You know they say that shoppers who view video at onlineshoes.com are 45% more likely to purchase something (source: Internet Retailer). Press Releases that include video have a 500% increase in views (source: Eloqua). And lastly, you are 53% more likely to appear on Page 1 of Google if you have video on your website (source: Forrester Research).

Video is important because it captures a certain element that the written word simply can’t. You get to hear the nuances in someone’s voice and see their facial expressions. Done right, video converts very well. It makes it easier (quicker) for people to make a connection with you.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. And practice truly makes perfect in this case. So today, I thought I’d show you an example of a real estate video that I thought was executed exceedingly well. Then, I’d like to challenge you to create some video content of your own for your website.

Now I’m not usually a fan of long videos myself. But here, I think Steve did a phenomenal job in execution. Every section of the video kept my attention and it made me want to keep watching. Most video is done poorly (bad sound, rambling, heavy breathing, poor lighting, et cetera) and therefore, loses my attention very quickly.

I asked Steve to share some insights into how he put this video together and here’s what he had to say…

1. How do you decide on a topic to shoot a video about? Do you write an outline of what you’re going to discuss in your video?

I am a working agent and topic come every day from buyers and seller. I have written a blog for a couple of years now and thought it was time to start doing video on all the questions we get asked as agent. I have also added a couple of agents to my group and am feeding off the questions they ask me.

2. What are you using to shoot your videos? (Just the tools – camera, mic, etc.).

We shoot with a Canon 7D and will be using a Zoom H4N to capture sound.

3. How are you editing your video once you’re done recording? (What programs are you using to edit your video).

All editing is done with Final Cut Studio – Animations are done by my creative team, they use a couple different programs to get the job done.

4. How do you find and decide on what music to use in your videos?

This was chosen by the creative team as well: @mullens4mac & @helitrax. I think they nailed it pretty good!

5. Any other tips you can give to Agents on shooting higher quality videos?

Honestly – Hire it out. I know we all want to be “tech savvy”, but when we spend more time on production we lose sight of what we really need to be doing. We all wear different hats in my office and I would rather come up with the subjects and topics that I know I will be asked and let my creative team go with it so I can spend time doing what I love – helping people buy & sell houses. It’s not something that should be stressed over, it should be a good time. We get to laughing really hard when we are shooting, and it’s fun… that’s the most important thing – having fun.

– Steve Volkers, The Steve Volkers Group

What about you? 

Are you using video in your real estate businesses? What kind of videos are you producing (what topics)? Do you create your own videos or do you outsource the production?