Video Reviews Save Advertising Money

When it comes to getting a product noticed, it is essential to get news of its release out to the public.Traditionally, newspaper and radio advertising and magazine reviews have formed the platform by which to do this.However, in the onslaught of the iPod generation, video reviews are becoming a favoured way to get manufacturers messages across and actually demonstrate the latest products on offer.With every person between the ages of five and eighty five glued to a media player or computer, it makes sense to use this technology to reach the target market and advertise the full potential of a product.

The majority of people are choosing to do their shopping online, ditching the hustle and bustle of the high street for a finger walk across a keyboard.The only reason consumers are popping into town is to have a look at what is available to help them make the right online purchase.In light of this, some clever folks have decided that being able to offer video reviews of products online will encourage more people to make a purchase while surfing the net.

If you are choosing to shop online, it makes sense to try out different products online, especially if you are considering investing in a fair bit of cash, and the format of a video review works well for technologies that have multiple functions such as mobile phones and media players.Take the latest offering from Toshiba for example, the TG01.This is a mobile phone/media player hybrid that has more functions than the Fox and Pheasant.Looking at an ad in a glossy mag and reading the spec list wouldn't be good enough to make you purchase it instantly, and a television ad would simply be too short to show all the things it can do.The alternative before video reviews would be going into town, finding a shop that stocks it, waiting in a queue for an hour before being offered an uncharged handset to hold.

Thanks to the new way of advertising, we can see everything this product does, how the menu system works, what the display looks like, how to answer a call and create a text message.This almost works like a mini manual and could well be the way forward for setting up gadgets and gizmo's in the future.Technology is not as simple as it used to be, and setting up a TV, telephone or MP3 player practically requires a degree in astrophysics.Having a video review to guide a user through the applications and set ups would actually improve sales.

In a recent survey, it was discovered that up to sixty five per cent of mobile phone users didn't use applications other than text, call and cameras on their phones because the set up was too complicated and because of this would not buy another smart phone to avoid wasting money.Through video reviews, a consumer can be taken through the set ups step by step.Unlike regular advertising, which has to be engaging to entice the consumer to invest in the product, video reviews serve a purpose.They function as an info-mercial.

Video reviews are aimed at people who are on the point of purchase and want to know more about a product, so expensive advertising tricks are not necessary.The people that are using these reviews are also an already targeted market, so the sales pitch can be toned down and the focus can be on product information.So rather than being a mode of advertising, the reviews offer a service that is informative, useful and could help boost the sales of new technology.

About the Author

Dom Donaldson is a technology expert.

Find out more about Video Reviews and how they can help keep you informed about the latest technology at Pocket Lint.

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RSS Feeds Delivers A New Wave Of Entertainment Without Leaving Your Desk

The development of RSS feeds, which stands for really simple syndication, is a branch of basic XML file formatting that enables users to receive information on an instantaneous basis.For those who want to know about the chronic updating of any website, an RSS feed is the way to go.The feed is able to detect any minor (or significant) change on any given website and bring that updated information directly to the user.Web syndication brought the use of the RSS feed up to speed and brought it into the hands of the average user.

The RSS feed requires assistance in converting code into text, which can be done through an aggregator, commonly called a feed reader.This is a simple download available for no charge from a vast array of websites.These downloads require nothing more than the speed and OS necessary to support the feed and the reader.

What is the value of an RSS feed?Websites that are often updated or that carry a high number of subscribers can alert their entire database of changes or news without having to bother with email communications.It is like having a direct link to the web designers.Having this information can do a multitude of things for a business.Imaging the response for any website expecting to carry a Playstation 3.You had thousands of hungry gamers awaiting the release of the new gaming system and one single RSS feed that was ready to output the information as soon as the information was entered into computer's database.

At this point, the gamers flooded the site trying to order their Playstation 3.Any website that offers special deals, that offers news and information, or who values home entertainment above all else, RSS feeds have broadened the scope of their internet based clientele and their business ventures have taken off in new ways.

