Media Shower Productions is excited to announce that we’re taking part in a new promotion offering free, no-obligation web videos to businesses in Western Massachusetts.  For a limited time, we’ll shoot, edit and upload a 60-90 second video for your business, which you can embed on Facebook, Yellowpages.com, Google Local and other sites.

We’re so certain that you’ll love the video and you’ll love what it does to promote your business, that we’re letting businesses try out their video free for six months.  After that, you’ll have the option to pay a low monthly subscription to keep the video live online.

It’s easy to sign up for your free video from Media Shower Productions.  Just fill out this form, and be sure to include my name, Gretchen Siegchrist, as the referring filmmaker.

Web video is usually seen as a time waster – think of the hours you’ve spent watching dumb clips on YouTube. But web video can also be an incredible time saver. For example, I produce virtual tour videos for a Realtor, and now she rarely wastes time showing houses to people who aren’t interested. I work with a supplier of nutritional supplements that uses a video blog to educate its clients about new products, saving time for the salespeople and customer support experts. Another client of mine commissioned a how-to video to demonstrate the method for assembling their product; now they get many fewer calls from confused customers.

Saving time is just one of many reasons to use video. Web video is also great for attracting and keeping visitors on your website, establishing expertise in your marketplace, or engaging in a dialogue with your customers.  If you’re considering investing in web video, the list of the top reasons to use video on your website will help you see the many advantages you’ll gain from a great web video.  Check out the list, then give Media Shower a call to talk about producing a video for your website!

A few years ago, I had to work to educate potential clients about the power of using video in their online marketing.  Recently, though, it’s become much easier.  Most people understand the benefits of using web video and are eager to get something up on their web site.

That doesn’t mean I don’t still work hard to educate my clients.  Web video is powerful, but you can’t just post any old video and expect to get results.  Effective use of web video requires a strategic approach that involves looking at your audience, your goals and your resources.  Only after figuring out what you want to gain from web video can we design a production that will meet your goals.

I recently wrote an article for About.com that outlines the major points you should consider before starting to use video for online marketing.  Developing an effective online video strategy will be the focus of my first web video workshop, to be held at the Northampton Chamber of Commerce October 6 from 12:30-1:30.  The program is free, and anyone who’s considering using web video for marketing will benefit.  Email me to register: gretchen@mediashowerproductions.com

Media Shower will be offering free courses on web video production for small businesses at the Northampton Chamber of Commerce Tuesdays in October from 12:30-1:30. Course offerings include: Developing an Effective Web Video Strategy (Oct 6), DIY Video Production Techniques (Oct 13), Video Editing & Web Publishing (Oct 20), Promoting Your Web Videos (Oct 27). Pre-registration is required and participants are encouraged to sign up for all four classes by emailing Gretchen@mediashowerproductions.com

For the past few months, Media Shower has been working with 3BL Media on production of their daily CSR Minute.  These short podcasts feature the top news stories about corporations doing good in the world and giving back to their communities.  These videos have also done a lot of good for 3BL.  By offering regular, professionally produced content, their CSR Minute has gained a worldwide following and earned them mention in top publications like Fast Company.

These videos are short, but getting them out with consistent quality on a daily basis takes a serious commitment from everyone involved.  Companies that want to produce a regular podcast series need to be prepared to put in the people hours necessary.  Because 3BL Media is in the news business, it’s important for them to make a daily impact with their videos, but in other industries, a weekly, or even monthly, video would be effective.

For more information about producing a video podcast for your business, contact Media Shower Productions.  And for more information about corporate social responsibility, watch 3BL Media’s daily CSR Minute!

Gretchen Siegchrist, the founder and creative director of Media Shower Productions, has been named one of the 40 Under 40 Class of 2009 by Business West. This award is given annually to young entrepreneurs and businesspeople who’ve achieved outstanding success and are making a difference in their communities.