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By: Ann Quinn
There’s been a big increase in interactive video production in recent months. We compiled a list of 9 1/2 reasons why brands should start thinking about interactive videos.
Now we can embed links, activities or offer bonus content right inside a video. And you know like we always say, an engaged consumer is eight times more valuable than a passive one.
– no matter what your objective, you can creatively plug it in contextually into the content.
There are two billion videos views per day on YouTube. Unless your name is Justin Bieber or dare I say, Rebecca Black, try standing out in that crowd with same old same old.
If your video is technologically advanced, what does that say about your brand? Um, that you are hip, ahead of the curve, a leader in your segment. Good stuff.
Interactive videos get more air time, meaning people spend more time with them. Goes without saying, right? Now who wouldn’t want people to spend more time with their video?
Face it, if you saw a video that engaged you, was innovative and let your interact in cool ways, wouldn’t you share it?
This one’s easy. The more interesting something is, the more people interact with it.
Interactive by definition says two way, so find creative ways to capture data using video engagement. E-trade did a very cool job of this by putting their actual Stock Ticker right in a lower third portion of video. Very clever and useful.
Imagine creatively nesting a commerce link right into your video. Brilliant.
OK, we know this is a little fluffy, that’s why we gave it partial weight.
While interactive videos may not be the right strategy for every campaign, or for every branded content effort, but at the end of the day, it does a great job of harnessing a video view and channeling it into a direction that helps brands reach their marketing goals using video content.
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By: Jessica Malnik
What happens when the best and brightest minds in digital video plan a get-to-together in New York City? It means there is sure to be amazing content and discussions about the latest tools and trends.
The IAB Marketplace Digital Video Conference takes place on April 4th in New York City.
Some of the speakers include Razorfish Media Director Megan Tweed, Nielson Senior VP of Analytics Jon Gibs, and Youtube Global Content Operations Director Tom Pickett.
ClickFire Media Senior Vice-President of Business Development Bruce Ginsberg said he’s looking forward to attending the event next week.
“As a producer of top-quality digital video, we are doing this work everyday and we feel it’s important to stay in the loop,” Ginsberg said. “We are going to learn and meet others in our industry. Plus, we are always looking to up our game.”
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By: Jessica Malnik
A Quick Response (QR) code is a two-dimensional bar-shaped code that can be scanned by all smartphones to obtain information. These bar codes can hold website URLs, videos, music, Google Map links, photos and music files, which can be scanned and downloaded to your mobile device in a matter of seconds.
There are literally dozens of QR Code scanner apps for smart phones. Some of the best free QR code readers include ScanLife and QRReader (for the iPhone), BarCode Scanner App (for the Droid) and ScanLife Bar Code Reader (for the Blackberry).
Once you have downloaded your designated scanner app, it’s time to open the app and start scanning. Each app varies a bit, but they all involve you pointing your phone’s camera directly at the code. After a few seconds, it will automatically pull up the designated information on the code.
Just like most companies, we love digging our teeth into data. There are several great services out there (both free and paid) that deliver a wide variety of data.
Two great free alternatives are Delivr and iNigma. Among other data, they offer ways to track QR Code scans, CTRs and what kind of mobile device they are scanning from.
It’s also important to create ad hoc landing pages when creating QR codes that link back to your website. You can track the landing page traffic via your designated website analytics platform, such as Google Analytics, Web Trends and Omniture.
QR codes can be a great marketing and sales tool for companies. The easiest way to start implementing QR Codes is to incorporate them in your sales documents, presentations, brochures and business cards. Many companies have the QR Code go to their company’s mobile-friendly website, Facebook fan page or Linkedin profile. But, other great options include linking a QR Code to your ecommerce site or to an interactive video with clickable links.
With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless. Some creative examples include QR Code scavenger hunts, augmented reality applications and even incorporating them in location based platforms, which is what Raleigh, N.C. based start-up, Tri-Out is doing.
Have you seen any creative QR Code applications recently? Please share them below in our comment section or on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
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By:Jessica Malnik
The SXSW interactive conference may be over. But, we compiled some of the best highlights and advice from the panels. Here are 10 memorable one-liners from some of the best panels.
“We tend to think of the Internet as numbers & metrics, but don’t forget it all comes down to people watching & experiencing.” -Felicia Day
“95% of iPhone and Droid apps have less than 1,000 downloads total.” -Aaron Forth
“In today’s world that sounds kind of nuts. Apple likes it if you pay them. That’s what Apple likes… they invented a gadget. Until that gadget gets superceded by others, which will happen, their closed system will work.”- Barry Diller
“Internet access should be a utility, like electricity, and that service providers demands to be allowed to charge different amounts for different types of traffic was like asking the toaster to pay for the electricity.”- Barry Diller
“To be successful in social media, provide value. Value means providing: 1. info 2. insights and/or 3. assistance.” -Guy Kawasaki
“Enchant all the influencers.” The people in the middle and the bottom generally are the most helpful. -Guy Kawasaki
“Once it’s out there, it’s out there. Removing content is just going to start another nightmare for the company.” -Fred Meyer
“If u take care of your employees, they will take care of your customers, which then takes care of your investors.” -Paula Berg
“Giving doesn’t just feel good. It’s actually a really good business strategy.” -Blake Mycoskie (Founder of Toms Shoes)
“Everyone in social media marketing today is like a 19 year old dude. They try to close too fast.” -Gary Vaynerchuk
