BVO Digital Marketing

If Video Were a Baseball Game...

Allen T — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:15:00 +0000

If Online Video Were A Baseball Game: Inning-by-Inning Summary

You always hear how online video is in the “early innings.”

Perhaps, but tell that to anyone who’s worked in online video for years, and they’ll roll their eyes, saying the industry’s been around forever, and sometimes it feels like we’re in the dog days of August.

Incidentally in both 2008 and 2010 I said that “video is where search was in 2002.” The past two years have brought change, and in an article down the road, we’ll ask “where’s video in 2012 relative to search?”

But today, we’ll look at the history of online video as if it were a baseball game (please forgive the mid-season and off-season analogies, though).

It’s a Long Season, But This Game is in the Late Innings

The more appropriate analogy is that it’s early in the season, with a number of games already played.

We’re actually in the late innings of this match pitting the Distribution Disruptors vs. the Content Monarchs, with the Disruptors representing the NY Yankees, armed to the teeth with nearly $1 billion in financing. The Monarchs, meanwhile, were one of the original franchises that have struggled of late.

1st Inning (2004-05)

On October 15, 2004, Jon Stewart goes on CNN “Crossfire” and criticizes journalists. CNN.com’s error of not making the video available gives aggregator iFilm its breakthrough, as the clip goes viral (with viral videos being as common as hitting for the cycle). In 2005m iFilm is acquired by Viacom for $49 million but is then sent down to the minors, never to be heard of again. Meanwhile, Stewart galvanizes his role as the rotation’s ace.

Score after 1: Content 2, Distribution 1.

2nd Inning (2005)

Former 1990s era superstar and 1994 rookie-of-year AOL makes a comeback on July 2, 2005 by live streaming Live 8, a fundraiser to end poverty, featuring over 1,000 musicians in 10 concerts. Marking the end of AOL’s walled garden era, it was a perfect harmony between content and distribution.

Score after two: Content 3, Distribution 2.

3rd inning (2006)

Three former Paypal employees register the YouTube.com URL in May 2005. Depending on whom you ask, they either a) exploit the DMCA; or b) leverage the explosion of UGC on their way to a $1.65 billion sale. A “grand slam” for Distribution. Content adds two points nonetheless, thanks to “Lazy Sunday” and all of those music videos.

Meanwhile, with YouTube coming out of nowhere and becoming Distribution’s franchise player, many highly touted prospects (Revver, Guba, GoFish, etc.) are released, put on waivers or sent down to the minors.

Score after three: Distribution 6, Content 4.

4th inning (2007-08)

MySpace sets its sights on video, licenses premium content and orders scripted entertainment series, including “Quarterlife.”

The odd walk and single (NBC acquires LX.tv for local content, while Adconion acquires Kush TV for push into branded entertainment) narrow the lead.

As YouTube establishes itself as Distribution’s marquee star, distributors DailyMotion and Metacafe raise $34 million and $30 million respectively in August 2007, raising expectations.

Content’s Hulu launches in late 2007, silencing the critics in the cleanup batting order and becoming the first bona fide challenge to UGC domination and YouTube supremacy.

Score after four: Distribution 7, Content 5.

5th inning (2008-09)

The 2008-09 recession is a mid-game funk that cuts back everyone’s appetite for heavily funded, long-term bets. A barrage of Content and Distribution players are cut from the roster. Content cuts Ripe despite a $45 million investment.

Comcast and Time Warner announce TV Everywhere; Content stands a chance.

Score: Distribution 7, Content 6.

6th inning (2010)

AOL’s Tim Armstrong signs a barrage of free agents, buying custom content maker StudioNow for $36.5 million and syndication aggregator 5Min for $65 million.

Meanwhile, Viacom’s lawsuit against Google/YouTube is dismissed.

Score after 6: Distribution 10, Content 7.

7th inning (2011)

Content publishers repeat mistakes of previous seasons and games, letting video ad networks steal bases and scale revenues. Despite the intermediation businesses’ lack of differentiation or defensibility, ad networks drive home multiple runs and add to Distribution’s lead.

But, as they come up to bat for a second time in the inning, things end abruptly with the bases loaded as would-be acquirers offer lower price-to-revenue multiples than expected.

Score after seven: Distribution 13, Content 8.

8th inning (2011-12)

Distribution loses more momentum as perennial Gold-glover Netflix ends error-free game streak with series of bizarre missteps in 2011: reluctance (or inability) to retain key content deal with Starz, a rebranding snafu, and a share price hangover, which lead to the decision to move into content. The wild pitches lead to points for Content.

In a sign of the times and the closest thing resembling a trade, Google’s YouTube also signals a shift in strategy, realizing that no amount of lipstick (algorithms and targeting) will make a pig (dog on a skateboard) look attractive. The company decides to underwrite $200 million worth of content.

Not to be outdone, Hulu surprises some by announcing that it will be spending $500 million in content in 2012 – despite revenues of “only” $420 million in 2011. It, too, ventures into content.

While Content cuts the lead, Distribution’s checkbook reminds all who’s in the lead.

Score after eight: Distribution 13, Content 11.

And now we find ourselves in the Top of the 9th inning. How do YOU think this game will end? The season?
by Ashkan Karbasfrooshan , Monday, March 5, 2012 (Media Post)

The Year of The Video Dragon...

Allen T — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:38:00 +0000

2012: The Year Of The (Video) Dragon

I recently attended a Goldman Sachs event. A member of their team took the stage to speak about many different factors affecting our economy, and said 2012 would be a year of prosperity. I agree -- especially when it comes to online video.

I’ll explain. There were times, very recently, when things like iPad apps, or social media, (whatever that really means) took precedence over video. Other times, publishers “were not really monetizing video” yet because Tremor was yet to be around. When 5min’s syndication was yet to be available. When WatchMojo CEO was yet to educate the market about video production. When there were only CPC, CPM and CPA -- not CPV. Times before Brightcove had the “Play” annual event with 500 attendees. Before Louis CK published his show on the Internet only. Before Adap.tv introduced an RTB platform for video. Before Youtube generated a billion dollar in revenue through its YPV program. Before Netflix changed its pricing model to encourage online video streaming and took a mega-dive in price per share, and before people admitted that video was somewhat desired -- but less obvious. Yes.

