Viral Cheese and how to get your video to reach 1.5 million views

 Why are these video's getting so many hits?

Video compilation from some of the most popular videos this past year on YouTube. 

Viral Cheese and how to get your video to reach 1.5 million views

Let's pretend that you just hired a video production company to create your first video marketing campaign.  Filming was fun, the video looks cool, all your friends and family think it's great. Then after 6 months goes by,  you decide to look at your cool video on YouTube to see how you've progressed only to learn that there have been less than 20 hits.    You were certain it would go viral, customers would be beating down your door buying your products and services.  Now frustration set in because the video that was the coolest thing you'd ever seen has not gotten you one phone call.   So let's say you chalk it up as a waste of time and money.  Before you start cursing out every guy with a video camera ask yourself the following questions.  Did you have a game plan? Was your campaign well thought out? Are you sure what it means to go viral?  With the incredible amount of people advertising through YouTube and other social media it may help to learn what going viral means and the importance of your projects goal to go viral.  

A few years ago a video that would be considered viral was one that received over 200k hits. Now with about 60 hours of video uploaded to YouTube each minute; It might be easier to win the lottery than the video hitting well over 10 million hits. Google tends to like their favored people to rank somewhere around 1.5 million in hits to get viral consideration.

While no one can promise that a video will go viral there are some elements to consider for a well thought of plan before investing in your 

video campaign.   In order for Google to pay attention to your media jewels you need to understand how Google operates.  They are looking for what's popular. 

The more popular you are, the more they like you,  and the more Google likes you,  gets you the higher rankings.  Higher rankings means unburying you from the 80 billion people doing the same thing as you. It all boils down to popularity. 

So what makes a video popular?  First you must tell a visual story, give it compelling imagery, use some charisma.  Then make sure it's heartfelt, has a strong, powerful message that leads the viewer to see the whole thing. Most of all you want them to be so intrigued by it they tell two friends,  and so on, and so on....  Use a unique, never been done before approach and make sure you are doing something that will get you recognized and shared.  Contests and giveaways will help to drive more traffic to your video and website if it's worthwhile. 

 

While there are never any guarantees, a good solid plan for the video's construction is going to heed much better results. Your video should follow these guidelines:

• Make it short and to the point
• Make it simple and entertaining
• Make it solve the problems that the viewer is seeking
• Make it knowledgeable
• Give it a Creative Title that's Super Catchy
• Use magnetic keywords
• Create Link Bait

A video that has the goal of gaining popularity will instantly attract the viewers attention in the first 10-15 seconds.  If you don't catch their attention, you will lose them forever. Why would you spend money on something that won't get you results?   If you slap them square in the face the second they start to watch it's a gangbuster. 

 A strong video presence has an audience hook.  A hook could be catchy music, celebrities, the title or even exclusive footage.  A hook can also be a strong emotional connection.  Whatever your hook is it has to be something people relate to. 

Solving the problem in the first 10 seconds will make it relatable and will make the viewer want to share it with others who want to solve similar problems. 

 Telling the story in a personal way, making it heart felt connecting the person on the other end of the screen is a direct result they will remember.  For branding and marketing purposes perception of a business and remembering that business is key.

 Link Bait gives an action at the end telling them where to go next and why.  Giving something away like a free ebook or coupons will drive traffic to your site so be sure to include an action.  

Let's not forget quality of the production.   Get the highest quality that you can afford.  Even a simple wedding video will average 4-6k. (which people will only watch a limited amount)  Unlike wedding video,  this is a business investment.  I'm sure you would rather have people talking about how great the video is than how bad it's done.  The product itself, it's layout, a plan for the emotional connection is vital to go viral.  If you wing it, have poor lighting sound and there is no hook then who will tell anyone how cool it is? Or how important it is? Remember the video is the window to your business. Whether it's viral or not, we all want to do more business. Since it's something that you hope a lot of people find and watch be sure to construct the way you distribute it. 

