4 Easy and Inexpensive AI’s to Fix Your Audio

Recording high-quality audio can be a struggle, especially when you're relying on a phone's built-in mic or working in less-than-ideal environments. Fortunately, AI has revolutionized the way we handle audio.

Here are 4 easy and inexpensive AI’s to Fix Your Audio:

1. Elevenlabs Voice Isolator - Separates and enhances vocal tracks from audio recordings by removing background noise, music, and ambient sounds.

2. Audo Studio Noise Removal - Automatically reduces noise and isolates voices, removing sounds like hums, wind, barking dogs, and clatters.

3. Krisp AI Noise Cancellation - Cancels real-time noise during virtual meetings, like keyboard clicks, chatter, and traffic noise on platforms like Zoom.

4. Adobe Enhance Speech - Enhances audio clarity by reducing background noise and improving vocal quality for clear, professional recordings.

Whether you're trying to eliminate background noise, reduce echoes, or simply enhance your voice, these AI tools make it easier than ever to achieve professional results without the need for expensive equipment.

Sellers Want the Spotlight: Marketing Strategies for Top Listing Agents

What sets you apart from other listing agents? In today’s competitive real estate market, sellers expect more than just the status quo. They’re looking for innovative strategies that give their homes a competitive edge. Marketing a home involves more than just syndicating through the MLS. So, how are you stepping-up your sellers’ experience and ensuring their property stands out?

Consider Brad McCallum, who’s created a distinctive “seller stage” through his YouTube channel. His property tours aren’t just videos—they’re like HGTV episodes that captivate viewers and attract thousands of potential buyers. Sellers see this and think, “That’s the kind of exposure I want for my home.”

But you don’t have to be a video extraordinaire to create your own stage. The challenge is to find what works best for you in your market. Maybe it’s a well-curated email list full of potential buyers, a locally-concentrated social media following, or an event strategy that drives major buzz and press. The key is to think beyond the conventional methods and build a platform (i.e., a “stage”) that highlights your listings in a way that resonates with today’s sellers.

 The possibilities are endless, but the goal is the same: to offer something more, something memorable that makes sellers confident in your ability to market their home.

So, what’s your seller stage? How are you setting the scene to ensure your listings get the attention they deserve? The real estate market is evolving, and the agents who thrive will be those who continually innovate and captivate their clients.

How to Win Home Buyers with In-Depth Community Tour Videos

What if you made a commitment to consistently creating super in-depth, high-quality community tour videos? Consider this: Buyers will naturally turn to Google and YouTube for answers to their questions and curiosities—e.g. “Should we move here or there?”—where they’ll come across your tours.

In terms of segments to include in your videos:

1. Lifestyle & Amenities: Highlight the area’s lifestyle, amenities, and activities.

2. Land Analysis: Analyze the land—the topography, geography, and what it means for residents.

3. Traffic & Transit: Share insights on traffic patterns, commutes, and transit options.

4. Real Estate Market: Discuss the real estate market: performance, trends, forecasts, and more.

5. Home Tours: Coordinate with happy residents to tour their homes, giving viewers an inside look.

6. Housing History: Highlight the community’s housing history—what was built, when, and the quality.

Imagine having a catalog of every community in your market. Think about how valuable that would be for potential buyers and how it could set you apart in the real estate world. What’s more, consider what prospective sellers would think of you—they’d see you as the expert of that area.

First Look: Google Tests New "Short Videos" Tab in Mobile Search, Aggregating Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikToks

It looks like Google is rolling out a new "Short Videos" tab in mobile search, gradually introducing it alongside the familiar Images, News, and Videos tabs. This section pulls content from Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikToks. Now, traditionally, platforms like Instagram have depended on scroll-based discovery, with algorithms dictating what appears in your feed. They've always lagged behind in search functionality—but that's changing. With advancements in the generative AI language processing space, social search capabilities are improving rapidly.

