Business Video Directory

A business video directory is an advertising website that enables businesses to post videos about their products or services. Videos are the latest internet craze, with some analysts estimating that millions of people watch internet videos each day. While using a video directory for business advertising is new, many companies are trying it to see if it gets results.

About a Business Video Directory

In the days before the internet, companies often purchased display advertising space in telephone directories. When people sought products or services, they flipped open the phone book to choose a provider or store based on the size of the ad.

The idea behind a business video directory is the same. The concept is simple: provide a platform for businesses to post videos about products and services. Since so many people prefer getting information online and receiving information in video format, companies hope to capitalize on the video craze by turning it into an advertising medium.

Today, business videos may produce direct response results or may act more like viral marketing. They may also be useful when people click on social networking profiles, since the link can lead to a person greeting the viewer through a video.

Making a Business Video

Making a business video takes as much time and effort as making a short television infomercial. Avoid the temptation to grab your video camera or cell phone camera to snap a quick video. The business video must represent your product or service professionally, and that merits hiring a professional video production company.

If you're considering a business video, before contacting video companies, consider first whether or not you're likely to benefit from a business video. Does your product or service benefit by demonstrating it? If you could demonstrate it, will sales increase? A company selling a new type of exercise equipment, for example, may benefit from a business video. The video could show testimonials or models demonstrating exercises on the equipment. If your business tends to be information driven, you may benefit more from other marketing methods than from a business video.

Choosing a Video Production Company

There are many video production companies available. Look for a company with experienced people. Contact several to receive written estimates for your project. Before calling companies, develop an outline of questions so that you're asking each company the same questions when you talk to them. This way you can easily compare the answers.

Some questions to consider when contacting video production companies include:

• How much experience do you have?
• Have you made business videos before? Can I see some?
• What types of business videos have you made?
• Do you know for a fact if they've been successful? How do you know that?

Next, have a clear project in mind. Before making your call, write down:

• How long the video should be
• What your goal is for the video
• What products or services you will demonstrate
• Whether the video will be shot on location (outside, in an office) or in a studio
• Whether you will need models or whether company employees will act as spokespersons
• Whether computer animation is required

The questions will help you get to know the video company and determine if it's a good match for your needs. The outline of the project helps the video company determine a rough estimate for the project. They may have more questions for you, too, so don't be surprised if they want to meet with you first to better understand the project before providing a written estimate.

Directories to Consider

There are many business video directories online. While YouTube instantly comes to mind, it isn't really a business directory. Choose your space wisely to maximize exposure to the right people, namely those who will buy your product or service.

Some business video directory sources to explore include:

• Zoomsong, which promises free membership and profiles.
• Kantabiz, which functions more like a traditional online yellow pages directory but with video results.
• Hot Pluto, which offers premium positions so that your video is the first video potential customers see when they visit the site.
• Directory Suite, which has a more traditional directory-type feel with alphabetical look up.

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