Tag Archives for " video "

How to Use Video Marketing for Lead Generation

According to forecasts, 2022 is the year where online videos will make up more than 82% of all consumer internet traffic—putting platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram at the center of any marketing strategy.

But how can you use video marketing to generate highly qualified leads or even hit a given marketing goal?

In this article, you will learn how to turn your video content into a lead-generating asset and make the most of it.

 

Turn Your Video Content Into a Lead-Generation Asset

Although 74% of B2B marketers believe that video converts better than any other type of content, many companies still struggle to harness the potential of video marketing.

In a study, Wistia found that only 22% of B2B brands use video content for lead generation purposes. So, one can assume that the other 78% are not doing it because they either have no idea how or are doing it the wrong way.

Actually, if you want to generate leads using video content, it makes sense to turn your videos into a lead-generating asset before expecting any results, especially if you are in the B2B space.

Think about it, while dancing cat videos can generate results in a B2C context, it won’t cut it if you’re selling products to businesses.

Here are two lead-generating assets you’ll need to leverage to get results:

1. On-site knowledge base.
2. Video course (Can be onsite, offsite, or both).

The first type of asset is gated, while the second type is not—especially since its purpose is to engage viewers.

A great example of an on-site knowledge base is the Hubspot Academy, home to much free gated content curated by Hubspot.

On the other hand, Yoast is a perfect example of a brand that leverages on-site and off-site video courses on its site and Udemy.

 

The Benefits of Your Lead-Generating Assets

The first benefit of planning your video marketing strategy around a lead-generating asset is that it allows you and your entire marketing team to have a 360-degree view of how to direct your video creation efforts.

The second benefit is that these assets can be used to fuel the top and middle of your sales cycle. As a result, your website will get more engagement and traffic from people who simply want to be informed or make informed purchase decisions.

The third benefit is that, when gated, your video content can help you collect email addresses—which can help you turn some visitors into leads and ultimately into customers.

Note that regardless of whether it is off-site or on-site, your lead-generating asset will still generate results. For example, if you host courses on Coursera or CXL, you can tap into the audience engaging with your courses on these platforms and win new leads.

 

Things To Consider When Creating Lead Generating Assets

VA video content that acts as a lead generation asset must contain several things to be effective.

It must be based on a popular search query.

As controversial as it may sound, leads are a byproduct of web traffic. Think about it, before you can convert a visitor into a lead, you need to have visitors first. That’s why it’s essential to choose a keyword that has a search intent—this way, your video can rank and generate traffic on its own.

 

It must be aligned with the products you sell.

According to a study, most of the 1,000 most frequently searched prompts on search engines are how-to questions. Meaning that your audience/viewership has a gazillion problems, and they expect you to help them find solutions. So make sure your videos cover problems your product solves and position yourself as the ideal solution.

 

It should not be too specific.

An Ipsos’ study on advertising found that both visual and written content wear out. This means that if you don’t diversify your video content, it will wear out—and lose engagement. You’ll want to add fresh videos regularly to re-engage your current viewers, which a super-specific topic won’t give you the flexibility to do.

 

It must be relatable.

Not only does your video content need to align with your overall brand values, but it also needs to be relatable from the viewers’ perspective. So instead of going heavy on brand awareness, try to double down on brand affinity. Think about it—just because someone knows your brand doesn’t necessarily mean they will buy your product.

Adobe is a perfect case study to illustrate the above criteria. They have a course on Photoshop on their website and Udemy. Each course requires the use of Photoshop, which is an Adobe product.

When you search for the Photoshop course, you will find that the course on Udemy ranks first and the one on adobe.com ranks second.

Plus, Photoshop is a vast topic, so Adobe can keep adding content as they create it.

Now that you know what makes a great lead-generating video content, here are some types of videos you can leverage to get optimal results.

 

Choose The Right Video Type to Fuel Your Marketing Strategy

Below are three types of videos you can leverage to generate more leads.

Influencer-backed videos

CXL and Fullfunnel.io are perfect examples of companies that put influencer-driven video content into action.

