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5 Quick Tips for Effective Online Video Marketing

How to Get Started with Online Video

Small business is flocking to online video as a powerful marketing tool. Online video viewing is skyrocketing with uber-video juggernaut YouTube leading the way. Video marketing is here to stay, so entrepreneurs must lead, follow or get out of the way!

Online video is very effective because it creates a personal connection, helping to increase the “know, like and trust” factor among your prospects and clients. Video marketing can also help you enhance your online visibility and stand out in a crowded and competitive environment. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you dip your toes into the video marketing waters…

Tip # 1: Keep it simple: While there are some common misconceptions about online video, the truth is it’s not expensive to get started. Using video in your online marketing efforts is also less technical than most people think. While production quality is important, you don’t need a big Hollywood production to create compelling videos. Start with what you’ve got, even if it’s just a webcam – or even the video camera on your mobile phone!

Tip # 2: Content trumps quality. The common elements of most video marketing “success stories” include consistency, strong content, a connection to the audience, and the ability to effectively communicate your marketing message.

Tip # 3: Choose your format wisely. There are numerous ways of using online video, ranging from live versus pre-recorded, on camera or off camera, educational or promotional. What platform do you prefer? How you choose to use the medium should be driven by your specific marketing goals. Video marketing is all about playing to your strengths.

Tip # 4: One video at a time. There are sales videos, list-building videos, website welcome videos, expert tips videos, instructional videos, and live videos. Decide which type of marketing video is best for your business and begin with that one!

Tip # 5: Begin with the end in mind. Before you create your video, consider your marketing goals. Video objectives can include increasing online exposure, driving website traffic, building trust and credibility, or developing your personal brand. And let’s not forget the elusive “viral video!” Viral video is like the Holy Grail of marketing…

Start with these 5 simple marketing guidelines and your online video will break through the clutter and maximize your internet marketing.

Lou Bortone is an online marketing consultant and video pro with over 20 years experience in the television industry. For more video tips, visit www.LouBortone.com and www.TheOnlineVideoGuy.com.

 

Referral Madness
Referrals are absolutely crucial to the success and sustainability of your business… In case you’ve forgotten this “bread and butter” strategy, try this quick quiz: (CLICK LINK FOR FULL STORY...)

http://www.loubortone.com/referral-madness

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Flip Video, R.I.P
I have to admit I was taken aback by Cisco’s decision to “kill” the Flip Video camera. Yesterday, the New York Times reported that the Flip’s parent company will shut down the entire Flip division. Yikes. Cisco just purchased the Flip in 2009 for $590 million bucks, but smart phones with video capability have apparently made the Flip obsolete.
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10 Reasons to Learn Video in a Day!
There’s never been a better time to start using video marketing in your business, and there’s never been an easier way to learn than with the upcoming “Video in a Day!” virtual workshop on Saturday, March 26th. If you still need incentive to add video to your marketing mix, here are 10 very compelling reasons to learn Video in a Day! (Click the title above to see the 10 reasons!)
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And the Oscar goes to...
The Academy Awards are like a religious holiday in L.A. Back when I was working at E! Entertainment Television, the Oscars were like Christmas and New Years and the Fourth of July all rolled into one “mega-holiday.” (Click title above to read more)
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Lou’s Lessons from La-La-Land: True Tales from L.A. “Back in the Day”

The Academy Awards are upon us, and what better time to launch my new series, “Lou’s Lessons from La-La-Land!”  These posts are true “Tinseltown Tales” from my days in the entertainment business in Hollywood, coupled with practical tips for improving your online branding and enhancing your marketing… Ready to roll?  …And, ACTION!

It’s Oscar Time!

The Academy Awards are like a religious holiday in L.A.  Back when I was working at E! Entertainment Television, the Oscars were like Christmas and New Years and the Fourth of July all rolled into one “mega-holiday.”  

When I worked in Los Angeles, the Oscars were still held on a Monday, and I remember people leaving work early or skipping work altogether to prep for their Oscar parties.  This usually made the bosses crazy, but it didn’t matter.  No work was going to get done on this hallowed day.

What made my bosses at E! even more crazy, was when I scored a pair of coveted tickets to the Academy Awards!  How could this new kid from Boston manage to be attending the hottest night in Hollywood?  Even the bigwigs at E! could rarely attend the Oscars, since (at the time), you had to be a member of the Academy to get tickets.  Sure, the reporters were on the Red Carpet, but us “civilians” could only dream about getting inside.

Still, my best friend’s aunt was an actress and an Academy member, and she graciously sold me her two tickets.  I had to pretend that I was a courier picking up her tickets, since the Academy didn’t allow selling or transferring tickets.  That was only the first of the hoops I’d have to jump through to pull this off…

Attending the Oscars requires a certain amount of planning – even for a guy.  There’s tux rentals, limo rentals, deciding which after-party to attend – and, of course, who would be the lucky date!  It would also be an expensive date, to the tune of about 2 Grand by the time all was said and done!

Once the big night arrived, I was all nerves.  A shot of Pepto Bismol followed by a shot of Jack Daniels as a chaser helped a bit.  Still, I felt like a fish out of water at the Oscars, mostly because I was basically “crashing” on someone else’s ticket.  I resolved that I’d just have to go with the flow and revel in the experience.  Once I “pretended” to be a star, I had a blast.