If you are involved in the video space, then you know what I’m talking about. Video was cool but it was not “it” just yet. However, 2012 has arrived, and now video is becoming “it” -- yes!

Publishers realize that it’s time to double down on video -- and for a reason. Video monetizes better than anything else: advertisers come for your video inventory and stay for the rest. Premium publishers claim $30-$50 in video pre-roll revenue -- mind you, that is 8x-10x the range over display advertising. So I already see Directors of Video being hired by companies, and I see events that are all around video, and I see competition around video that indicates the beginning of the space’s maturity. I see big companies hire consultants to advise their board on how to build a video strategy. I see video is becoming real.

I feel 2012 is the year of video -- mainly because it is now monetized. Real traffic of video views now means real and superior revenue. Being a top publisher without a real video strategy or millions of video views is irresponsible.

For the Chinese, the Year of the Dragon happens only every 12 years, and it means the luckiest year of all. Interestingly enough, 2012 happens to be the Year of the Dragon. If you are now in the video space, you’re in the right place, since this is the Year of the (Video) Dragon. Good luck! by Adam Singolda

Google Docs and BVO Digital...A Perfect Match

Allen T — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:25:00 +0000

We love Google Presentation and took a few hours to put together our own BVO Digital presentation using this amazing software.

Link here.

Need help preparing your own presentation f
or an upcoming meeting?...Give us a call !
After an initial strategy session and formal bid, we can get busy and produce this along with the wide assortment of digital assets and campaigns, in which we specialize.

MORE ABOUT DOCS...

We can even do the following:

Insert Videos
Images
Links
You Name It !

We will upload this and forward a link so it can be viewed by up to 50 people simultaniously !
Drop us a line...we can chat about your needs !

LINK FOR BVO DIGITAL MARKETING PRESENTATION

https://docs.google.com/presentation/pub?id=1sIEOTui_QlkqhodR6tvRjVGDulrP3HhLV6Qzg6pwEqA&start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

Length Does Matter...How long to make your video?

Allen T — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:58:00 +0000

Consumers care more about what’s in a brand video than how long it is. That’s the conclusion of a new study from Invodo tracking consumer response to e-commerce and shopping videos. Invodo is an online video e-commerce company with clients including Office Depot, Toys R Us, and Verizon.

Invodo surveyed more than 1,000 online consumers who had watched product videos on retail and brand sites, and the results showed that several common assumptions about online video don’t hold up. For instance, many experts say 30 seconds is the ideal length for videos, but Invodo found that about 37% of consumers spent more than three minutes watching product videos that are educational or demonstrate how to use a product. Invodo also found that two-thirds of consumers watch videos on so-called “information-intensive” products two or more times.

This study has interesting implications for brands producing how- to, informational and other product-related videos. "The biggest takeaway of this research for brands is this: Forget about adhering to any 'industry standard' time limit for product videos," said Craig Wax, CEO of Invodo. "If anything, our research suggests that packing too much content into a shorter video may be a mistake. As long as the video is compelling and helps them make a purchase decision, most consumers are willing to absorb videos much longer than 30 seconds. Focusing on video content and quality will help brands drive business results."

Also, about 66% of consumers said seeing a video demo of a product before buying that item online made it easier for them to understand how the product works and half said that watching a product video before buying an item online made them less likely to return the product. Finally, consumers prefer more professionally produced videos with nearly half saying higher quality videos were more reliable in helping them to make purchase decisions.

The study was done in partnership with the e-commerce consultancy e-tailing group. Media Post article.

Small Biz Tips...Video and Social Media

Allen T — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:29:00 +0000

Biz Tips...
DRIVING MORE VIDEO THRU SOCIAL MEDIA

Each day, more than 150 years worth of YouTube videos are watched on Facebook, an increase of 2.5 times the amount viewed a year ago. What’s more, every minute Web users are sending more than 500 tweets containing YouTube links, tripling over last year, according to stats from YouTube.

Indeed, video is growing more social. Plus, YouTube has said that 100 million people take a social action each week on YouTube, which could range from likes to shares to comments.

Given the symbiotic links between social media and online video, how can brands and marketers boost their video performance with social tools? Mark Robertson, founder of ReelVideo and the Web site ReelSEO , shared some best practices.

For starters, brands may find it effective to drive video viewers to social channels with links and information in the video on the brand’s social presence, or even with bonus videos or footage on a brand’s Facebook page. That can increase exposure and brand awareness, he said. “If the viewer then engages with the brand on social channels – on the video site like YouTube and on other social channels – it will likely assist the video’s performance as well as many SEO signals [which] are now tied to social interactivity,” Robertson said.

Annotations in the video can also drive views and interactions because they can encourage social actions, such as liking a page. “Content owners can remind and encourage YouTubers to thumbs-up, subscribe, etc., which can increase social interaction within YouTube,” he said, adding that YouTube has even said that its search algorithm favors videos that drive traffic to other videos, playlists, channels, or subscriptions via linked annotations.

Brands can also drive social fans to video with regular and easily accessible videos on a social page, or can incentivize existing social fans with additional video, such as exclusive clips. “Content is key with social in that the video content brands expose to social audiences could be uniquely created for that audience,” Robertson added.

Don’t forget to keep the videos short. Videos between 15 seconds generate the most clickthroughs in the social world, followed by videos just over 60 seconds, according to Jun Group stats.

Read more:

BizTips: Branded Video...Make it Informative!

Allen T — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Let's Get Serious -- Branded Video Is About The Information

I came across an interesting statistic the other day. And when I say “interesting,” I don’t mean it in the traditional, “I’m intrigued” sense, but rather in the “what is going on here?” sense. According to a study by the Association of National Advertisers, nearly two-thirds of client-side advertisers (63%) are planning branded entertainment strategies for 2012. The most popular channels for branded entertainment include commercial television, the Internet and sporting events, although Internet strategies are growing at the fastest clip by far, and television is trending downward.

The objectives marketers are trying to achieve with these are what you might expect: making a stronger connection with consumers; aligning the brand with relevant content; and building brand affinity with a desired audience.