CXL partners with experts (influencers) to produce free and paid courses and often webinars.

You don’t have to pay to watch these videos, but if you want to get a sneak peek or access these courses, you have to opt-in with your email addresses and names. CXL uses this video marketing strategy to fuel its courses’ subscribers base.

Andrei Zinkevich and Vladimir Blagojević from Fullfunnel.io use the same strategy except that their content is free to access and does not require opt-in.

On the other hand, the end goal of their webinars is to build awareness, help viewers solve their problems, and position Fullfunnel.io’s services as the ideal solution to viewers’ problems. So far, this strategy has helped them grow the demand for their service.

The beauty of this type of video content is that it lets you tap into the fan base and authority of guest influencers to fill your lead pipeline before and after the video sessions. It’s the ideal way to educate, engage, and convert leads—all at the same time.

 

Demo videos

Whether you are selling a SaaS product or any other solution to B2B brands, chances are you are already leveraging demo videos.

Demo videos, contrary to popular belief, make significant content assets. For example, Wistia uses demo videos to educate their audience and as a channel to make a query (place a form or even include a CTA at the end of the video). And Vidi uses them as a FAQ to clarify user questions and engage them even more.

Salesforce is another example of companies that leverage demo videos as lead-generating assets. Salesforce gates each of its product demos so that visitors have to exchange information before they can access the company’s resources.

 

Testimonial videos

Ninety-two percent of consumers trust a brand that someone has recommended to them, even if it’s a stranger. Couple that with the fact that people trust testimonial videos more than traditional text-based testimonials.

By inviting your established users to create video content (testimonial videos) to recount their experience using your product, your soon-to-be customers and prospects will have a more objective idea of the value proposition of your product.

Testimonial videos are also a type of user-generated content that allows companies to move prospects quickly through their sales cycle and accelerate the buying decision. In fact, these types of videos add credibility—it’s not just you saying what can be done; it’s actual users showing how they benefit from your product.

 

Repurpose Your Video Content to Suit All Your Marketing Channels

Creating and editing a video takes a lot of time, so there’s no reason to use it only once.

Here’s what Michael Pirone, co-founder of Vidico, has to say about it.

“You can leverage many distribution channels to get the word out about your videos and your product. Spend time getting to know your target audience and share your videos where they will have the most impact.”

 

Ways to make your videos work as a marketing flywheel

Here are three ways to make your videos work as a marketing flywheel.

1. Repurpose video on your blog.

A study showed that videos are 50 times more likely to appear on the first page of Google than text results. So by posting your videos on your blogs like Neil Patel and CoSchedule do, you’re more likely to rank and engage your audience.

 

2. Add a full transcript next to your video.

Doing transcripts for your videos has two benefits. The first is that transcripts attract search engines with relevant keywords, which in itself is a ranking factor.

The second is that transcripts provide an opportunity for backlinks and internal linking. Without text, there is none of that. The other advantage is that visitors who don’t want to watch the whole video can still browse the transcript.

You can also put your transcripts together and turn them into gated downloadable content.

 

3. Create short videos.

In this age of TikTok and Instagram, short-form video is KING. However, not every B2B brand has its audience on TikTok. In this case, you can share these videos on LinkedIn. A great example of this is Chris Walker of Refine Labs.

His short videos on Linkedin get thousands of views and serve as an awareness and nurturing campaign for Refine Labs.

The post How to Use Video Marketing for Lead Generation appeared first on Content Marketing Consulting and Social Media Strategy.

Source: convinceandconvert.com

The Questions You Need to Ask Before You Join TikTok

Note: This post is based on a webinar hosted by Jay Baer with our friends from Visit California and ICUC Social. You can watch it on-demand, too.

Perhaps you’ve been waiting for TikTok to fade out and run its course as the next “it” app. You expected it to go the way of Vine, Meerkat, and its predecessor, Musical.ly.