While a lot of emphasis is placed on the content and actual video production; distribution needs to be well thought out too. In order for Google to consider you one of the popular kids, you will need to understand that a solid marketing campaign and it's distribution is imperative for results.  You will need to hit 1.5 million hits before Google will even consider you sort of popular.  To get these type of numbers, take my advice, get a real plan together. All the social media websites that you use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, should have your video creation masterpiece added to it.  Do what you can to get shares.  Like us and Share us and receive a free carwash, free ebook, coupon etc. or using similar statements will hopefully get more people to hop on board.  There are also several online press release sites such as Vocus.com that can help to boost those viral numbers up, be careful of Black Hat Marketing.

"Black Hat" search engine optimization is customarily defined as techniques that are used to get higher search rankings in an unethical manner. These black hat SEO techniques usually include one or more of the following characteristics:

• breaks search engine rules and regulations
• creates a poor user experience directly because of the SEO techniques utilized on the Web site
• unethically presents content in a different visual or non-visual way to search engine spiders and search engine users.

Remember to keep up with Ganganm Style and the Biebs you might have to do something pretty outrageous. It's possible that you wouldn't need to go that big to have good results but if you're going to catch the attention of 1.5 million people then be ready to produce a great video and do the leg work. 

By following the guidelines that we talked about here you should be well on your way to hitting the big time.  Let me know how it works out! Maybe I'll be your 1.5 millionth viewer!  Happy Uploading!

To learn more about video marketing and branding contact me at evegreyproductions@gmail.com

Quote from : The Stranger in the movie The Big Lebowski written by Coen Brothers "I guess that's the way the whole durned human comedy keeps perpetuatin itself".

http://www.youtube.com/t/press_statistics

http://www.youtube.com/t/faq

http://www.dailytech.com/YouTube+Reaches+4+Billion+Video+Views+Daily+Up+25+Percent+From+May+2011/article23849.htm

http://www.vocus.com/search/google/pressreleasenew/index.asp?

mkwid=sSmSWsSL9&pcrid=9908620810&pmt=p&pkw=press%20release&gclid=CNDP3erFyrQCFeGDQgodYn0A5w

http://websearch.about.com/od/seononos/a/spamseo.htm black hat marketing

Mobile Apps, The Mapp Rib of your Marketing Campaign

Let's say you made a visit to your favorite hamburger joint, only to find that they were out of hamburgers;  would you leave and go to the next closest place? Would you order the chicken sandwich? Would you go back? You can think of mobile marketing very much the same way.

Mobile marketing is not just a gimmick, the average person has approximately 18 apps on their smart phones.  If you aren't including mobile marketing in your campaign, you will lose to the competitor that does understand the use of this powerful tool.  In this blog I will tell you how important it is to include this ultra cool, ultra vital tool in your marketing campaign.

In an article by Business Insider, there was a statement made claiming 61% of people actually attempt to connect to company websites with mobile devices, and fail simply because the sites are not optimized for mobile use.  As a result, potential customers are lost to the competitions sites which are optimized.   Could you be losing business this way?  Not if you've talked to Randy Zak from Noyzinet Inc.       http://www.NoyziApps.com

Randy Noyzinet has a very diverse background ranging from music production to creating full public relations campaigns.  However,  Zak specializes in marketing by utilizing the tool that  most everyone has, a cell phone. There are over 6 billion cell phone subscriptions worldwide and this astonishing number grows constantly. Zak has discovered software that helps to increase the number of hits received on Youtube (Youtube owned by Google) utilizing a sophisticated social media process that enhances popularity.  Zak has perfected this system along with the app usability.

I was able to witness for myself how quickly he was able to take a post of his web commercial and raise the hits on Youtube from 3 to 7,000 in just 24 hours.  Not only did he get these hits, he received likes as well.  Roughly 300 as an average.  Can you imagine what this says about a business?  It says this business, idea, concept, product etc., is popular.

What popularity does for a business is gives it credibility.  Ever notice some of the best food comes from diners at truck stops?  People go to resturaunts that are busy.  Our psychology is that it must be good if they are all doing it.  So it only makes sense to include in your marketing campaign an element that will allow you to become popular.

S-E-O, Smeshy- E- O.  The trend on the net has shifted from SEO marketing to Social Media Marketing.  Randy's company has a real corner on this tool. While Statisticbrain reports that only 37% of mobile phone users visit social networks, those numbers continue to rise.   Statisticbrain also stated that 76% of people's opinion of being constantly connected was very helpful when it comes to technology.