RSS feeds are no longer limited to the desktop or the laptop.You can now program and RSS feed to bring the exact same information directly to a cell phone or a PDA.This is one of the most effective methods of eliminating spam and unwanted email communications.Feeds that offer the information that is relevant to your life can be huge time savers.When you carry a few specific RSS feeds that give you the most vital information to you and your life, it becomes easy to get the information you need without the need for dearch engines, long winded searches, and unwanted results.

Most RSS feeds are developed with the consumer in mind.Whether it's news or special interest, an RSS feeds is a great asset to small internet companies.It allows the client base to gather information directly from their website and helps the smallest of the companies stay connected to their loyal following, even if it is only a few people.Updating websites, even the small ones, takes some effort.Alerting everyone to the new information can be time consuming.RSS feeds save consumers time and money while saving business proprietors time and money.

RSS feed directories can help consumers connect with small business owners and maintain the same connection that the small e-business is developing with their basic client list.In many cases, RSS feeds listed on the directories are highly effective helping smaller e-commerce entrepreneurs achieve a higher standard within their own business community.By being listed, even if they are selling something tiny and seemingly worthless, are able to bring together those who are interested in purchasing with the company that is offering the sale of the item.It works for so many companies that it has been deemed the super mall of the future.

Through such directories such as Feedster, consumers can also gain access to the company's blog site and also get involved in community based projects sponsored by the company.With an RSS feed revolution on the doorstep of our technologically based society, it won't be long before they become completely necessary for businesses without the need for chronic email communications.RSS feeds may very well be the key to future record breaking sales for may companies.

About the Author

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What Makes You Different? Hone Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) or Perish

My office sells mortgages. It's not very exciting, and there are a ton of other loan officers around the country who we have to compete with. So, what do we do to be successful?

Success comes from marketing your product and service much better than your competition. Set yourself apart through your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). In our case, it's not just about selling mortgages - instead, provide a specialized loan product within the mortgage industry to insure that you can provide a service that none of your competitors can provide.

Be unique. In the mortgage industry, most of the competition will try to survive by selling low interest rates and fees. Good luck to them. Unfortunately for them, though, they don't stand out among the crowds of other loan officers who are offering the same exact thing.

Specifically, in the example of a mortgage office, you could provide a niche product such as an owner builder construction loan. Owner builders are individuals who want to build a home without a licensed general contractor. As you can imagine, this specialty product sets you apart from the standard mortgage. Simply providing construction loans is a niche within the mortgage industry. But, owner builder construction loans are an even better niche. Eliminate 99.999% of your competition by working within a very specific niche.

Then, within that specific niche, set up your USP by offering services that none of your competitors will offer. Be unique in your overall industry. And, be unique even within your niche.

But, it doesn't matter if you are selling owner builder construction loans or if you are selling pizza. You need a strong USP to help you stand out.

Two years ago, we hosted a room full of loan officers at a mortgage marketing boot camp. During that weekend I got to talk to a lot of interesting people and hear a lot about their businesses.

Something I like to do when I'm at an event like this is conduct my own "undercover market research" - which means I ask a lot of people the same question to see what the most common answers are.

One question I asked often was, "What makes YOU different from your competition?"

Or, using proper marketing mumbo jumbo, "What's your Unique Selling Proposition?"

Here were the most common answers I got:

1. "I am new to the business so I haven't got one [a USP] yet."

How can you start in any business and not have a USP? Seriously, before you even start developing or selling a product line, or building your website, or writing a single advertisement, you must be able to clearly articulate what the heck makes you different from your competition!

Having the owner builder construction loan niche is essential to my office's long term success. Having a niche in your industry will be just as essential to you.

Look around at who is doing well out there. I am willing to bet you they all have some kind of niche they work in.

2. "I have the lowest prices!" - or - "I have the best service!"

Let me blunt: neither of those USPs work.

After a number of people at the boot camp told me their USP was about price or quality, those very same people told me they wouldn't believe other loan officers who claimed those USPs! Do you think your prospects believe you?

The fact is you don't have the lowest rates or the best service. The fact is that anyone can under price you in two seconds flat if they are willing to work for nothing.

The fact is that the "best service" is a very subjective thing, and anyone can claim to have the best.