Being cautious of “the next big thing” is understandable for social media marketers who likely are already tapped with content strategies for Facebook Lives, tweet threads, Stories, and Snaps–but you may want to join TikTok now since isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Here’s why:

 

TikTok is Now the Most Downloaded App

Since its launch in 2018, TikTok has consistently ranked one of the most downloaded apps worldwide. In 2020, TikTok finally surpassed Facebook as the most downloaded app worldwide and in the United States.

While it has a reputation for being a “Gen Z” space, now 53% of TikTok users in America are 30 years or older, which is similar to how Twitter’s users align.

It’s not just the popularity of the app that is noteworthy. TikTok users spend more time on the platform each month than Facebook users do on Facebook. For TikTok’s users, the app is a primary source of both information and entertainment. It’s just as sticky, if not more sticky than Facebook is today. That’s quite remarkable.

 

Why Users Are Choosing to Join TikTok

TikTok bridges the gap between a social network and a television network. Serving up very short video clips in an endless stream, TikTok became a more social version of video streaming replacing other sources of entertainment including TV time.

Users are actively engaging with videos they see on feeds and the For You Page (FYP), a whopping 92% of users say they take action after watching videos on TikTok.

Impressively, a quarter of users buy or research products immediately after seeing TikTok videos–and that immediacy is something new for marketers who are used to the challenge of assigning attribution for social content.

TikTok users find ads on the platform are more attention-grabbing than other social networks and are more likely to engage or follow up as a result.

 

What Makes TikTok Different?

We can refer to TikTok as a social media kaleidoscope.

While it looks, feels, and acts as a social network, the user experience is meaningfully different from other social channels. The differences are what set TikTok apart, but those differences also pose challenges to social media content creators and brand marketers who must grasp an entirely different way to create and produce video content.

Brand accounts are permitted on TikTok but they work differently than an individual user. The content that is made and published for TikTok was entirely different when it originated than creating for other social networks (until Instagram copied it with Reels).

Engaging with fans happens, but differently. Measuring and tracking success on TikTok also looks different, too.

One of the biggest differences marketers must be aware of is reach. TikTok is based on an algorithm, but the TikTok algorithm itself is programmed differently than creators are traditionally used to.

Content is democratized in a way that Facebook, Twitter, and other channels have never created an opportunity for. On TikTok, this primarily happens on the FYP.

For creators, there is a real possibility for hyper-acceleration thanks to the algorithm and how it allows for viral impressions. Many TikTok users have a similar story of going from a few to thousands of followers literally overnight or with one video.

There are many niche communities that brands and creators can tap into to begin growing their presence.

 

How to Get Started on TikTok

Before you decide to join TikTok, your team should answer these 8 questions:

1.  Should your brand even be on TikTok?

Increasingly the answer is “yes” if you are looking for audiences that are A) more globally driven, B) not just Gen-Z, and C) resources for content creation and testing are available.

2.  How will you measure TikTok’s success?

TikTok views are auto-played and align to a more standard video impression. Other key metrics on the TikTok dashboard include retention, engagement, and followers. Pro tip: the desktop dashboard is far richer than on the mobile app.

3.  How much time and effort can you devote to TikTok management?

Consider what time you must spend to create, publish and engage in vertical video. Consistency is key to TikTok success, and that can be a heavy lift for marketers.

This chart shows four levels of content that Visit California has planned to include on their channel, ranked across a time commitment spectrum.

4.  What should your content strategy be on TikTok?

Boil it down to this — very cool video visualizations paired with strong audio choices. Because TikTok is such a unique channel, it absolutely requires dedicated content.

Repurposing Reels or other videos isn’t going to play for TikTok audiences. A robust content plan must include branded hashtags, branded effects, leveraging creators, experimentation, and testing.

5.  How often should you post on TikTok?

For creators, posting one to three times a day on TikTok isn’t just normal, it is expected. That lift is probably out of range for most brands getting started. It’s okay to ramp up from a few times a week to daily, but be sure to test how consistent posting affects success metrics.

6.  What should your community engagement approach be on TikTok?

No matter how often you are posting, daily engagement is key for staying current with trends and taking advantage of what’s hot–including hashtag challenges, branded effects, and viral music sounds. It’s best to have someone logging in every day to stay current with what’s happening.

