How to Make an HD Video Studio For Under $200

We shoot virtually all of our videos with an HD Ultra Flip Video Camera. Only a few weeks ago did we upgrade to a more-expensive Canon HF S20 for about $1,000. But after using the camera for a while, it's really not worth paying the premium - unless of course you have to handle lighting transitions (as it has a bigger lens). So, I wrote an article today on how to put together a killer HD video studio in your office or home.

What equipment do I need to make internet video?

It's inexpensive to produce relatively high quality video for the web. The video and sound recording options are limitless - but remember, your videos will be compressed for the web; so there's no need to recorded in high quality.

You must keep your recording set up simple and quick - you will not have time when business picks up to ready a professional studio. Do not distract yourself with the quality of your video, only focus on a quality message. Your audience does not expect professional-level production, especially on YouTube.

Video Camera and Sound

With a $150 Flip Video camera, you can produce high quality HD footage with no effort at all. The comparable Kodak Zi8 has a microphone input, so if you'll be standing far away from the camera in your videos, this camera would be a better option (you can purchase a wired microphone for about $20). It's also important to own a tripod, so your shot stays steady and you can record yourself without an assistant (also about $20). You can buy all these on Amazon.com for under $200.

* Flip Video (and the comparable Kodak) cameras do not handle lighting transitions well. For example, if you were to walk into a home from the outside or pan over the windows in a house, the video would become very dark for a few seconds. This is due to the small size of the lens. If you plan on doing moving shots with drastic change in lighting conditions, there are countless sub-$500 cameras with a larger lens that will work just fine.

The key to great-looking video is rarely in the equipment - it's in the skill and experience of the camera person (lighting, angles, shots, etc). Research the fundamentals of shooting video, you'll be impressed with what you produce.

Video Editing Software

To edit your video - keep it very simple. Windows PC's and Apple computers come with free basic editing software. You'll only need software to stitch your individual shots together with a fade effect in-between. You can also add an into/outro with your contact information and royalty-free background music for added interest. Do not use any fancy editing techniques, these effects (while very cool), will distract from your message and you'll find yourself spending more time editing video than making sales or helping clients. Remember, keep it simple - and quick.

* AVS Video Editor and Pinnacle Studio 14 are inexpensive and feature-packed video editing programs. There's no need to purchase (or invest the time in learning for that matter) professional-grade software, such as Final Cut Pro. We use Pinnacle Studio 14 to edit our client's video.

The Bottom Line

Purchase a HD pocket camcorder for your video.
Upgrade to the Kodak Zi8 with microphone input if shooting at a distance.
Upgrade to a sub-$500 compact to handle indoor/outdoor transitions.
Do not use fancy effects in your video; use inexpensive software.
The key to great video is in the skill of camera person, not equipment.
Focus on GREAT content, rather than GREAT visual effects.

Track Email Opens to Know Who's Interested in You

Here's how to get referrals from those who open your emails. Google their email address or run a search in your database for their phone number. You're calling them to ask for feedback on your blog, build rapport, then ask for a referral (remember to ask TWICE) - they will not recall the first time you ask.

I recommend you refer to their Facebook page to see what groups they belong to and what's happening in their life before you call so you have something to talk about.

Type their name in Facebook search and you'll find either their public or private profile (invite them as a 'friend' to see their private profile). You can also Google their name to find more information about them - this is less and less 'taboo' as the years go on. Do your homework. People will appreciate it.

* Do not tell them you saw they opened your email, say "I see you subscribe....."
* F.O.R.D. stands for asking about their Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dreams

Here's how to structure your referral phone call:

1. Introduce Yourself - "Do you have a moment?"
2. Indirectly ask them for feedback on your videos.
3. Run the F.O.R.D. rapport building technique - be specific.
4. Ask WHO you should be working with - clearly define.
5. Ask for a second time WHO you should be working with (w/ recall)
6. Get all contact information for referral (phone, email, etc)
7. Ask them to forward your email to them, introducing you.
8. Thank them!

