Yes, I look at my competitors’ websites. Sometimes, I’m impressed. Sometimes, I’m ashamed.
Web video is new to a lot of folks. I know some who REALLY “get it” I know producers who have editing styles I think are brilliant. I know clients and small business owners who understand web video too. They are the people who keep me excited day after day.
Web video is not television.
When I talk about putting Videos On Your Website, I mean it as a whole new way to communicate with your client base. Here’s some conversations I’ve had with business owners recently: “Clients are always asking us how we make our product”, “We have a lot of Case Studies on our website, if only people would take time to read them.”, “I wish my clients would understand more about –..” Very quickly, each one of them grasped the concept of what I do.
If you’ve looked through my site, you’ll notice I have a video on almost every page. Right now, I’m changing them a few times a year. It could be more, and one day it will be. But that kind of schedule is a good place for a small business to be at this stage. Yours, too.
Unfortunately, I have seen some sample videos from other producers that don’t quite measure up. I had been directed to one site with a client testimonial. Those are easy, because they’re usually the “talking head” kinds of videos. While the lighting on the piece was great, it clearly was shot without a tripod, a serious no-no when filming a static subject. I’ve seen website videos where I can tell that the cameraman is more at home shooting weddings and dance recitals than videos for business. And I know that they’re charging way too much to get those kinds of results.
So here’s my offer:
If you’re considering having a video produced for your business, and you’d like an honest appraisal of anyone’s style and abilities, just email or call me. I mean that sincerely. You have the right to work with whomever you choose, and I won’t try to change your mind. But if there are some things that I can pick up on that may make your video better, I want to do that.
Because this kind of content is an important addition to the structure of your online presence. To get more businesses online with the right content will help video producers everywhere. When you see the kinds of results you’ll get; you’ll be back for more, and so will dozens of other small businesses.
–That’s a wrap.