Since attending PodCampAZ in November, my creative juices have been flowing with regard to how to improve my blog and make it more enjoyable, while still being informative for those of you that read my blog consistently.
That’s where my inclination toward video comes into play. For me, the appeal to having video would be the ability to combine informative value with (potentially) an entertainment element. As far as I know, currently there aren’t any recurring online real estate related shows, much less Phoenix focused real estate shows. Recently launched CenPho.TV is a local show that I’m fond of, that is very similar to what I have in mind, regarding format. At times, I’d like to think we’ll overlap content a little bit, but not much. Anyway, check out CenPho.TV, if you want to get a feel for what I’m thinking.
To elaborate further, first, let me share shows I don’t expect to ever do:
- Virtual Tours of homes for sale. Unless it’s a $10M home that’s incredibly unique, these types of shows would be boring to the extreme.
- Getting to know Steve Belt. I’m not going to record a web cam video with me talking into it about me. I’m bored already just thinking about it. Please…wake up, I need your input later.
Instead, this is what I had in mind:
- People enjoying life in Phoenix, and having fun. Hiking, Biking, Softball, Shopping, Dining, etc. What do people that live in Phoenix do?
- Interviews with Phoenix real estate industry insiders. Mortgage, title, home builders, inspectors, other agents, etc.
- News style shows, with me as the “host”, talking about the what’s new this week in the world of Phoenix real estate.
For video length, I was thinking that 10 minutes is about all the attention span I could ever ask for, while 5 minutes would often be the case. Keeping to this time range would force me to be focused, and not waste your time.
So here’s my big question, and I’m asking this of my current subscribers (you!), since I don’t expect any search engine traffic to bring me someone that would care to comment on this:
What do you think? Would you watch? If you’ve met me in person, do you think my personality can pull this off? Is there enough interesting video worthy real estate and Phoenix lifestyle content? Is there video worthy content I’m overlooking? Is anyone else doing this in another city and I just don’t know about it? Am I crazy? (Actually, no need to answer that last question.)
Please be honest. Putting together this real estate show will not be easy, and I won’t do it, if I can’t do it well. But I also don’t want to do it if there won’t be an audience.
{ 8 comments }
I think it would be cool to add video. Somethin’ casual, relaxed…3-5 minutes long. When I say casual I mean “flipcam” style while you’re out getting coffee and have a thought for the day or in your car driving out to an appointment or something.
And interviewing others (other industry folk and/or homeowners) is definitely cool!
Just my thoughts….
I think that video is good in short segments but I also prefer when there is a summary in text below.
Hi Steve,
I don’t know you personally, but I do follow you on Twitter and have read many of your comments over at the Phoenix Real Estate Guy’s blog.
I think you’re spot on regarding your thoughts on video. We’ve been thinking along similar lines ourselves. The “about me” stuff is definitely boring for a day in / day out routine.
We believe, at least initially, the most sensible route is what you’ve explained as having a preference to do. Keeping the video short, to the point, and providing guest appearances from professionals in the various RE related fields. Having the right personality to pull it off does make it work for some and not for others, but I think hosting expert guests can overcome any shortcomings since education and information is paramount.
Would we watch? Most definitely. As with our blogs and our other social networking footprints, there will be followers if the content is worthy.
Ultimately, we think the video helps people like myself who don’t personally know you to relate better to the mere words we see written on the various social networking platforms where one has a presence.
Soon enough, the majority of us will be hosting video to one extent or another, and it will be as unthinkable not to have video as it’s becoming unthinkable that one doesn’t have a blog. Additionally, since most people still don’t use such an approach, there’s plenty of room for trial and error as we all try to figure it out. Initially, our failings will be trumped by the simple fact that we’re trying and doing before it’s commonplace for everyone.
Good luck in your venture. From what little I know of you, you will do it quite well!
Hey Steve,
I recently started a case study via video of a flip project in Gilbert. I having been doing video for awhile so if you want to bounce some ideas off each other, let me know.
Your notion of keeping the content relevant yet informative is a great idea and I think it allows you to show your personality and for your subscribers to get to know you better. Also i agree with Aaron that you need a summary below for the readers and also for Google.
Lastly, I highly recommend that you definitely keep the vids under 5 minutes and try to shoot for 2-3 minutes…it’s sad, but this is what people’s attention span actually is.
-Brandon
I think video is awesome, but I would shoot for shorter than longer. 2-3 minutes is about all the attention span I have for anything on the internet.
Video is always better as long as it’s quick and to the point. I’m also working on this type of feature, but it’s tough to be a video producer as well as a REALTOR®.
Keep it to 3 minutes and make it extremely relevant and useful.
Most people searching real estate on the web are NOT interested in a salesman. So anything about “you” is tremendously boring… no offense.
People ARE interested in seeing properties and gaining information in regards to their real estate purchase and / or sale. If you’re going to do video, it should be a property tour or educational information regarding real estate.
For talking heads… 2-3 minutes is probably max. For a tour, I think you can go longer… a bit… because when people get to the point where they download a video tour of a house, they’re VERY serious and want to see every little corner of the house.
Thanks for all of the wonderful feedback {seesmic_video:{“url_thumbnail”:{“value”:”http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/DSEdK6HMiE_th1.jpg”}”title”:{“value”:”Thanks for all of the wonderful feedback ”}”videoUri”:{“value”:”http://www.seesmic.com/video/u38rPVMS7W”}}}
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