But here’s where things get a little funny. And by funny I mean strange, not “hah-hah.” The study notes that while investment in branded entertainment has grown considerably since 2006, marketers haven’t made much headway in measuring the return on their branded entertainment investments.

I’m sorry, but in my experience, it’s been pretty to easy to measure when branded online video pays off. Our online video library for one major food brand, for example, has received more 70 million views via more than 1,500 URLs, making it arguably one of the most successful online video marketing campaigns waged by a big brand to date. The videos rank an average engagement level of 78 -- and three years after the campaign launch, the videos are still dominating organic search. The ANA survey says that 63% of respondents still find it “challenging” to measure the effect of these branded activities, but I’d say the impact of 70 million views is blatantly obvious.

I think the reason marketers are still finding ROI difficult to measure is because, for the vast majority, the result just aren’t there. They’re not there because most marketers are focused on using online video for branded entertainment. And by and large, branded entertainment has meant repurposing commercials for the Web. I have no issue with the fine work advertisers do. Many of these online commercials and “webisodes” are extremely well done. A lot of them are highly entertaining. But are they what consumers are searching for?

Our research has shown that consumers are not typing brand names into Google to download commercials to their PCs. They’re searching for information. Through our research for a large electronics company, we learned that consumers weren’t searching for information about how to choose a camera, but were searching for information on how to use one to take pictures of babies, weddings, kids, etc. That insight was invaluable in crafting our branded online video strategy for the company, which focused on providing consumers with information on how to take the best pictures -- using their brand of cameras, of course -- rather than a commercial about which of their cameras consumers can buy.

The funny thing about branded entertainment -- and by funny, I don’t mean “Roller Babies” -- is that it’s not being searched for online. Consumers aren’t looking to brands for entertainment; they download movies or TV shows for that. What some major brands have realized is that information is much more valuable to consumers than entertainment, and brands have a huge opportunity to own branded information. Hopefully marketers for other brands are starting to realize that while branded information may not make it to “Tosh.O,” it can do wonders for engagement. by Allison Provost of MediaPost.

All Work and No Play...Would Have Made Me Miss the Hardly, Strictly BlueGrass Festival

Allen T — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 11:35:00 +0000

Amazing, wonderful, magical, transcendentant...got any more descriptive adjectives you want to add?

This is a sample of the hundreds of piks and video clips taken on Saturday, October 1st, 2011. More to come.

Please note, many duplicates were "burst mode" piks taken for a tentative video-movie of the same subject.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/myphotos
(Above, Earl Scruggs (L) and Host-Producer Warren Hellman, get down on dualing banjos).

Tips for Success...Get Out Of Your Own Way !

Allen T — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:42:00 +0000

Disrupt -- Or Please Get Out Of The Way

I recently had a dialogue where I argued that I don't believe in stupid people, and that's why I dream of being a part of the education cycle one day, potentially a teacher.

I think that most people are (unfortunately) relatively average -- which creates amazing opportunities for others By that I mean that most people don't usually work 15 hours a day, do not fantasize about having masters in mathematics, do not want to give up their social life that easily, and do not honestly believe that they should be huge one day.

Most people's biggest obstacle, funnily enough, is, well -- themselves.

You might agree, or not. If you think there is something to it, you would understand most people are relatively mediocre just because they decide to and not because they have to be. This means that there is a real opportunity to do more, do better, to become an entrepreneur, to disrupt.

I don't think people need to actually have perfect SAT score to succeed, or an MBA, or to come from money, or to know 3 languages. People need passion, to be really excited about at least one single thing, to be able to dedicate years of their life to something that keeps them up at night, something that can make them cry, something that can get them to wake up at 6 a.m. and come back home at 11 p.m.

Seek that, and you'll create an unfair personal advantage. You'll be at least like a politician who has mastered talking a little bit on all topics to look like they are really intelligent. You'll have that look like there is something bigger to be done, and you'll get the attention of investors, potential employees, partners, marketers.

As an example, I don't think employers are looking for template people, and I feel sorry for those who do. I think employers are looking for that spark, that thing that gets them to think -- I just want to work with that person, I'm not sure what they will do here but they will do one thing really well, and they'll get folks around them to do exactly the same.

If any of this makes sense, you might realize that the biggest reason you might not be where you can be (and you can!) is you. That's why it's amazing to take risks, make mistakes, live in uncertainty for a while and be inspired. I'll tell you what I said to all the people I ever hired: they could always go back to work for "a Google" as they are really smart, and that's why if you can take risks and potentially be a part of something big -- you should.

Disrupt. Most people around you will not, I promise you.

Eventually, most of us are likely to fail. Statistically it's true. But you'll have a great experience, and you'll learn a lot. I think.

Most of us are mediocre. This is great news for you. Disrupt, or please get out of the way.
For more articles visit:MediaPostPublications.com articles. by Adam Singolda

Tips for Small Business...Using Video to Help Your Company

Allen T — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:32:00 +0000

BIZ TIPS: 10 Reasons Why PR Pros Should Be Using Social Video

I've often argued that video is a tool of social media. So as many social media responsibilities are being taken on by PR departments, we are seeing public relations teams becoming more actively involved in the creation and deployment of social video content. Viral videos, branded entertainment, web series videos and video game trailers top the list along with original, entertaining product launch videos. This new breed of video content, rather than simply supplementing the efforts of PR teams, is often spearheading them.

My creative agency has been working with some of the more innovative PR agencies and internal PR teams over the past couple of years, and here's a list of the top 10 ways video is being used by PR professionals to help brands, businesses, organizations and individuals tell their stories.

1. Media relations / pitches and press releases. Videos make pitches and press releases infinitely more interesting and engaging. Referencing a hot new viral video, the latest video in a web series, a video announcement from a key corporate player or simply a fun, informative video about a product can make a huge difference in how a pitch is received. Video gives journalists, bloggers and publications more content to share with their visitors.

2. Building trust and credibility with targeted groups. Nothing builds trust like video. Instead of reading a text quote from a company spokesperson, viewers are able to actually see that spokesperson speaking. There may be some coaching involved, but that's what directors are for.

