How to record affiliate videos
Hi Everyone,
In todays blog post I'm going to let you know how I go about recording affiliate videos.
There are 2 ways of doing these kinds of videos.
- Recording them with me on camera, ie as a full motion video.
- Recording a powerpoint presentation, ie as a screencam video (usually at 1 frame per second).
From my experience, usually the 2nd method converts better to sales, but not always. I think it is due to the fact that the videos load faster and are usually better planned when they are powerpoint style.
The other reason is that if people have their sound turned off on their computer, they can read what is going on in my powerpoint presentation by reading the screen.
Full motion videos
When recording full motion affiliate videos I use a Kodak Zi8 camera. These cameras are pretty cheap and yet record at high definition (not that you need HD for the web, but it's great for recording videos of my newborn son too).
I prefer the Kodak Zi8 over other 'flip cams' because it has a microphone jack (for when I want the audio to be better quality). I'm sure other brands will come with a microphone jack soon, but they didn't when I bought my Zi8 a few months ago.
To see an example of one of my affiliate videos using the Kodak Zi8, see this video of me here promoting a product on how to pick up women using magic tricks:
Click to open in a new window
You don't have to go as far as I did in that video (ie interviewing the product owner) in an affiliate video, you can just talk about the product, but I thought it was a good one to show you as the guy I had in the video showed some cool tricks :)
Actually, I should also give credit to Brad too, the guy in the video above. He's the one who put me on to the Kodak Zi8 in the first place.
I edit my videos using Sony Vegas Movie Studio, it's under $100 and very powerful and only took me a few hours to learn how to use a few years ago.
Powerpoint Videos
When recording powerpoint videos, I simply write up my slides on powerpoint, then I use camtasia to record my screen. And that's it.
If you want a free alternative to using Powerpoint and Camtasia, you could always make your slides using free software like Paint.net and you could record the video using JingProject which has a good free version (pro version is only $14.95 per year anyway).
I hope you enjoyed this blog post.
Oh and the best comment below wins their choice of a Kodak Zi8 or Sony Vegas Movie Studio for themselves, so post something good :)
All the best,
Mark
Update: Selecting a winner of this little competition has been really HARD. There has been so much great advice given below, the comments were even better than my post lol. I've decided to go with Andy Dee as the winner as he has submitted several great comments (not just 1) that were very helpful. This was a hard choice as so many of you supplied such helpful answers, I gained a few little resources myself :)
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By Ming Jong Tey - Inbox Cash Techniques at 15:53 6 Jun 2010
Hi Mark,
I have used Camtasia before and find that it is great tool. I have looked at Jing Project but haven't tried that out. Given that it is free and the functionality, it is definitely a good way to start.
Cheers,
Ming Jong
By Andy Dee at 19:21 6 Jun 2010
Here's a thought on syndication and marketing of your videos:
1. Gather competitive intelligence on the more highly viewed videos in their niche. A quick trip to YouTube should reveal what you need to know. Bring a list of a your top keywords, and search them in YouTube. Take a look through the videos that appear, and keep a log of the related videos, and video responses that YouTube shows. Look at the stats of each of these videos to see if there's at least a continuing, if not updward, trend of visitors.
2. For the best qualified videos, copy all of the related titles, and their tags, to a text doc. When you upload a YouTube video to your account, you'll want to use these tags. You can also promote your video as a response to an existing video. Titles/tags are important! Don't forget!
3. Additionally, you can use Tube Mogul to syndicate your video to multiple video sharing sites. This is a powerful service that I just can't live without. It's definitely worth checking into! There's a free option, as well as paid levels.
4. Most people STILL don't do this, and I don't know why... but, SEND BACKLINKS TO YOUR VIDEOS! Start backlinking directly to your videos, using words from your keyword list. Make sure to get a good variety in there, between forum links, articles from directory sites, blog posts, etc. Vary your anchor text too! Use the URL itself, product names, commercial intent keywords, etc. If you do this, your videos WILL get indexed in the rankings, and quite high, most of the time, for some high performing keywords. I outsource this to my team, and get fantastic results.
Any questions? Just ask!
-Andy Dee
By Andy Dee at 19:40 6 Jun 2010
Here's something I left out! Sorry, video talk really gets me going.
I've been an advocate of using video in business for quite a while now, and now that technology is so affordable, education on actually being successful with it needs to catch up.
So, I'm probably shooting myself in the foot here, but here's one of the niches I operate in, where video brings me tremendous results....ready? FISHING! That's right. I promote affiliate offers for poles, rods, info products, etc. You name it. It's actually one of my better niches, and when I started using video the results improved a tremendous amount more.
Hop on the bandwagon if you want, but I assure you...the competition (me) is fierce!
Anyway...
When I'm doing product demo videos, there are a lot of action scenes. As you can imagine with fishing, I'm showing guys gearing up, interviewing them on the drive out, etc. Everything I can do to capture the experience, and get potential buyers hyped up.
