What's the Return On My Video(s)?

"What's the return on my video?" - This is a question we often get from our clients. Depending on the client, the answer can vary. Each client is unique and so is their audience. But there are a few answers that are common across the board. If you break it down and ask yourself a few simple questions, you'll find the answer quite easily.

First, what type of video are you creating? Is this part of a video marketing series you're releasing? Are these a set of videos that will live on your website? Is it a TV commercial? Or perhaps it is a sample from a live event where you did a presentation. This is the first part of the equation. The second part is determining your audience. Are you targeting youth or adults? Entrepreneurs or consumers? Is the video meant to be entertaining or informative? Lastly where is this video going to live: website? TV? YouTube? Answer these three questions and you can determine where you will find your return.

For example: Let's say your creating a video marketing series for your consulting firm for entrepreneurs. You're going to release weekly tip videos based on what your firm does and it's expertise; therefore, your videos are meant to be informative. You release these videos on your various social media sites via a YouTube link. Because your releasing videos so frequently, your firm's credibly and SEO will consistently increase. You will gain more brand awareness from your firm's name popping up in searches and because of your knowledge and ability to answer questions, your firm will see a rise in inquiries and leads generated from the videos.

Another example: Let's say this same firm has an employee who frequently does presentations to entrepreneurs on growing their business; so in this case, this person creates and releases a demo reel of various presentations he/she has done. This person releases the video on their website. They would be targeting other entrepreneurs in this case.  This video is more or less a resume piece. Your potential clients can get a taste of how good your presentations are and will be more inclined to hire you for your services.

It's pretty common knowledge that the majority of consumers will research their product/service online before purchasing it. Finding and hiring people and their services online is just as popular as online shopping. Therefore, having an online presence is crucial. However, it is not as simple as having a website and an email anymore. Your online presence needs to have sustenance in order for your business to grow and survive. Videos are the latest way to add "umph" to your marketing and growth and there is a myriad of ways to fit your unique needs.

Across the board, there are a few things video marketing will always do for you and your business: It will always help your SEO, it will always increase brand awareness, and it will always capture someone's attention (especially in conjunction with other marketing methods and campaigns). Video marketing can only help you and your business. Whether you hire a video company to help you plan and create your videos or you grab a webcam and start a vlog, videos are sure to enhance your company's marketing plan and capture some attention.

"Gotta Be More" Music Video Shoot: Day 01

Last week we had our first day shooting the music video to our upcoming music video, "Gotta Be More" (performed by Stefany Mayz). It was a fantastic shoot!

We started bright and early around 8:00am that day. It was a small crew consisting of camera/DP, one actor, director, and one of our fabulous interns. First shot of the day was up by approximately 8:30am after setting up the camera and lights. We started with the kitchen scene, followed by the bathroom scene, and then ended with the bedroom scene. Then we had a company move to the office location where our director (William) made a cameo as the "angry boss" for the office scene.

We wrapped up our first shoot day well ahead of schedule, ending shortly after 1:00pm. The shots look fantastic so far. And while the song, "Gotta Be More", is still in it's final stages of recording, it's been getting great feedback after a first listen from local critics. We are very excited to be moving forward with this project!

The storyline for the video of "Gotta Be More" is about finding fulfillment in life. The lyrics to the song ask the questions of where and how to find such fulfillment, and the storyline of the music video give the answer.

Be sure to see what that answer is when the video is complete and released this spring!

Happy Filming!
-- Lees Productions LLC

Our First Video Marketing Class

Last Friday, Lees Productions LLC hosted it's first "Video Marketing 101" class at the Farmers Insurance building in Cherry Hill, NJ. It was a great opening to our new monthly program. Both current and prospective clients showed up to learn about how to video can help grow their business/brand.

We gave them a more detailed look into how video is going to tremendously impact businesses and social media over the course of 2014 and beyond. We also gave them ideas on how they can take advantage of this new, significant trend and use it individually.

Our audience also gave us great feedback. Based on their follow-up questions, we now have new tips and information that will be included in next month's presentation at DeVry University in King of Prussia, PA. We are also considering doing a few specialized classes that will focus on specific aspects of video and video marketing.

Thanks to all who joined us at our first class! It was a great success and we hope to see even more of you on February 28th in King of Prussia!