3. Raising brand awareness / promotions / working with celebrities. Videos that offer something of value like cash, prizes or 15 minutes of fame can spread like crazy and highlight a product's involvement in a contest or promotion, raising awareness of the product, and by extension, the brand.

Creating and launching funny, edgy or cool video content involving TV, sports and YouTube celebrities guarantees a targeted audience. Launching a coordinated social media sharing strategy and integrating this effort with the marketing department allows PR teams to capitalize on that momentum, building and raising brand awareness.

4. Product launches. Viral videos and branded entertainment are high-profile ways to announce new products or refresh old ones. Video gives PR teams a visual, entertaining and engaging tool around which to center campaigns. We were recently involved in creating a video for a pizza chain in which large amounts of cash were stuffed in the crust of their new pizza. The content was used not only as a stand-alone video, but as part of a funny promo on a late-night comedy talk show.

5. Crisis management / shifting public opinion / corporate and ceo reputation management. In 2009, when two Domino's Pizza employees made a video of themselves sticking cheese in their noses and messing around with customers' sandwiches, the companywas quick to respond with a video apology from Domino's USA President, president Patrick Doyle.

In 2010, BP CEO Tony Hayward made a video apology following the oil spill in the Gulf. Most of the top comments on the video reference the "South Park" episode that lampooned Hayward, but that's OK. The message still got out.

In both cases, the videos reached large audiences and supplied talking points for the media, social and mainstream, to propel the video messages further. Both videos were effective in turning around negative perceptions toward the brands.

6. Content development. Company newsletters, blogs, speeches and annual reports are being sprinkled with videos. PR teams don't need to produce a viral video hit for every newsletter, but they can encourage key employees to create video content at events and parties. Include the videos in monthly correspondences with clients and the media. Just be sure to edit them first, especially the ones from the Christmas party.

7. Social media marketing. If social media is UPS, video is the package. If social media is the rocket launcher, video is the rocket. Video can be branded as heavily or as lightly as the creative and messaging dictate, and the larger story can be shared and developed via social media. Having a PR message go viral across Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other video sites and social outlets creates a new story that can then be pitched to, or organically picked up by, mainstream media outlets -- enabling the message to reach TV, radio and print audiences as well.

8. Social and environmental responsibility. For brands, businesses and organizations, being socially and environmentally responsible can be a key way of differentiating themselves from their competitors. Video can bring the faces of individuals and positive actions of these companies to the forefront and help move brands closer to new and existing fans and customers.

Video can also be used to present a call-to-action, or as a rallying cry for public involvement in a good cause. Launching videos where fans are encouraged to submit a response in video form allows a call-to-action to be spread even faster and with farther reach.

9. Events. While a single live event reaches only the people attending, social video allows PR teams to share the event with everyone. This increases the exposure of both the event and the brand, product, organization or personality. Events don't always have to be real, either. Flash mobs are types of events that are staged and shared on Youtube and via social media.

10. Political campaigns. Politics is about convincing people to trust a candidate, motivating them to convince others to trust the candidate and getting everyone to vote for the candidate. Politicians are often recorded publicly for videos that can take on lives of their own -- but funny, emotional or serious original video content can be produced and launched in order to manage the direction and spread of both positive and negative conversation. Political attack videos and damage control videos can both contain humor, meaning or even shock value -- and will be shared.

Online video is fast becoming the face of social media. Like their marketing and advertising brethren, PR agencies and PR departments should be exploring the possibilities and pushing the boundaries. by David Murdico of Media Post, June 2011. <

Social Is As Social Does

Allen T — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:17:00 +0000

From Cave Walls to Facebook Walls: Social Is As Social Does

As CEO of a digital media company that creates and distributes online video content, I'm always being asked to explain the difference between online video, viral video and social video -- and, frankly, the question is starting to irritate me a little. Don't get me wrong; I'm thrilled that marketers want to incorporate online video into their social media strategies. I just don't understand where, when and how the line drawing began.

I mean, isn't all online video social? YouTube is, after all, the original social media site. Since its inception, YouTube has been a vehicle for making friends, having conversations, creating communities and sharing ideas and information, with online video as the catalyst for all that social activity.

People have been sharing ideas and information ever since they could write on cave walls, and online video is nothing more than a modernized form of that kind of communication. Of course, some cave drawings undoubtedly captured more interest and drew more visitors than others. So when brands ask me what makes online video social, I think what they're really trying to find out is what makes it compelling enough to draw an audience and foster community. The answer is simple whether you're talking cave drawings or online video or weekend cocktail parties: Add something valuable to the conversations that your audience is engaging in.

Unlike Neanderthals, today's marketer's have multiple, rich resources from which they can glean this critical information. A recent research project of ours, for example, looked at the "conversations" generating the most participation and engagement on Facebook walls. The findings, mundane as they might seem at first glance, could be spun into pure marketing gold by the right brand, taking the right approach.

Over the three-day period we surveyed, the top three discussion topics, in order, were: 1) how to care for a new puppy; 2) what to think about school immunizations; and 3) what to make for dinner. These findings might not offer deep insight into the evolution of the human psyche, but they do provide certain brands -- pet retailers, pharmaceuticals and food companies -- with the information they need to create a powerful, effective means of advancing their social media strategies. Developing content that addresses those questions, putting that content on video, and uploading it to sites where people will find and use it is a surefire way that your branded informational videos can become popular on social media sites.

In other words, it's all about tying search and social together: using search to look for the conversations that are happening, and then identifying the questions that brands can answer in order to enter those conversations. In the work that we do for brands, we lean heavily on search data. YOU should be doing the same. Rather than guessing what people will share, find out what people are searching for. Sustained success for online video distribution most often executes a search strategy over a sharing strategy. As search becomes inherently more social, the most successful approaches will lead with search and allow the sharing to follow. by Alison Provost

SMALL BIZ TIPS:Web Creators...Stand Up and Be Counted

Allen T — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:20:00 +0000

We ran across a interesting and relevant article appropriate for any business who is undertaking or considering an agressive web, video and Social Media campaign strategy. Provided by MediaPost writer, Paul Kontonis. Give us your feedback!

