The Death of Video

[Steve Robertson]

I think most marketers will agree that high quality video can be a valuable tool in the marketer's toolbox. It can be used for promotional purposes. Or as a base for creating physical products such as DVDs. But, outside a few well known gurus, I don't see high quality video being used as much as you would expect in internet marketing.

Over the last few months, I've noticed fewer and fewer video related threads on the WF. The people who talk about video or ask for a reference to a video maker almost always are talking about "videos" made by stringing together photos or screen recording or even just text screens. That ain't video, folks!

So why is it that internet marketers are not taking full advantage of the potential of high quality video?

Too hard to find the talented video makers?

Don't think the higher price of quality video is a good investment?

Steve R.

[Andrew Wilson]

Video is a barrier to entry - using video has costs and even if commissioning content require skills in making the commission. Only a relatively small number of folks will ever be able to muster the resources to make using high quality video worthwhile.

[JayXtreme]

Steve,

Just because you can't see it.. doesn't mean it isn't happening

And just because people aren't talking about it... doesn't mean there aren't people using it intensively in markets... I'm thinking TrafficGeyser does plenty of $$.. I know it works for me


Peace

Jay

[Maria Gudelis]

Hey Steve, yeah - I'm a member of traffic geyser and do videos for my own products and for clients - very effective...I also use 'adtoon's - cartoon caricatures that pull in 'eyeballs' as it is something 'different' that the normal prospect sees and will remember you more...especially if you have high ticket items to sell (like cars/harleys/real estate)...

I haven't seen a slowdown in it - even from my clients as it also helps with SEO, getting on google page 1.

I think the availability to make high looking quality vids via istockphoto, digital juice and the ease of newbie free video making s/w like windows movie maker or apples' s/w is quite a contrast from 8 years ago where you spend $30k plus to an advertising firm that you can do for less than $50 now!

Cheers, Mia

[David Neale]

Steve I just think it's budget. The guys with money use it all the time but I think the majority of users of this forum are looking to do things as cheaply as possible.

I am totally in your camp on this and my feelings are that nothing does what a high quality video can do.

That said, screencasts can be very effective, even more so than other types in some instances.

I know I should use video more but sometimes the same things that stop us from writing articles or taking action on a new product purchase apply to creating videos also.

Even with the runaway success of sites like YouTube it is surprising that more sites and pages don't use video but I think that will change in 2009.

It has to.

Originally Posted by Steve Robertson

I think most marketers will agree that high quality video can be a valuable tool in the marketer's toolbox. It can be used for promotional purposes. Or as a base for creating physical products such as DVDs. But, outside a few well known gurus, I don't see high quality video being used as much as you would expect in internet marketing.

Over the last few months, I've noticed fewer and fewer video related threads on the WF. The people who talk about video or ask for a reference to a video maker almost always are talking about "videos" made by stringing together photos or screen recording or even just text screens. That ain't video, folks!

So why is it that internet marketers are not taking full advantage of the potential of high quality video?

Too hard to find the talented video makers?

Don't think the higher price of quality video is a good investment?

Steve R.

[Andrew Maule]

It's really interesting to me how focused people are on the video itself as opposed to just getting that video to as many people as possible. If you have the perfect balance of a decent video and great exposure you'll have the best results IMO.

[David Neale]

Totally agree with that. Just recently I had a "lightbulb moment" while listening to a podcast by Alex Mandossian and his thoughts on the importance of syndication.

In short (and I'm paraphrasing) he said;

The Syndication Paradox

The more your content is consumed on your own web properties the less relevant you are to the web.

Which also means of course that the more your content is consumed on other sites other than yours the more relevant you are to the web.

Gotta say that stopped me in my tracks (actually my elliptical trainer). My heads been working on that since I heard it last night.

This changed how I think about Internet Marketing in general. A BIG PICTURE element in my view.

Alex Mandossian = Brainiac

BTW I consider their podcast to be the number 1 podcast in IM. I end up unsubscribing from most but not this one. Both Alex and Paul are exceptional.