7.  Should you use paid TikTok ads?

The first video that pops when the app opens is always a sponsored video called the top view. Sponsored ads also appear through the newsfeed.

Branded hashtags and branded effects are other ways brands can increase reach and engagement. Our recommendation is to get good and consistent at organic before boosting videos or layering in branded content.

8.  How often should you revisit your TikTok strategy?

Stay close to the strategy as a brand channel launches and content ramps up. Know that the channel is also evolving as quickly as the communities and creators themselves.

Sticking to a quarterly review is a good cadence to look at content pillars, micro-influencers, hashtags, and content choices.

Ready to Join TikTok?

No matter when you join TikTok and implement your branded TikTok strategy, give room to experiment and try new things. While this social network isn’t brand new anymore, it certainly is new and different to most social media marketers and creators. While that can be nerve-wracking, it’s also quite exciting.

The post The Questions You Need to Ask Before You Join TikTok appeared first on Content Marketing Consulting and Social Media Strategy.

Source: convinceandconvert.com

9 AI Tools For Media Creation

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools for media let you create content at scale in a previously impossible way and you don’t even need design experience to create something impressive.

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

AI isn’t new.

The film and gaming industries both use it regularly, for instance.

But, these sectors have only scratched the surface of AI capabilities.

On a seemingly daily basis, new AI tools emerge to help people create articles, video scripts, logos, and more.

Naturally, these tools have investors excited.

However, they’ve plenty to offer to content creators, marketers, and digital agencies too.

Let’s look at how some of these AI tools for media can transform the way you work.

 

1. Podcastle

Podcastle, which has raised more than $1 million, is an extension for the Google Chrome browser. This free tool lets you create custom podcasts with just a few clicks.

With Podcastle, you can:

• quickly transcribe your podcasts
• create and edit content with the text editors
• turn text into podcasts
• revoice content
• record live interviews
• make autosave
• access unlimited content publishing and projects

 

Getting Started with Podcastle

Set up a Podcastle account by clicking on the green “create” link in the top right-hand corner.

Depending on what you want to do next, visit the tutorials page for step-by-step instructions.

 

Podcastle Cost

Podcastle’s free service gives you access to:

• 45 minutes of one-time audio recordings
• four hours of monthly audio recordings
• capacity for one host and two interviewees
• magic audio processing

 

And more.

There’s also a “storyteller” package for $11.99 a month. The storyteller has all the above features, plus:

• additional recordings and interviewing capacity10 hours of transcription every month
• high-quality downloads and revoicing
• unlimited magic audio processing

 

2. Let’s Enhance

Let’s Enhance takes any photo you upload and analyzes the photo quality, color, contrast, etc. Then, if the picture needs enhancement, it automatically color corrects and retouches the image with minimum input.

Other features include:

• batch processing
• custom sizing
• resolution increasing
• resizing and upscaling

 

This program isn’t just for personal use.

Let’s Enhance is also recommended for real estate and e-commerce, where you need clear, high-quality images.

 

Getting Started With Let’s Enhance

Upload an image to Let’s Enhance, and the algorithm enhances it as much as possible without compromising quality.

The algorithm provides a slider for tweaking parameters like contrast, hue, brightness, and saturation.

You can also apply additional filters.

 

Let’s Enhance Cost

Let’s Enhance has a subscription, business, and pay-as-you-go options.

Subscriptions for personal use run from $0 for a one-time, five-credit trial to $34 for 500 image credits per month.

Businesses can pay from $72 for 1,000 credits per month to $290 for 5,000 credits per month, plus get API access.

Pay as you go options range from $9 to $39 and let you use the program only when you need it.

 

3. QuillBot

QuillBot is one of the few quality paraphrasing tools on the market.

This comes in handy when you want to avoid being repetitive when writing long pieces.

It may also help you rework product descriptions.

The program has two main modes: one with synonyms and one without.

The first preserves the original sentence’s meaning while only changing certain words.

The second mode alters the word order so the sentence sounds more natural.