Trying to compete on rates alone immediately establishes your product or service as a commodity - something that is meant to be shopped. You'll quote your rate and the customer will immediately hang up in order to call the next guy in the phone book to get his lowest price. Then, if you are lucky, he will call you back and get you to cut some more.

Lowest rates or best service is not a USP.

If you want to be really successful, you need to stand out from the crowd by offering a USP that's truly different... something your competition just can't claim. Become the expert at a niche for your market.

Then, price shoppers go away. Rate cutting goes away. And what you are left with is a line of people seeking you out.

So, step one: get a niche.

Step two: get a real USP!

There are plenty of niches to choose from. Then, you must let the world know what makes you different from your competitors -- in ten words or less. Being an expert in a niche and having a strong USP gives your customers a powerful, compelling reason to do business with you.

That is exactly why you should want to be different!


About the Author

Chris Esposito provides owner-builder construction financing nationwide through his Owner Builder 101 program. Visit www.OwnerBuilder101.com to get all the information you need to be a successful owner-builder, saving tens of thousands on your next home. Or call Owner Builder 101 at (877) 876-3688.

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5 Law Firm Marketing Tips to Turn Prospects into Clients

Attorneys are famous for wasting their time following up on bad leads. These are prospects who are not a good fit or who are not likely to hire your law firm. Another big mistake lawyers make is targeting the wrong market, usually too large of a market. What percentage of the people you follow up with come to your office for an official interview And of those, how many actually sign on as clients

Successful law firm marketing includes determining which people and businesses are not currently interested in your service and which are just not good prospects. Remove these dead ends from your contact lists and dont waste your time trying to win them over.

You probably have a very low percentage of prospects turned clients. And with the limited hours in your day to get everything done, you simply cant afford to waste this kind of time These 5 simple steps will help you turn more prospects into clients. Incorporate these into your law firm marketing strategy and watch your conversion rate grow.

1. Separate Your Contacts from Your Prospects

Learn to identify people who are genuinely interested versus those who simply are not saying "no" out of politeness. Listen for the signals that distinguish a real prospect from someone who is simply price shopping or worse using you to obtain a lower fee from another lawyer.

Create a list of questions to disqualify contacts focusing on the criteria of "need, want, afford." Remove those contacts who dont meet these qualifications, and focus your energy on solid prospects.

2. Interview Your Qualified Prospects Directly.

Are you consistently talking directly to your prospects versus their gatekeepers and time-wasters and pitching them your services Whats your closing ratio What percentage of people come to the interview versus become clients Make sure you are speaking to the real decision-maker.

3. Strengthen Your Presentation Skills

Improving your presentation skills will go a long way toward winning over new clients. Strengthen your phone skills and develop better phone scripts. Learn to recognize "buy questions." Be prepared to ask for the sale at the end of the presentation. Take a presentation skills seminar and focus on benefits and results more than services and features. Work harder at identifying your targets points of pain and using them clearly and consistently to demonstrate the value of your services. Become more fluent at speaking their language. Develop a list of critical questions to ask prospects you present to. Dont talk as much: listen more.

4. Give Prospects a Call to Action

After an interview, do you actually ask your prospect to commit to the sale How soon do you follow up with people after the interview What do you send them to encourage them to buy from you versus the competitor and buy from you now versus waiting

Make sure each prospect receives one clear call to action. Make it easy for them to follow. Ask for their business

5. Follow Up After Your Presentation

Follow up with a thank you letter or e-mail within 24 hours of the interview. Be sure to end every interview with action steps e.g., what each party agrees to do as next steps and when they will do it by. If you agree to do something, be sure to do it before the deadline. This may be a way they are testing you to see if you will respond to their needs. If you are a business lawyer, have a process for writing successful proposals. Immediately set a reminder to yourself to contact the hot prospect in a timely manner.

Add these five simple steps into your law firm marketing plan now. Youll see


About the Author

Stephen Fairley is CEO of The Rainmaker Institute is the nations largest law firm marketing company that specializes in helping small law firms generate more and better referrals and create a 7 figure law practice. Over 6,000 attorneys have benefited from our proven Rainmaker Marketing System. Attorneys: claim your FREE legal marketing CD 7 Keys to a 7 Figure Law Practice at

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