Statistics do show however,  that FB,Twitter,Linkedin, and Pinterest are some of the highest trafficking areas on the net, so there is no mistake that focus is placed on these sites.  SEO has fallen in the second category for importance in marketing.  A good ad campaign will include social media and it's management along with video.  These are some of the most valued tools that businesses are relying on to maximize their budgets.  Don't get me wrong a good SEO format is still important, but your marketing campaign should focus on Social Media popularity tied in with rich SEO.

The most important money that you can spend on your business is on your advertising and marketing campaign.  Steve Jobs of Apple noted that their advertising with the "Think Different" campaign is what caused them to be an epic success. This genius company was the first to pioneer apps with the iphone. Could it be safe to say,  it's ok to follow our leaders?  I'm not saying you'll be the next Steve Jobs but seeing the benefit of advertising (designed to bring your company to the next level) and helping your company improve should heed positive results.

Many business owners neglect their marketing during tough times.  When in all actuality this is the most important vital aspect.  In order to get sales, you have to advertise and network, in order to advertise and network you need a solid plan that helps your company be found, and make a connection.  While it may seem that print is still the best, most inexpensive way to advertise.  It makes sense to follow what human instinct is all about.  My building houses 12 units and under the mailbox is a very good sized crate that is emptied once a week.  Each week it's full of...you guessed it Junk Mail!  If a good majority of people don't even read this then why do business owners continue to invest their marketing dollars on something that will end up in the garbage?  Companies like Noyzinet and Noyziapps are proving to be a more viable way to spend those important marketing dollars.  They heed results and can prove it.



For more information on Mobile Marketing feel free to give us a shout,  818-287-8422.  The consultation is always free.

http://www.statisticbrain.com/mobile-device-cell-phone-statistics/
http://www.businessinsider.com/bii-mobile-insights-these-mobile-marketing-stats-will-blow-your-mind2-2012-10

You Can Learn a Lot from a Cheeseburger. Branding Concepts Easily Understood.

Ahhhh Branding..We hear about it all the time in marketing but what is it exactly?  Much like the Golden Arches, the second we see them what happens to us psychologically?  When the famous bitten apple logo is seen on a new product does it make us curious? Do we know that a band-aid bandage will  not only stop the bleeding, but won't stick and pull the hairs off our arms?  Branding is many things.  If you own a company and you aren't aware of what branding is, I guarantee you are losing business on a  daily basis.  In this blog you will learn a few things about what it takes to build a brand, what branding is, and what branding isn't.

Due to the importance and critical nature of branding for a company, I'll make this simple. Branding takes three things to be effective:

1. Time
2. Hard Work 
3. Money

Branding takes time to develop.  There is no quick fix on this one people.  There is no such thing as
"Get it and Go" marketing in this arena.  Branding takes a lot of hard work.  You need to know your audience, Know what they need and want, know how to fix their problems.  It takes hard work determining what type of benefits your products offer and how you will differentiate and be unique to the consumer. Branding also takes money.  Face it, whether we want to or not, marketing and advertising costs money. However, that money is an investment and in order to see your R.O.I.  A small investment can turn into large dollars as long as the right communication gets out there creating a clear image.

Creating a clear image is a mind boggling experience.  Mind boggling is right, due to the fact that branding is part of a psychological response.  Do your clients remember you? Do they get a warm feeling when they think about your company? Do they trust you? A person should be able to make a decision about a business in 3 seconds or less and they should remember it. Branding not only should be memorable, but it should be motivating and create loyalty.

According to an article from Forbes Branding is your companies promise, you know what you're going to get, and you know what the attributes  the company has.  It's the companies path.

When we think about branding We can think that we aren't taking a road well traveled.  We are taking the client down OUR road and it's the only road in the whole wide world that has our lanscape,  it's unique.  The client can only get what we offer, in our way, with our stuff!