Other features include:

• grammar checker
• summarized
• citation generator

 

Getting Started With QuillBot

Upload or paste a document into QuillBot, then hit the “Paraphrase” button.

There’s nothing more to it! (However, be sure to proofread, just to be safe.)

 

QuillBot Cost

The free version gives users a 700 character paraphraser and a 5,000 character summarization limit. Free users also get:

• three synonym options
• three writing modes
• Chrome and doc extensions

 

Premium gives a 25,000 Summarizer and 10,000 Paraphraser character limit and processes 15 sentences simultaneously, as well as:

• four synonym options
• seven writing modes
• a wider range of tones
• sentence shortener and expander

Premium costs $14.95 for month-to-month use, $9.95 a month if paid semi-annually, or $6.67 per month for the annual option.

 

4. KinetiX

Investors believe in Europe-based KinetiX, which recently secured $608k in capital funding.

It turns your videos into 3D animations with quick editing options and filters.

Other features include:

• customization and collaboration
• prototyping
• 3D visualization
• access to characters and animations
• automated workflow

 

Getting Started With KinetiX

KinetiX uses a drag-and-drop interface available on the front page.

Just drop in any .fbx file or paste in a YouTube URL and click the “generate” button underneath.

You can upload a selection of video content, like your own recordings, MP4, and YouTube content.

The tool then creates an animated character in seconds.

 

KinetiX Cost

The KinetiX tech AI tool is free for personal use.

However, if you want to use it for commercial purposes, fees begin at 15€ per month.

 

5. Articoolo

Articoolo is an AI writing assistant that generates content in a fraction of the time it would take to write it yourself.

Additionally, it has a

• quote and image finder
• title generator
• article summarizer
• writer’s helper

 

Most marketers and business owners need content in a hurry at some point, or you may spend time looking for that perfect quote or image.

This AI app can do that quickly.

It’s also great for anyone that wants a starting point with title ideas or to rewrite large volumes of content for repurposing.

 

Getting Started With Articoolo

To start using the tool, enter your topic and then wait for Articoolo to get to work.

That’s all you need to do!

 

Articoolo Cost

Pay per use ranges from $19 for ten articles or $99 for 100 articles.

Subscribers pay $29 a month for 30 pieces and up to $99 a month for 250 articles.

 

6. Word.ai

Word.ai helps copywriters rework content with a natural-sounding voice.

It creates up to 1,000 rewrites of an article, giving users plenty of variety if they want to use the same piece of content in multiple ways.

It can also work as an editing tool.

Other features include:

• sentence restructuring
• split sentences
• quality enhancement
• clarity enhancement

 

Getting Started With Word.ai

1. Click the green button in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
2. The button will take you to the subscription deals.
3. Click the “start my free trial” button for your preferred option.
4. Then Word.ai asks you to sign up and create a password.

 

Word.ai Cost

New users get a free three-day trial. After that, you can pay $57 per month or an annual fee that breaks down to $27 per month (quite the deal in comparison!).

For heavy use, they offer an enterprise-level at various prices.

 

7. Synthesia

If you need to create video content in a hurry, Synthesia could be the tool.

Each video can be up to thirty minutes long, and you can upload any custom backgrounds and your own avatar.

Features include:

• 50 available languages
• PowerPoint capabilities
• synthetic or authentic voices
• background music

 

Aside from marketing videos or product demos, you could use it for:

• training
• personal videos
• video chatbots

 

Getting Started With Synthesia

Click “create account” in the top right-hand corner to create a free demo video and understand Synthesia better.

To start creating your content, enter your text into the browser.

Your video will be ready in minutes.

 

Synthesia Cost

Personal pricing is $30 a month for video credits.

Custom pricing is available too, but you must speak to the sales team.

 

8. Rephrase.ai

Rephrase.ai is a powerful video creation tool that enables people to quickly create and share quality videos in a matter of minutes.

You can add text, images, animations, and video clips within the easy-to-use interface.

It has wide use of applications, including educational and explainer videos, personalized customer touchpoints, digital marketing, and outreach.

To understand how the video creator works, they offer a handy tutorial.