Example Dialogue:

(1) "Hi John, this is Frank Klesitz - do you have a moment? I own Vyral Marketing and I see you're on my email subscription; (2) I'm calling to ask your feedback; have you received my videos? Great! (3) It's been a while but I wanted to reconnect - how is the family? What are you doing for fun these days? How's your career? (etc, etc). (4) Well I only build my business by referral - do you know anyone I should be working with? (5) Well I understand no one comes to mind; let me explain exactly who I'm looking for (define your ideal prospect). I see on your Facebook page you belong to (these groups) - specifically, is there anyone in these groups who comes to mind? Well thank you! (6) Can you look in your cell phone and see if you have their phone number? Exactly how do you spell their last name? (7) Now, I'd like to reach out to them. Would you forward the email I sent you their way to introduce my services? (8) I really appreciate it. Stay in touch - I appreciate you! Have a great day."

How to Structure An Educational Video for Your Blog

Quick - the camera is on! What do you say?

Don't worry, it's natural to lock up. I recommend you set a consistent time to shoot so you naturally think about what to say in advance. Don't discount this - it's your subconscious preparation that allows expertise to roll off your tongue when it's time to record. This is the secret of professionals.

Now that you're prepared (i.e. determined a topic), how can you virtually GUARANTEE viewers will watch your ENTIRE video, actually learn something, and extended their hand to do business with you? What's the best way to communicate your expertise in a short web video?

There are 6 parts of an effective educational video for your blog. Think about these 6 'transition phases' in advance of recording so you logically structure your video for optimal learning and effectiveness.

1. Introduce Yourself - tell me who you are.
2. State the Point of Your Video - what will you teach me?
3. Introduction - what's the problem I have?
4. Body - how should I solve this problem?
5. Conclusion - summarize everything you told me
6. Call to Action - where can I go to learn more?

Remember the whole "Tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them what you're there to tell them, and summarize with everything you've told them?" That's excellent presentation advice, and it's applicable to your web videos.

Step #2 is your biggest challenge - what's the point of your video? It's best to answer this question directly in your video title. This way, after you introduce yourself, simply say your video title. Writing a powerful and effective title is critical, as it's the only way prospects will know the 'implicit benefit' of viewing your web video. Here are a few video title tips to get started.

I STRONGLY recommend you write these 6 transitions on a sheet a paper as an outline, then write in your talking points. When you're filming, refer to your cheat sheet - just as a news anchor would - to keep your videos on topic, focused, and purposeful. This is the mental organizational process I go through before I record my video blogs, and it works great.

How to Shoot a Quick Home Video Listing Tour

If you're in real estate, it's very easy to make quick and inexpensive home video tours of your listings. Armed with a Flip Video camera and an inexpensive stand (all of which you can get for about $150), you can make a very remarkable and fun video tour of your listings that sellers will love - and attract the attention of buyers. John today will provide you with a few tips to make your home video tours look great without any video production experience. Put www.yourname.tv on your sign riders with a text message call to action and your buyers can watch you walk through the home on their phone while they sit in the driveway. It's an open house, at the click of a mouse! And you get their phone number! See http://www.teamelliott.tv for an example.

Tips to Shoot an Effective Client Video Testimonial

You can never have enough testimonials on your website or in your marketing. Testimonials provide powerful social proof of your results, as they are the most under-used form of marketing. Why? You must take the risk of asking for the testimonials, and have a strategy to acquire and promote them effectively for results. Very few people do - so here's how I recommend you do this....

"HAVE THEM SAY IT FOR YOU" - Dan Kennedy

First, here's how to properly structure a testimonial video.

1.) Describe the problem - ask your client to describe their frustration before hiring you.
2.) Describe the service - then have your client describe how happy they are with your service.
3.) Describe the results - tell them to state how your service changed their life.

*Yes, changed their life - losing weight, saving time, sleeping better, finding love, better focus, more money, more traveling, etc. These are all benefits and asking this question forces a benefit -driven answer.

How long should a testimonial video be? I recommend 2-3 minutes, tops. However, I'm of the opinion you can also skip the 'story' and only have your client state 1 or 2 sentences into the camera with the primary benefit they've seen from your service. Then, you can stitch all these single line testimonial videos together onto one VERY powerful video. This is great as most people are UNCOMFORTABLE on camera and you can motivate just about anyone to shout one exciting line into the camera with minimal coaching.

Second, you must have a consistent strategy to capture testimonials.

1.) Put a flip camera in your car and office.
2.) Ask for testimonials from happy clients.

In short, when ANYONE has something positive to say about your service, reach into your purse/briefcase or run out to your car and get your camera. Ask them to repeat what they said on film so you can put it on your website. YOU MUST CAPTURE THE TESTIMONIAL IN THE MOMENT. This is when they are happy and excited, the emotion and passion in the testimonial will be so much more powerful than scheduling a time to shoot a testimonial after a long working day. If they are nervous, just ask them to state one benefit-driven line into the camera. Otherwise, be sure to follow the properly before/during/after testimonial structure.

