The videography advantage in Real Estate
Making noise in the realtor game is as easy as eating cotton candy underwater. Luckily, when it comes to breaking away from the pack when it comes to Real Estate Marketing, there are very viable options. One of the most powerful ones is real estate videography. You’ve probably considered this before, but you’re unsure if it’s worth the investment. What if I told you that not only could it help you sell properties faster, but it would also elevate your entire brand? AND, if you’re willing to take on the challenge, it wouldn’t even cost you much. Intrigued? Let’s dive in!
Photo by Gabriel LN
I. The Impact of Videography and Storytelling on Your Brand
In today’s digital age, real estate videography has become a powerful tool for realtors to showcase properties, attract potential clients, and elevate their brands. This is not only true for residential realtors but also for home builders, commercial and industrial realtors who are looking to make an impact in their respective markets. By embracing the power of video content and optimizing it for search engines, you’ll not only attract more buyers and investors but also set yourself apart from the competition.
Whether you choose to go the DIY route or invest in professional videography services, the key is to utilize a variety of video types to create a well-rounded marketing strategy that captivates your audience. Remember, it’s not just about the property; it’s about giving your potential clients a taste of the lifestyle they’re after, and also building your brand and reputation as a top-tier realtor, home builder, or commercial and industrial real estate expert.
Photo by Gabriel LN
II. Real Estate Videography and SEO
A common question we get is, “How does videography relate to search engine optimization (SEO)?” It’s simple: search engines love video content. They consider it highly engaging and user-friendly, so videos tend to rank higher in search results.
To maximize your real estate videos’ SEO potential, optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords. This will increase your chances of being found by potential clients searching for their dream homes.
III. DIY vs. Outsourcing: Pros and Cons
As a realtor, you have two choices when it comes to real estate videography: doing it yourself or outsourcing it to professionals.
On one hand, DIY videos can save you money, and with some practice, you can create decent walkthrough videos. However, outsourcing to a professional videographer ensures a higher level of quality and polish. Plus, they have access to specialized equipment like drones and lighting setups, which can make your videos truly shine. On top of that, if you choose the right company, they should be at the top of their game. So they can help you think of new ideas or improve on the ones you already have. Yes, this comes at a cost, but when it comes to video you have to think long game and think of the benefits it can bring your brand as a whole, not just a single property.
In short, if you want to make the most significant impact and stand out from the competition, outsourcing is the way to go. However, that’s not the answer for everyone. If you feel like DIY is your path, keep reading!
Photo by Gabriel LN
IV. Tips for DIY Real Estate Videography
If you decide to give DIY real estate videography a shot, here are some basic tips to get you started:
- Draft a shot list and storyboard, focusing on engaging visuals that enhance the viewer’s experience.
- Ideally, invest in a mirrorless camera for top-quality footage; however, a smartphone paired with a gimbal or tripod is a good enough option for steady, professional-looking videos. (check this link for cellphone gimbals!)
- Schedule your exterior shots during “golden hour” (sunset or sunrise) for the most flattering natural lighting conditions.
- Experiment with various camera angles and perspectives to highlight each property’s unique features.
- Edit your video to create a seamless, compelling narrative, and enrich it with background music to keep your viewers hooked.
Ok, so you made a really cool video. Now what? Check out this article to learn how to mix it into your current marketing strategy.
V. Types of Real Estate Videos
Now, let’s take a closer look at the different types of real estate videos you can use to showcase properties and elevate your brand:
- Walkthrough Tours: Guided tours of the property that highlight its layout, features, and unique selling points. Regardless of the type of real estate (residential, commercial, industrial), you should also showcase amenities in the neighborhood, access to the area, anything that helps sell the idea of WHY that property is the perfect one for your clients.
- Drone Aerial Videography: Breathtaking bird’s eye views of the property and its surroundings, capturing its grandeur and location. Drone video can be used as a stand-alone element, but in my opinion, it should 100% be a part of your property videos.
- Neighborhood and Lifestyle Videos: Showcasing the local community, amenities, and lifestyle, giving potential buyers a taste of what it’s like to live in the area. Focusing on storytelling really helps sell the idea of the property. Commercial-style videos really help connect on a personal level with your potential clients.
- Agent Introduction and Bio Videos: I’m not talking the “Hi, I’m Amy, walk through this house with me” cheesiness, backed with some terrible elevator music in the background most realtors do. I’m talking about you telling your story from a deeper level. Why is Real Estate your passion? This is called a Brand Message Video — or at least that’s what I call them. These types of videos are where the YOU in your brand really shines. People love to connect with people.
- Client Testimonials: Genuine testimonials from satisfied clients, building trust and credibility.
- Construction progress videos: Ideal for home builders, these videos document the different stages of the building process and can be used to update clients on the progress of their projects.
- Client testimonials: Highlight the experiences of satisfied clients, whether they are homeowners, commercial tenants, or industrial property buyers.
Image by Gabriel LN
VI. Conclusion
In the competitive world of real estate, standing out from the crowd is essential for success. Real estate videography offers an incredible opportunity to not only showcase properties in a captivating way but also to elevate your brand, whether you’re a residential, commercial, or industrial realtor or a home builder. By harnessing the power of video content and optimizing it for search engines, you’ll attract more potential clients and differentiate yourself from the competition.
The decision to go DIY or invest in professional videography services depends on your goals, budget, and skills. Regardless of the path you choose, incorporating a variety of video types into your marketing strategy is crucial to captivating your audience and building your reputation as a top-tier real estate expert.
So, are you prepared to elevate your real estate game with the power of videography? The possibilities are endless! Let us know if we can help!
FAQs
Avoid shaky footage, poor lighting, cluttered spaces, and overly long videos. Ensure that the property is clean and staged, use stabilization gear, and pay attention to lighting and video length to keep viewers engaged.
The initial cost may be higher, but professional videography can enhance your brand image, attract more clients, and ultimately deliver a higher return on investment. The decision ultimately depends on your goals, resources, and the level of quality you want to achieve.
Storytelling helps create an emotional connection with potential buyers, making your videos more engaging and memorable. Use editing, music, and narration to craft a compelling narrative that showcases the property’s unique features and the lifestyle it offers.
Consistency is essential, but the frequency depends on your workload and resources. Aim for at least one to three videos per month, but more frequent uploads can keep your audience engaged and help with SEO.
Yes, modern smartphones are capable of capturing high-quality videos. However, investing in a smartphone gimbal and an external microphone can significantly improve the quality of your footage and audio.
It really depends on the type of video and the platform you will distribute it on. However, We suggest aiming for 2 – 3 minutes max for walkthrough tours and neighborhood videos. Keep teasers under 1 minute. If you’re doing a Brand Message Video we suggest around the 2 – 3 minute mark. Commercial videos we suggest anywhere between 30 to 90 seconds. The key is to engage viewers without overwhelming them.
Share your videos on social media platforms, your website, and real estate listing sites. You can also use email marketing and paid advertising to reach a larger audience.
No, using copyrighted music without permission can lead to legal issues. Instead, opt for royalty-free music or purchase a license to use a specific track. There are wonderful websites with tons of licensed, royalty-free music, however most come with a subscription cost.
Recent Posts
- Real Estate Videography: A Winning Strategy For Your Brand
- How Much Does Video Production Cost? – A Step-by-Step Guide
- Choosing the Right Video Production Company for Your Business: The Ultimate Guide
- 5 Essential Tips For Using Video In Your Marketing Strategy
- The Art of Storytelling in Video Marketing: Enhance Engagement and Drive Sales
