Innovate Media

I came across a great article today from Geoff Daily at Streamingmedia.com. The two part piece entitled, “The Ultimate Guide To Creating Online Video Content That Works” pretty much does what it says, giving great ideas and advice from some of the leading video content producers on the web. (Think MTV, ESPN, and Revision3) Part One focuses on creating video for your audience as well as attracting new visitors. Part Two concentrates on video production itself (quality, HD, sound, length, etc) as well as including expert opinions.

Whether you are a video newbie or a seasoned pro their tips and tricks will not only improve your content but increase your audience as well.

Check it out:

http://www.streamingmedia.com/article.asp?id=10851&page=1&c=20

Then start advertising through online gaming sites.

Online games are visited daily by millions of people from around the world. In fact, it’s estimated that 1/3 of all Internet users spend some time playing games online. And we’re not just talking about teenage boys playing “World Of Warcraft” here. Web based games cover it all, from the basic staples of Chess and Sudoku to elaborate multi player games with their very own virtual communities. Basically, every demographic imaginable is available through online gaming- kids, teens, seniors, women, and the all important 18-34. Whatever you are advertising, there inevitably is someone gaming who is in your target audience.

Plus, online gaming is the perfect platform for using the latest online marketing has to offer… video. In his article, “Got Game Ads? Why you need Them NOW” Jameson Hsu writes, “video advertisements tend to outperform static, text-based, or banner ads.” Why? The visual and active nature of video blends perfectly with the dynamics of online gaming. People want to be entertained; it is why they are on an online gaming site. Video, even if it is an advertisement, is a clear way to actively engage online gamers. Get their attention and you will get conversions.

To learn more about advertising with online games, check out these sites and articles:

http://www.innovatemedia.com/

“Got Game ads? Why You Need Them NOW”
http://www.adotas.com/2008/11/got-game-ads-why-you-need-them-now/

“Online Games Redefine Gaming”
http://www.clickz.com/showPage.html?page=3631593

“Online Games By The Hundreds, With Tie-Ins
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/18/business/media/18adco.html

“Video Game Culture”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_culture

It’s true- the death of the Yellow Pages seems to be coming. According to a recent study conducted by TMP Directional Marketing, the internet is now officially the top way consumers find information about local businesses. Yellow Pages are out. Search engines and personal websites are in.

So what does this mean to you as a local business?

It means that advertising online is a key way to stay in contact with your customers- even if they are local. Starting your own website, if you have yet to create one, is necessary in today’s online media age. Having a website for your business allows people to go directly to your site for any information they may have about your business or product. More importantly, it gives you the ability to be searched for online. Even better? With sites like Google, you can enhance your website, improve your search rankings, and advertise your business for a small fee and even for free.

What else?

With the surge in online video advertising, even the “little guys” are being catered to. Many online video production companies are creating videos exclusively designed for small to medium sized local businesses. With a proven ROI, online video ads can dramatically increase your conversion rates. Imagine what this could do for your business?

As information continues its move from paper sources to web based ones, it will become harder for local businesses to reach their customers without an online presence. To stay current and available, local businesses must keep up with the new media age through advertising online.

Want to learn more?

Check out these articles and websites:

www.localclick.com

“Relying On Print Yellow Pages? Most Local Customers Turn To The Web”
http://searchengineland.com/relying-on-print-yellow-pages-most-local-customers-turn-to-the-web-15082.php

“Yellow Pages Continue Towards Fossilization”
http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2008/11/yellow-pages-continue-toward-fossilization.html

“Yellow Pages Face Extinction”
http://blogs.wsj.com/independentstreet/2008/11/17/yellow-pages-face-extinction/

In this new media age online video ads are everywhere, and they seem to be working. Just look at this years Presidential campaign for example. The role of online video made running for President an entirely new game. Videos flourished from each candidate, both online and off, to help spread their messages and ideologies. John McCain posted videos through his website and on YouTube to attract the attention he felt he was lacking from the mainstream media. President-elect Barack Obama combined his videos with a tech savvy campaign of social networking, e-mails, and text messages. In a constantly evolving media age did this help him win the election?

Online videos are not only a phenomenon, but a clear and effective choice when it comes to advertising online. Never before has online video been so widely used and distributed, being available and affordable to not only Presidential candidates with multi million dollar marketing budgets but to small town businesses who are just looking to spread the word.

So if online video worked for Obama, why can’t it work for you?

Want to learn more?

Check out these links:

“In Obama-McCain Race, YouTube Became A Serious Battleground For Presidential Politics”
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/11/07/in-obama-mccain-race-youtube-became-a-serious-battleground-for-presidential-politics.html

“Barack Obama Used Net Effectively For Fundraising, Organizing, And Advertising”
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/nov/10/barack-obama-used-net-effectively-for-organizing/

“Online Video Ads To Surge, Per eMarketer”
http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3ic75447be81df667c5adc21dbcf0a5895

“Online Video Explosion A Great Marketing Opportunity”
http://www.live-pr.com/en/online-video-explosion-a-great-marketing-r1048215571.htm