3 out of 4 Internet Users watched Video in November 2007!

Leading affiliates working with Forge Media managed affiliate programs are using video to great effect to drive affiliate sales.

In the US online video advertising is one of the fastest growing advertising mediums and as bandwidth prices plummet in South Africa and we gain faster access the same is poised to happen locally.

AdAge’s Video Report says it best when they surmise:

“In order to thrive in the online video environment, advertisers need to keep a few basic principles in mind when creating and distributing online video advertisements:

—Awareness and credibility are the keys to reaching target audiences
—Videos must contain a compelling call to action
—Distribution channels should be used to maximize viewership”

Why Advertisers use Video?
Video on the Web delivers significant brand impact by combining the power of traditional broadcast and web interactivity. The secret however lies in engaging and relating to your customer.

The user experience must either inform, entertain or provide value to the viewer, as they have far greater control over acceptance of your message.

The ability to drive a Direct Response, together with far lower production and distribution costs when compared to broadcast media makes the medium highly attractive. For the cost of one TV campaign advertisers can develop literally dozens of online videos and measure the response from views, clicks and even sales or leads generated.

Video ads spread virally, are often forwarded and can be placed on unlimited partners sites to drive the messaging home.

How to go about creating your own video
Authenticity and simplicity are key. Long complex messages are never going to work well. A succint, entertaining, engaging (even funny) message is key. South Africa leads the way in creating exceptional, award winning, broadcast advertising.

A rough “How To” for creating a Video Ad
- A profile of the customer you want to engage
- A storyboard & key concepts you want to convey
- Refine the storyboard and script the message, location & props
- Either employ professional actors or round up your own presenters
- Test shoot the ad and test the response
- Refine and shoot the final
- Produce and optimize the content for Web

What else needs to be done?
Plan your objectives and decide how you’re going to measure success.
The call to action should lead to a landing page that resonates with your video and reinforces the message.
You should embed tracking in your video to measure it’s effectiveness.
You should ensure your video plays well in all browsers.
Select distribution including buying online media, using OfferForge.com’s affiliate network, sending viral mails, posting onto YouTube.com or the even better local equivalent Zoopy.com.

For more information on Video Affiliate Marketing contact OfferForge.com