Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA

No, that's not a ploy to get you to look at my blog...we are actually going to be giving away FREE, quality video for your real estate web site thanks to The Video Connector.

We've already launched our DVD that has been met with great response by agents (if you haven't checked it out, please see our video below). Now, thanks to your feedback, we're responding with free, downloadable video that will be available on The Video Connector website.

We'll be launching in a few days with all the details on the video and how you can download it to your site. No strings attached, no purchases or money needed...just our gift to you.

As always, stay tuned....

I so often hear, "I don't have time to blog", "I just don't get the importance of social networking", etc. So keeping these thoughts in mind, I pose the following food for thought on why I blog:

1.) There is no faster way to reach the masses

2.) I am able to send a concentrated and controlled message to who I want, when I want

3.) The message can be sent as many times, in as many different formats as I choose

4.) It's free

5.) I love sharing knowledge on my areas of expertise

6.) Sharing knowledge is just the right thing to do

7.) Helping others ALWAYS comes back to me two fold

8.) I am able to create a qualified network online that would take months to create in the "real world" environment by shaking hands

9.) I can do it in the comfort of my home

10.) No one can hear my child screaming in the background

11.) It is a creative outlet where I can pose questions and thoughts to colleagues

12.) I'm able to get instant feedback or input on suggestions or questions

13.) Results can often times be instantaneous

14.) The SEO results rock (especially when used correctly)

15.) I can launch a product/idea nationally with the click of a button

16.) I make new friends, contacts and potential clients

17.) It's always cool to look back at my "resume" of blogs and see how I've have progressed

18.) My online 'storefront' becomes bigger with every blog I post

19.) I get to see what your competition is doing

20.) Bottom line...I don't have time -not- to blog.

Would love to hear why you blog...

Real estate video

The following information is according to a recent Forrester report:

Simply put, the report says steaming online video is among the most promising media of the interactive media. More than 70% of adults online will watch videos in 2009...the actual number of videos watched is expected to double in the next five years.

In the article, 9% of marketers are currently experimenting with video in email, especially since those e-mails containing video had an improved click through rate of 2-3 times. In other words, someone was 2 to 3 times more likely to click on a link in an e-mail if it was video. Another 21% plan on including video in their email marketing efforts in the next 12 months.

The report also states that marketers are advised to use video to boost existing marketing goals, but shouldn’t entirely replace traditional email.

Bottom line, video is infiltrating every segment of the web all the way into the marketing of businesses...including real estate.

Real Estate Video

Here is one of our most recent home tours. I thought I would share this for one main reason...every person that looks at the video below is essentially, a 'showing' for that property, thus proving the importance of real estate video.

The agent, Anne Rains of Keller Williams GA, would have never been able to get the number of people viewing this video online, physically through the doors of this exquisite home. And as we all know, sales is a numbers game...the more people you reach, the more opportunity you have to make a sale.

This is one example of how your can make video work in the marketing of your business and for the benefit of your client.

The Importance of Real Estate Video- Part 4

Ok, so apparently I struck a nerve with my last post making people think outside the box with real estate video so I thought I would continue along that same vein. 

The whole point of video marketing, in any industry, is to engage the consumer.  Whether it be to evoke emotion, response or education, video is a powerful tool when used correctly.  Add to that the “coolness factor” that your client will likely perceive and you have a great opportunity to make an impact with a simple tool called a camera. 

Videos that evoke Emotion:

Think about these videos as your community profiles.  You want to portray a lifestyle to your clients.  Whether it be luxury, beach, mountains, or family-friendly, a community profile is meant to evoke emotion in the viewer by showing them the atmosphere of the featured environment.  Show community parks, schools, shopping, local amenities, restaurants, etc.  This is not only a great way to showcase areas that you specialize in but also show your potential clients the highlights of the area. 

Videos that evoke Response: 

Think about these videos as your agent profiles or video business cards.  By showing consumers your talent and skill, you are asking consumers to pick up the phone or send you an e-mail...you are asking for their business.  

Videos that Educate: 

Think about these videos as consumer tips.  You are educating the consumer on what they need to know in the home buying or selling process.  Topics can range from staging to knowing when to make an offer.  Anything that teaches the consumer information that you have creates a climate where you are the expert and market specialist. 

Real Estate Video