To make it easy here are some elements of branding:

• Branding is your Look
• How they will remember you
• What type of character your business has
• What type of service your business offers
• Branding is your personality
• Branding is your voice
• Most of all Branding is what you promise

One thing that we should be aware of is that branding never changes.  In an article by CBS they reported in June of 2011 that Jack in the box sales were down 62%.  A lot of the blame was on the economy along with other multiple factors,  but Jack in the Box's marketing plan changed.  Besides the egg rolls and tacos on the menu, they changed the face of the Jack in the Box with their new motto "Just Jack".   With their almost risky, sexual innuendo's commercials (a Carl's Jr. Theme), they seem to be all over the map with their marketing strategies.  We aren't even sure they sell cheeseburgers any longer.

Carl's Junior however, utilizes the sexual innuendo marketing ploy very well when it comes to their target audience.  Clearly when watching their commercials we are aware that they are geared up for Men between the ages 18-35. (video below) Carl's Jr. promotes almost entirely to that crowd.  But the question is do they sell burgers?

In QSR's 50 ranking special report they announced McDonald's as being the top seller, while Carl's Jr ranked at #23 and Krystal's ranked #50.  Krystal's is trying to brand themselves as the Sports or halftime fast food joint. With Krystal's coming in at #50 and Carl's Jr at #23,  one can only assume that when it comes to branding,  if it doesn't sell it isn't creative.  Marketing is meant to take you to the next level.  It should bring you higher up the food chain even if you aren't selling food.  A well thought out branding strategy is imperative for any business to thrive.  If you aren't sure what your brand is or don't have a crystal clear (sorry Krystal's, whoever you are) image to your audience, you will be sure to fail.

A full branding business plan is the only way to ensure that you will be successful.  Calling on a professional to assist is often a great way to invest your marketing dollars.
Be sure to take time to plan, and invest time as well as money.  Going the cheap route, not having realistic expectations and marketing goals will only cost you more in the end. A successful marketing plan will put more dollars in your pocket later on and will enable your business to grow to that next level.

EveGreyProductions is a video marketing and branding firm.  We offer many services other than video production and can really help you define your branding needs.  We do full 1 hour analysis of your market, your viewers and your branding design. Call today for consultation 619-288-9350.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-48541027/has-jack-in-the-box-lost-brand-focus/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/loisgeller/2012/05/23/a-brand-is-a-specialized/
http://www.qsrmagazine.com/reports/2011-qsr-50?page=10

Eve Grey's Journal: Holiday Video Served Fresh!

Eve Grey's Journal: Holiday Video Served Fresh!:    During the holidays, I've gotten excited about getting greeting cards from family and friends. On the other hand,  the corporate greet...

Holiday Video Served Fresh!

   During the holidays, I've gotten excited about getting greeting cards from family and friends. On the other hand,  the corporate greeting card seems a little less cheerful.  Many times the corporate greeting card gets neglected by tossing it to the side and possibly not even getting read.  Somehow,  knowing everyone in the company has received the same hum drum card takes away the festivity.    The fake signature, flimsy stock paper, and the cheesy graphics loses it's luster when consideration goes into how much was spent on postage to a regularly scheduled piece of impersonal mail. It's like getting a cheeseburger wrapper and no burger.   In other words, the greeting card that comes from a company may just end up in the garbage along with the cheeseburger wrappers! There are more unique solutions for sending your companies best wishes.

  The video greeting card has special uses for directly touching a customer,  and showing employee appreciation.  Creating this type of video may be less expensive than purchasing the cards and  postage.   In most cases,  it is a more effective and unique approach to letting everyone know they are important and thought about this season.   The message in a holiday video can touch someone through emotion, happiness, and joy. The best part of creating this type of product is that the message is entirely up to you.  Once you understand how to use this powerful tool, you can see it's impact.  First let's talk about what a video greeting card is.

  A video greeting card is a video that is created with the intention of sending your holiday cheer and or gratitude.  The message expresses your grace toward your clients or your staff's success.  A video greeting card can be a festive production or a simple interview.  The message should not be more than :10 to :30 seconds in length and should show elements of the season so that viewers are aware that this is special.  A video greeting card can be found in many places and not just in your mail box.

