At the most recent Indy Social Media breakfast, I had a chance to hear both  Rocky Walls and Julie Perry speak about video marketing. In their presentations, Rocky and Julie approached the topic of video from two very different perspectives.  Rocky (CEO of 12 Stars Media) focused on how to effectively shoot a great internet video.Julie (VP of Social Media at BlastMedia) picked up where he left off, focusing on how to market those videos.

Some of the major takeaways from Rocky’s presentation:

• Stop using a script-many folks think they need to script all their lines in advance. This, in turn, makes you sound stodgy and uptight. Use guidelines, not a word-for word transcript.
• Have a goal…before you push the red button-Rocky’s mantra is all about being able to answer this question: “My viewer will _______ after viewing my video because ______”. Having goals in advance is critical when shooting video, just like with anything else.
• Smile-Rocky feels when someone is smiling at the beginning of a video, that mood typically carries through the rest of the shoot, which the viewers will be able to sense.

And from Julie’s:

• Users want to view your content on their terms-Now more than ever, the consumer has the power. You need to make sure your videos are delivering what the consumer wants when they need it. Otherwise, they won’t bother.
• If you’re marketing on Youtube, you need to be using the new video transcription option-Google can not accurately gauge what a video on Youtube is actually showing…until now. Users can upload transcripts of their video so that Google can do a full text analysis of the video’s content. This can get tedious, so Julie recommends searching for video transcript services, available all over the web.
• Be complete-Many Youtube marketers neglect taking full advantage of the tagging and description features…at their own peril. By packing the tag and description areas, you’re giving you’re video it’s best shot at showing up in relevant searches. Remember, though…relevance is key. Sadly, tagging our Roundpeg videos with “Lady Gaga” does us no good.

As an Indianapolis web design firm, we often get questions from clients on how to use video and Youtube to achieve marketing goals. After listening to Rocky and Julie, I now feel much more confident in my ability to answer those questions.

What’s your best “Youtube tip”?  Or Favorite YouTube business video? Share the link here

On a regular basis I reach out on twitter and invite friends and followers to write guest posts for our blog.  The results have been great, as each writer brings a different perspective, experience and tone to our blog.

I usually keep the specifications fairly broad, 250 – 300 words on a topic relevant to small business owners.  In return I have hosted posts about business etiquette, recruiting, email, time management and SEO.

However, today’s post by Rocky Walls of 12 Stars Media is definitely an original.   When I asked him for a post about video tips  I should have expected a video company to deliver the content via video.

So here is today’s post a video blog from Rocky about three things to keep in mind when you are shooting a video.

My good friend Dave Anderson has asked me to be part of his Lunch and Learn program next week.   The topic is social media, and I will be sharing the panel with some of my favorite local social media experts; Colin Clark, Dave Anderson and Michael Reynolds.

The event will be from 11:30 – 1:00 on December 2nd, at the Fox and Hound on 82nd Street in the Castleton Area. There is no cost to attend the informal event, but RSVP’s are requested since space is limited.

Hope to see you there, for what is sure to be a lively conversation!

Tom Now, writing for StartUp Nation kicked off the year with a list of what he considered to be the 20 hottest Internet Marketing Trends for 2009. Over the last few months I have taken a look at many of these trends and how we or our clients are using them as part of a comprehensive marketing strategy.

Now almost four months into the year, I thought it would be interesting to take a closer look at Video Marketing.

In describing this trend, Tom Now says:

Many studies show that adding videos to a website increases traffic and time-on-site. Look for a major increase in online videos in 2009. If your website does not yet have any videos, look to add them this year, but be sure that they are relevant and useful to your target audience. Look for interactive video technology in 2009, through which users can click on elements within the videos to be taken to associated content, microsites and shopping carts.

I have had video as part of my website since I launched the redesign a year ago. I get many positive comments from visitors who seem to enjoy my greeting on the home page and as I look at the statistics, my videos are viewed on a fairly regular basis.  For me, the video is a valuable part of the site, giving clients a chance to get to know before we actually meet.

Here are just a few of my favorites:

• Cinderella, Magic Wands and Small Business
• Past Failure is No Indicator or Future Success
• Go for the Gold!

For more information on video marketing, please contact Roundpeg, an Indianapolis web design firm.

When I was a little girl, Cinderella was my favorite story.  But unlike most of my friends, I didn’t want to be Cinderella.  I wasn’t looking for a handsome prince to rescue me.  Instead, I thought the fairy godmother had the coolest gig. With the wave of her wand she could make magic happen.  I wanted to be her!  And in a way, maybe I am.  Today, I work with business owners, and make magic happen.  My magic wand is my keypad, telephone and address book.

But the truth is, just like in the story of Cinderella, the real magic didn’t come from the wand…  Check out my video to see how you can create your own magic.

A few days ago I posted a Nike commercial with Michael Jordon talking about success and failure, and it reminded me of a story I often tell about my son and the first time he dove off a high board.   Watching him that day, I learned a valuable lesson:  Running a business is like jumping off high dive. Every time you do it, it gets easier!

Watch the Video Here

It is often said, that it is not what you know, but who you know that makes the difference. So Who Do You Know?

Successful business owners form a few great strategic relationships. Here’s why:

What do you say when someone asks you what you do? Do you give a long winded explanation or do you have a short memorably soundbite?

If what you say takes longer then a few seconds, it is time to think again!

Today’s Business Note from Roundpeg

Online Video Ads: What Small Business Advertisers Need to Watch For!

In March 2008, U.S. internet users watched 11.5 billion videos! The average video user watched three hours of video online. These records make video more attractive than ever before. Read more to find out what this means for small businesses. By Jeff Porter

In this article by Ingrid Cliff, the author discusses the growing trend of adding video to things like websites, promotional DVDs and blogs.

As the price of video production has fallen, more small business owners are discovering the power of this medium to build connections with clients, share who you are and what you do.  Written words can only go so far.

Read full article to discover it video marketing is a great tool for your business!

And if you need help creating your own video check out the work of PinpointAV, Associated Images, and VisualBlaze.

These are the companies responsible for all the video on www.Roundpeg.biz