Only about 5 have remained on my iPod... surprisingly there aren't that many good ones.

Item Details

Originally Posted by mrsleep99

It's really interesting to me how focused people are on the video itself as opposed to just getting that video to as many people as possible. If you have the perfect balance of a decent video and great exposure you'll have the best results IMO.

[David_Thompson]

All product that I create are video products because
to be honest I rather have my customer watch what
I do then reading some ebook and still wondering what
is it he did...

Love video it's here to stay..

--David

[kenj]

The issue of video is that it is harder to get an easy flowing set up. Once you have the software and hardware you still have to learn all the detail.

One of my products is video based and took a month to produce and complete (Part time). The next one will be done in a day because I now have a decent set up.

[Justin Mandel]

Originally Posted by Andrew Wilson

Video is a barrier to entry - using video has costs

This was EXACTLY my problem.

At the time I had blown through my budget and had litttle left over to exploit YouTube and all of the traffic it gets on a daily basis.

I knew what the potential for video was for my bottom line, but did not have the funds to drop hundreds on a single video when there were so many other facets that needed funding to get it to happen - squeeze page, autoresponder series etc.

Sure, I checked and checked to see what people were charging for video creation even as a WSO, but I was just out of luck.

Then I discovered the super low cost, high quality video creation alternative that I needed.

All recent computers have slide show video capability.

If you don't have your own camcorder or computer webcam, all it takes is some photos, some music, and a professional voiceover artist to create such a video that CAN get some serious traffic and make you sales.

To help everyone out in the same situation I created a solution which teaches you successfully how to do exactly this with ProSlideVideos:
Internet Video Marketing Now Made Affordable With Slide Show Videos!

[graphicsgenie]

Hi Steve,

Interesting thread, I will be subscribing to this to keep my eye on it.

We create just the type of videos you mention, high quality. Someone hit the nail on the head. COST, I get numerous requests each and every day for quality video. People think they can ask for a video and an instant price.

I lose 50% of them by asking for details, and asking extensive questions, never hear back.

The next 40% I lose after quoting them.

The last 10% who we create the videos for always seem to be the bigger named, already successful marketers. Possibly they are just putting the icing on the cake or even showing off, because they can afford the quality video prices.

All interesting, I wonder if people actually know the time it takes to put these videos together.

I'll throw in an example, its a recent video we created, good, bad, not needed, would be good to hear feedback on it...

Niche In A Box

Thanks

Darren
Quadrant Videos - Internet Video Production

[dbarnum]

I hear what you're saying, Darren, about asking questions. Many are not prepared to enter the realm, really, and have no replies.

In a nutshell:

Many IMers want cheap video-making, like cheap, but of course excellent, content in super USA English. Too difficult in videos right now. Shoppers want sound / scripts written, voice-overs, the latest in Camtasia with all the bells and whistles used, etc. plus only pay like $10 per video.

Right.

Where do we sign up?

[Ryan Dodson]

Originally Posted by graphicsgenie

Hi Steve,

Interesting thread, I will be subscribing to this to keep my eye on it.

We create just the type of videos you mention, high quality. Someone hit the nail on the head. COST, I get numerous requests each and every day for quality video. People think they can ask for a video and an instant price.

I lose 50% of them by asking for details, and asking extensive questions, never hear back.

The next 40% I lose after quoting them.

The last 10% who we create the videos for always seem to be the bigger named, already successful marketers. Possibly they are just putting the icing on the cake or even showing off, because they can afford the quality video prices.

All interesting, I wonder if people actually know the time it takes to put these videos together.

I'll throw in an example, its a recent video we created, good, bad, not needed, would be good to hear feedback on it...

Niche In A Box

Thanks

Darren
Quadrant Videos - Internet Video Production

Awesome video man.

Coincidentally, I've been looking for a video similar to that for my new website. I'll send you a PM...

