In Focus

8 secrets for viral gold

Introduction

As a brand marketer, you have wisely decided to tap into the ever-growing online pool of consumer talent for consumer-generated video production. But now what? Where do you start? 

Before you dive in blindly, it is vital to understand the nature of this new creative world. Consumer-generated video production has evolved to engage the prowess of independent, semi-professional and professional videographers. These can be the guys who do video montages for weddings and bar mitzvahs, but in their spare time, they create high-quality, low-cost video productions. Often, their hobby turns into a desire to grow their expertise and eventually land a full-time job as a commercial producer.

This group of semi-pros is joined by boutique creative shops that are also tapping into the success of consumer-generated video production. They are often trying to break into securing gigs with big brands but haven't yet had success breaking down the barriers-to-entry imposed by marketing departments and big ad agencies. One of the keys to consumer-generated video success is to listen to and take into account the varying motives of consumer ad creators and videographers to maximize the potential of the channel.

There are many benefits to tapping into this pool of creative talent online, and also many routes to take to ensure you get the outcome you want. If you do decide to take advantage of all that consumer-generated video has to offer, there are eight things you must consider to ensure success with the channel.

 

Comments

Michael Brown
Michael Brown August 4, 2008 at 3:26 PM

What is of grave concern for me, and eventually this will have to be addressed.

Case in point:
I entered a $100,000 video ad contest along with 1,000 others. I didn't win. Nevertheless, they could use my entry anywhere they want, as long as they want without ANY compensation.

In fact, my ad could do a millions times better than the $100,000 winner, yet I would not see a dime.

For me to devote any serious attention and time to the viral online video market, if they end up liking my work enough to use it, they should pay for it.

These contests will not go on for long before many serious creators band together and say enough is enough.

If they use our work, they pay for our work.

Jonathan Lynch
Jonathan Lynch August 4, 2008 at 2:24 PM

I won a video contest from Xlant Ads and it defiantly took longer then 30 days to get paid. I think it's pretty to have a net 30 policy when it comes to payment. The reality of web video is that it's still so new that no one know what will work best when it comes to web marketing using viral video. Also, what will work best tends to change from day to day, week to week and year to year. Being able to stay ahead of changes in the market means being innovative and taking risks.