In light of this change, it's becoming increasingly important to strategically optimize your content for maximum visibility. For some time now, I've been encouraging you to embed top keywords into your post captions and video transcripts to enhance discoverability on high-intent searches. With Google's new tab for short videos, the significance of SEO on social platforms has been underscored even more. Now, more than ever, it’s essential to refine your SEO strategies to ensure your content stands out amidst the digital noise and reaches your target audience effectively. It's time to get savvy with keywords and leverage this new opportunity to enhance your online presence.

P.S. Keep in mind, this appears to be a test they’re rolling out gradually. You may not find it on your device yet. I have a Google alert set up for whenever my name shows up on the Internet. I started noticing a few months ago that my Instagram Reels were indexing with Google, as I was getting alerts. That was new. It seems as though this is the continuation of that effort – a dedicated vertical video feed on Google!

LinkedIn's Strategic Pivot: A Dive into Vertical Video

LinkedIn's latest move to test a vertical video feed signals a strategic pivot into the video-centric world dominated by TikTok and Instagram. By diving into this landscape, LinkedIn aims to stake its claim in the influencer marketing realm that has propelled its competitors to success. Confident in its ability to compete, LinkedIn is strategically reducing its focus on traditional networking in favor of embracing dynamic content consumption habits.

This decision reflects LinkedIn's recognition of evolving content trends and its determination to offer users a more engaging experience. However, the platform must navigate the balance between maintaining its professional identity and embracing the creativity inherent in vertical video formats. Despite challenges, LinkedIn's venture into vertical video holds promise, opening doors for brands, marketers, and creators to explore new avenues for engagement and growth within a professional context.

YouTube In-Stream Ads: Your Key to Cost-Effective and Targeted Marketing

Surprisingly underutilized, YouTube In-Stream ads—the commercials that play before, during, or after a viewer's chosen video—are a potent tool waiting to be fully embraced in your marketing mix.

Here’s why you should look more closely into YouTube ads:

1. Remarkably Cost-Effective: Only pay for “TrueViews,” which means your budget is spent on viewers who watch at least 30 seconds of your ad, watch it entirely, or engage by clicking a link. It's an efficient way to maximize your exposure without draining your budget.

2. Unmatched Targeting Capabilities: YouTube Ads, through Google Ads, open doors to precisely defined audience segments. Whether it’s homeowners within your geographical area, individuals actively searching for a real estate agent, or prospects deemed ready to purchase soon, the specificity is unparalleled.

3. Television's Rival: Achieving the “I see you everywhere” status can be a challenge amidst the digital din. Having said that, YouTube commercials cut through the noise with a distinctive flair that captures attention, offering a memorable presence that resonates and sticks. It’s your way to stand out and be remembered, just like prime-time TV used to allow.

Running YouTube In-Stream Ads via Google Ads

• Access Google Ads: Log into your Google Ads account. Create one if you haven't yet.

• Create a New Campaign: Navigate to the "Campaigns" section, click on it, then press the "+" button to start a new campaign.

• Specify Your Goal: For a wider range of ad format options, create a campaign without a specific goal. This approach allows for greater flexibility in your campaign's setup.

• Choose Ad Format and Subtype: After choosing to create a campaign without a goal, select "Video" as the campaign type. This will automatically set your campaign subtype to "Video views," which is ideal for those aiming to maximize the number of views on their video ads.

• Campaign Details:

• Name Your Campaign: Assign a clear, descriptive name to your campaign for easy tracking and management.

• TargetCPV Bid: Target Cost Per View (CPV) determines how much you're willing to pay each time someone views your ad. Setting an effective CPV bid is crucial for balancing your budget with your desired ad exposure.

• Set Budget and Dates: Choose a daily or total budget for your campaign and set the campaign's duration. This helps manage your advertising spend over time.

• Networks Option: You may want to consider whether to include or exclude "Video Partners on the Display Network." Including them can increase your ad's reach, but because some partner site videos play automatically with sound off, it might not always result in engaged views. Weigh this option based on your campaign goals and budget.