What do marketers know about Web video? The industry is currently measured and ranked by its platforms and networks. Youube is viewed as the top media property. And companies like comScore and Nielsen are trying to measure the total viewing audiences across all platforms and devices. All of this information is helpful for agencies and advertisers trying to understand how to engage with Web video. But there is more to understand about this medium.

Unlike previous media revolutions, Web video is not controlled by a few providers and distributors. It's not run by the studios, the networks, or platforms, but by the creators themselves. And unlike other forms of media in which the few control the many, these creators will only continue to grow in stature. When it comes to Web video, marketers today need to admit that content creators represent the most powerful media entity. Here's why.

Original Web video creators own their own audience. They can speak to them directly, anytime they want. Whether through a new video, comments, voting, posts, or tweets, nothing is holding these creators back. Their success depends on the quality of their content, and whether or not the audience likes it. If the content is loved, the audience grows. And if that content is frequent, the audience grows even faster.

What's more, every platform, including YouTube and blip.tv, provides its creators with metrics and tools to understand its audience. So not only can creators speak directly to their audience, but they also have data for invaluable insights. When I see renowned creators like Phil DeFranco or Shay Carl meet fans in person, the fans, who understand who these creators are, immediately bond with them.

This happens partly because engagement is organic to Web video creators. Having grown up on lean-back entertainment that did not allow for interaction and participation, the new creators are all about getting their audience engaged with their content. Plus, in the Web video ecosystem, feedback is instantaneous and direct. The more that creators engage with their audience, the more the audience responds -- which leads to an upward spiral in audience development. Ultimately, no layers of producers, distributors and executives can get in the way of that audience interaction.

Here's another reason that content creators are so powerful. The freedom of producing your own series means that you can release whatever you like, of whatever length, whenever you want. There's no episode season limits, or run of show requirements. If you want to produce a three-minute video or a five-minute-and-13 second video, you can. It depends only on your content, and whatever length suits it the best.

To date, the common wisdom has been that shorter content is better. But even that no longer holds true. Audiences today are consuming longer and longer videos. In many cases, longer is exactly what they're looking for. And as we are starting to see with the top independent creators, now any kind of content has a chance to succeed. New formats are being created every day, from the unscripted to scripted, funny or dramatic; it's all starting to work. The promise of Web video is starting to be realized: the democratization of media!

And ultimately, as the Web video ecosystem evolves further, content creators will gain even more control. Once agencies and advertisers can discover, compare and buy Web video easily and at scale, the power truly shifts to the original Web video creators. For those about to create, we salute you.

by Paul Kontonis

Small Business Tips...

Allen T — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:14:00 +0000

Confusion is being spread like so much rancid butter...by so-called "Social Media" experts, who promise the moon and deliver a "Moon-Pie."

I take offense...because I like Moon-Pies...(particulary the ones a decade ago, before they changed to hydrogenated oils.) These jokers are trashing my favorite dessert !

Beware of promises to delivery "100 or 1000 friends in 3 days...or 30 days." Let me break it down for you.

You DON'T want a thousand friends or twenty followers who don't really care about you, aren't interested in your ideas, products or company. It is better to build slow...follow as many people as you expect to follow you and interact with your followers, ask questions, offer suggestions and build trust!

The scoop: Many so-called "Social" providors...plug into list services, or link-sharing services which CAN delivery lot's of sign-ups...but of NO VALUE. It's the rush of the lemmings over the edge of the cliff...or a case of the blind leading the blind (Translation: The unethical...leading the less informed). Sure, signups can be a reflection of activity, movement and a rush for your products...but scratch the surface and 98% is just smoke. An ill-advised rush to sign up for any and all, liked minded business in order to "artifically" inflate importance, relevance and link activity.

The very bottom line: FaceBook, like Twitter or Google Plus (coming soon!)...is designed first for individuals...who use Social Media to build trust...not get hit over the head with one lame commercial offer, after another. Go slow, build trust, dispense advise (like these words), outsource your content creation if needed, offer incentives to follow you (sign up and win), have your Social Media provider provide custom code which links your posts to your Social Media sites and get all of your messages, incentives, E-Newsletters, blogs, videos and web site updates talking about the same themes, spreading a unified message...leveraging the unique power and advantages of each Social Media platform (Facebook = video uploads; Twitter = smart phone text messages) to your advantage.

Want more info...keep reading new posts.

Have an idea you want discussed? Drop us a reply below and well consider it.

As always you can find us on:

facebook.com/bizvideos

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It's Hot...Musing from a Warm Loft on an even Hotter Industry

Allen T — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:36:00 +0000

I spend time each week scanning the industry blogs, trade postings and competitors to see whats up and new in the world of Social Media and Social Marketing.

I'm flabergasted at the amounts that some providers charge and even floored by how little others actually provide. The trend seems to be specialize in a targeted vertical market (HVAC, for instance), and do the same thing for a bunch of nearly identical businesses. (Not necessarily a bad thing, but it has shortcomings). The HVAC providor is a case in point...learn just enough about FaceBook from your college age kids and then brand yourself the expert in the industry...with a introductory rate that seems to be too good 2 be true! There is MORE to this than just customizing a FaceBook page and then getting a bunch of strangers to "FRIEND" you...who may come from list and link sharing services with absolutely no interest in your company or offering. I always want to remind people...you get what you pay for. Don't pay much...don't expect much!

Conversely...it doesn't take a kings ransom, or taking out a business loan to launch and maintain a Social Media campaign. The important factors MUST include the following:

A web based blog presence which is the starting point, repisitory and feeder to ANY and all Social Media sites which you have for your business.

Informative, memorable and up-to date videos that are uploaded each and every month. Better yet...tie them into a regular video-blog campaign. Discuss current specials, promotions, insights, product developments...you name it. Keep them short: Video Blogs...under 90 seconds, Company "introduction" videos...under 5 minutes.

Social Media strategies MUST not rely solely on FaceBook to build your business! FB is great, but was and is primarily designed for INDIVIDUALS. You MUST have more than this site...including Twitter, YouTube (Your own YouTube channel) and local online business directories such as Thumbtack.com or SuperPages (the YellowPage books online).

