Here's an interesting topic, all --

What are some of the caveats, exceptions, and "things to keep in mind" whilst copywriting text titles for streaming video promotional clips?

Here's my latest, it needs a Lot of work..
eg bonuses, PSs, call to action, and USP not there yet... (details! lol)
and where's my headline (or equivalent?!) ok ok it's on the way...

here's the current version:

http://www.DaytradingUniversity.com/dtupromomay3.wmv


I'm going into fullscale video production mode asap, and am looking for any thoughtful tips you all may have regarding what copy hooks may be appropriate for video promo clips like this one..

and you get to see my ugly mug talking on this one, even!

initial self-critique is, features vs benefits focus, I need to translate into what it'll do for audience etc.. with hooks and calls to action that are understandable, vs all the pizzazz..

Ken

Ken,

We all love you round here and I know for a fact you'll take this in the right spirit.

A client of mine called me recently and said...

"Alan, your a great copywriter but your voice sounds CRAP on your site audio .. REMOVE IT"

Well, no point beating around the bush. I took my voice off right away and have a voice over specialist recording another for me.

Can I be blunt. You looked terrified on the video and very stiff. Ever seen a Rabbit in your headlights? I would either lighten up or pull in an actor. And to be honest the bit at the end when you point to the left ... left me in stiches with laughter.

I issed a lot of the copy as I just watched you


Or...

Rehearse it. You have a great voice to listen to. Passionate and believable

But ... the production and background was awsome, loved it. Sound good, picture very clear.

How did you add that background, looked great.

lol Alan, agree-- I've always had that "deer caught in the headlights" look in my photos and video.... not sure what to do, I wear contacts, maybe I should put on glasses instead ...

audio un-miked for this take, for the final versions I'll use a miked input w/proper lighting...

technique is blue-screening, against various backdrops..using professional video editing software... it's fun ... thx re copy tips...appreciate the kind words re the voice. .. working on it..!


ken

Ken,

I think its more of the fact that you look so stiff and new to it rather than the look. Good stuff though, very good.

thanks much, that's exactly what I wanted to hear....

guess I need to loosen up, have fun with it, And build credibility w/sales pitch...

I'm going to script it out like infomercials ... so it appears relaxed and conversational, but uses all the grabbers/hooks and adds in video testimonials from customers etc..



ken

Ken,

Brillaint vocie over actor here..

Peter Twist petertwist@powercomm.co.uk

http://www.imlbiz.com

Does any accent. Might be useful.

thx Alan, I do need someone to do virtual interviews with ... that would be a good start... I remember the interview w/one major internet marketer awhile back, was an excellent sales tool...


ken


newest videoclip:
http://www.daytradinguniversity.com/dtupromomay5.wmv

clearer, and more smiling!

Alan, thanks for your very helpful critique ... I worked on improving based on your suggestions, here you can see I smile more, and the audio, when I start speaking (closeup), is much clearer... I used the mic that bill myers recommends in his excellent how-to video dvd ..

Anyways, what do you all think? Still needs improvement, but hopefully getting closer..

http://www.daytradingu.com/dtupromomay8.wmv

Note: I've added a copywriting feel to the script... not quite as punchy as an infomercial (and I need to add testimonials + clearer call to action etc)... but on the way..

I edited out the main lesson for brevity. I need to probably talk in the first couple of clips. And lose the shine/reflection on one cheek..

Ken

P.S. Here's the view from my oceanfront Hawaii condo, taken this morning:
http://www.kencalhoun.com/hawaiicondo.wmv

Ken,

Keep trying to check out your new video but it takes soooooooo long to load it drives me nuts. I'm broadband but now on 10 minutes and only 64% complete!

I'll hang on and make a comment

Back again.
Ken the beggining look a little busy with your hands but overall I liked it much better. The last bit with the fade out over you talking is a softer ending. Yep. Great, great quality I must say, very good. Long to download though.

P.S. Ken, your making too much cash buddy. How come Ive not got a condo like that What a view, woweeeee, love it.

Hi Alan, thanks -- agree... future videos will be shorter in length, to keep quality and reduce file size..

Looking at my stats (see I'm getting better at TESTING my new passion)...
I see that the high res version pulled exactly 2.4 times the response as the lower-res version... so for my niche, it was a good idea to offer both, since they almost all have highspeed/t1/cablemodem access..

But for most niches, having a smaller video would be more suitable, since many connections are slower..


Ken