January 2012 Meeting | Video’s Vital Role in Marketing

Over the past few years, we’ve seen video explode across the web. Youtube stats are off the charts, and it’s no longer just a place to upload that favorite video of your cat chasing the neighbors dog. Companies large and small around the world are doing whatever they can to harness the power of video for not only their marketing campaigns, but for training, internal communications and recruiting efforts as well.

With the cost of entry into the world of video production at an all time low, just about anyone with a smartphone and a web connection can create video content. But can you use these same low cost tools to help extend your brand and drive your business? Perhaps, but it will take a little more than that if you want your viewers to have a meaningful experience with your video content. If you’re looking to use video to increase search engine optimization, hit the viral circuit or just generate some extra clicks this month, you’ve come to the wrong place. Video is a powerful medium that can truly be used to extend a brand in an authentic way and share a company’s story as well as their passion for why they do what they do.

Mike Esser, Team Lead, Digital Media & Video, Brand Communications & Design for Red Hat will be presenting about how and why Red Hat uses video and where we think video is headed for marketers in the future. Mike manages a team of producers, editors and motion designers who work together to bring Red Hat’s story to life. He helps internal clients work through the creative process of producing videos and digital media from script to screen. Mike will also take us through a few examples from other companies that he thinks are getting it right, and will answer any questions you might have about how you can get started.