• Geographic Location: Specify the geographic areas where you want your ads to appear. Targeting specific locations ensures your ads are seen by users in areas most relevant to your business.

• Ad Group Naming and Purpose: Ad groups help organize your campaign by grouping together ads with similar target audiences. Naming your ad group helps differentiate between various strategies or themes within your campaign.

• Audience Selection: Use the "Audience" section to target specific segments like homeowners or those actively searching for real estate agents. The "Interests & detailed demographics" option allows you to search for or select these segments directly. Custom audiences can also be created based on Google search behaviors or by using your own data for targeted advertising.

• Your YouTube Video: Insert the link to your YouTube video in the designated box, detailing where viewers will be directed upon clicking your ad. Separate naming for your campaign, ad group, and ad helps in organizing and tracking the performance of each.

• Bidding and Estimations:

• Bid Strategy: Input a Target CPV based on Google's recommendations or start with an initial bid, such as $0.05, if no recommendation is available. This strategy helps you manage the cost per view of your ad.

• Performance Estimations: Monitor the estimates provided in the right-hand sidebar regarding budget use and audience size. Ensuring your ad utilizes most of your budget and reaches a significant portion of your target audience is essential for campaign effectiveness.

Before launching, thoroughly review your campaign settings to ensure they align with your marketing goals. Verify the functionality of all links and the appropriateness of your video content.

After confirming the details, proceed to "Save and Continue" to submit your ad for review. Once approved, your ad will go live according to your specified settings.

Continuously monitor your campaign's performance metrics, such as views, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Regular analysis allows for timely adjustments and optimizations to improve your YouTube in-stream ads' effectiveness.

The bottom line

YouTube In-Stream ads offer cost-effective marketing with 'TrueViews' and unparalleled targeting through Google Ads. It’s time to elevate your brand, captivate your audience, and unlock the full potential of this powerful advertising tool to stay ahead in the competitive world of digital marketing

Crafting Connections: Instagram's Hyperlocal Blueprint for Community Engagement

Ever noticed the TikTok-like trend in your Instagram feeds, where content is curated based on your interests, not just who you follow?

This is where you can shine by focusing on hyperlocal content. Craft posts that resonate uniquely with your neighbors and potential customers. Whether it's featuring the latest community event, spotlighting beloved local spots, or sharing anecdotes that locals can instantly relate to, your goal is to create a sense of camaraderie.

But remember, it's about the big picture – a consistent stream of local posts trains the algorithm to highlight your account within your community. Infuse a touch of behind-the-scenes charm from your daily life or business for that added authenticity. This personal touch not only engages but solidifies your connection with your local audience.

So, the next time you capture a moment, think local. Share the essence of your community, and watch as your Instagram presence becomes a central gathering point for local connection and engagement.

Facebook's Renaissance: Reviving Engagement in 2024 🚀

2023 marked a turning point for Facebook, witnessing a surge in user engagement, thanks to its strategic pivot towards AI-suggested content.

Here's what's changed/changing:

1. Increased User Engagement: Despite fewer user-generated posts, overall engagement on Facebook is climbing. 📈

2. Shift from Creation to Consumption: A decline in content creation opens doors for businesses and brands to captivate an audience hungry for content. 📉

3. Interest-Based Algorithm Shift: Facebook is refining its algorithm, increasingly mirroring TikTok's approach by focusing more on interests-based content, including posts from non-connections, rather than solely on social networking updates. 🤖

Recommendation for 2024:

Capitalize on this trend by doubling down on vertical videos that resonate deeply with your target audience's interests. It's time to align your content strategy with the evolving Facebook landscape.

Mastering Thumbnails: A Guide to Boosting Your Video Views with AI

Thumbnails are crucial in drawing viewers 👀 to your videos. Unfortunately, poor or missing thumbnails might be limiting your reach.

Notwithstanding, creating thumbnails can be a major hassle – but not anymore! Thanks to generative AI tools with text-to-image capabilities, such as Adobe Firefly, DALL-E 3 by OpenAI, and/or Midjourney, designing your next thumbnail is just a few sentences away.