The highlight was the Red Carpet.  I kept my sunglasses on so some people might at least think I was a star.  And once you’re making that entrance, you can’t help but feel like a movie star.   A few months earlier I had been working at a radio station in Boston.  Now I was mingling in a crowd a few feet away from Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson, Emma Thompson and Al Pacino… OMG, AL freakin’ PACINO!

Of course, Hollywood etiquette dictates that you can’t “gush” or act like some crazed fan.  As an Academy Awards attendee, you are an “insider” and must play the part.  Be cool.  Smile.  Schmooze.

If there’s any marketing lesson to draw from the Oscars, it’s this:  You are what you pretend to be.  Others have said, “fake it ‘til you make it.”  No one at the awards show knew that I was a “townie” from Boston who had only recently arrived in Los Angeles.  You gotta go with the flow.  Play the part.  Immerse yourself in the experience. 

I’ll see you on the red carpet!

Oscar_tix

 

Beware the Ides of March!
JULIUS CAESAR ISN’T THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS TO WATCH HIS BACK ON THE IDES OF MARCH! Beware the Ides of March! Why the ominous warning? Well, word on the streets of Rome is that Maximus Videus Pricius is planning a colossal price hike on March 15th. Rumors from the Forum say video production pri
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The In-Box Overwhelm Manifesto

The In-Box Overwhelm Manifesto

13. Feb, 2011 Categories: Online Marketing, small business marketing by Lou Bortone View Comments

Someone pointed out to me recently that I’ve been doing a LOT of email marketing. (Hey, I’ve got a lot of cool stuff to tell you about!) But I realize that blasting you with offer after offer is not cool. I know I need to be “out there,” promoting my services, and I’m usually pretty generous with my time and free content. Online Marketing – especially Video Marketing – is changing constantly, and I want MY crew to always be one step ahead. So I do my best to provide a lot of useful information and content.

But if that means I’m hitting you with a lot of stuff, I’m sorry. I never wanted to become “that guy” who just comes at you with pitch after pitch. (That must have been my evil twin – damn him!) My goal is to entertain, educate and engage. Although, lately it feels like maybe it’s been more hype than help… That ends here.

So I’m going public with my In-Box Overwhelm Manifesto. What is it? Simply put, it’s my commitment to you and your Online Marketing Bill of Rights. If you’re on my “list” or in my “Crew,” as I like to call it, this is what you can expect, effective immediately:

Lou’s Crew Bill of Rights

1. I will always strive to provide humor, value and resources designed to help you build your business. I will endeavor to present my information in a unique, fun and compelling way. (C’mon, who else is going to dress up as Moses to deliver the Ten Commandments of Online Video!?!)

2. I will do my best to share fun, useful or helpful links with you via Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. I will never ever “spam” you on social media and will never “add” you to a Facebook group that you didn’t ask to be added to. That’s just not cool.

3. I will never promote, endorse or recommend anything just for an affiliate commission. I will only share and recommend those people whom I have personally met, and whose products I have used or tested. If I’m promoting someone else, it’s because they’ve earned my loyalty.

4. I will email you once or twice a week with updates, relevant information, tips, tools and resources. And yes, I will include offers, if I think it can benefit your business. (This isn’t a non-profit business, after all!) Of course, you can leave our Crew at any time by unsubscribing. But then you’ll miss out on all the antics!

5. I will scour the Internet for the newest, coolest web resources, websites, gadgets and trends and share those with you at OnlineVideopolis.com, the Online Video Resource Center. You can join OnlineVideopolis for free and stay as long as you want – there’s even a free online video editor there! However, for the really cool stuff, like monthly webinars, coaching and access to me, you’ll have to pony up to a paid membership – starting at less than a buck a day!

6. I’ll offer you plenty of free info and resources at my blog at LouBortone.com, as well as via OnlineVideopolis.com. But I can’t your “quick questions” on Facebook, review your YouTube video, or give you free marketing advice via phone or email. As my friend WendyYBailey says, “I charge for that!” (See #10)

7. On the flip side, once you become a paying customer or client, you will have my undying loyalty. I don’t care if you bought a $27 ebook or $1,000 coaching program. I take very good care of my clients and I am fiercely loyal to them. If you want an ally for life, just become a client!

8. I will “share the wealth” and give you opportunities to “make money off me” through my generous affiliate program. You promote me. I pay you. It’s a beautiful thing. Deets here: http://www.loubortone.com/partnerwithlou

9. I can’t be available ‘round the clock for you, but I can promise you 24/7 support and info at http://www.OnlineVideopolis.com. If you’ve got a video marketing challenge, chances are pretty good you can find a solution at the Online Video Resource Center.

10. Finally, when you do need one-on-one help, guidance or hand-holding, I’ll be available to you via half hour or hour long private coaching sessions here: http://www.loubortone.com/video-marketing-strategy-sessions.

So here’s the bottom line:

• I’ll do my best to send you good, relevant stuff – usually in a fun and unique way.
• I will only promote or recommend people or products I personally know and trust.
• Once you’re a customer or client, you’re part of my Crew – and I will take great care of you.
• I don’t do freebies and favors anymore, but I’ll always provide you with exceptional value once you’re a client or promotional partner.
• You can find a ton of exclusive benefits and special access when you join OnlineVideopolis.com

What should you do now? Join http://www.OnlineVideopolis.com! See you there!

Not part of the Crew yet? Jump in at http://www.LouBortone.com. Thanks!

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