Third, you must use your testimonials in your marketing.

1.) Put the video on your website.
2.) Include the best quotes in your print ads.
3.) Write a letter of recommendation from what was said.
4.) Include a "Success Story" section on your website
5.) Encourage your client to post the video on their Facebook
6.) Send the best videos to your prospects.
7.) Make a 10 second testimonial intro before every blog video.
8.) Use the videos to answer common buyer objections.
9.) Featured client story of the month.

So here's the bottom line, you know you must get more testimonials. Give incentives to your staff to collect testimonials at critical purchase points (point of sale, at closing, upon delivery of your 'deliverable'). For my real estate agents, I recommend they capture a one-line testimonial at every buyer closing, or seller closing if they were happy with their selling price!

10 Skills of a Master Video Blogger

I take regular sales training, simply for the reason marketing is the compliment to great sales. I'm down at Mike Ferry's sales conference today and he covered the 20 skills of a master salesperson. Most of the skills, however, apply to much more than just simply sales. So, I took the best 10 skills and applied them to what we look for in our ideal client. Or, if you're video blogging to build your business, these are the skills you must possess (or develop) to succeed.

So what makes a master video blogger?

The definition is simple: A master video blogger has mastered all the skills required, developed the discipline, and maintains the attitude of a superstar.

In other words, you need skills, discipline, and attitude to succeed in video blogging.

Skill #1: You must manage your time and follow a consistent video publishing schedule.
Skill #2: Looking for topic ideas and remarkable content opportunities daily.
Skill #3: Making a highly energetic and to-the-point web video (2-3 minutes).
Skill #4: Making contact with people daily to promote your videos.
Skill #5: The skill of doing all of this day in and day out.
Skill #6: Delegate all the technical work so you can focus on great content.
Skill #7: Listen intently to what your audience wants to know.
Skill #8: Skill of manufacturing, at will, energy and enthusiasm when filming.
Skill #9: Making web videos that keep people coming back to your blog again and again.
Skill #10: You must be able to motivate yourself, because no one else will.

You must have faith in the content you produce, just as you have faith in any other print, radio, tv, or outdoor advertising you run. The challenge is, making web video for your blog takes work - on a much higher level than writing a check for advertising. Video will give you an asset and brand equity.

On our program, I'll coach you to be great in video and we'll provide the accountability, as we expect you to publish - at minimum - 2 educational videos on the 1st and 15th of each month for your database of contacts. So, do you agree with my top 10 skills? I'm curious to know what you think.

MAPS Real Estate Coaching Video Blog Program

We're starting a real estate coaching blog for the MAPS program. In short, the MAPS organization is full of talented, successful real estate agents and business people who help agents perform at the top of their game. This blog is a working document for reference by contributing MAPS Coaches, so you can see how we plan content and coach an organization to run a video blog with virtual contributors.

Here are the topics, due dates, and committed coaches as of 1/19/2011:

1. Michaelann Byerly - Scripts and Dialogues - Run Feb 1st
2. Pat Mancuso - Operations, Behavior Profile, and Hiring - Run Feb 15
3. Jackie Kravitz - Expired/FSBO Tips - Run Mar 1
4. Jason Edwards - unknown - Run March 15
5. Glenn Neely -  unknown - Run April 1
6. Michael Kranz - How to Identify Talent - Run April 15
7. PJ Stratford - Recruiting agents to your team - Run May 1
8. Ron Wexler - Price Reduction Scripts - Run May 15
9. Beth Torrence - Social Media for Real Estate - Run Jun 1

10. Kane Minkus - Bold Leadership - Run Jun 15
11. Rich Rector - Setting 3 Recruiting Apps Per Hour - July 1st

Your video is DUE 2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR PUBLICATION DATE, ideally as early as possible as we'll need to run everything by Dianna before we formally publish.

MAPS Coaches,

We're looking to formally launch the MAPS Coaching blog on February 1st, 2010. Every two weeks, on the 1st and 15th of the month, we'll post an educational video provided by you, then promote it to the MAPS contact database.

Here is the blog we're building: Visit MAPS Coaching Video Blog

Your audience is successful agents interested in growing a business, who earn at least $250,000 a year. The content must be specific to the needs of this audience.

