors before making your decision.

 The benefits of doing the acting for your online video yourself is that no actor bring quite as much passion to your topic as you can. Even if you are a little nervous or rough, as long as your heartfelt enthusiasm comes through you may be perfectly capable of starring in your own online video. Confidence and the ability to articulate clearly can be gained through rehearsal and coaching.

 

This is particularly true in industries where the person involved is the brand; the focus then is on selling the individual, not merely a product or service.  Lawyers, doctors, dentists and various types of consultants may wish to act as their own web spokespeople simply because they need to create facial recognition to boost their brand and create that all important emotional connection with their patients or clients.

 

For others, a virtual greeter played by a seasoned actor may be the best option. If you simply need a website spokesperson to walk your visitors through your website, you may want a professional at the helm who can both keep their attention and smoothly explain the benefits of your product or service. The ability to deliver a confident, clear call to action should be paramount.

 

Choosing an actor to serve as your web spokesperson will require a little thought. You will want to consider your target demographic, including age, gender and level of education, and find an actor that can speak to them with authority. Above all, you want an actor who will inspire trust in your audience, convincing them that your site has the answers they need.

 

Incorporating an online video in your website means figuring out what your visitors need to hear, and delivering the script in a confident manner that neither condescends nor comes across as too casual. Your web spokesperson should be able to connect with the audience and capture their attention in order to relay your message for higher conversions and a lower bounce rate.

 

If you are having trouble deciding whether to cast yourself in your online video or to use an actor as your virtual greeter, visit www.ispeakvideo.com. We provide everything you need to create the perfect video, including scriptwriting, professional actors spanning all demographics, and the ability to produce a polished final product that increases the value of your site.

iSpeakVideo- Your One Stop Shop for Online Video

Monday, March 15th, 2010

 iSpeakVideo appeared on the scene in 2007 featuring video spokespeople as a new and improved way to use online video. They quickly proved that a website spokesperson can significantly increase conversion rates, decrease bounce or abandonment rates  and generate buzz and excitement about almost any product or service.

 Over the past three years iSpeakVideo has grown from an inspired startup to a leader in the industry, boasting an impressive client roster of over 4,000 clients including such big name retailers as:

 

Ÿ  UPS

Ÿ  Verizon

Ÿ  Microsoft

Ÿ  BB&T Bank

Ÿ  1800 PetMeds

Ÿ  Overstock.com

Ÿ  Seagate Technology

 

iSpeakVideo clients range from large Fortune 500 companies to small mom and pop operations, from internet based startups to small town businesses with an internet presence. Any company regardless of size or staff can benefit from implementing a virtual spokesperson to engage consumers and encourage online sales. Data collection efforts are accomplished more easily with the gentle prompting of video spokespeople, and even those who would rather leave than read long pages of text will stop to watch and listen to a walk on spokesperson.

 

A hands on approach accompanies every online video made. Clients don’t have to arrange for an actor, prepare a script or worry about quality control or integration – everything is handled by a team of professionals. Each video produced includes:

 

Ÿ  Scriptwriting

Ÿ  Pre-shoot call with director

Ÿ  Actor of choice (out of over 250 on call)

Ÿ  Website integration

Ÿ  HD quality video

Ÿ  Assigned production coordinator

 

…and more. iSpeakVideo has streamlined the process to provide a hands on, in the loop feeling for the client in tandem with a completely smooth process from the first step to the last. The client provides their vision and selects their ideal actor – and the team takes it from there.

 

iSpeakVideo has expanded from simple website integration, and now provides a host of other products that implement virtual spokespeople. They also offer all of their products to qualifying resellers such as website designers, advertisers and online marketing agencies. Selections include:

 

Ÿ  Walk on spokespersons

Ÿ  Video emails

Ÿ  Video FAQ

Ÿ  Corporate video presentations

Ÿ  Video product demonstrations

Ÿ  Video landing pages

 

 

Website talking heads can appear in video boomerangs to reduce bounce rates, and virtual spokespersons can minimize shopping cart abandonment by offering incentives and reassurance to consumers on the tipping point. All of iSpeakVideo’s many products are of the highest quality and are backed by definitive studies and a top notch professional team. Learn more about walk on spokespersons and online video by visiting us at www.iSpeakVideo.com.

iSpeakVideo Rated #1 Virtual Spokesperson company by TopSeos.

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

We are pleased to announced that www.iSpeakVideo.com was voted #1 again as the top Virtual Spokesperson company online by TopSeos. We work very hard to keep our customers happy and always strive to create new and innovative products to help websites owners explain their value proposition in an clear and engaging manner.   

http://www.topseos.com/rankings-of-best-virtual-spokesperson-companies

Online product demos

Friday, February 26th, 2010

It’s very important for retailers to embrace online video to demonstrate their products. Here is a great example of detailed online product demonstration for our client Titan Gun Vault. Notice the level of detail our video web spokesperson goes into when explaining how to use this innovative product. This video can help reduce recurring questions dramatically.

