I’ve been considering tactics that would compel visitors to spend more time exploring my web presence.
My pages are text heavy, and I struggle with the need to keep copy to a minimum while adequately describing the unique benefits of engaging my services.
One idea I’ve been exploring is the use of short video clips, with me talking about Strategy Audits, Strategic Planning Retreats and Executive Coaching, but a quick check on YouTube shows me that EVERYONE (except me) has a video describing what they do.
Most have really poor production values and the people just shouldn’t be on camera. There are a handful that resemble Hollywood shorts. I don’t want to be the former and can’t afford to be the latter. So, I am experimenting with xtranormal.com a funky little web-based animation application.
The idea is to present my story in a different AND effective way. I know this is different. I think it’s going to be effective.
Hi Jim
Intersting concept. You should go with it and see how people respond when it is a version of ‘you’ they will see and hear. Be warned…you could morph from this state into a graphic novel super-strategic-hero…it could happen.
Have fun exploring!
Tami
I like it. Great way to get across a lot of information in a short period of time. I like the hint of accent on the male. Nice subtle, politically correct angle having a female CEO. The voices are a little edgy, but I know the limits of computer generated voice.
It’s way better than seeing me or you on camera!
A little cheezy for my taste. Too much like a PG&E commercial. Check out 36parables blogspot.
I might be able to find you Hollywood quality at Riverside prices
Ouch !! A PG&E commercial? That’s low
The basic premise is to do something other than what everyone else is doing – if I had the money for Hollywood, I’m not sure I would, because that’s not me.
What would make it less cheesy?
Cool! Nice concept.
For website video, I think it’ll feel like “outside the box” thinking (while it’s still new and unusual). Seems good for modeling hypothetical client prospecting interviews. Allows you to do some outrageous scripting that would be funny while driving a point home hard.
I’m afraid I disagree with Terry. I would MUCH rather see you on camera, but in a well-done brief spot, explaining what you’re all about. I think you’re good on camera!
Great concept, but you need to get immediately to the point; why does the prospective inquirer want to spend additional time investigating you=you gotta give them an immediate reason why you will make a difference to their bottom line. Remember the old sales axiom “don’t even try to get me interested in what your trying to sell until I’m satisfied your so interested in my needs that I can’t pass up the possibility that what your doing may really benefit me” i.e. the old six point review: What does he/she sell, where do they sell it, how do they really get their business, what are the special features that make them different, what are the most profitable areas of their business, what are their problems in being profitable AND how will YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE in each area to the extent that they can’t pass you by.
I like the idea, but the voices sound way too mechanical with pauses that are too long between some of the conversation. The quality of the audio distracted me from the message. It would sound less “cheesy” if the audio flowed really well—can you do the voiceover for the male part and have another real person do the female voice?
The other thing I wonder about is that this may look cool right now, but how soon before it looks dated? If you do a good quality spot with you on camera (which you would be great doing), that will not date nearly as quickly.