[graphicsgenie]

Originally Posted by dbarnum

Many IMers want cheap video-making, like cheap, but of course excellent, content in super USA English. Too difficult in videos right now. Shoppers want sound / scripts written, voice-overs, the latest in Camtasia with all the bells and whistles used, etc. plus only pay like $10 per video.

Right.

Where do we sign up?

Errm...

All custom made or generic.. but it does seem that way. heehee

Darren

[graphicsgenie]

Does it have the wow factor? does it impress you? make you smile?

Different people have different opinions to online video,

Cheers

Darren

[Steve Robertson]

Hi Darren,

You have been doing some great work and this video for Niches in a Box is another good example of exactly the type of high quality video I'm talking about. Your description of dealing with prospective clients pretty much mirrors my own. I deal mostly with video shot with a camcorder (such as "how to" DVDs) instead of the motion graphics and compositing that you do so well, but the economics are similar.

My only complaint is not about the video, but about the player. Even with a fancy skin, we need a pop up control strip. My broadband connection is marginal, causing your video to stop to buffer many times. I usually pause a video soon after it starts playing and let the whole thing download before I hit "play." Can't do that without controls!

Originally Posted by graphicsgenie

Hi Steve,

Interesting thread, I will be subscribing to this to keep my eye on it.

We create just the type of videos you mention, high quality. Someone hit the nail on the head. COST, I get numerous requests each and every day for quality video. People think they can ask for a video and an instant price.

I lose 50% of them by asking for details, and asking extensive questions, never hear back.

The next 40% I lose after quoting them.

The last 10% who we create the videos for always seem to be the bigger named, already successful marketers. Possibly they are just putting the icing on the cake or even showing off, because they can afford the quality video prices.

All interesting, I wonder if people actually know the time it takes to put these videos together.

I'll throw in an example, its a recent video we created, good, bad, not needed, would be good to hear feedback on it...

Niche In A Box

Thanks

Darren
Quadrant Videos - Internet Video Production

[graphicsgenie]

Sometimes you are forced into certain ways through a client request, perhaps we as video designers should push this for the same reason you mention.

We also supplied YouTube copies of this video, which I think JP (ethiccash) will be using more,

Criticism accepted and duly noted

Darren

[write-stuff]

A lot of interesting ideas tossed around in this thread. I'd agree that less video is being created because of the costs. I disagree that a "decent" video with "great" promotion should be an objective. That's the real problem in this desktop marketing world. People don't accept that excellence of quality should be a major priority.

I've seen some really low-quality videos being offered and even some otherwise good ones with glaring faults. Yet people just go ahead and let them loose on the public. If marketing is low quality, buyers will assume that the product will be equally low quality. And that's not too good for anyone's sales.

[Loren Woirhaye]

I seldom watch even guru-launch videos. It's 'cause
I'm focused on what I'm working in up to a point -
the main reason is the fluff in them... or what I perceive
as fluff. If you've read some of the same books some
of the ideas come from the repacking of the concepts
in video lecture seems redundant, lacking in detail,
and just plain slow.

I'm not even a particularly fast reader but I don't like
watching talking heads much. I prefer to listen or read.

Now I'll freely admit that a lot of people don't like to read -
they like to watch TV... so if your product is targeted to
a TV-watching market video can help you sell it... but I get
impatient quickly.

I've done a fair amount of slick-looking video marketing
and spammed the video sites with it... it bloated my ego
for awhile but it took a lot of time. I may do it again
in the future though - done right it can be a powerful way
to build rapport and rope people into your selling message.

[Josh Anderson]

So why is it that internet marketers are not taking full advantage of the potential of high quality video?

Internet Marketers with bigger levels of success and marketing understanding are.

Most would be or low profit Internet Marketers do not know how to produce a high quality video and they are not willing to lay down the investment because they are not confident in the return it can provide them...

