The iPhone 3Gs for web video ad creation

As much as I don’t like the idea of being locked into a proprietary hardware technology with a single source provider for handheld device internet connectivity, one has to make a paradigm shift to see the glass as half full.

With Apple’s new release of their iPhone 3Gs, there has been a huge impact on YouTube since the 3Gs debut earlier this month. A startling fact has emerged: video uploads have increased 400% each day since the new iPhone came to market. Aside from the impact of the iPhone itself, YouTube’s uploads have increased 1700% over the last six months.

These statistics are mind boggling, and point to a very real possibility with uploading and sharing video content. Albeit, there will more than likely be a barrage of poor quality videos that will be spread virally. But to take the analogy once again of the glass half full, think in terms of how this technology can effectively convey your company’s message – if done in a creative and strategic way. When a web video is shot & edited well – it can virally spread like wildfire in cyberspace in a very short time – even within mere hours.

The down side to this is that any new technology leads people to jump on the bandwagon without clearly defining what it is they want their video content to do for them – and why. As with the rise in popularity of social media websites and the marketing that has ensued, the business owner should determine their timeframe in which to embrace these new tools and in doing so, define their brand/message.

So what are some ways to utilize this video? Here are some ideas in how you can utilize web video in promoting your business:

Providing how to’s or instructional videos (Keep them short and to the point)
Slice of life of your business – showing how you or your staff work (A Day In The Life of…)
Satisfied customer testimonial videos send a strong message in promoting your business
Relaying your company’s message that has consistency throughout the video

The bottom line is just because every one is doing it – doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the right medium for you. You need to frame the questions – and the answers for yourself. It may also mean that DIY is not necessarily the best route to get your message across. Hiring a shooter/producer familiar with the experience for shooting web marketing videos for your website could end up taking you from being taken not so seriously, to being taken very seriously.

If you do embrace video in your marketing efforts – and the content is produced professionally, you create a branding of your company that can create awareness around the world – or your local community.