New to the game, already scratching my head

Whats up to all fellow videographers and agents. Im new to this site and to real estate video. Been at it for just weeks, and already scratching my head.

While doing a tour the other day, I stated to the agent: "can you get me some info you would like to include in the commentary?"  I wanted to be sure I had the specs right, additional details that would be a good selling feature.

She looked at me as if I was insane. She states. "I dont need that, really just want to go with some text on the screen"

So Im thinking...ooooook..now, as a newbie to the game, the last thing I want to do is get into an argument.....not to say I would, Ive worked in retail and hospitality, so I know all about the "customer is always right" theroy.

Not to mention, I dont even market text commentary, and tried to explain how text is distracting, and really that commentary is the way to go.

I contemplated demographic theory here, but realized this woman is my age (late 20s, early 30)..

How could she even consider text commentary?

I guess Ill end up doing the voice over anyway, and the text commentary, approach here with both and see if she chooses the right path..?

Thoughts on this?

Explain to her the SEO aspects of the voice-over. Youtube, for example, converts the speech to text. Youtube... the 2nd only to Google search engine, uses the converted text to help prioritize the video in it's results. Plus, you can provide transcripts for captioning. The bottom line is that she will now understand the importance of voice-over, SEO, and how they work to enhance exposure to her and her client's property. As a technical part of any "Video Marketing Plan," she can help herself and her clients by providing the specific key words and phrases, which will be used in the voice-over, that she thinks would help target the market she is going after.

Don't forget to use video sitemaps too!

Look it up on Youtube, then make a little demo video that explains this and email it to her.

Good luck!

Arlee

Arlee,

Very informative, and much appreciated. Although, I have seen plenty of real estate video tours on YouTube with commentary.  I assume your just saying that they convert it to text for backround/SEO purposes, and dont actually remove the voice over.

Correct

Thanks Arlee!

Columbia eh?  I used to live in Myrtle Beach, I miss it down there!

Miss those Myrtle Beach Daze. It's still here, and the condos are cheap!

Definitely agree with Arlee on the voice-over aspect.  That is so important, yet most agents still don't get it.  The one thing I've learned is this: agents hire a professional to REDUCE the amount of work they have to do (and sometimes also to get better results)... so think about your process and reduce as much as possible the input you need from the agent.  Taking that approach will usually result in happier customers.  :)