Jason Better’s Video Marketing Tips For Better Networkers…
Hey, how’s it going? I thought today we could chat about video marketing because it’s one of the fastest ways to promote yourself as a credible expert. I’m not putting down article marketing but let’s face it, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to six hours to write an article whereas a video is ready to go in 5-10 minutes if you do it right.
So it’s a real time saver. Plus, video cameras are getting cheaper every day… which is awesome if you’re on a budget.
The cool part is, a lot of what you already know about writing articles applies to video marketing too. And since I spend so much time picking winners to share on BetterNetworker.com I thought I’d share a few tips… or common features… almost all popular marketing videos have. Because I can generally pick a “winner” within the first 30 seconds of viewing… even if it doesn’t have any votes yet… and I would like to tell you why.
Here’s 8 Ways To Pick A Winning Video
(Or make sure your video is a winner before you share it…)
#1 They grab your attention.
This is the one thing you don’t want to mess up in video. And this is probably the biggest mistake I see in 90% of the videos I preview. If they can’t hold my attention then I have to assume that they won’t hold the attention of anyone else… I’m one of the few people left on earth who could actually watch paint dry without getting bored to tears.
#2 They’re interesting.
With that said… it won’t do you a lick of good to scream for attention if you can’t hold it. If you speak in a monotone for more than 30 seconds then your viewers will drop like flies.
#3 They talk benefits.
Like anyone else, I want to know “What’s in it for me?” A big mistake some marketers make is assuming that their audience knows the benefits of listening to what they have to say…. when in reality… you have seconds… not minutes to tell your viewer why they should watch the rest of your video.
#4 They’re credible.
You know as well as I do, there’s a lot of clutter out there these days. The fastest way to cut through this is to interview people who are recognized experts in your field. Take Jerry Chen for example. He interviewed Mike Dillard a week ago. I’m not saying that you’ll get MD on the phone but you could start by interviewing your upline or other successful people you know. A lot of this comes down to courage, and being willing to ask in the first place.
#5 They’re conversational.
Nobody wants to listen to a used car salesman. And I know some people are gonna point out Billy Mays or the creepy Sham-Wow guy so there are exceptions. But when it comes down to it… you’ll stand a much greater chance of getting your message across if people trust you… Yelling isn’t selling.
#6 They have a fantastic headline.
If you think headlines or titles are the least important part of your videos then you’re missing out big time. People don’t randomly click on videos. They want to know if you’re wasting their time and what you’re gonna say. No headline… no views… it’s as simple as that.
#7 They have personality.
Here’s where Billy Mays and the ShamWow guy can teach us all a lesson. They have personality. They aren’t afraid to get excited and they aren’t afraid to be human. I’m not saying you should imitate them… but don’t be a robot… let the real you shine through.
#8 They’re helpful.
Above all, a great video is helpful. When I click on a video I don’t want opinions… I want something that will help me right now. Your market is the same. They want to find out how you do what you do… without a buncha hype or baloney.
In point form…
• Get attention
• Be interesting
• Talk benefits
• Be credible
• Talk don’t sell
• Have a headline
• Have personality
• Be helpful
I hope that helps.
A Few More Video Marketing Tips
What a lot of people don’t realize is that video marketing isn’t all that different from article marketing.
The same rules apply.
A marketing message by any other name is still the same. This is why copywriters like Joe Sugarman or Dan Kennerdy will shoot infomercials too. This is why a real pro like Mike Dillard will get infomercials transcribed and study them on paper.
“Video Is The New Paper”
In the end, there’s just as many ways to shoot videos as there is to write articles or sales letters. So I would like to hear your thoughts too. If you’re marketing with video, chime in. Leave a comment today.
See you soon,
Jason Better The “Better Networker”
P.S. “Tweet me up Scottie” If you enjoy this post then chances are your followers will too. I would be grateful if you would share it with them. Just look for that little green “retweet” button near the top of this post. Thank you. 
11 Comments
Hani on November 30th, 2009
Jason,
I LOVE your quote “Video is the New Paper”. It is absolutely true. I’m a big advocate of online video. I love how easy, fun, addictive, and effective it is!
I have my own list of top 7 common mistakes people make with online video marketing that I would like to share with everyone (videos on how to avoid these mistakes are on my blog if anyone is interested). Here they are:
Mistake #1: Failure to Promote Your Website in Your Videos.
Mistake #2: Improper Use of Video Tags.
Mistake #3: Not Providing a Call to Action.
Mistake #4: Lack of Connection with Your Viewers.