So what should you create a video about? Simply think of one problem your top performing agents face right now, than make a video with your solution.

Here's the ideal structure of your video.

Introduce yourself.
State the title of your video. (great video title tips)
State the problem the viewer has.
Provide your solution.
Include action steps.
Conclusion and where to learn more.

Visit our client video blogs or see the many client videos we host on YouTube for examples. Yes, you can be confident and great on video!

You may use any video camera, however a Flip Video Camera will be the most cost/quality effective. For tips on how to use this camera, please watch John's video How to Shoot HD Flip Video for Business. Nothing fancy, just keep it one simple shot, just like the videos you see here recently on my video blog.

Please send your footage to John McMillan (john@getvyral.com) using www.filemail.com. Simply navigate to the folder on your camera where the footage is stored, select the file(s), and send. We'll take care of everything else.

Please bookmark this blog post as I'll update which coaches are on board with their chosen topic and publish date so we do not duplicate video topics.

While you're assigned only one video a year on our initial program, our goal is you set a monthly time to shoot a video EVERY MONTH, so down road, we're posting educational and useful content for the real estate community 2-3 times per week.

Please call me Frank, directly at 402.515.5438 for any support or coaching on your videos. If you need technical assistance, please call John at 402.203.4585 as he is the one editing, optimizing, embedding, and promoting your videos.

Write Your Own Video Blog Infomercial

It's critically important you put a 'Why Hire Me' video on your blog to clearly communicate the benefits of your services. It's very straightforward - film a 2-3 minute video to answer "Why Should I Hire You?"

Now, if you're a well trained salesperson, you would NEVER answer this question directly - rather, you'd ask carefully rehearsed questions about your prospects needs FIRST, so you could then tailor your response to their specific problems.

However, when you're video blogging, you don't have this luxury. 

You must assume the viewer's needs.

In other words, you must have a picture of your ideal client in your mind. How do they dress? How do they talk? Why do they buy? How do they act? What are their concerns? And more importantly, what are their needs? With this picture - you'll be able to clearly state the problems of your IDEAL prospect.

Here's why....

The most effective selling 'formula' is P-A-S. You state the (P)problem/pain, then emotionally (A)agitate this problem/pain, then you (S)solve the problem/pain. This is how I recommend you structure your 'Why Hire Me?' video for your video blog.

For example, your video will start...

1. PAIN - state the problem your prospect has

Hi there, I'm Frank Klesitz and I understand your problem.
You have this issue, and this area of concern - and it really bothers you.
And I'd be skeptical too, I've been there.
In fact, many people have this same problem, you're not alone.
You've searched everywhere for a solution.

2. AGITATE - tell them what happens if the problem isn't solved

Now, if you don't solve this problem, here is what's going to happen.
And if you make the wrong decision, here are the consequences.
Imagine your happiness when this problem is solved.
How would solving this problem change your life?
Visualize the perfect solution to this problem, does it exist?

3. SOLVE - offer your unique selling value position

Now, here's where I can help you.
This is exactly what I'll do for you.
And here are all the benefits you'll receive.
And I stand behind my service with a guarantee.
And if you act now I'll throw this in.
Listen to what a few of my clients have to say...
So call me now for a FREE consultation.
But wait, there's more.
So call now and I'll double the offer!

So CALL RIGHT NOW!

Ha! I've bet I've already sold you and you don't even know what the product or service is! That's because this is a PROVEN selling formula used in infomercials and print media for decades. It's not cheesy, just keep your audience in mind when you film your video. Simply stick to the formula and you'll do great.

*Alright, so the end is a little 'cheesy', but this is an article about writing your own video blog infomercial, right? Remember, keep your audience in mind. The way to present yourself to a highly educated, affluent executive is completely different then selling to the public.

If you'd like help writing a powerful script for your own 'Why Hire Me' video, email me.

3 Steps to Write A Powerful YouTube Video Title

Today, you'll learn my 3 simple steps to write a powerful, compelling YouTube title that's guaranteed to get noticed, and clicked, by your target audience.

What makes an effective YouTube video title?

A title communicates a specific, immediate benefit to your viewer and is easily found by search engines.

So, how do you do this?

1. Research Your Audience - what language will they use to search for your video?

2. Search Google Keywords - pick the keywords that match your video perfectly.

3. Plug Keywords into Formulas - put these keywords into the provided headline formulas. You can download this WONDERFUL workbook below - a very special thank you to it's creator.