Download a PDF of the adjoining promotion FYI.

http://videoprofiles.biz/Promotions.htm

We are experienced in buiding small business Social Media campaigns and presences...over a broad range of industries. This keeps us sharp and better informed on the latest add-ons, widgets, code solutions that transcend verticals. This also gives you something that is not the same cookie-cutter fan page...as the competitor down the street!

Want to know more...drop us a reply below.

Follow us on:
Facebook.com/bizvideos

Twitter@bizVidAllen

July 2011 News & Updates...

Allen T — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:41:00 +0000

RECENT PROJECTS...COMPLETED
Be sure to check out the videos and information on the above sites.

http://cummingsmasonry-landscape.com

http://finefloorfashion.com

These are a few samples of what we are doing for small businesses around the Bay Area.

All videos and video-blogs are uploaded to our YouTube Channel and then embedded here and on FaceBook and Twitter accounts, that we set up for you. Want to get found on Google! Let us take care of this for you. We're getting good at what we do and can offer you the same top page results, as we get for all of our clients. Call for more info.

UPCOMING NEWS:
We are launching a more aggressive FaceBook and Twitter campaign, offering up online marketing tips for small businesses.

Is there something that you want us to discuss or what to know more about...drop us a line and we'll research it and post it on future blog/ social posts.

FOLLOW US:

BVO is on FaceBook, Twitter & Thumbtack !

Click on links below for the latest news & updates!

www.facebook.com/bizvideos
www.twitter.com/bizvidallen
On Thumtack.com

Getting on YouTube...Read This First

Allen T — Fri, 20 May 2011 14:16:00 +0000

At last...the benefits and importance of using YouTube to host your videos! So many articles are driven from an major ad agency perspective, were glad to see and read something relevant to the small business owner. If your company wants to setup your own YT channel...let BVO do it for you!

Full Text here: (Courtesy Crimson Consulting)

More and more, the topic of YouTube is coming up and people are asking why they should invest in a YouTube channel.

They express many concerns:

* What’s the ROI?
* Isn’t it for consumers and not B2B?
* We see the value of video, but why YouTube specifically?

Most people agree that video is becoming important to B2B. For example:

* Video can engage your audience better than other media
* Studies show decision-makers want to watch, not read
* Studies also show that people who have seen a video are more likely to convert to a lead

So, why a YouTube channel if you have videos on your website?

1. Your videos get discovered more easily. People look for videos on YouTube (10 to 1 over any other channel) and they will more likely find videos on your topic when looking on YouTube than randomly searching.
2. Your company’s messages get discovered more easily. Especially when integrating with other social media channels, YouTube improves your SEO and natural search.
3. Your videos get shared more. YouTube is optimized for sharing and sending information to other people. It’s viral in a better and more effective way than via videos on your website.
4. It’s more convenient for you and users. YouTube and tool vendors are making it much easier for a user to have a great experience (and find what they want when they want it) via the YouTube infrastructure. Your website isn’t optimized for video.

I’d love to hear from you about what’s working (how you audit it) and what’s not working for you in your approach to social media and especially YouTube. Let me know!
Full download of text here: http://www.achievemarketleadership.com/?p=414&sms_ss=hotmail&at_xt=4dd6cb96690ebb18%2C0

May 2011 Blog...

Allen T — Mon, 09 May 2011 10:27:00 +0000

With the warmer weather comes a turn in optomism and a flurry of video production. The word is out on our video blog service...enabling clients to have a portable studio setup at their business location. After an afternoon of shooting, in most cases, we will have at least 6 blogs under out belt, ready for rollout over as many weeks or months!

PITTSBURG BOOSTERS VIDEO It's a Wrap... After six months and two fund raisers at different restaurants, we have just launched the Pittsburg Athletic Boosters video in support of the Pittsburg High School Athletic programs. Organized under the memorable moniker "OGABpitt.org," this annual event raises awarness and monies for various Pittsburg athletic programs, spearheaded by some of Pittsburg's most passionate alumni and civic leaders. What does OGAB...stand for you ask? "Old Guard Athletic Boosters", Members include some of this historic cities most colorful and active community leaders, who's early memories included the then active Camp Stoneman, bustling downtown (the retail heart of the East County) and still active fishing community. See video below

Until next time. Drop us some feedback below. We want to hear from you!
Follow us on Twitter.com/bizVidAllen
Facebook.com/bizvideos

Byers Market Cable Pilot...Completed!

Allen T — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:41:00 +0000

It's a Wrap. We are now live with our latest major video production, entitled "Byers Market." Building on the success of our 14 episode Rapid Remodel TV Series that was broadcast on Comcast On-Demand, this is a test TV-cable pilot episode (24minutes length) which we hope will get some interest and traction with some of our cable, broadcast and online syndicate partners.
"Byers Market" showcases Bay Area based, auction-investor Kurt Byer and his team as they buy foreclosed homes on the courthouse steps and rehab them for first time homeowners to purchase. A bit of controversy, drama, a unique business model, memorable team members and what we hope...good bones and premise from which to build a successful reality series! (Hay, were sick of Armondo and his get rich scam...already).
To view the Trailer, click on the top video
To view Part One sample, click on the video player below.(YouTube)

We are also considering making this the pilot episode for an independent series entitled "Venture," which is geared to spotlighting unique entrepreneurs in the Bay Area and beyond. For a sample of Part One, click on the link below. For a full length version, click below. If you think you may know someone who may be qualified to be part of Venture (Must be Bay Area based to start), drop us a line and request an application.

Viral, Online Video, Social Media...It's All About Selling Stuff

Allen T — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:43:00 +0000

Viral, Online Video, Social Media... It's All About Selling Stuff.
Our agency gets calls all the time from people looking for a wide variety of things, including viral marketing, online video content, social media, and even bulk quantities of sodium bisulfate -- since, we've been told, we are also listed in the Yellow Pages as a chemical company. Of all the calls I've taken, not a a single person has led off with "I need you to help me sell more [insert product or service]." The reason that's strange, I think, is that every brand, product, service and business wants and needs the same thing: to sell more stuff.

Read the whole story on the MediaPostPublications.com website.

March Musings...