Mistake #5: Trying to Perfect Your Video.
Mistake #6: Shying Away from the Camera.
Mistake #7: Only Uploading Your Videos to YouTube.
Cheers!
Hani
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November 30th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Hey Hani,
I wish I knew where I got that one.
I love your tips. I think one of the big ones
I see missing all the time is the call to action.
I can’t believe how many people leave that
out. But a few of those tips are new to me.
We learn from everybody we meet.
Thank you.
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Hector Cuevas on November 30th, 2009
Wow.. that was prefect timing..
I’m actually in the process of creating a few videos myself and this just gave me a bit of a *refresh* of things to keep in mind when recording..
I agree.. Video is the fastest way to promote yourself and become a credible source. I’ve fallen into the category of those who FEAR the camera.. But it’s time to just get up there and DO IT..
thanks..
great tips (you too Hani)
Fail Fast, Succeed Faster..
Hector
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November 30th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Cheers to that Hector.
Fail fast, succeed faster.
Or my favorite way of putting it.
Fail fast, fail forward.
Glad you you liked.
[Reply]
Wayne Wu on November 30th, 2009
Hey Jason,
Will we ever see you doing videos in the near future?
I would love to see your excellent content in video form!
Cheers,
Wayne
[Reply]
November 30th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Hey Wayne,
I have some videos up on Better Networker.
I’m not much for standing in the lime light
though. I prefer shining that on other worthy
networkers.
[Reply]
Hani on November 30th, 2009
Thanks Jason and Hector.
Hector..don’t fear the camera. The camera is your friend
The nice thing about online video is that you DON’T have to be in front of the camera to produce powerful content. There are many online video tools that allow you to create amazing videos without actually being on camera. Here are some of my favourites:
a. Animoto.com and OneTrueMedia.com: Easily turn your photos and short video clips into a professional hollywood-style online marketing videos. For those who are interested, I’ve created a video on how to create an amazing video with Animoto in just a few minutes on my blog.
b. ScreenToaster.com: Create instant screencasts, which is basically a video capture of your screen, that can be used to teach your clients . This can be used to demonstrate an online service, how to fill out an order form, how to subscribe to your newsletter, a walk through of your company website, etc. The best part about this service is that it:
- it is FREE
- allows you to publish your screencasts to YouTube
- gives you the option to download your screencasts for further editing.
The best part about all these online tools is that they all provide you with some HTML code that you can simply copy and paste to embed them into your own website. Also you don’t need to install any software on your computer to use these online video services.
The important things with online video is to have fun with it
Hani
[Reply]
December 1st, 2009 at 8:24 am
Hey Hani,
I’ve used animoto.com before too. I like
how they make everything point and click…
but would be cool to have even more features.
The thing I like about it is how fast and easy it is.
[Reply]
Hani on December 1st, 2009
Hey Jason…
In my opinion, Animoto.com is unique, very easy to use, and creates the “coolest” videos! Back in August, they added a really cool feature that allows you to add short video clips (shot from digital camera and even an iPhone 3Gs) along with your photos…that feature works really well. These guys know what they’re doing
Hani
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Jackie Hall on December 2nd, 2009
#1 thing that irritates the daylights out of me when people make a video…especially one that tells you about the million $$ company that will make you sooo rich They are in the video with an old, worn out bookcase and piles of papers and such all over in the background. I’ve seen people with old food plates and -stuff- in the background! Or a wall with paint or wall paper peeling off in the background. I use a traffic exchange and get to see a lot of videos.
Hint: Tack up a sheet from the ceiling as background or something 
Ok, I got that off my chest…
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Wow, What’s up today with all the Video lessons?
Jason, you won’t believe that just yesterday I made the announcement several in my mastermind group that I would have 50 new and important videos on-line by January 1. (the announcement was to create accountability, the deadline was to ‘cement’ my goal, N.Hill)
This morning I got up and this is the 3rd article or Video I’ve seen concerning video marketing!
I swear Jason, I’m starting to wonder if you don’t have a direct hook up to my Skype mic.
Great tips, I will be putting them into ACTION…I’ve just recently started into video marketing and would simply like to ask if you don’t mind taking a look at what I’ve started with?
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrMldillman
I realize your time is extremely valuable, yet I truly value your opinion…
I’ve had a degree of ’stage fright’ getting started and my wife had a GREAT idea…You’ll see this in the videos entitled, ‘the IDEA’, ‘the Challenge’, and ‘The SOLUTION’.
Thanks for your time!
Mitchell Dillman
Eco Warrior
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