By Ann Brown
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Because competition is so fierce in the current economic market, REALTORS® are searching for new and different ways to promote their services. As I discovered about a year ago in my own business, using video can literally put you on the path to faster success, increased visibility and more clients. Here are some ideas to incorporate video into your business, where to market yourself and how to do it all like a pro.

Getting Started

Get a webcam. A decent webcam will cost between $35 and $50. If you’re not tech savvy, don’t worry. Once you load the software that comes with your webcam, you simply plug it into a USB port on your computer, and you’re ready to record. I’d also recommend investing in a decent microphone. Although most webcams have a built-in mic, you’ll get significantly better sound quality from one you can put directly in front of you when recording.

Sample Homepage Video:

Recording Your First Video

Lighting plays a very important part in not only how you look but also how you sound. If you don’t have enough light, your sound won’t match the movement of your mouth. Natural light works the best, and be sure that you are facing the light when recording. Try a few different angles to see which works best for you. Avoid busy or cluttered backgrounds and clothing. Keep it simple and professional, but with a touch of your own individuality.

Lights, Camera, Action

If you’re like I was, you’ll have to record a few practice videos before you’re comfortable in front of your webcam. Remember to look at the camera, not at you on the screen. Really try to make a connection with your audience, and be sure to incorporate your personality into the video. If you micro-manage your video, your prospective clients might think it’s too staged, so a few imperfections will make you more real and in touch.

Getting Your Video Out There

I recommend a very easy-to-use service called audioacrobat.com. They offer a free, full 30-day trial, and you can record videos through their site or upload one you have already made. Within minutes, your video will be ready to add to your Web site by copying/pasting a small code on your site in places that you want your video to appear. You can even obtain the URL of your video, so e-mailing a video message to a prospect or client is a snap. Plus, your recipient doesn’t have to download an attachment, which is a plus in a virus-filled cyber world.

What to Record

Before you get started, put yourself into the shoes of your audience, and really think about what content will be relevant to them. Talk about a new listing. What if you went into your next listing appointment and told them that you would like to feature their listing in your next video? Do you think that would make an impact on getting that listing? Of course it would. Make a two or three-minute video about the property, show your excitement and be sure to tell the audience how to contact you to view the listing.

Talk about what you offer. Do you do something that other REALTORS® in your area do not? Do you have a special promotion going on? Record a video telling people what that is and how it will benefit them. A great place to put this type of video would be on your “About Me” page or even in an e-mail.

Educate your visitor. You may want to field questions from clients and prospects via a video on your Web site. You don’t have to use anyone’s name, but pick something you’ve heard a few people ask lately and record a video with the answer. Everyone enjoys a free tip, especially if it’s helpful and informative.

Where to Post Your Videos

Besides your own Web site, there are a variety of places to post your original videos. You may even want to think about doing a series of short informational videos or make a video for each of your listings. Here are a few sites that allow the posting of your videos, once you’ve completed them:

YouTube.com – Visited by millions every day, YouTube allows you to create a free account and post your videos. You can even create your own “channel” to post video tips, listings and so on. In addition, you can add a link back to your Web site, keywords and your picture or logo.

WellcomeMat.com – This is another online video site, similar to YouTube, but for real estate. The site was specifically designed to create a place where REALTORS® could market their properties online with video. The playback quality is above average, and currently, you can create an account and upload your videos for free.

Vidlisting.com – This online service offers both free and premium accounts to upload and host your videos. One of its unique features is that you can create widgets and add non-video content, such as helpful PDFs (think house floor plan), Microsoft office files, Real Estate Shows tours and so on. Visitors who click to view your video will be able to access this other information, all in one place.

It’s time to put video to work for you. When prospects and clients see you on video, you’ve removed that impersonal barrier, while inspiring confidence and trust. So many thousands of REALTORS® promote themselves through print media, but the percentage of them using video is still relatively small. In a tough real estate market, it’s a smart move to leverage your market position through this unique and memorable medium.

Ann Brown is a professional virtual assistant and president of virtualadminsplus.com. She specializes in real estate support and can be reached at 800-320-5159 or via e-mail at ann@virtualadminsplus.com.