I have talked a bit about making money video blogging and reviewing and recommending products via video blog. Well, better than anything else is an actual example. The top vid is my talking to you and the bottom vid is the actual product review/reco that I will post on my sites.
Here is the video review that I will post ALL OVER my sites and sell grub control. BTW– I am not showing the link for the “stuff” here but it is a product available on Amazon.
Here’s my advice:
1) un-professional comes across as real and not as “pitchy”
2) being an authority just means you really believe in the product
3) don’t let your persona overshadow the actual product
4) offer products not readily available at “off line” sources and TELL the viewers this fact
5) try to teach or educate just a bit. This is called offering “features and benefits” in the sales world
Your comments are very much welcome, good or bad. In fact, I like the negative ones better because:
1) criticism fires me up
2) once I get over #1 above, I just may learn something
Allyn,
Thanks for the video example and also the “being a pro” idea with the blender and patio chair. Pretty straight forward the way you do the review, but then most ideas are simple. I think people think too complex or overthink for their own good. I know I do.
You said you had 7 video product review sites on top of your lawn site. Are these your own sites that you put any and all products on or are they places such as youtube or yahoo video?
Also, I assume you are using the Zi6 for the video? I really like the videos you and Steve are shooting with that flipcam. Can’t wait til mine arrives.
Hi Medic,
My 7 sites are actual sites I own that focus on product and consumer reviews. I host the vids on different platforms but that is just because I like diversity in case Google every decides that the same vid posted on multiple sites constitutes “duplicate content” (currently G does not recognize this)
I have had to make some changes with my vid camera. The zi6 is a super good camera with great quality. The issue I have is that it shoots in quicktime and Vegas Movie Studio (my vid editing program) has a “known issuse” with that format.
I have recently switched to using a Sony HD mini cam that shoots in MP4. I don’t like the quality but it works for now.
My business is growing my leaps and bounds and I am in the process of upgrading all of my hardware and software and will go back to my Zi6 at that point.
BTW– have you thought about doing a vid review site about “setting up a home first aid kit” or something along those lines? Could be big man and you are obviously an expert in that field! I could think of endless possibilities for you bro!
AL
Really good sample video to “illustrate” your point.
Have you ever used the “flip” camera?
Hey Rhonda, I really appreciate you stopping over here! …a sincere thanks!
I actually originally set out to purchase the Flip HD camera but Best Buy didn’t have it in stock so I got the zi6 instead. Later I got the Sony cam at Walmart.
I am quite sure the Flip is a great cam, just not in the cards for me, LMAO
I really need to navigate to a more professional set up.. and when I say that, I mean that I need a cam that will allow a cordless mic on my shirt. These flip cams don’t support that.
AL
Allyn,
good idea with the first aid kit. And what do you know, amazon just happens to sell first aid kits
I am going to do EMS video training for my company and the great part is I’ll get paid for it and it’ll pay off the camera equipment.
I’ve thought about doing training dvd’s on the side and selling them, but the big boys run those niches and there’s not a whole lot of demand. Either that or I am just looking at the wrong keywords.
Allyn,
Nicely laid out on product reviews. Short and to the point.
I think showing your lawn would have been more appropriate for lawn care than showing your pool.
Your pool would have been a great example of how to keep your pool clean. Something we struggled with when we had our pool.
Hi Denise, great to see you!
Yep, you are 100% correct that being in the lawn would have been better. I didn’t, however, cuz I had just sprayed some iron and didn’t want to stain up my skin and clothes, …better planning next time for sure!
As far as the pool, well, it is a big headache, but well worth it IMO.
AL
The fact that you produce videos that are product specific and not cinematic productions is what has made your product reviews successful in my opinion. If you were doing a review on video editing software, well then yes, you should make it a big production to highlight what the software is capable of.
If you are reviewing a weedeater, the fact that you show me the features of the weedeater by actually cranking it, cutting some weeds and highlighting the price, features etc., you have filled my needs and given me the info so I can make an informed decision. I am highly likely to click your link and purchase the product. If I have just discovered grub worms in my lawn and have walked in my house dirty and sweating and jumped on the internet to research grub worm prevention, I can promise, I’m not looking for glam and glitz. I’m looking for a specific product.
I don’t mind the Billy Mays approach (R.I.P) as long as you give me what I need. I love people with personality (you are a great example) and the fact that you offer a combination of both, I send your links to my friends and encourage them to follow your sites and advice. Human nature is to share with others when you find things of value. If you provide that in your reviews and give your viewers a warm fuzzy & trusting feeling you cannot prevent your success.
Wow, I didn’t know that Billy Mays Died. Man, people are dropping like flies. I love the show “pitchmen” and watch it every wed night just to learn more about selling and see how much work goes into an infomercial. Tragic.
Allyn. Pretty straight forward. I would show the actual product just so everyone know you actually use it.
Question, after reading the comments it seems that everyone has a specific niche that they work in. With me, you know that I own a few poker blogs/sites. Should I be sticking with that niche all the time? I mean, I am really all over the place just making sites with products I think are quality, solve a problem, and are the best in that niche. I get my ideas from friends and family buying things and my own purchases.
Eric,
yeah, I usually do show the product but this time left it out.
we all have a “main” niche or “flagship” that we show, but have dozens or more blgs in other niches.
you are on the right track by looking at what your friends and fam look for. just keep building
Hey AL, thanks for the example.
It helps to see what you are talkin’ about.
-JL
Al,
I like the way you put together your sales video, I would expect it to generate sales well in your target niche. You are using what you promote, you have the same problem as your customers and show them how you addressed it, so it must work well IMO. Plus it will be a nice service where you provide feedback on your results. Thanks a lot and keep up the good work!
Andy
i think i watched almost all your videos. lol.
excellent blog man.
Hey AL, I thought I’d refresh this post’s
comments for ya. LOL!
When you get rewrites of things, how many
times does that work for? I remember
at one point you had some kind of a serial
process even with rewriting rewritten rewrites
yada yada.
Any tips appreciated.