Monthly Archives: March 2013

Video Production, Animation and Web Design that Gets Results

Call stormnet media on 01527 910050

More than your run-of-the-mill video production company

With an extensive collection of happy clients under our belt, including some well-known brand names, we like to think we’re a little bit more than just a top-notch video production company.

The great news is that we don’t work only with big brands. Our clients include many small-to-medium-sized businesses as well.

We’re awfully proud our reputation for broadcast-quality video and film, not to mention exceptional value for money. But did you know we also offer a comprehensive range of digital media services?

Once you work with Stormnet, you’ll understand what makes us different. We don’t just produce films, animations, websites and such; we create results. And more often than not, exceed expectations.

Experts in all areas of video production

And by all areas, we mean everything! From animation, special effects, graphics through to corporate, promotional, health and safety, explainer and website videos, we always produce broadcast-quality videos that consistently wow our clients – and their audiences.

Here are a few of the videos that we produce:

Promo videos
Training videos
Corporate videos
Explainer and website videos
Health & Safety videos
Marketing videos

and much more…

With a stable of thoroughbred design and production talent in our studio, we’re always pushing the boundaries of creativity, quality, value and service. We understand that you’re not just hiring us to make an awesome video, stunning animation or high traffic website – you’re looking for a media partner to help you boost sales and increase productivity – day in, day out.

As a Stormnet customer, expect to enjoy all of these benefits and more besides:

Clear commercial focus – when it comes to fulfilling your business goals, we never take our eye off the ball

Clear, regular communication – geek-speak is banished to the editing room floor. When we’re talking to you it’s plain English all the way

The best value we can offer – whatever your budget, we always offer the same focus and commitment, to give you unbeatable value for money

A range of highly-recommended digital services

In addition to high-performance video productions, many of our clients benefit from our expertise right across their digital operations.

Here’s an overview of our other services, designed to help you achieve your business goals:

Animation
Website design
Mobile app development
SEO, social media and conversion rate optimisation

We’re conveniently based near Birmingham in the West Midlands and have video production and digital media facilities in Warwickshire and Worcestershire. We work for clients all over the UK and Europe.

For a friendly, no-obligation chat, call Stormnet Media today on 01527 280 100 or use our contact form – we’re looking forward to hearing from you.

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5 Ways a Poor Quality Video can Damage your Business

How to avoid the common video production pitfalls

Explainer videos for websites and online videos are the best way to get your message over quickly and easily. Getting it right can mean a huge uplift in website conversions and sales, but getting it wrong can put people off.

There are a number of ways that we can interpret ‘poor quality’ – this does not just mean the actual quality of the sound and image but other factors that also affect the visitor experience.

Here’s a handy guide to help you avoid the common mistakes with online video production.

1. Poor quality video production

OK, this one is pretty obvious. But you’ll be surprised at how many low quality videos we see that are put online. While most companies would not dream of getting an amateur website quite a few think that an amateur video is acceptable!

If you think that your explainer video is going to be the first impression that someone will have of your business you soon start to realise that ‘first impressions really do count’. So make sure that the video picture is sharp and in focus, the sound is of a good quality and it’s lit well. You can check out our video production guides for specific articles on how to produce a good quality video.

In a nutshell, if there are technical issues with your video production then your audience will notice them and it will detract from your messages.

2. Don’t make your videos too long

One way to lose a viewer is if the video is too long. Research has shown that videos under 90 seconds are most effective, and if someone sees your video is much longer then they’ll probably not watch it.

One of the best ways to make sure that your video is not too long is to firstly plan the key messages you want to get over. For example, a great way to do this is to present a problem, then present a solution (i.e. your product/service), show how it works (this is the explainer bit) and then have a call to action.

Use this format to write a short and concise script. You can then test it out on colleagues and friends. Make sure you time it and if it’s still too long then cut out any bits you don’t need.

3. Make sure you have an obvious call to action

It sounds obvious but we see loads of videos where they just end without a call to action. Studies have shown that viewers actually like being told what to do! This is the same in all sales – people get confused if they are not given clear instructions.

