Almost everyone is aware that video is playing a larger and larger roll in the Internet. We've heard that 87% of buyers search oniiine, 84% view videos before making a purchase and that a large portion of real estate buyers report using video as basis of their final decision.  Video works... if it's done right.

But it takes more to making an effective video than just moving pictures, particularly in the case of the fake videos consisting of moving still images (Ken Burns effect) which is being sold as "video" to the unsuspecting.

The same mistakes that Realtors® make with still shots for MLS don't improve by adding motion.

Top 10 agent photo issues I've noticed on YouTube:

• Clutter in the house, yard, counter tops, closets
• Open toilet and washer lids
• Old TV style 4:3 images with black pillars on the sides - Set your camera for 16:9 wide angle
• Didn't turn lights on (dull)
• Not using wide angle lens (like looking through a periscope)
• Bedroom with bare mattresses (Yes, I've actually seen that!)
• Generally poor lighting (dark rooms)
• Seasonal (Christmas) decorations (quickly outdated)
• Parts left out (What's the back yard look like?)
• Poor choice of "thumbnail" picture for the finished product.

Suggestions: When you're taking pictures or video of a listing here are a few suggestions to put the listing in the best light (pun intended).

• Turn on all the lights, close all the shades and curtains.
• Schedule for the middle of the day to avoid direct sun in the lens or hard shadows.
• When shooting video or assembling a slide show video, keep the images in a logical sequence so that the viewer has some concept of where they are.
• (Video) Don't wave the camera like it was a magic wand. Move the camera slowly and avoid too much zooming.
• Close the lid! Whether it's the washer or the toilet, please close the lid before you start taking pictures or video.

Other tips:  Some extras I've started taking along -

• A package of spare light bulbs (for burned out or missing bulbs)
• Dark colored light weight extension cord - easy to hide to connect unplugged lamps
• Portable light (photo light or LED work light) where you need light and there just isn't any
• Place mats (to dress up dull, empty counter tops)
• Garbage bag (for collecting the clutter so you can put it back later)

When putting your video on YouTube:

• Select your thumbnail picture carefully - That's the all-important "first impression"
• Title your video using keywords
• Include details in the description, including keywords, just as you would for a web site
• Select the "Tags" carefully - See what others are using. Tags are the "Keywords" for videos
• View your own video! How many real estate videos on YouTube show zero views! What does that say to the seller?

Also introduce yourself to potential customers with an Agent Video so potential customers feel like they know you and will be more comfortable contacting you.

For more tips and suggestions follow @realtytour on Twitter.

(As featured at ActiveRain.com - HERE)

Two things often stand out as shortcomings in Do It Yourself "talking head" and how-to videos: Lighting and sound.

Here a are some simple solutions to both problems.

Sound:
Almost all camcorders provide for a wired microphone input. Getting the microphone closer to the sound source (you) eliminates distracting echo and background noise as well as noises that may be generated by the camera. A good choice is the Azden EX-503 clip on found online at TigerDirect or CompUSA: HERE.

Lighting:
Two-Point lighting is the most basic lighting configuration. Position yourself below and slightly forward of a ceiling light to provide back lighting detail and then position a second light source 45 degrees to the left or right and slightly below your eye level to provide face lighting. The "fill" light should be diffused, and not like a spotlight. Remember the basic rules of physics as related to light:  twice the distance equals 1/4 the light power, and conversely half the distance multiplies the light by a factor of 4. A lamp with the shade removed is generally not usable. Be creative but avoid doing things like placing a cloth over a photo light or lamp that could cause a fire. Your local builder's supply may have an inexpensive LED work light. Be sure to remove the metal  shield that can cast shadows. One creative light source is the "flashlight" app for the iPad.

(As featured at ActiveRain.com - HERE-)

You produced your real estate video and put it on YouTube but it just sits there. Why aren't people finding your video and viewing it?

Your video's "tags" may not be as strong and specific as they could be or your descriptions don't include "keywords" to make them come up to be found and viewed in searches.  

There is a search tool for YouTube where you can find out what people are looking for and then put those words into the text of your video so they find you: https://ads.youtube.com/keyword_tool - It's fairly new and there's not enough data for some search words, but it will tell you what people are looking for, like the phrase "florida real estate" for example.  Find a really popular real estate video in YouTube and "borrow" their "tags".

Choose your Thumbnail carefully to make the best impression you can and attract clicks. If a good scene thumbnail poster doesn't come up in the three choices, rearrange the clips within the video until you get some good ones.

Using the address in the title will make your video come up for the address, in both You Tube and Google, but it may not be strong enough for searches.

Here are some popular "tags" and keywords to include with your video:

realestate            4,900 searches
homes for sale     14,400 searchs
real estate        164,500 searches
Real estate agent  3,300 searches

If all else fails you can buy your way to the top with YouTube Promoted Videos.
It doesn't hurt to promote your videos in Social Media.

If you're not comfortable with Social Media or need help figuring out how to use Social Media to help your business, check out www.ImNotTechnical.com

Real Estate Video web sites:

• WellcomeMat.com
• AtOnePlace.TV
• VidListing.com
• The Real Estate Channel
• OneStopView