My top picks are:

• DALL-E 3 excels in creating artistic images like sketches or graphics and is fairly good with images containing text. However, it's not the best for hyperrealistic images, like photos.

• Adobe Firefly, on the other hand, might not be the best for sketches and graphics but shines in producing ultra-realistic photos, particularly human faces.

Here's a quick guide to creating a thumbnail like an AI pro:

1. Generate a background image using either DALL-E or Firefly, depending on your needs.

2. Screenshot or export a single frame from your video featuring you.

3. Use Firefly to remove the background and layer it over your chosen background.

4. Add stylized text using a tool like Canva or Adobe Express, or even DALL-E if it suits your style.

By leveraging these AI tools, you can create eye-catching thumbnails efficiently, enhancing your video's appeal and potentially boosting your views. Remember, a compelling thumbnail is your first impression, so make it count!

Cut Your Video Editing Time in Half with AI

From social media platforms to marketing campaigns, videos have become a staple in our daily lives. But as the demand for video content continues to skyrocket, creators often find themselves struggling with a relentless need for more high-quality videos.

Traditionally, video editing was a laborious and time-consuming process. It required a steep learning curve, expensive software, and a significant investment in hardware. As a result, many content creators and businesses faced a dilemma: should they compromise on video quality to meet the ever-increasing demand, or should they invest an enormous amount of time and resources into the editing process?

This dilemma often led to creators either sacrificing video quality or struggling to keep up with the demand, causing unnecessary stress and burnout.

The arrival of AI-powered video editing tools has brought a breath of fresh air for content creators. These tools are designed to streamline the video editing process and make it accessible to a broader audience.

Here are some of the ways AI is revolutionizing the world of video editing:

1. Automation: AI tools can automate various aspects of video editing, such as cutting, trimming, and even applying transitions and effects. This automation significantly reduces the time required to create a polished video.

2. Speed: With AI, you can create professional-quality videos in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. This speed is a game-changer in meeting the demands of an audience hungry for new content.

3. Accessibility: AI-powered video editing tools are designed to be user-friendly, making them accessible to individuals with little to no video editing experience. Now, you don't need to be a professional editor to produce high-quality videos.

4. Consistency: AI tools ensure consistency across your video content, which is crucial for maintaining your brand's image and audience engagement.

5. Cost-Efficiency: AI-powered video editing tools are often more affordable than traditional editing software and require minimal investment in hardware.

6. Creativity: AI tools can also help spark creativity by suggesting edits, effects, and music choices, allowing you to experiment with new ideas and styles.

AI-powered video editing tools enable creators to balance quality and quantity effortlessly. They offer a user-friendly, time-efficient, and cost-effective way to enhance video content. It’s time to embrace the future of video editing to stay ahead in the dynamic world of digital content creation.

Beat the Instagram Algorithm: From Scrolling to Staring

Feeling overlooked in a sea of endless scrolling? The trick it to stop the scroll; it's to command it.

Social platforms have conditioned us all to crave that "next thing." Your video's job? Be that next thing.

How AI is Revolutionizing Personalized Video Marketing

Imagine sending a personalized video to every new lead the moment they sign up. With AI tools like Gan.ai, Maverick, and BHuman, this isn't just a pipe dream—it's a reality you can begin implementing today.

How It Truly Works

Record just one heartfelt welcome video, personalized to an individual. That's your starting point. These AI tools then employ voice synthesis and lip-syncing to not just replicate but also personalize the video for each new lead.

The magic lies in the AI's ability to replace specific words you never actually said in your original recording. It's akin to the merge tags in emails, which auto-fill details like names, addresses, or product types. But this time, it's for videos.

The Tech Behind the Curtain

• Voice Synthesis: This technology can replace words in your original recording to personalize details, making the voice almost indistinguishable from your own.

• Lip-Syncing: The AI adjusts your mouth movements in the original video to match the replaced words, creating an incredibly authentic experience for the viewer.

