Will somebody please tell the folks over at ClickZ that video press releases are alive and well?
A post yesterday indicated the writer wasn’t aware of how often video is being used successfully in press releases. A link to an audio or video clip can be incredibly powerful.
Readers simply click on the video link and watch a short video of you extolling the benefits of your product or service. Here are other ways you can use video:
—Readers can watch you demonstrate a new product.
—They can see you interviewing a customer who has used your product successfully, and the customer can offer a testimonial.
—If you’re a professional speaker, they can watch a snippet of you at a recent presentation.
—If you’re an author, they can see you reading at a recent book signing.
—Artists can show short videos of their artwork in various stages of completion.
—A gourmet cooking can do a quick cooking demonstration.
I’m sure you can think of many other uses for video. Take a look at this fabulous example of how security expert Robert Siciliano used video in his press release to establish his credibility instantly and to show he’s a media darling. He distributed it through Expertclick, the online the press release distribution service I use.
As for the naysayers who are complaining “But journalists don’t want to have to sit through video,” they’re forgetting that today’s smart Publicity Hounds are writing press releases and posting them online not only for journalists, but for consumers. People can find your press release online, click on a link to go to your website and enter your sales funnel—even if journalists don’t think your release is worthy of their time and attention.
Learn how to write and distribute press releases in my free email tutorial called “89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Releases.”
Joan:
Now you know this topic is near and dear to my heart. I am going to link to this post in my blog…thanks again!
John
If you’re talking about video news releases, I beg to differ. Even companies that provide these services have advised me they’re doing less of them, stations are avoiding them, etc. Anyone in PR who hasn’t been living under a rock knows this. There is absolutely a place for video online. But one must concede the considerable costs in both time and money that polished, professional video segments entail. Peace be to you.
Mark, remember that video posted online—even press releases posted online—aren’t just for the benefit of the media. They are for consumers and end users, many of whom might end up visiting our websites and entering our sales cycle.
Many consumers will spend a lot of time watching online video if it includes informatin they’re looking for. That same information might be of no interest whatsoever to the traditional media.