January 2010 Newsletter
ONLINE VIDEO MARKETING MATTERS!
Virtually all of us turn to the internet as our number one spot for gathering information. So it makes sense for businesses to use this form of content delivery. Now, this may sound like a self serving subject, and in a way, it is. But, several recent articles and surveys show posting video to your website is an effective way to get noticed. In fact, one study found a dramatic jump in preference for video in just the past 12 months. Over 154.2 million people are watching on-line videos this year compared to 113.3 million in 2006.
So why should you consider it?
First, I go a hundred miles an hour. But even I can't be in two places at once (although I am working on that). That's why I personally welcome visitors to our site via video. That video gets great reviews every time someone visits… and it makes it easier to spot me when we do meet in person.
When you use web video, your personal message reaches hundreds of thousands of potential customers without having to travel. And, it pre-qualifies potential customers to be sure they are really interested. They spend a few minutes, get a feel for what you offer, and then contact you... or "click away". Another good reason to spice up your site with video is that on-line video is less passive than TV. It engages your customer as they click through your site to see what your business is all about.
If you are considering a website open, choose someone who isn't afraid of the camera, and with a little coaching, will represent your company well. Use video to let your customers rave about your work. But keep the sound bites short! It's always more impressive getting a review from a third party. Video is a great way to let web site visitors see you, your organization or products in action. This is more precise than text because you don't just talk about it, you show it.
If you want more info, check out this article from the Small Business Association of Michigan.
If reading this has sparked any thought about using on-line video marketing, give us a call to brainstorm ideas.
A COLORFUL LAUNCH
Revolutionary—that's how X-Rite describes its new xDNA™ color technology. Whether its cars, appliances, textiles, photos - really anything - you're guaranteed your colors will match, PERFECTLY.
Our mission? To help X-Rite launch xDNA™ at the 2009 NPE: International Plastics Showcase in Chicago. Working with X-Rite's John Kowalski, Director of Strategic Marketing, Industrial, we developed a complete video campaign. First, there was a pre-show video e-mail teasing the viewer to head to X-Rite's microsite to get more information on the product and sign up for NPE. Once on the site, Marketing Manager Brian Teunis welcomed viewers and provided a sneak peek of the new xDNA™ color technology, its features and benefits. More than 16,000 people visited the website where they could view a video documentary highlighting the product development process, read more information about products and sign up for NPE 2009.
For the show, CK & CO created a looping video for strategically placed plasma screens showing all that xDNA™ had to offer. A second looping video featured other products and services.
During the show, CK & CO was there to videotape NPE-goers to get first-hand reaction to the product. That video was packaged into a short video news release to further promote xDNA™.
"We wanted to establish a main portal for all NPE-related information to be housed by offering this virtual experience to reach those that could not attend the show in person and to augment the experience for those attending. The videos played a crucial role in our communications. The feedback was outstanding from staff, media and most importantly customers," says Kowalski.
Another cool feature for those who couldn't physically make it to NPE 2009? Kowalski also posted LIVE real-time updates via Twitter– from inside the action.
See many of the pieces we created at X-Rite NPE videos website.
DO YOU POKEN™?
At CK & CO, we're techies. We love having- and using- the latest gadgets that make things easier. That's why we're "Poken™" you with a little idea. A Poken™ is a small character that helps keep you in touch. It serves as a social networking business card by storing your contact information, along with your networking pages, like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn® & more! We first learned about the Poken™ at an American Marketing Association meeting, and we have to admit they're pretty great.
Here's how it works. Hold two Poken™ hands together – they call this a high4 – you're connected! Once you’ve swapped information, plug the little Poken™ hand into your computer's USB port, and pull up www.doyoupoken.com. Create a profile for yourself, save your information and you're good to go! Your contacts can then be saved to whatever contact keeper you use – or just keep them on the Poken™ site.
There are lots of features in this small tool. Let's say you meet someone with whom you do not want to connect. It can be awkward to tell them you don't want to exchange your information – but Poken™ has a solution. Click the hand twice, and you've switched into ghost mode. This keeps your profile information safe, and still allows you to see the profile of the other person.
Another cool feature – if people you've shared information with get a new job, or change positions, phone numbers, e-mails (you know how it goes) the Poken™ website automatically updates their information on your Poken™ account. Which means you no longer have to update your contacts every single year – it does it all for you!
CK & Co is "Poken™" - you might want to try it too! And, the next time you're at a tradeshow or networking event bring your Poken™ with you.
CK & CO HAS A NEW ADDITION!
We're excited to welcome Jason Woods to our team! He (like so many of us here) has an extensive background in broadcasting. He worked at WOOD TV 8 for seven years starting on the production side and transitioned into the promotions department as a producer, writer & editor. His heart lies in editing where he can sit down with a blank slate and turn it into something amazing. He also admits he's a little particular. To some, that may be a fault, but we're pretty picky too – so he fits right in.
He's a theme park fanatic, loves roller coasters and everything about the theme park industry. He even worked at Walt Disney World® as a bell hop on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ (a great excuse to get a few extra rounds on the ride!). Another hobby is going to live concerts – he's been to around 200 shows over the past several years.
If you see him out and about, be sure to welcome Jason to our crew!