STREAMING VIDEO

I am not an internet guru, nor do I fully understand all that computers can do. But I know people. We all have some idea of what streaming video is and at least a vague idea of how it’s used. My people tell me that streaming video can be a powerful marketing tool, and I have recently come to that conclusion, as well.

The other day I called on a potential client in the local area.  This business specializes in high-end patio furniture and garden accessories.  Their outdoor showroom traverses a great deal of property, displaying fountains, pottery, sculptures and exotically wonderful pieces of art.  The expansiveness of the store is matched by the impressive selection and quality of the merchandise. I particularly enjoyed the cooling, calming effect of the tranquil water fountains. The sounds of flowing water, along with the artisans’ enticing wares, made most visitors want to sit and stay awhile.

Later, I went to this company’s website, and as expected, I found professional photographs of the various objects for sale. Again, I liked what I saw.  But I didn’t have the same serene feeling that I had experienced earlier, in person. This website, like many others, had static (though beautiful) shots and a two-dimensional feel.

How much more effective would this website be if a virtual visitor could actually see and hear the motion of the water, as if they were there, on-site?

Soundstrategies has taken some steps, along a similar vein as I’d envision for my potential pottery client.  We have implemented a “car tour” or a virtual “walk-around”, detailing a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.  The dealer prominently features this on the home page of their site (you can view it for yourself at www.rosevillevw.com.)  We’ve found: 1. It more effectively showcases the car, and

2. It can be seen “on-demand”, at the viewer’s convenience.

If you’re interested in getting started with “streaming video”, it’s easier than you might think. There are generally two methods for viewing media on the internet: downloading and streaming. You may want to employ the “downloading” approach, which can be the best way for beginners to get their feet wet. To give your website-viewers the appearance of “streaming” video, you can embed the file in a web page using special HTML code.

Contrary to what you may think, it’s not complicated to deliver video files on your website through HTTP streaming. This simple format does not require additional software or special hosting plans. By technical standards, HTTP streaming is not considered “true” video streaming, though it’s a great feature that dramatically enhances the content of your website, for very little investment.  Trust me - you’ll be glad you decided to try it.  Best of luck!