Make the Virtual Video Pitch Easy!

How hard is that? A very simple question, with a very simple answer. Not at all. I'm talking about an introduction video for your website. I just completed my own, and can help you get one too. I've posted my intro video on YouTube and on every page of my website in the upper left corner.

At the very least, something like this gives your website visitors a good idea of who you are and what you sell. You can't make your elevator pitch in person to the dozens of people who find their way to your website - so do it virtually. Not through boring text and a plain photo. Make your compelling pitch on video. It builds trust, or at the least, familiarity.

I've posted the video again below just to give you an idea. A simple video introduction like this will run you only $149 with Calcagno Media, and I can get you the final video within 24 hours. Stop postponing the video pitch and just do it already. If you even make one new relationship because if it, then you've just regained your investment.

The Difference? It’s All About Smarts

While small business owners have more options than ever when it comes to choosing how to make a video, the most important part is making sure that video is seen by the right people. Some production companies will charge you for an expensive video and then cut anchor and take off before your video has any positive effect whatsoever. Here are a few tips from smartblogs.com:

No one is going to magically stumble across a video that no one put any effort into planning and producing — much less watch and share it. … The most important thing about a video for a brand is the “post-play interaction.” What the viewer clicks on after they watch the video is crucial. … Don’t forget about distribution and promotion. We tend to think that “viral” means free. Not the case. Videos take time to catch fire, and if you want them to make their way around the Web, you have to remember to do more than just tagging and posting to social networks.

These are all important tips to remember when trying to gain traction for your video. Other things to remember come from within the content of the video itself. You want to present a real genuine message – not some talking head and prescripted fake ad copy. Consumers are smart and if you treat them like idiots, they won’t be kind. Don’t shout in an empty room, speak eloquently in front of a crowd that’s all-ears. That what video can do for your brand or business.

That's a wrap!

Sorry to have a bit of a delay in the blog, but I've been hard at work perfecting our latest production: Ride With GPS. As I first talked about in this blog post, I've been working with the very sweet GPS route tracking service for cyclists on a brand new profile video for their website

I think it came together quite nicely and met the client's expectations and vision, as they mentioned themselves in a blog post on their website. I wanted to create something that not only showed off the basic tools and functionality of the service, but also showed off the motivation behind why cyclists do what they do: the beauty and nature of going on a long ride.

Take a look for yourself, and let me know what you think in the comments!

Why Your Small Business Needs Video

Sure you could throw money away on yellow pages ads, the local paper or radio spots but why? More and more statistics show old marketing methods aren’t working. If you want to reach your target audience you need to ENGAGE them. Your website is the first step, however many websites can be hollow, impersonal and boring. Video can change all that.

A Google/Shopper Sciences study last April showed the average American checked with 10.4 sources prior to making a purchase. This is TWICE as many as one year ago. The proliferation of information and ease of access in a smartphone world mean YOUR small business needs to be actively taking part in the conversation. Web video is an easy and effective way to get in the game.

Calcagno Media makes this process smooth and uncomplicated. Within a few hours we’ll have all the video needed to put together a great profile on your business. This video can be featured right on your website, and linked to on Twitter and Facebook. The best part is: unlike an ad that will run once in the paper, this video will be accessible forever.

Production companies like to charge thousands for this type of spotlight video. We charge a fraction of that. Get in touch with us today to learn about our services, our process and our affordable pricing.

Riding the Real Estate Resurgence

The past several years haven’t been fun for anyone in the business of selling homes. Many realtors have found another line of work. Many are seeing less than half of the business they were in 2008. Some savvy real estate agents have adapted with personal websites, Facebook pages and twitter posts to better show off their featured listings and connect on a more personal level.

These adaptations are a great step as more people are turning to websites and social media in their search for their new home. And don’t be fooled – more people are looking to buy this spring. As the market resurges with prices at their lowest levels and buyers itching for a new place to call home, the real estate agents that are ahead of the technology and marketing curve will gain the most in terms of publicity, business and revenue.

An article posted in Forbes, “This Spring Could Be The Best Home Buying Season In Years,” paints the picture:

Increased demand from buyers has pushed inventory levels 19% lower than they were this time last year, with an estimated 2.43 million homes available for sale. In fact, housing inventory is at a 45 year low nationally right now … Owners have less competition to contend with, compared to the past five years. It also means housing may be inching toward a long-awaited recovery.

Smart realtors will not only see opportunity this spring, but they will lead the wave by closing more homes than their competitors with skill, and the right approach to showcasing their best properties. By shining a spotlight on your featured listings with a video walk-through and profile you can create the “must-see” emotion serious buyers will act on. A cost-effective video that you can share on your website, Facebook, Twitter and even your iPad when you’re out and about around town could generate more interest and more offers than any open house would.