  Most holiday video are sent by email, mobile banners and ipads.     It can be displayed with a QR code and placed on packaging, posted on social medial websites seen as banner ads. It's a great way to wish everyone joy and happiness in a quick message.  The video can be both promotional as well as testimonial.  Video marketing can be thought of as part of the celebration of the season.   The possibilities are endless.

  Video greeting cards can be done in many creative ways such as through CEO announcements,  Staff Celebrated Messages, or creative full video production like the link placed down below with a family having fun creating faux,yule tide cheer.  As part of the years end activities a video booth can be set up at your next holiday party.  This is usually done with a backdrop or in front of green screen.  Staff and their guests can say a few quick words and then a montage of seasonal spirit can be created.

  Who are your targeted viewers?   Whether you do a lot of B2B or B2C marketing, Holiday video can be creative and memorable.  If it's possible that you deserve a break today, send it to your client databases, post on Twitter, Linkedin, FB etc.  No matter what avenue you decide on, this type of marketing is valuable.  Why? Because people will watch a :30 second spot and will remember the message.  The alternative is opening an envelope and tossing it in the trash because it was not personal.

  If you're worrying about getting the greeting cards sent out on time remember video is almost instantaneous once the product is complete.  You can control when the viewers see it.  People may not always have time to check their mail but most people will watch a 30 second video. 

  Ecommerce and mcommerce continue to rapidly grow so it only makes sense to use video tools to drive more traffic to websites and get more cash registers ringing.  The use of electronic media to drive sales is inevitable.  Video marketing is a tool that can help increase sales, it can also retain customers.   Remember marketing is put in place to create more revenue not waste it.

  In an article by Mass Transmit there are 7 B2B marketing ideas listed that have some real validity.  They say the holidays are a time to reestablish those connections and say “thank you” for everything they do for your brand.
Faster than ordering at the drive-thru and heeding more results video marketing is very valuable no matter what the season is.

Call today for a free estimate!  We travel everywhere!
619-288-9350


 http://masstransmit.com/broadcast_blog/7-b2b-holiday-email-marketing-ideas/

 http://www.marketingsherpa.com/article/how-to/2012-holiday-trending-tactics# Holiday Marketing

http://player.vimeo.com/video/32954901?portrait=0

Eve Grey's Journal: Super Sized Advertising through Digital Signage

Eve Grey's Journal: Super Sized Advertising through Digital Signage:   This is part of the Video for Cheeseburgers Blog and will enhance your hunger for utilizing this great device.  You will be super sizing...

Super Sized Advertising through Digital Signage

 

This is part of the Video for Cheeseburgers Blog and will enhance your hunger for utilizing this great device.  You will be super sizing your message and maximizing your advertising dollars if you plot out your goal for using Digital Signs.   Like introducing a new item to our menu,  I'm introducing Digital signage to you. 

The last time you filled up at your local gas station,  did you notice a television blasting at the pump?  Or perhaps when you were in line at the bank,  you noticed that they had a flat screen t.v. blaring benefits the bank has to offer.  Who can forget the giant electronic billboards that captivate your attention on the side of the road next to the biggest dealership in town?  This is not a mistake by any stretch.   In this blog you will learn more about this type of  media and how it can influence your clients.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, can you imagine what the value of a digital sign would be? What's so beneficial is the client gets your message in a super fast dose.  However, unlike print ads, they will retain the message and you have almost complete control. They can't throw it in the trash or turn the channel. Digital signage is becoming trendier than fast food and almost as convenient so to use this as an eye catching tool makes good sense but what is a digital sign?

What is digital signage and how can it help my business?  Digital signage is similar to Television only the public doesn't have control.  You do!  With digital signage the viewer doesn't have the ability to put on Dr Phil.  The only thing being displayed are your messages along with your company's image.   You can create the experience that the viewers will receive.  Because it is generally placed in the three most viewed areas.  Point of Sale, Point of wait, and Point of transit.  The population is exposed to what you the owner; wants them to see.  They are usefully positioned here for obvious reasons.  YOU can't help but notice them!
 Some  Examples of digital signs are Digital Menu's or retail mall displays,  for Point of Sale distribution. Lobbies and waiting areas are Point of Wait,   The even bigger displays such as Auto Dealers big exhibits outside  are considered Point of Transit.  The point is,  if you look around you will notice that the three places are very strategic.  They serve a purpose.  To get the viewers attention and to help them retain the message.  So now you understand what they are; let's explore what they consist of.