Here's a hint -- If you're walking around with your camera in hand, hoping to get a quality shot...IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. At least in my opinion, shots like these are unbearable to watch. Yet, everybody shoots like this.
When I was first starting out, with little to no operating budget to speak of, I improvised most of my video equipment.
One priceless piece I constructed was a homemade Steadicam. If you don't know, a Steadicam produces smooth video when you're walking around with a camera. You can find directions online from multiple sources... just search for "homemade steadicam" or "diy glidecam".
Adding this into my video arsenal expanded my capabilities tremendously, and gave my productions an over-the-top quality when compared side by side to other videos people find online. In the fishing niche, there are already quite a few people using video, but most of it involves some hairy-chested, hairy-faced dude sitting in front of a camera, talking monotonously about, well...whatever he wants! We also have our fair share of Powerpoint screen captures as well, which when your presenter isn't the best vocal talent, is a bit of a burden to watch.
My action videos perform to a high degree. They play a large role in building up anticipation in the personal ownership of the product I'm selling. Add in nice titles, good music, and great on-camera personalities, and I can pretty much guarantee a win...albeit with the right offer.
Another homemade device you can use to spruce up your videos big time? A jib arm! You can make one of these fairly easily and capture some really cool sweeping shots. Gives a great "Hollywood" effect. If you're not sure what this is, just Google. Then, search for "homemade jib arm" and get to building!
I have a lot more advice on this topic...from formulating ideas, to production, all the way to marketing/syndication.
Mark, perhaps this calls for a guest post? Let me know and I'd be glad to put together a super comprehensive guide (I'm in the process of creating this anyway, for my clients) for all of the Affilorama readers!
-Andy Dee
By Ken Phillips at 23:52 6 Jun 2010
Great stuff Mark,
Won't make any comments about weight.. (hmm no wonder it is such a big niche!!) ..because people in glass houses and all that.
Fantastic tips as always and gotta use that match trick.
The look on your face was priceless so a picture DOES tell a thousand words.
Just got hold of Vegas and agree that it is a very versatile program. Easy to use and works a treat.
Thanks for the tips
Ken
By Janic62 at 0:18 7 Jun 2010
Hi Mark
Thanks for another great post, so much to learn, just have to find the time to learn it all. Keep it coming
By covenantguy at 9:01 7 Jun 2010
Hi MArk
Thanks for that. So many things on this Internet Marketing jaunt that I am following seem out of reach, but it's good to read useful practical information that tells you how to do stuff-as simply as possible. Too many I.M "gurus" assume you know something or load you with info you'll never really ever going to get round to-and which does not help when you get round to it!
By Arline Oliphint at 1:14 9 Jun 2010
Hi Mark!
Great advice. I read your post and watched the video back when you still had zero comments... and I'm finally getting back here to make my own comment. I see there are many very well-written comments with ADDITIONAL great advice and tips! I'll be back again and again to learn more when I'm ready to make videos! I haven't tried doing videos yet, but NEED to... soon.
I'm glad you gave some free alternatives to Powerpoint, and more. It so happens I have a copy of Camtasia - I don't recall how I was able to get a free copy, I guess from some marketer as a bonus a while back. I've used it to record a few live presentations I've watched, for my own use, but haven't attempted editing, etc.
I loved your video, Mark, and could see the real-life example of how well the camera works and how you approached the topic that was so relevant for your audience.
I ended up watching the whole thing, partly to see how you do what you do so well.... But especially because I noticed the same thing NOGUILE mentioned. Three minutes into the video, I paused it and grabbed a pen and paper.
I'm not a guy... and I'm not looking to pick up women (or men, for that matter)... but I realized that many of the principles could be applied to MARKETERS approaching prospective customers. We need to attract people to us, and keep them interested and curious about how we can make their life more enjoyable.
What I especially liked (why I grabbed my pen) was the 3 C's (competence, confidence and curiousity) because these will help me be more popular and attractive as a PERSON, in all realms. With the 3 C's, I'll develop friendships more easily, as well as attracting prospective customers and just be an interesting person overall.
A few of the other points that apply especially to marketing:
- Interesting stories get attention
- Any time you have the person wondering ANYTHING about you, it's a major step.
- If you appear to read their mind, they can't get this out of their head
- If you do something that gets all eyes on you (be instantly famous for a few minutes), this creates an elevated social status for you
- Be humble, fun, and friendly
- Magic (in his case) gave him the ability to captivate attention and take on a "new persona". He came out of his self-conscious shell, realized he WAS interesting, and he had something to talk about.
- The key is to go out FOR YOURSELF, focus on having fun, and you can't help meeting people. I apply this to marketing: If I just be myself, focus on having fun with my blog, etc. and not worry too much about SELLING something, I can't help "meeting" people and getting followers (building my list).
Thanks again for a great post. You have spurred a lot of thinking and helpful interaction here!