Adding a Web Video Spokesperson to your Shopping Cart Check Out Page

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Online Retailers

Adding a Web Video Spokesperson to your Shopping Cart Check Out Page

 A video spokesperson may seem like a natural choice for various pages on your corporate website. They add a personal touch no matter what your product or service is, and can increase customer attentiveness while delivering a clear, empowered call to action. Some of the places on your website that could benefit (and where you may already thought of putting a virtual spokesperson) include:

 

Ÿ  The home page

Ÿ  Your ‘About Us’ page

Ÿ  The FAQ section

Ÿ  Landing pages

Ÿ  Product demonstrations

 

There is one more place that is often overlooked, however, and this is where using retail video can really pay off by making a major customer impression. This is your shopping cart checkout page. Worrying about first impressions is only half the game – you should also be concerned about final impressions, especially if you hope for referrals or repeat business.

 

Traditionally, a checkout page is impersonal and professional looking, and its only purpose is to collect the data for the transaction and carry out the charge. This is often followed by a plain thank you page that can leave the customer feeling let down. This is where you have a chance to make one last contact as your customer exits your site, and encourage them to return.

 

A video checkout can bring a personal touch to your website that makes it more interactive for the user. It allows you to send a message to your visitor that leaves them with a lasting memory of your website and how positive their experience was. A video spokesperson appearing to thank them personally and extend an incentive to return as they complete their transaction can help.

 

The many benefits of using retail video or a virtual spokesperson include:

 

Ÿ  The ability to thank the customer personally for their purchase

Ÿ  The opportunity to offer a coupon code or other incentive to return

Ÿ  The chance for a lasting impression that will remain associated with your site and make customers speak positively about their experience to others

 

Offering a discount code is a proven tactic to ensure repeat business.  By using a video spokesperson, you increase the chances that your offer will register with the consumer. If you offer an incentive for referred business, now is the time to promote that angle as well. Learn more about retail video, discover the power of a virtual spokesperson, and see one in action by visiting us at our website at www.ispeakvideo.com.

What is a Video Exit Pop?

Monday, February 15th, 2010

 

  A video exit pop also known as a video boomerang is a tool which can be used to significantly decrease abandonment rates and recapture a potential customer’s interest. When a visitor begins to exit a website, a video exit pop can appear and convince them not to leave. The exit pop can be strategically placed and provide some sort of incentive for the visitor to remain, complete an action, or make a purchase. The sequence of events involved in using a virtual web spokesperson to recapture the visitor’s attention generally goes as follows:

 

Ÿ  Visitor begins to leave website

Ÿ  Video exit pop appears and urges visitor not to leave

Ÿ  Virtual spokesperson offers visitor incentive to stay, such as a special discount or coupon code

Ÿ  On acceptance, visitor is taken smoothly to the next step

 

Video boomerangs/Video Exit Pops can be invaluable for decreasing abandonment rates at checkout. Shopping cart abandonment is one of the most severe issues for many online retailers, and video pop ups provide that extra bit of reassurance many consumers need. The virtual spokesperson can prompt the would be customer to resume the checkout process by offering guidance and a special reason for continuing. This one on one engagement can provide reassurance that the customer is making a positive choice by completing the checkout.

 

Video pop ups can be placed strategically at high abandonment points on your website, and cued to appear as soon as the visitor makes a decisive move to exit the site. This can vary depending on how your checkout and shopping cart is set up. Generally the best time for a virtual spokesperson to appear would be when the visitor or customer begins to exit the site at one of these crucial moments:

 

Ÿ  After adding something to their shopping cart

Ÿ  After their shopping cart has been edited

Ÿ  After viewing their total once shipping is added

Ÿ  After being asked for their personal information

 

The video pop up can offer a reason for the consumer to complete the transaction, such as a discount, free or expedited shipping, or even a chance to save their shopping cart by registering on your site (which at least secures you a solid lead with hope for a successfully completed purchase at a later time).

 

The main difference between video pop ups and regular text pop ups is that the latter can’t convey the urgency and excitement that a video spokesperson can. Your handpicked actor can literally say ‘Wait – don’t leave!’ and nudge those customers who are on the brink of a purchase to take that final step. For more information on virtual spokespeople and how you can use video boomerangs to decrease abandonment rates, visit us at www.ispeakvideo.com.

NBC story on effectiveness of iSpeakVideo’s Web Spokespeople

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Watch NBC highlight & discuss the effectiveness of iSpeakVideo’s WebVideo Spokesperson product.

Watch Now: http://www.ispeakvideo.com/nbc.html