Allen T — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:05:00 +0000

It seems like such a long winter so far...and more rain and snow on the way. It's good that I like the cool air and the fresh breeze...just not the radioactive wind wafting over from Japan. With all the hours we spend in front of our monitors..we can't handle any more retina burn. All humor aside, our hearts go out to them.

From the world of Social Media Marketing, evangelists are popping up all across the business marketplace, spreading the word and delivering stats and data that back up the explosive growth of this online marketing juggernaut. We’ve posted a link to a relevant article below (Industry news link).
In a nutshell, video and web are the cornerstone of a successful online marketing campaign. People would rather watch a video, than read pages and pages of text. (Then why am I writing this?). Send us your comments.

Other Biz News:
For those entrepreneurs and small businesses who feel that invoicing is a chore, check out the SaaS service by Fresh Books...a virtual back office for statements, posting payments and invoices. Very cool and very easy. The first three accounts are free. A fee of $10 applies for up to 20 additional accounts.

Video/Marketing Industry News:
We subscribe to Media Posts video journal and found this interesting. Pass this along or be sure to comment if you agree with writer David Murdico. VIDEO The View From Mars

We want feedback:
Beta Test Marketing our new url: VideoProfiles.biz seems to be popular alternative to BizVideosOnline.com...it is shorter, memorable and better describes the video production arm of the business. The downside...it speaks to video, not to Web Design and Online Marketing. Send us your comments. (Thinking about three separate sites and urls).

Help Wanted:
We are looking for a PT Graphic Designer to join the BVO/VP team one day each week. Remote work is additional. We need help polishing some of our banners, buttons and custom web art (logos, branding ideas). Interested applicants must come to our studios in Pittsburg, one day each week (regular day). BART pickup/drop-off can be arranged. See our Craigslist positing for more details.

Get Social Media Campaign for Small Biz...

Allen T — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:23:00 +0000

We're getting serious! Website, Video and Social Media starting at $200 per/month!

We are committed to helping clients get found and generate leads and sales! Go to our Promotions page and look at our recent flyer, which details everything:

Website design/redesign
Custom introduction video (2-4 minutes)
Social Media setup and monthly campaigns.
Monthly phone strategy session

Setup fees cover website and video production. This is an introductory price. Call or email for more details and enhancements including:

Fees based on frequency and quantity of content updates.
Weekly, bi-weekly, daily or multi-hour campaign content production & uploads.
Requires a 12 month agreement and mandatory monthly strategy updates
Google Analytics reports
Full suite of Google Web tools, which may include: Google AdSense, AdWords, Voice-SMS services, Translations, Google Search bar and more (Updated monthly).

Social Media bootcamp feedback...

Allen T — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:46:00 +0000

Enjoyed the Social Media for CEO introduction seminar yesterday. This was presented by SplashMedia of Texas. Worthy of a follow or mention because they are evangelizing in a cross country, city by city tour, the impact and importance of starting a Social Media campagin for businesses. They are a competitor of sorts, but target larger companies, corporations with a minimum $5,000 monthly investment. Quite affordable compared to doing it in-house, with the advantages of gaining an experienced team. (From our mouths as well). We will follow on FB and Twitter and urge the same...keeping up on the Jones's, but those looking for a small business-entreprenurial Social Media campaign should contact BVO for a tailored, more affordable solution.

Biz Videos Goes Social

Allen T — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:21:00 +0000

All BVO-VideoProfiles websites come loaded with an application to auto upload your recent Blog postings to your FaceBook and Twitter accounts. Once the blog is written and published on your website, we can upload it to your business pages of FB or Twitter. Viewers can do the same by retweeting (reposting) the blog or blogs that they like to their own sites. This is viral marketing the way it should be. One interesting blog, can take on nine lives...or nine hundred lives...and spread throughout the blog and Social networks in a matter of days! Talk to us about our monthly blog writting and publishing service. You submit your topic and a few details and we research, write and post this to your blog...and the world! Once Google and the other Search Engines track this increased activity on your site, their algorhythms automatically rank you higher in the organic listings...completing the full circle. Not only do you attract followers and potential clients, you get better rankings on the Search Engines!

Are You Doing the Right Things to Increase Video Views? ...

Allen T — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:50:00 +0000

We wanted to pass this interesting article along from Media Post writer Adam Singola. Full article can be linked here at: Video Insider for Wednesday, November 17, 2010:
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=139683.

Video CPMs are the one of the highest revenue sources for Web publishers (versus display and BT ads), and for the first time in many years, advertiser demand is higher than publisher supply. This year the video advertising market is estimated to cross $1 billion, and consolidation is well underway. Clearly there is a lot of movement into the video space, and one of the key questions is: "How can publishers generate more supply and tap into this exploding market?"

There are two things I believe publishers should focus on right now:

(1) Promote, promote, promote videos across your site. If you look at comScore and Google Analytics, most of the sites on the Web have many more page views (articles, homepage, images, etc) than they have video views -- usually a ratio of at least 20 to1. Converting even 2% from non-video to video content can create a 40% increase in your video views, which provide higher revenue. Promoting videos across your site will help you get users to watch the very first video (the "anchor video) where you can then encourage users to watch more videos. It is not easy to get users to click on a video recommendation from a non-video page, but some sites are doing a good job of it, like Bloomberg (see video link at bottom of page) or About.com (see vertical strip), both article-oriented sites, among others.

(2) Build your viewership outside of your site ASAP. There is much you can do to increase viewership leveraging your own site traffic. Let's say you're able to even triple your views by promoting videos across your site -- which can be rewarding, but what if you could increase them 5x-10x over what you have today? The only way is to transition from leveraging not only your own site traffic, but also leveraging the entire Web. You can do that by promoting your videos to sites that don't have videos but have massive traffic. Some users on those third-party sites would convert through your video content, creating a secondary type of "anchor videos" on another site. My recommendation is to start as soon as you can. Here are different ways to do this:

Syndication platforms: This usually means you will upload your videos to third-party platforms or sites, which will generate views on your content using their video player. They will sell ads against your videos and share some of that revenue with you. Examples are AOL, YouTube, CineSports and others. Some minuses are that in most cases you are not selling the ads, hence are losing a direct relationship with your advertisers, and if you have aspiration to have users relate to your player experience, it will not happen. However, you will win video views you don't have access to today.

