7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Do people use those "Walk-on" videos anymore?

by Nathan Alexander
6 replies
You know, I was just thinking. I remember seeing a lot of sites that had those cool-looking (and if they're not 'cool' anymore, sorry) videos where the guy walks onto the screen and is not confined to a box...

Do marketers still use them? Have they been "tested out"? Do you guys like them or are you annoyed with them?

I thought the concept of these videos were pretty cool, but I'm still trying to get over the fact that flannel(ish) plaid shirts are back in. I like mine from The Gap that I got for Christmas, but I feel like I should be listening to someone's "my life sucks" music from Seattle.

Any of you marketers doing it?
#anymore #people #videos #walkon
  • Profile picture of the author Hugh
    Nathan,

    There's a guy in Florida making a killing selling dental implant websites. He has one stock walk-on. But plays to the buyer's vanity by producing a vid with the dentist himself doing the walk-on. All the websites are the same. He has sold over 30 of them, last time I checked.

    Hugh
    Signature

    "Never make someone a priority in your life who makes you an option in theirs." Anon.
    "Some see private enterprise as a predatory target to be shot, others as a cow to be milked, but few are those who see it as a sturdy horse pulling the wagon." -- Winston Churchill

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1692905].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Marty S
      You can spend a lot of time learning the techie side of video tricks and effects, but the real trick is to determine if it converts better. Given that not a lot of IMers use them, I highly doubt it is a good use of time.

      Take as much advantage as you can with software packages, like screenflow or camtasia, and complimentary software like keynote and power point. You can make some rather professional looking videos like that without trying to dazzle with time consuming effects like the walk-on effect. That will not sell more, concentrate on the message and the call to action.
      Signature
      How to make offline videos for clients
      How to add a custom thumbnail image to your Youtube video
      How to CUT THE FAT in your YOUTUBE videos
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1693224].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    I run into one every week or two, usually click them off ASAP. If there is no control, 9 times out of 10 I leave.
    Signature

    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1693481].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Killer Joe
      I think the IM market in general dislikes any distractions that take away from the 'instant gratification' available on line.

      But we are such a tiny fraction of the internet that to limit your beliefs about such things could turn out to be a disservice to yourself if you are outside the MMO niche.

      To give you an abstract idea about what I mean, I was visiting a graphics forum the other day and some of the threads there had over 75,000 views on a single thread. We don't do that here.

      There's a big world out there that is only starting to be tapped and influenced by what we regard as 'dull' or 'trite', or overexposed.

      Don't give up on any newer (e.g. bandwith enabled) technologies unless you consider the entire spectrum of the audience has become jaded.

      We're a conglomeration of spoiled children here who have had the curtain drawn back and no longer believe in the magic.

      Especially when it interferes or delays our 'instant gratification'.

      KJ
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1693533].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ShawnC
    I haven't seen them recently.

    I wouldn't say that because the big IMers aren't using them means they don't work however. it could just be because no ones developed an easy to use system that can do it and they can sell as an affiliate. If someone did THAT - the big IMers would be using them and telling them how great it is.
    Signature

    + Sample Memorandum of Understanding Templates -- Get it in writing, without involving a lawyer.
    + Mobile Game Design Template -- When you're going to create a mobile game, you need a well thought out and structured Game Design Document. This makes it simple.
    + IgnitionDeck Sales Plugin -- Fund Projects Your Way.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1693502].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Loren Woirhaye
    They are a pain to implement if you've never done it
    before. You have to have a semi-real studio set-up.
    You need lights, chroma-key screen, and the camera
    needs to be 15 ft or more back to catch a person from
    head to toe. The room is tough to find in many houses
    so it's not an easy do-it-yourself-at-home project.

    I've got one on one of my sites, mostly to show clients
    I know how to do it. You have to be much better than
    a beginner with video to pull off the effect.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1693527].message }}

Trending Topics