In some cases they may have gone with an upstart producer or second tier producer because of the seeming savings of paying less for production. Many times because they went with a producer who has less experience in real world marketing production the results they get from the video are less than stellar so they decide to drop video from their future promotions.

Companies that go with high value effective production that usually costs many times what the bargain basement IM opportunity "hobby" producers know the value of a good production and the impact it can have positively on their business.

It's no different than hiring a copywriter. In IM hobby or upstart copywriters are a dime a dozen but proven copywriters cost a premium...

The most successful companies either developed and tested their own copywriting over time or they hire the best.

Over the last few months, I've noticed fewer and fewer video related threads on the WF.

I have seen no decline in video related threads in the WF just the opposite... I have seen an exponential increase in interest in the subject.

You may be noticing a decline in popularity of hobbiest and upstart producing offers because people are realizing that the low quality, low skill productions are not producing results any more.

You can liken it to the low popularity of public access TV shows.

[write-stuff]

Originally Posted by graphicsgenie

We create just the type of videos you mention, high quality. Someone hit the nail on the head. COST, I get numerous requests each and every day for quality video. People think they can ask for a video and an instant price.

I lose 50% of them by asking for details, and asking extensive questions, never hear back.

The next 40% I lose after quoting them.

The last 10% who we create the videos for always seem to be the bigger named, already successful marketers. Possibly they are just putting the icing on the cake or even showing off, because they can afford the quality video prices.

I've looked at a number of Darren's projects. His company does absolutely excellent work and his prices are very, very reasonable for the quality he delivers. - Russ

[Steve Robertson]

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

Many times because they went with a producer who has less experience in real world marketing production the results they get from the video are less than stellar so they decide to drop video from their future promotions.

There are many ways to go about adding video to your marketing plan. Requiring a video producer to have experience in real world marketing production tends to mix two distinct jobs.

The serious internet marketer's main job is to develop a message that will persuade a healthy percentage of the target audience to buy the product or service. When that marketer decides to use video, they could:

• Give their detailed sales message to the video producer and instruct them to translate the message into video using the video producer's creativity.
• Give their detailed sales message to the video producer along with detailed ideas about how the video should look.
• Come to the video producer with an undefined sales message and tell the video producer to create the sales message in video form.

A video producer who can truly handle that last situation is really valuable, because they combine the well developed skill of the video producer with the well developed skill of the sales copywriter. An unlikely combination.

I think the most successful approach is the first option, where the internet marketer provides the message and gives the video producer some freedom of action.

The middle option can easily create difficulties. The internet marketer has a well defined image in his head that is sure to be different from the image developed by the video producer. So the client tends to ask for multiple re-shooting or re-editing.

Steve R.

[Floyd Fisher]

With the coming slowdown (I think it's already here), I expect to see tons of people abandoning broadband internet access.

This will affect video marketing because it's going to take waaaay to long for video's to load, which could very well have a detremental effect on buying decisions.

Of course, this is just me rambling on the future. Take it for what you will.

[seobro]

ISP realize that video is a bandwidth hog so they started to throttle movies. Now they are making all video even Youtube stutter. They went from 16megs/sec download to 300K/sec. At this low speed everything stutters, including CNN videos, MSN videos, etc.

Guess what the ISP says that they want to limit people streaming movies over the net because it slows down the connection for everybody. It is like the phone company that tears down towers to not pay fees and now there are dead spots all over the place.

[David Neale]

I don't agree. I think people have become so addicted to the web that high speed Internet access might be one of the very last things to go. Especially households with children.

It may even be to a point that certain TV extras would go now before fast Internet access.

If our family needed to make that choice.... TV would go back to as basic as it gets but Hi Speed Internet would remain.

Originally Posted by Floyd Fisher

With the coming slowdown (I think it's already here), I expect to see tons of people abandoning broadband internet access.

This will affect video marketing because it's going to take waaaay to long for video's to load, which could very well have a detremental effect on buying decisions.

Of course, this is just me rambling on the future. Take it for what you will.

