RISMEDIA, December 15, 2009—We’ve all heard the phrase that a picture is worth a thousand words…and in real estate marketing, who could argue? But as pictures give way to the popularity and impact of full motion video, perhaps we should raise a different point. Why settle for one when you could have the other?
To see VScreen’s video blog on this subject this week, visit http://vscreen.com/blog, and watch this video:
Statistics show that Internet video is growing at an annual rate of over 40%, and that over 75% of all US Internet users view video online. Thanks to improved technology and audience preference, Internet video has grown from being an exception to an expectation. A closer look at video’s growing popularity in the real estate market produces some obvious benefits.
To begin with, video offers unparalleled opportunity to connect with your clients emotionally like nothing else can. After all…which do you think is more effective…a movie trailer using still photos to promote classics like “Rocky”, “Rambo” and “2012”…or action packed video clips taking viewers inside the experience, enhanced with a great music/narration soundtrack? The bottom line is that video allows viewers to experience the event…not just view pictures of it. For real estate agents, the same holds true when comparing full motion video to virtual tours or still photos. There’s just no comparison.
Video also allows you to control the flow of information, and thus maximize your ability to communicate what’s important in the order you desire. Begin your video outside the home, and then walk your prospects through the front door, showing them room by room and feature by feature, why your listing is an exceptional value. Video allows you to tell a story like no other medium can.
Thanks to technology, video is also versatile. It can not only enhance your website, but grace your newsletters and email as well. It can also empower social media like Face Book, Twitter, and YouTube to broaden your visual impact at virtually no additional cost.
Internet video also engages all of the key senses simultaneously for maximum marketing impact and retention. What the eye can see, what the ear can hear, what the fingers and interactively control, and what the emotions can experience all combine for maximum effect.
With today’s short attention spans, video is also an excellent tool for quickly engaging an audience that’s becoming increasingly visual. Like it or not…people these days are doing more looking and less reading, as evidenced by the rapid decline in newspaper readership. With video, you can inform, engage, and even entertain. A thoughtfully produced video can do all three in ways that photos and even virtual tours simply can’t.
Video is also an excellent tool for attracting listings. It shows your clients that you understand the importance that video plays in marketing a product that is highly visual. For real estate agents specializing in high end listings, video is rapidly becoming a must for those serious about showcasing exceptional properties. Video has also become an effective tool for agents to differentiate themselves from other agents who are still content with old technology.
And finally, video has become affordable. Today’s marketplace features palm size video camcorders from Flip, Kodak, and others featuring one button operation, easy download software, and price stags starting at under $200. You can shoot home tours to your heart’s content and upload them to YouTube at virtually no cost. If more professional production is required for high end home tours or agent personal profiles, a number of reasonably priced professional options are available, including our crew here at VScreen. If you have questions, or would like more information on video real estate products, contact Info@VScreen.com, or call 1.866.720.0204.
RISMedia welcomes your comments and questions. Email realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.
For more video tips on RISMedia.com, don’t miss:
Weekly Video Tip: Hiring a Videographer
Weekly Video Tip: Lights, Camera, Action! How to Create a Video Tour – Yourself