Without this you’ll get reduced conversion rates as viewers will bounce off the site without doing anything. With today’s technology you can incorporate calls-to-action in the video script as well as overlaid on the video itself. Video hosting sites such as ‘Wistia’ allow you to embed ‘clickable’ calls-to-action in the video. This could be a link or an e-mail sign up.

Whatever your call to action make it clear. The results will speak for themselves.

4. Don’t be too pushy for the sale

One of the best thinks about online and explainer videos is that they get over your message in a memorable and remarkable way. As with point 2 above, the format is tried and tested and really works. This means that you don’t have to be too pushy to get the sale. The video is designed to help the viewer come to a logical conclusion that there is only one thing to do… use your product or service.

This means that you don’t have to be too ‘salesy’ in your pitch – which can put some people off. In addition, because these sort of videos are usually humorous then they are often shared which means increased reach.

5. Incorrect placement of your video 

You’ll need to make sure that you have implemented the video in the right place on your website. Often, this is the homepage but it can sometimes be more effective when it’s on a page that’s related directly to the product or service.

By making sure that the video is relevant to the subject matter you’ll decrease bounce rates and up conversions.

Explainer videos and online videos are the ideal way to show viewers your personality. They are great for engagement and building trust in what you do. It’s like having the perfect elevator pitch on your website.

If you’d like to discuss any sort of video production then we’d love to help. We are based near Birmingham in the West Midlands and we’re trusted by organisations all over the UK. Call you friendly experts today on 01527 910050.

Why You Should Market your Explainer Video on Social Media

How to get more sales for little effort!

Explainer videos are possibly the best and most effective way to increase sales on a website since the inception of online video. However, many people are missing a trick in that they’re putting their explainers on YouTube and other video platforms but not on platforms such as Facebook and Google Plus.

Social media site may not seem to be an obvious place to advertise your video or brand but with the numbers of people using these platforms increasing there is always a possibility that you may increase sales and the reach of your marketing messages – all at no extra cost to you. So you’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

People share good explainer videos

Video is very engaging and is the most shared form of content on the internet and Facebook. Not only is it shared but people recommend good or funny explainer videos to their friends and so on. So you have a real possibility that your content could go viral.

Explainer video production is designed to encourage audiences to complete an action, for example contact you. And this clear and concise process significantly boosts sales… so the more people who see it the better.

Video ready

The great thing is that social media sites are all ready for video. In fact they actively encourage video content to be shared. So this gives you the perfect opportunity to exploit this medium with your video content. The physical process of uploading a video to social media sites is very easy, it’s just the same process as uploading to YouTube.

For companies that have a dedicated Facebook page they can time the release of the video over a few weeks to make sure that the content is viewed as much as possible.

Explainer video format

Explainer video production is the ideal way to deliver the message. The tried and tested format means that you can present a problem to your audience, present a solution, show them how it works then present a strong call to action. The ideal duration of an explainer video is around 60s long and they tend to be made via animation as opposed to live action.

By giving them a quirky look and feel as well as a drop of humour you can make your message remarkable and memorable. This again helps your video become popular and shared.

If you’d like any help and advice on creating an explainer video production then we’d love help. We have extensive experience in helping customers like you achieve online success and increased revenue. Speak to your friendly experts today on 01527 910050.

 

How to Make a 60s Sale with an Explainer Video

Sell your product or service with an online explainer video

The attention span of people online is very short. In fact studies have shown that it’s often less than a minute – Just think of all the times that you’ve flicked from site to site until something catches your eye.

So how do you make sure that you get your product or service noticed in a short space of time? Well the answer is an explainer video.

Explainer videos are the fastest and easiest way to show someone what you do and sell your value proposition in less than a minute. They instantly differentiate you from your competition and save the viewer from wading through lots of text. This is why the explainer video approach is being adopted by major brands as well as start-ups and SMEs.

Tried and tested format

Explainer videos generally follow the same tried-and-tested structure. That is that they first present a problem, then offer a solution, show how the solution works then provide a strong call to action.