[Chris_Willow]

Originally Posted by Steve Robertson

I think most marketers will agree that high quality video can be a valuable tool in the marketer's toolbox. It can be used for promotional purposes. Or as a base for creating physical products such as DVDs. But, outside a few well known gurus, I don't see high quality video being used as much as you would expect in internet marketing.

Over the last few months, I've noticed fewer and fewer video related threads on the WF. The people who talk about video or ask for a reference to a video maker almost always are talking about "videos" made by stringing together photos or screen recording or even just text screens. That ain't video, folks!

So why is it that internet marketers are not taking full advantage of the potential of high quality video?

Too hard to find the talented video makers?

Don't think the higher price of quality video is a good investment?

Steve R.

Spot on Steve!

Totally agree on this one. I think that's because everyone is telling how easy it is to throw together a bunch of pictures and videos from istockphoto and add some music.

However these videos still make money- so with a decent video you're set to make even more money...


Chris

[Jeff Usher]

I've noticed fewer and fewer video related threads on the WF. The people who talk about video or ask for a reference to a video maker almost always are talking about "videos" made by stringing together photos or screen recording or even just text screens. That ain't video, folks!

I beg to differ on that .... Surely a video is a moving image with sound and pictures. Doesn't matter what the sounds and picture are or what effects are used in the process. Whether it be a collection of stills with transitions and sound or a collection of clips with transitions and sound, the resultant output is still classed as a video.

It all depends entirely on what the customer has asked for and expected to receive as well. The customer may not want fancy effects and a full blown epic of "Die Hard" proportions. They may just want a few screenshots mixed with a few effects and box-shots .....

Just my 2c as a "video" producer ...

Jeff

[Steve Robertson]

From what I see, I believe that too many people are only looking at the promotional use of video and overlooking the much more profitable practice of using video to create products.

Sure - there are plenty of products created with Camtasia to teach internet marketing techniques. What I have in mind is DVD based products aimed at niches outside internet marketing training.

Many hobbies and interests (outside of work) have huge numbers of advocates that spend huge amounts of money. In the video world, creating a high quality DVD covering one of these subjects is relatively easy and inexpensive. And the DVD production is a true investment. The income you receive from selling the DVD is a direct return on that investment.

Compare that to the cost of a promo video, which is a risky expense.

Steve R.
R.A.M. Video

[Chris Lockwood]

Originally Posted by Jeff Usher

I beg to differ on that .... Surely a video is a moving image with sound and pictures. Doesn't matter what the sounds and picture are or what effects are used in the process. Whether it be a collection of stills with transitions and sound or a collection of clips with transitions and sound, the resultant output is still classed as a video.

The original quote was pretty funny, since all videos are just a series of still images. Moving pictures are just an illusion, as anyone who's seen a reel of movie film should know.

[Kevin Riley]

Originally Posted by Gail_Curran

Darren, you asked for feedback on that video? OK!

There is no video *content,* just some effects that are not relevant to the product. I'm not the least bit tempted to visit the website or check out the offer based on the video. I want relevant information and benefits, not a demonstration of special effects.

But maybe I'm too old and jaded to fit into your target market, eh?

Gail

It's all video. What is your definition of video content? Videos are moving images and Darren's video sure seemed to fit that.

Videos are not just films of smiling children running around or dogs riding on skateboards. Some are made of cool visual effects. You may not like them, but they're still videos.

It's the same with the OP who thinks that slideshow videos are not videos. Yes they are, they're just not your type of video.

We have to look outside our own narrowly defined boxes.

[Steve Robertson]

Here's an example of using video to create a DVD based product outside the "internet marketing training" niche. The star of the DVD is one of my clients who is a real expert at creating wreaths and table centerpieces with artificial flowers. She designed these DVDs to teach the art. Fortunately, she is also a great teacher. This YouTube video is a short segment from the DVD:

YouTube - Sample of "Fall Table Centerpieces"...

Steve R.
R.A.M. Video - Web Video Production Services