Distribution platforms: This is essentially the next generation of embedded videos as you know them. In this case you will offer third-party sites, from blogs to large traffic sites, the opportunity to embed your video player so that they can match their articles to relevant videos of yours in real time. For example, ,a third-party site featuring an article about fixing a tire will automatically offer videos about the same topic from your inventory. When people watch your videos on a third-party site they will watch it using your homegrown player, and with your ads. One minus is that you will need to promote this service/widget to third-party bloggers and sites that don't have videos, much as you offer sites to embed your videos today.

In summary, I think the Web is becoming heavily distributed, and users are consuming content wherever they are -- not necessarily on your video section or even your site. As a video content owner, you want to develop the awareness across your site that you have good videos, as well as partner with syndication/distribution platforms to offer users who don't know about your videos, ones they "might like" from your inventory.

Do that and you will build competitive advantage, and increase your business.

Social Networking Has Arrived...

Allen T — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:17:00 +0000

The movie is cool. Now it's your turn to drive clients to your own Twitter or Facebook site, incentivize them to sign up and follow you and then you let your team of digital experts at BVO update postings on a regular basis, so that fans receive a short message on their cell phone. How cool is that! We also have a special application on our BVO websites that can be activated to list your recent Twitter posts for all to see. Of course the website postings are linkable, so readers can read the entire message. Using this approach, you keep your website available for company information, your twitter account for company updates (and special promotions) and the built in web software, will send out the information to all your followers, fans, vendors and signups automatically! This is the way you build loyalty, keep clients updated on all the latest and keeps your website ranked at the top of the search engines...because it is always being updated! It is a closed loop that is proven to work! This is what digital marketing is about! Get onboard or get left out!

HTML5...a game changer for online video marketing.

Allen T — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:59:00 +0000

Thought our readers would value this great article about the release of HTML5, which promises to provide additional functionality, analytics and enhanced video usability. We have been pushing this for years and are happy to see this finally taking root. It will mean the difference for companies who want to leverage their web enabled video for online marketing campaigns. Note: Adobe Scene7 did this first, but the cost was too prohibitive for most merchants and retail businesses. (Starting at $10K+) This will revolutionize the need for video on your website and will make video clickable with floating text over various parts of the image which will take you to more information, or an online shopping cart.

Reprinted by Permision. Video Insider Magazine.
Forget Everything You Know About Video Advertising
by Frank Sinton , Wednesday, May 26, 2010

HTML5 has become the latest battleground for tech companies. With Apple's iPad only supporting HTML5 video (and not Flash), the push to HTML5 has been accelerated. For video advertisers, it is important to understand the effects of HTML5 and how video in the browser enables video advertising to launch to the next level.

Perhaps the most significant part of the HTML5 spec is the ability of video to be run natively in the browser. Much like native apps on the iPhone, native video enables a whole new level of interaction, emotions, and analytics for online video advertising.

As demoed recently by Apple's Steve Jobs, ads on computers are about to undergo significant changes. Everything from tracking to animation will be altered in the process (for the better). Ad agencies & video ad networks will be able to provide real-time, interactive experiences that aren't limited by plug-ins.

Here are some of the ways ads are going to change:

Real-time, in-depth analytics. Analytics for video is often separated from web analytics, but with the HTML5 video tag, this will no longer be the case. Playing video natively in the browser allows for a whole new level of analysis, including all video actions, engagement, % complete and view through rate (VTR) being trackable and linkable to standard web analytics such as funnels and conversion rates. For advertisers, this will make it easier to measure the effectiveness of video ads.

Measured interaction. Being able to engage and interact with a video introduces a whole new experience for the user (and publisher). The ability to play video natively in the browser opens a new world for those posting video online while allowing them to gain valuable feedback from viewers. While this scenario above has always been possible on the web to some degree, the difference now is that it will be seamless and ubiquitous (no downloading software, plug-ins or annoying interruptions). A user will be able to watch a video, interact with an ad, buy a product, and then return to the exact spot in the video without interruption.

A more entertaining experience. Imagine watching a video of the latest fashion striding down the runway at Milan. Click items that interest you to learn more information or pull up the designer's website for direct purchase. Viewers will have the ability to interact with ads without interrupting their viewing experience. Furthermore, these ads can be fully immersive and full-page, moving beyond just the video dimensions The advertiser can track what users are doing and respond accordingly, allowing them to dynamically change the ads within the video and the interaction points -- on-the-fly, via small changes in HTML and JavaScript. No video production or re-encoding necessary.

All's well that sells well. HTML5 is probably the most significant update for all kinds of rich media. Especially for video, which has long been awkwardly implemented in browsers, fortunately the path looks clear for the future of in-browser video. As any good advertiser knows, videos create emotion & emotions mean sales.

What are you doing on a Saturday night...

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 19:27:00 +0000

Were excited about our new website development platform...we call these pages our savior...cool designs able to be modified without taking days and graphically enhanced CMS (content managment system) which translates to easier maintainance and organization. Not to forget the very cool widgets (custom coded featurettes) that can be added, the ability to drop in custom code modules and a great photo/video player capability. Okay, I'm sounded to geeky now...I'm even late for my Saturday night dinner with my beautiful woman, because I wanted to get this done. Please forgive me dear...you know I am no good to you or to myself, if I can't get caught up on my work.

We've just launched our newest sister company VideoProfiles.biz to help simplify the display of offerings of our parent BizVideosOnline.com. (BVO for short). Responding to our focus group feedback, we are launching this as a scaled down site, designed in the classic Web2.0 look, so as not to overwealm our viewers and potential clients. It is an experiment...and we will probably launch even more similar, targeted and scaled down, mini-sites, focusing on specific BVO offerings...namely webdesign and branded artwork, and digital marketing. There are volumes to speak about on any of these subjects...as we illustrate on BVO...too much to for some people on one site.
We'll go with the flow and check our own analytics to verify user habits.
Send us your feedback and call if you want to book us.
Thanks, Allen