This engages with the viewer and gives them a logical reason to buy from you. In fact, explainer videos are so effective that they can increase website conversion rates by upto 65% according to a recent study by Forbes.

Most explainer videos tend to be animated videos as opposed to live action. This is because it’s easier to get over a value proposition in an animated format. Saying this, there are sometimes cases for using live action. For example, if you want to create a video briefing that is not overtly ‘sales’ orientated then a simple live action video can do the trick. This is because they often look like a ‘short lecture’ and therefore have a more ‘believable’ feel to them.

To be sure that your explainer video will work it needs to be both remarkable and memorable. Often a sprinkling of subtle humour can help with the pitch and this can make the video more appealing and shareable. The great thing about explainers is that they are more likely to be shared on social media networks than just a dry ‘web page’.

Most of the explainer videos that we produce are around 60s in duration. It’s amazing what you can get into a video that’s just a minute long. We spend a lot of time working with customers like you to refine the message and make sure that the video does what it’s meant to… i.e. drive more sales!

We’ve covered almost every subject you can imagine, from cardboard box recycling, through to insurance products, university courses and mobile signal boosters! Each explainer video is unique and carefully crafted to ensure that it works.

The process is straight-forward and open. We consult with you at every stage of the video production process and let you see the animation as it’s created. We encourage feedback and will guide you through the production.

We’re based near Birmingham in the West Midlands and have video production facilities in Warwickshire and Worcestershire. We work with clients all over the UK and will travel to you for a no obligation meeting.

So, if you’d like an engaging explainer video production then speak to your friendly experts today!

 

How Much Does an Explainer Video Cost?

What’s the price of an explainer video?

Explainer videos are very popular. With the ever-increasing online audience buying pretty much every type of product and service via websites the explainer video has become one of the most powerful ways to convert a prospect into a sale.

What is an explainer video?

An explainer video is a fairly new term. For the most part they are videos that explain the value proposition of a product or service. They are mostly used online on a website to accompany what they’re selling.

In terms of time then explainer videos are usually between 60s and 120s long. They often are made up from animation and have a memorable and quirky look and feel. The theory is that this makes them more memorable and popular, which in turn means that people are more likely to share them.

Sometimes an explainer video can be a briefing by say a business owner, this could be a simple person to camera video. These can be made fairly easily although if you go down this route you’ll want to make sure it looks professional!

Another popular and low cost version of the explainer video can be a screen-cast. This is where you record the screens of the software to illustrate the proposition.

OK, I understand all this but how much does an explainer video cost?

Explainer video production varies in cost. If you’re going to make one yourself then it can cost just the time to shoot and edit the video. It’s worth considering however that an explainer video can be the most powerful sales weapon you have so while a good one drives sales a bad one can put people off.

If you’re going to get a professional explainer video then find a company that’s produced lots of them. And preferably one that’s got good client feedback as to the effectiveness of the explainer videos they have produced.

Professionally produced explainer videos will vary in cost depending on the content. For example an animated ‘text’ based explainer video with some additional animated graphics start at around £600.00 – This can go up to around £3000.00 for a fully character animated explainer video.

How are explainer videos structured?

Good question – why thank you! Explainer videos are structured in a tried and tested way. They usually use a format that’s been handed down from the days of direct marketing. The rule of thumb is that you pose a problem, provide a solution, explain how it works and then give the viewer a strong ‘call-to-action’.

This technique is the most effective, and Forbes have commented that an explainer video on a website that accompanies a product or service will increase website conversion rates by around 85%. As mentioned before, this makes an explainer video the most powerful sales tool you could have.

Where can I go for an explainer video production?

There are a number of video production companies in the UK who produce explainer videos. If you’d like to commission a video then we’d love to help. We produce lots of effective explainers for businesses like you who want to boost sales and profits. We’re customer recommended and trusted by start-ups, SMEs and global brands.

We’re based near Birmingham in the West Midlands and have explainer video production facilities in Warwickshire and Worcestershire. We work for organisations all over the UK. Contact your friendly explainer video experts today – we’d love to help you.