Download the FREE ebook 102 Headline Writing Formulas.

Now you have a powerful YouTube video title to match the search phrases of your target audience, that's written in a compelling way to get clicked by a human. Yes, it's the best of both worlds and it's how I recommend you title all of your YouTube videos.

How to Create Niche Content for Your Video Blog

In response to our client survey, the #1 request for 2011 is better, niche video blog content. We hire a writer to write standardized articles, then our clients introduce the articles on camera (it's easier and perfect for beginners) with timely and local expertise. Since we started in 2009, we're producing a few internet celebrities who shoot videos without a script or supporting article. In my video I'll show you how to get popular, niche content ideas - such as a Google news search, review the table of contents of a book, answer questions from your customers, or find a popular article online.

How to Search Optimize a YouTube Video

We're improving the way we search optimize your YouTube videos so you get found online by more prospects in 2011. Every video will now include the following.

- YouTube title will start with the email subject line, followed by your primary keyword and name.
- There will always be a link to your website in the beginning of the description.
- The YouTube description will be a modified version of your email teaser copy.
- Your full contact information will be included in the YouTube description
- We will include 10-20 long tail keywords generated from Google's Keyword Tool.

Here's a diagram of how we plan to do this below for your review:

Client Satisfaction Survey Results 2010

Every six months I hire a 3rd party to call our clients as for a blind client satisfaction survey. I do not know the names of the clients or who made what response. I post the results of the survey here so you see, in full disclosure, what we're doing well and what we're not. This is my opportunity to create and improve our services for our clients based upon their direct, honest feedback. You may download the full, uncensored results of the survey below...

Download 2010 Client Satisfaction Survey Results

* You should do these surveys in your business - feel free to use the survey I've posted above for your own use. If you're like to hire my 3rd party to make your blind phone calls, email me and I'll pass along his info.

Here is a summary of what we must improve...

- Seven clients were not reached after 3 calls each with 2 emails follow ups.
- Two clients did not answer quality of articles and results of their marketing questions.

Better Articles & Niche Content

The QUALITY of your content is THE MOST IMPORTANT success factor on our program. We will make it easier for you to choose articles and scripts for your niche audience. I'm creating a 'Members Only' website to host all pre-written articles and to help you with new, up to date video topic ideas. It's a delicate balance for us helping our beginner clients reading pre-written scripts introducing pre-written, standardized articles AND helping our advanced clients with 'high-income', niche audiences to create truly remarkable content of the highest caliber.

We will determine your two next topics during every monthly coaching call. It's a very personalized solution for each client, and requires one-on-one advice and planning.

Better Search Engine Optimization

We will improve the search engine optimization of your blog and YouTube videos so you GET FOUND by new prospects. All YouTube videos are now be tagged with your top keywords and your YouTube title is now formatted as follows. The YouTube description is the text of your email teaser copy with contact information. 

Compelling title of video - Specific Keyword (Your Name)

Understand, however, 75% of your search rank is determined by people linking to your content, so your BEST strategy to rank high in search engines is to create educational videos worth watching and sharing.

Better Way to Track Results

Here's the only way to track results on our program: Ask every person who contacts you if your digital marketing (Facebook, Google, email, videos, YouTube, etc) influenced their decision to do business with you, ideally on a scale of 1-10. If your clients and prospects say no, then we must improve your strategy. If you're hearing 8-10's, you have a strong competitive advantage among your peers. Marketing is intrinsically difficult to measure for return on investment (ROI), and I need your help asking your contacts this question so we know if we're on the right track with your digital marketing plan.

More Value for The Money

I will continue to look at all aspects of your business and offer recommendations to improve operations, prospect follow up, internet lead generation, and personal branding. You now receive unlimited video editing and graphic design on our program, while our initial clients who signed up on our program at a lower rate did not. My real estate marketing kit is my first attempt to offer my real estate clients more value for their money. Call me and we'll fire up a screen share to create any custom design you need in Photoshop you like - no extra charge, all services are included in your fee for results.

Website Redesign Consulting

A surpassing number of you would like your website redesigned. I will sketch it up for you in Photoshop and provide the design files for your developer. I recommend you keep your cost low and just host it on a free platform like Wordpress or Blogger. Invest your money on creating content to get prospects to your website, not on expensive design. Email me a few websites you like with the 'brand-feeling' you wish to create and I'll recreate the fonts, colors, and layout so you can send it over to a developer to save money.