Digital signs consist of a display such as a monitor or several monitors together, a media player and management software.  The TV Screen usually includes content such as Still Photos, Text and/or audio and video.  They can be used to display Menu's, or footage of your last event for a trade show.  They may even be used to inform employees about updates such as safety information.  If there is a certain product line that you want to introduce to the general public this can be one of the most effective tools.  The possibilities are endless to the uses of this technology.   Because the cost can be expensive it is good to have a solid game plan in mind for your digital sign.   Keep in mind that there are no real industry standards.   Be wise,  do your research before making a commitment to this type of marketing.
Research is key to determine the cost of utilizing digital signage as part of your marketing and advertising.  Good companies like Cisco are well known but you need to determine what your main goals and objectives are then shop around.  Several companies offer digital signage however you need to take into consideration the scope of the project.  Working with an expert in this area is helpful.   Monitors or Displays (flat screen tv)  depend on the amount of units needed to fulfill your goal.  If you are a salon owner wanting to do some in house advertising you may only need one monitor and a minimum of maintenence.  This can often times be done for under $1000.  However if you really want to impress someone you can create video walls out of several screens.  This is usually something that is seen in large areas and these displays can have huge budgets attached to them.  The next item to consider is your media player.
The media player is the hardware device that plays your content.  This could require something that is capable of holding your media as well as accessible for making adjustments.  These units will run approximately $200 and up depending on the hardware's functions.   Not every project requires just the basics.  The third item is the Management Software.
Management Software is the actual software that the files for your display are created and used to control the messages that you want the client to see.  If you are someone who wants to have a way to display new messages often,  then software that is easy to manage will save you time.  You may only require one simple video that plays on a loop or you may include varying types of media from Static Text to interactive screens.  Whatever the case maybe,  Speaking to representatives that have the highest knowledge for meeting your goals is key to seeing results for your investment.
Don't forget that content is the most important aspect of utilizing these visual instruments.
The content can include animations, static text, still shot photos, videos, and audio.  Whatever the content is,  it should help with customer relationship management.  This type of mechanism should be used to find, attract, and win new clients; while it nurtures the existing customer and maintains objectives.  Those objectives should be to reduce costs in marketing and client services.
Reducing costs may be an objective, but spending your advertising/marketing budget is not the most important aspect of using digital signage.  Consideration of who will see your sign and how will it improve their lives if they take action after seeing the sign?  What type of experience are they having?  Where will the sign be seen?  An airport may use a digital sign that shows plane schedules a restaurant down the street maybe showing their menu,  while a beauty salon maybe showing a new product or service.  Whatever it's use these signs are most effective if they are informative.
Because we are naturally visual learners,  Digital Signage is one of the most effective forms of advertisement.  Clients not only respond to visual and audio because it's a part of the senses but we also retain more of what we see and hear. 

In a study done by OSHA (Occupational Safety Health Administration) research to train their employees "Presenting Effective Presentations with Visual Aids"  the following statistics were disclosed.

• Studies by educational researchers suggest that approximately 83% of human learning occurs visually, and the remaining 17% through the other senses - 11% through hearing, 3.5% through smell, 1% through taste, and 1.5% through touch.
• The studies suggest that three days after an event, people retain 10% of what they heard from an oral presentation, 35% from a visual presentation, and 65% from a visual and oral presentation.

Videos along with moving graphics not only catches someone's attention they retain the information that is being viewed.   One could assume that using this type of tool,  maybe invaluable for your business.  Contacting a professional to stay within your budget and scope will help make your Digital Sign a success.    This type of advertising super sizes your companies messages and communication.  This is not only a great gadget;  it's uses are variable and the client remembers what they have seen.
If you have more questions regarding this blog or the use of digital signage feel free to visit us at www.evegrey.com



By far the better explanation of Digital Signage was Done by the folks at Black Box:
Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx4Xe6aABe4







http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_signage
http://www.osha.gov/doc/outreachtraining/htmlfiles/traintec.html