 

The Importance of Training Videos for your Business

How training videos can help your business soar

Lots of companies like you use training videos successfully. Gone are the days when the company training video featured awful actors and sets that looked like something from crossroads. Nowadays, training videos are engaging, compelling and interactive. They can be delivered in a number of ways from DVD and online through to E-learning. And the great news is that they are more affordable than ever!

Let’s look at how they’ve changed and what it means for your business.

Video is flexible

Video offers unrivalled flexibility in the way it can be delivered. It can be used on a DVD that has interactive features, as part of an e-learning platform, as a video file on a PC and online on your website or intranet. These are all very low cost ways to deliver the training to your learners.

Interactive learning

One of the most powerful features of video is the ability to make it interactive. Video can be set up to encourage the learners to interact with the video content. Typically this is when the video is played via a computer. This increases the retention rate of the learner and cements the key learning messages. This is especially useful for health and safety training videos where safety critical information needs to be retained.

Accessibility

Video is highly accessible and can be viewed via lots of different platforms. This includes online via PC or mobile. The beauty of this is that learners can access your training video from almost any location and it allows you to carry out training before people arrive on site.

Engaging media

Video is the most engaging way to deliver training information. Learners are 8 times more likely to retain information that’s delivered via a video. This means that your critical training information is absorbs and implemented. It also means that your training messages are consistent.

Save money

Training videos save significant amounts of money for lots of companies. They save having to hire expensive trainers or tying up company resources. They save on travel time and downtime as well as improving productivity that makes your business more competitive.

If you’re considering commissioning a training video then we’d love to speak to you. We help lots of companies achieve business success with a wide range of training and safety videos. Call us today on 01527 910050

 

How to optimise your YouTube videos

5 Tips to optimise your web video on YouTube

YouTube is now the world’s second biggest search engine. This means that you can use video to help drive traffic to your website. However, many people are ‘missing a trick’ in as much as they don’t optimise their web video properly. This can mean that they miss out on valuable traffic.

OK, so how to you optimise your YouTube web video?

Optimising your web video is easier than you think. There are just a few simple steps that will help to make sure that your video is a hit.

1. Use the word ‘Video’ in your title

This sounds like an obvious one but so many people don’t do it! When people are searching for videos they tend to put the word ‘video’ in their search term. For example, instead of ‘car maintenance’ people search for ‘car maintenance video’ – so use the word video as part of your title.

 2. Put a link to your website in the description

The description you use for your video should be keyword rich and relevant to the video subject. Use a snappy description and a call to action so the viewer knows what to do next. Include a link to your website at the start of the description so that viewers have somewhere to get more info.

3. Tag your video with relevant keywords

The tags are an important part of the optimisation process, so make sure that you use relevant tags. Try to think of words that people will search for. We suggest using something like the Google keyword checker tool to see what people are actually searching for. Sometimes it’s best to go for less competitive longer keyword phrases.

4. Make your video inclusive and accessible

Using sub titles is a great way to ensure that people who have a hearing impairment can understand the content. You can get your video production company to create the video with sub titles or you can use some free software such as YouTube’s captioning system.

5. Choose a compelling thumbnail

We’ve all been in a bookstore and chosen a book based on the picture on the cover. It’s the same with online video – people will choose to play your video if the thumbnail image is compelling or interesting. So choose the thumbnail image wisely – it can make a huge difference to the amount of plays you get.

Here at Stormnet Media we use a number of different ways to distribute video content. YouTube is a important part of any video SEO strategy and a well optimised video will drive traffic and boost sales.

If you’d like help with any aspect of video production or video SEO then we’d love to help you. Give us a call on 01527 910050 and let us show you how.

 

8 Tips for Stretching your Video Production Budget

How to get the maximum value out of a video production

It’s important that you maximise any investment these days. And despite video production being more affordable than ever it’s still important that you maximise your available budget.

Here are 8 great ways to make your video production budget go further.

