Making the most of online video clips23 November 2004
Using online video clips or a 'webcast' to promote a product or service may not be a new idea but it is definitely gaining in popularity.
With advancements in video editing software and greater bandwidth offered by broadband connections, the marketing potential of this medium has taken on a new limit.
Video clips are easier to create than you think and they offer your business several advantages. Using video to broadcast meetings, events and presentations saves you precious time while training your staff with this medium cut costs on man power. Video also gives product launches an added edge and increases your reach when customers pick up on an innovative video clip and email it to friends and family.
If you want to give video marketing a try, why not try our top tips.
- The best way to get started on creating video clips yourself with a digital camcorder or webcam is to avoid the common pitfalls.
- Make sure you slect the best tools for the job. For example, an AVI file (audio video interleave) offers both audio and video. Alternatively you can try Shockwave or Flash for animated clips. Click here for reviews of various graphics software.
- Test the clip to see how long it takes to download on a range of different connection speeds. People won't hang around more than a few minutes to view the clip from your website.
- Provide a link to the clip on your website. Display a still image of the video, information about its format, length and how much disk space it needs. People won't open a clip they're unsure about.
- If using an Internet Service Provider, find out how much disk space and bandwidth you're allowed. Large files and videos downloaded many times can exceed your quotas. Click here for more tips on uploading your video.