CRM Integration: The Icing on the Cake

What makes this even more compelling is the potential for CRM integration. While full compatibility with all CRMs isn't guaranteed, many of these AI tools are designed to work seamlessly with popular CRM systems. This means automated, personalized videos could be sent out the moment a new lead is captured.

A Word to the Wise

While this technology is groundbreaking, it's still emerging. Be aware of potential "artifacts," or glitches, that could reveal the AI's hand in your video. Proceed with caution.

Are you ready to embrace the transformative power of AI in marketing? With AI-driven tools like personalized video messages, you're not being replaced; you're being multiplied.

The 3 Essentials for Viral Video Success on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok

The 3 Essentials for Viral Video Success on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media algorithms is already a tall order, and when you add the constant need for fresh content, even seasoned marketers can feel overwhelmed. To cut through the chaos and elevate your video content on today's top social media platforms, zero in on these three game-changing factors.

Make It "Searchable"

SEO isn't just for blogs. Keywords are essential for aligning your video with the right audience. But let's be clear: Keywords are about more than just hashtags.

The algorithms have gotten smarter and can understand your video's context through transcripts, captions, and descriptions. So know your audience and trust that the algorithm aims to do the same. Team up with it by integrating relevant keywords across all text associated with your video.

Keep It "Streamable"

Audience attention spans are notoriously short. Platforms have conditioned us to crave new visuals every few seconds. While scrolling is endless, viewer attention to a single video is fleeting.

So how do you stop the scroll and make them stick around? Change it up. Use pattern interrupts like b-roll, gifs, sound effects, or split screens to keep the visuals moving. Do that, and you'll not only keep eyes glued but also make the algorithm favor you.

Make It "Shareable"

The end game is “shareability.” Platforms, especially Instagram, measure interactions heavily—and right now, they're putting a premium on sharing. Instagram has a competitive edge over TikTok with its DM feature, and it's pressing that advantage.

When your content gets DM'd (i.e., shared), it's the algorithmic equivalent of striking gold. So… aim for gold by making sharing the focal point of your calls-to-action.

By focusing on making your video searchable, streamable, and shareable, you'll not only reach your target audience but also turn the ever-elusive algorithms into allies. It's time to level up your social media game.
P.S. Craving a deeper dive into mastering the art of viral video content? Don't miss out. Catch my full podcast episode on this topic to unlock even more strategies for social media success. Watch/Listen Now.

Every Video Counts: Are You Building a Brand or Just Filling Space?

The pressure to produce video content is real. Whether you're diving into TikTok, YouTube, or Reels, you're faced with a crucial choice: Will your next video enhance or erode your brand?

Why You're Here: Purpose Over Pressure

Before you even think about hitting "Publish," ask yourself: "What's the purpose of this video?" Your content should align with your brand's mission and values, not just fill space.

The Impact of Different Video Types: It's Not Just About Format

• Reels, Shorts, & TikToks: With shorter viewership time, every second counts. Be purposeful in your messaging to prime viewers for deeper engagement. Otherwise, those views are fleeting and won't contribute to meaningful brand-building.

• Long-Form YouTube (On Demand): Here's where you can go in-depth. Leverage SEO to align your content with the queries and intent of viewers who are actively searching. This isn't just about views; it's about meeting a need and establishing your brand as a go-to resource.

By understanding the nuances of different video types, you can better strategize how each piece of content serves your brand's larger mission. Make every frame count. 🎥

Your Tactical Takeaways

• Plan, Don't Panic: A well-thought-out content schedule is a helpful sidekick.

• Quality, Not Quantity: A few great videos beat a flood of forgettable ones.

• Consistency Without Compromise: Stick to a posting schedule, but never at the expense of quality.

So, what are you building? A towering brand or a forgettable facade? Each video is a chance to build something lasting. Make it count.