1. Keep the filming locations to a minimum

If you have lots of filming locations then the video will take longer to produce and therefore will cost more. By simply reducing the number of locations you will reduce the cost of production. Think about the locations that are a ‘must have’ and those that are a ‘nice to have’ and decide if you can do without them. Often you can replace some live footage with ‘stock footage’ or animation – this is another way to reduce costs.

2. Minimise the distance between filming locations

As you want to maximise the amount of time the film crew are working its best to try and keep the film locations close together. This avoids them having to break down their kit and re set-up too many times. If the locations are close then it means that you’ll be making the most of the actual filming time and not be paying while the crew are packing equipment or travelling.

3. Use existing footage

If you have had videos produced previously then you may be able to re-use some of the footage. This will save you money on filming new material. As mentioned previously, you may be able to substitute some footage with graphics or animation, which again can save budget.

4. Get full sign-off

One of the most common ways that budget is wasted is when changes are needed to the voice over or video after it is completed. Most video companies have a procedure where you sign off various stages of production, such as the script. If the script is signed off and voiced and then you need to make changes the voice over will charge to make the re-recording. So make sure that you get all the necessary approvals from colleagues and stake holders as you go to avoid expensive changes.

5. Avoid date and time references

One of the ways to lengthen the shelf life of your video is to avoid references to dates, events and times. This could either be in the voice over or in interviews. Also think about the location, for example an office with Christmas decorations in the background will date the video immediately.

6. Film at your own location

Hiring studios is an expensive process so consider filming at your own premises. This also adds authenticity to your video.

7. Maximise the film crew time

On your filming days make sure that your premises are all prepared for the crew. Make sure they are tidy and that everyone knows what to expect. If you have anyone speaking then brief them beforehand. If on the day the crew have any spare time then get them to record some extra content.

8. Digital distribution

Distributing your video digitally will save budget having to have DVDs produced. It’s also the best way to get your content to the maximum amount of viewers.

If you’d like to improve training or boost sales then video is the best way to go. If you’d like any help and advice on video production then we’d love to help. Call our friendly experts today on 01527 910050

 

 

Guide to Keeping Your Viewers Engaged for Longer with Online Video

Online video and how to keep your viewers engaged for longer

Online video marketing provides businesses with a powerful new way of bringing their product to new audiences. When you put your video online, however, you’re putting yourself in competition with many other demands on your viewers’ attention. As a result, the conventional wisdom about video production is that you need to keep your video nice and short. The most commonly quoted ideal length is a minute or less.

The numbers definitely back up this idea; studies have shown that viewers are far less likely to turn off a 30-second video than they are to turn off a video between one and two minutes in length. The lesson seems simple: keep your video short.

This is all very well, but what if the subject you need to cover in your video takes longer than one minute to explain? After all, a minute isn’t very long, and complex subjects necessarily have complex explanations. A sixty-second explanation of a two-minute subject isn’t going to turn viewers into customers; it’s going to leave them confused and dissatisfied. In video production as in everything else, content is king — and as a result, you’re occasionally going to have to create a longer video.

So how do you keep the attention of fickle viewers throughout a longer video? Nothing is certain, but there are a few tips you can use to encourage your potential customers to stick around for the conclusion.

First and most importantly, don’t make your video any longer than it needs to be. Viewers are willing to be patient if they see that a long video is long because it contains lots of important information. They won’t wait for a video that seems long because the script isn’t tightly constructed or because unnecessary details are being included.

Creating an element of suspense is another important factor in keeping the attention of viewers. Begin your video with a question that you intend to answer, enticing the audience to follow along with you as you explain the process.

Beginning with a question or promise doesn’t mean that you should conceal the point of your presentation. In journalism, leaving critical information out of the introduction to a story is known as “burying the lede”. In video production, it’s just as serious a mistake. Unless viewers understand the content and importance of what they’re about to see, they won’t stick around for the finale.

If you’d like an online video production with a great story that will keep your viewers engaged and will persuade them to buy then contact us. We are your friendly experts in video production – call us on 01527 910050