MARKETING IN 2009? HERE'S AN IDEA!

Given the current state of the economy, every company is looking to save money more than ever. Period. We've all seen companies who just 12 months ago were laughing all the way to the bank---finding themselves cutting back on everything from employees and the type of coffee they provide for those who are left, to the type of toilet paper they put in the company stalls!
Nobody is happy about it--but as they say---it is was it is.

So as we start 2009 every company has to take a serious look at the most cost effective way to market themselves. Instead of trying many of the "tired" old ways of the past, smart companies are getting maxium bang for their marketing buck by utilizing "video" online to the max. That sounds pretty simple---but give me about two more minutes of your time--and I'll explain.

Why professional video? Well, the obvious answer is simple. Why not let people "see" and "hear" what sets you apart rather than using traditional "text" and "still" pictures alone for your website? That's an elementary explanation but it doesn't address the most important part of the equation which is it's cost effective. Consider this: Webstorytellers (www.webstorytellers.com) provides professional video for everyone from wineries, resorts, and Real Estate companies, to Cisco partners and other major I-T companies. Why are so many now turning to video? Because the budget allows for it. Once a company commits to putting its marketing money into its online front porch (it's home page) that money not only works for this year--but for the next year--the year after that, and likely for years to come after that. Heck, in the old days (and unfortunately even now) companies would spend thousands of dollars for a "one-minute" commercial that would run during a particular show on tv, or radio a few times, and that was it. If people were watching or listening to that show, that money might have been well spent if it prompted people to act and buy right then. So, if a company will spend thousands of dollars to run an ad a particular week or month (and that's it) why would they not pay that same money, or less, on something that can run 24/7 for years? That's not a trick question! That money is well spent.

Video provides a professional look, can help with converting casual browsers to real customers, and can help get you found on the web because of Google's use of Universal search. So if video makes you look better, can covert curious and potential customers into real paying customers, and can help you get found online 24/7, what's not to like about it? It makes sense.
So if you're the boss, and someone comes to you with the bright idea to "cut the marketing budget" do what you must. But don't forget, if you don't show people who you really are, they'll never really know. We believe they'll search for someone who uses video to save money and lose interest in your services faster than you can say "let's quit buying toilet paper!"