Instagram's Extended Reel Runtimes and the Future of Your Content Strategy

Back to the Future: The Revival of Long-Form Content

Remember when Instagram retired its long-form "IGTV" feature? Well, it's making a comeback, but this time under the Reels banner. Instagram is internally testing 3-minute and 10-minute Reels, and this move is more than just a nod to TikTok's success. It's a fascinating glimpse into the cyclical nature of content trends.

The Trend Cycle: Short to Long and Back Again

In the digital age, trends are cyclical. We started with short videos, moved to long-form, and then circled back to short-form content like Stories and TikTok. Now, we're seeing a resurgence of mid-length content. Understanding these cycles can give you a competitive edge. You'll know when to pivot your strategy and how to keep your audience engaged.

Why This Matters for Local Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Marketers

• Adaptability: Being aware of these trends allows you to adapt your content strategy. For Realtors, for instance, longer Reels could mean more time to showcase property tours or client testimonials.

• User Engagement: If you've built a following around short-form content, don't abandon it. Instead, integrate longer videos into your existing strategy to keep your audience engaged.

Takeaways and Recommendations

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on platform updates and be ready to adapt.

• Test and Measure: Don't dive headfirst into ONLY longer content. Test it out, measure its effectiveness, and then decide if it's worth fully integrating.

• Balance is Key: A mix of short, mid, and long-form content can help you reach a broader audience and keep your content fresh.

In a nutshell, the return/reemergence of longer Reels is a golden opportunity to diversify your content and engage your audience in new ways. So, my advice:  embrace the cycle, and use it to get more out of your Instagram marketing efforts.

Scroll-Stopping Secrets: 5 Proven Techniques to Increase Viewer Watch-Time

The success of your next video is heavily influenced by the amount of time viewers spend watching it. In the world of social media platforms like Instagram, watch-time plays a crucial role in determining the reach and visibility of your content. The longer viewers engage with your video, the more appealing it becomes to these platforms, leading to wider distribution and exposure to a larger audience.

Understanding the significance of watch-time is essential in developing strategies to increase viewer engagement. By implementing techniques that captivate and retain viewers' attention, you can maximize the watch-time and improve the overall performance of your videos.

Here are 5 tips to increase viewer watch-time:

1. Strong opening hook 🪝 - Grab attention, set the tone, and establish clear expectations to entice viewers to watch through till the end. Start with a question, a promise, or a perspective.

2. Optimize runtime ⏱ - Analyze your average watch-time and create videos that match in length to encourage “ watch completions.” If your recent videos averaged 10-15 seconds of watch time and you're posting 60-second videos, consider making your future videos shorter.

3. Captions & comments 💬 - Compose a quality caption that invites viewers to engage in the comments. The more comments, the more thread for viewers to scroll, thereby increasing your time-spent-on-post.

4. Better audio/visual 🎛 - Enhance viewer experience with relevant graphics, sounds, and subtitles; ensure a reasonable audio and video quality. Use Instagram’s built-in caption tool or apps like CapCut or Splice.

5. Prevent “scroll holes”🕳 - Minimize pauses, gaps, tangents, and irrelevant points that may cause viewers to lose interest and scroll away. Warning: when presenting a list, like "3 ways to ___,” each additional point decreases viewership, as they offer clear chances to exit.

Why Are You Creating Video? Cut through the noise, reset your purposes, and build your brand.

Every video you post either enhances or erodes your brand. No exceptions.

No doubt, you've been bombarded with the importance of leveraging video, and rightfully so. But ask yourself: Are you creating videos aimlessly, or are they a strategic means to achieve specific goals?

For example:

1. Video cultivates an unparalleled sense of know, like, and trust, unmatched by any other communication channel.

2. Video fosters an instant connection, forging affinity and building trust effortlessly with strangers who find you online or look you up on social.

3. Video enjoys preferential treatment in algorithms and social media platforms due to its widespread popularity, granting it broader reach and increasing the likelihood of your content being seen by a larger audience.

In the face of overwhelming demands from platforms to produce more content and create a seemingly endless stream of videos, it's crucial to remember the purpose behind your efforts.