-- Arline
By epic traffic systems review at 22:42 9 Jun 2010
I personally prefer the powerpoint way of making a video. With these, you need good pictures to go along with the slides, nice background sounds, and a presentation that isn't to wordy. Once you are missing any of these you will see a drastic reduction in views.
Otherwise, good post. I have the Flip cam and it does me just fine. Good sound and good picture quality. The only problem I had is when I was trying to show something and I was talking behind the camera the sound level dropped off considerable.
By Jan at 20:18 10 Jun 2010
After reading this post, I finally got my first Jing video made. But I had to purchase a USB headset first. Awesome sound quality! I think my other one got dropped on the floor too many times. :) It took me around 150 takes to make it through five minutes without too much stumbling. That's the downside of video compared to a slideshow; not as much control, but much less labor-intensive (not counting all the time it took me for the re-takes. :)
Now, what I'm wondering, is - Does Google index videos if they're uploaded only to your website? Or do they need to be uploaded to YouTube as well?
By Crystal01 at 10:31 11 Jun 2010
Hi Jan,
Practice makes perfect. As you gain experience the number of retakes will decrease.
Search Engines do index Videos that are uploaded to your website - they are a form of content. But you do need to treat them in the same way as text content. That is, do set up your meta tags - page title, description, keywords... Many people find that it helps to add non video content to your page as well - on page SEO.
Google loves video.
By mynameis at 9:24 18 Jun 2010
If I was ready to also promote my sites w/ videos, I would use either:
Kodak Zi8 or Flip Camcorder
Keynotes or Powerpoint + Camtasia Studio
It takes cash & time to learn how to make it efficiently.
But I must admit I am quite excited even thinking about discovering this new way to promote my sites...
By ilham45 at 6:02 19 Jun 2010
Hi guys
I realize all of you having problem to record training video, Here is the best tips today
if you need catch any video from any website fallow this steps.
visit. www.jingproject.com and install the program to your computer, after this you can use Jin to capture any video from any website.
all the best
ilham
By roltor at 9:47 25 Jun 2010
as for me I record screen with Macvide ScreenCap (macvide.com)
By JohnPixium at 6:18 29 Jun 2010
Hi Mark,
Thanks for sharing this idea about affiliate videos recording. This blog may help to the peoples. But I am new in Marketing. I need some help:
Actually I need some knowledge about internet marketing.
what is B2B Affiliate??
what is B2B Affiliate Marketing??
what is B2B CPA Network??
what is New Product Launch Marketing??
what is Product Launch Consulting??
Please guide me?
creative services agency
By JuliaW at 4:17 7 Jul 2010
Just bought a Flip Cam can think of endless possible ways to use it. Not sure I am ready to stand in front of the camera myself, but got quite a few artists to talk about the Art Festival I coordinate in Manitou Springs. If they can do it, so can I!
By opticalfuel at 18:18 16 Jul 2010
I have that EXACT camera. Pretty weird. I was just setting it up and saw this picture, and sure enough, it's the same one. I am going to use it. I was just laid off my job, and I think it's a perfect time to pursue something I can do to make more money in less time.
By Anahata at 3:59 19 Jul 2010
Thanks for all this great stuff you guys and Mark for making this forum available. My husband and I were just researching the best cameras to get for our internet promo info and there you were as a link from Clickbank. I also came across you from an affiliate of yours re: Jet Pack soon to launch.
It is a good thing I watched your video with Brad cause we live in Nelson, NZ and going to Chch next month. Thought I would look you up but it looks like you are living in the US now.
Will buy Kodak Zi8 and start playing. We are virtual newbies in action, but lots of reading, reading etc. It will be great to actually start making some money and meeting lots of others online.
thanks for your passion,
Anahata
By dkfelter at 12:19 19 Jul 2010
Hi Mark- As a newbie to internet marketing, I found your 5 Step Report very informative with a good track to run on. In fact, Affilorama offers a lot of terrific information that I can use to start my internet business. While I think internet marketing is a legitimate opportunity, there is a group of people who have overwhelmed my computer with offrer after offer to hit it rich with some brand new idea that when you get to the bottom of the page has a cost. Rachel Long leads the parade and some of her links won't open or can't be found. Mike G, Paula Frye, Brian Michael just to name a few more flood the internet with emails that will only line their pockets with money. And some offer discounts if you hit the cancel button. As I build my internet business, I will work with Chris Carpenter and Affilorama as you are the real deal. Honest and straight forward. Today I will be unsubscribing from all of these other internet marketers.
Deane Felter
By Rodrigo Moreno at 3:30 20 Jul 2010
Hey there Mark... I got exactly the same Kodak camera and it`s amazing. You can take wonderful HD videos everywhere you are. This is a very practical camera because of its size, it´s like a blackberry celphone... and the best of all is the price! I recommend buy this great hd camera and take it with you wherever you go.
Nice Post... Kind regards,
Rodrigo Moreno
By online high school at 5:38 30 Jul 2010
Very good information .... Thanks guy...
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