Avoid getting caught in the trap of mindlessly producing content without considering how each video contributes to your goals and objectives.

How to Flatten the “Watch-Time Curve” and Level Up Your Video Performance on Social Media

The success of your next video on social media (or lack thereof) is hinged on a crucial factor: the video's "watch-time curve."

This curve, which is represented by a line chart 📉, reveals the duration viewers spend watching a video and highlights the points where viewership declines. The flatter the curve, the better, as it indicates that the video successfully retains viewers' attention.

Platforms like YouTube and Instagram offer metrics such as average duration watched and average percentage watched, thereby helping creators understand what does (or doesn’t) resonate with viewers. If the viewership rate surpasses 100% in these metrics, it signifies that viewers are re-watching the video – a positive sign.

The more of your video viewers watch, the higher the chances that platforms will distribute and recommend your content to a broader audience. The underlying reason is pretty simple: as viewers spend more time watching your video, it becomes more valuable to the platforms due to its contribution in retaining users for longer durations.

To elevate your video game, focus on:

• Opening hook: Grab attention, set the tone, and establish clear expectations to entice viewers to watch through till the end.

• Optimize runtime: Analyze average watch time and create videos that match in length to encourage "watch completions."

• Enhance audio/Visual: Enhance the viewer experience with relevant graphics, sounds, and subtitles; ensure an audio quality and video resolution of reasonable quality.

• Prevent “scroll holes”: Minimize pauses, gaps, tangents, and irrelevant points that may cause viewers to lose interest and click away.

The saying, "Success isn’t a straight line; it's a journey filled with twists and curves" may hold true for life's endeavors, but when it comes to videos, the opposite applies: hold the line!

The Real Reason You're Not Using Video (and How to Fix It)

Still on the fence about using video – even though it's widely recognized as one of the most effective marketing mediums on the planet? If yes, then this is for you.

I remember when I was early in my speaking career, backstage at a major event with nerves spiking. The room was packed, and I turned to a more experienced speaker next to me and asked if he was feeling the same way. He calmly replied, “nope.” I was like, “How on earth isn’t this guy nervous!?” He went on and explained being nervous signals that you're focusing inwardly on yourself, worrying about how you'll look and be judged. But if you shift your focus outwardly to your message and your audience, the nerves will melt away.

The same principle applies to video. It's not about you – it's about your message and its impact on your audience. Whether you are or aren’t leveraging video, it begs the question, why?—is it for an ego-boost, to check a box, or to have an impact?

The Power of Video in Real Estate Marketing: 3 Types of Videos to Build Your Brand

Video is the undisputed champion of content for social media marketing. The reason is simple: business is all about relationships. Video can help you build trust, convey your personality, and showcase “who you are” to your audience.

I like to call it "Murphy's Law for Social Media Marketing" – if something can be in video format, it will be. Social media users crave more video content, but not everyone takes advantage of this opportunity to create what's been demanded. Social platforms, for instance, frequently ask users what they'd like to see more of, and time-and-again, they say:  “VIDEO!”

So there’s a strategic advantage to be gained… By prioritizing video content, you can simultaneously set yourself apart from the competition as well as foster stronger relationships with your audience.

Here are three types of videos that can help you build your brand and connect with your audience:

1. TALKING🗣HEADS:  Share your expertise and insights with videos that report market news, give timely tips, or offer professional advice. These videos will help establish you as a thought leader and build trust with potential clients.

2. LOCAL📍SPOTLIGHTS:  Show-off your town with business-owner interviews, visits to notable landmarks, and/or footage of local events. By highlighting what makes your community special, you can connect with locals and position yourself as a trusted advisor to those considering the area.

3. PROPERTY🏡TOURS:  When it comes to property tours, it's not just about showcasing the homes themselves. It's also important for consumers to see you in action, doing what you do best - showing/selling real estate!

There’s simply no better marketing medium than video!—it’s an incredibly powerful marketing tool that allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Use it to showcase your expertise, personality, and to establish yourself as the agent-of-choice!