 

Getting Started With Rephrase.ai

1. Begin by signing up and selecting the category you’re interested in.
2. Answer a series of questions about how and why you plan to use the program.
3. Watch a short instructional video, then accept terms and conditions.

 

Rephrase.ai Cost

Plans begin at $25 for ten banner credits a month.

Each credit equals one minute of video. Rephrase.ai also has an enterprise option—contact them for details.

 

9.Designs.ai

Designs.ai incorporates several AI tools for media creation, including a logo and banner maker and a mock-up generator.

You create designs by dragging shapes on the canvas, which you then adjust with your mouse or keyboard input.

You also have the option of changing variables for fonts, colors, and backgrounds.

Features include:

• cloud storage
• massive image library
• speechmaker
• assistive tools
• unlimited usage and projects
• branding kit

 

Getting Started With Designs.ai

Click “Try for free” in the upper right-hand corner, choose which project you want to try out, and follow the prompts to get started.

 

Designs.ai Cost

Design.ai’s basic tier is $29 per month, and its pro-level is currently $69 per month.

If you pay annually, you save 34 percent.

For large-scale work, contact them about an enterprise contract.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About AI Tools for Media Creation

 

 

 

 

AI Tools for Media Creation Conclusion

For a long time, artificial intelligence has helped us perform everyday tasks more quickly and efficiently.

Now, AI became more intelligent, creating media like articles and videos.

With these tools, a marketer can create quality content with ease, even if they don’t have expertise in making videos, creating podcasts, or graphic design.

Even for the experienced, AI tools for media have multiple advantages, saving people time and freeing up their resources for other tasks.

Tools like Rephrase.Ai, Word.AI, and KinetiX are changing how we create content and make it

Source: neilpatel.com

The Secrets of Unboxing Videos

 

Social selling of consumer products often includes sharable “unboxing video experiences” posted by influential reviewers and fans. They range widely in production values, but the secret is not just in the video. The key is in the star of the show—the box itself.

—By John Parsons

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

In 2011, Google popularized a concept dubbed the “Zero Moment of Truth” or ZMOT.

It is the consumer’s experience of research and discovery, primarily on the web, learning about a product before they first experience it, often on a store shelf—Procter & Gamble’s “First Moment of Truth.”

The ZMOT is at the heart of all social selling.

Of course, a brand’s web presence for a particular product must start with basic, easy-to-find feature descriptions, comparisons, pricing, use cases, and practical tips or how-tos.

But it cannot stop there. It must also include product reviews, ratings, and other media designed to inspire the consumer and capture their imagination.

Then, to complete the process, all this information must be readily shareable on social media.

No matter how good your web promotional material is, there’s nothing so powerful as having it shared between trusted friends.

 

Using the Right Medium

Increasingly, the preferred medium for this type of social influence is video.

For consumer products, these videos feature shots of a purchaser holding, talking about, and or actually using the product.

They can be elaborate commercials (think Super Bowl ads), or they can be strictly amateur productions.

The latter is typically impromptu footage—or made to look so—captured on smartphones and shared on social media.

Often, they are produced by popular reviewers and influencers—who may or may not be compensated by the brands they promote.

Their socially shared video creates an emotional affinity—an “ah-ha” moment—that hopefully drives product purchases.

 

The Unboxing Experience

However, not all social selling videos are about the product, per se.

An increasing percentage of shareable, ZMOT video features the box or package the product comes in.

Specifically, the video shows the reviewer or influencer sharing their experience from the viewpoint of someone opening the product for the first time.

The social selling “hook” is to convey the excitement of the first-time buyers when they open their newly purchased box.

There are many, many such videos on YouTube today, created by (probably) unpaid enthusiasts, especially for items like consumer electronics, cosmetics, and pop-culture memorabilia. (The last example comes with a language warning.)

Unboxing videos typically break the “shorter-is-better” rule for marketing videos, since they are designed to appeal to an already loyal fan base.

They can also range in production quality—from simple, first-person vlogs to reality television-like shows such as Arun Maini’s MrWhoseTheBoss channel.

(His over-the-top video, The $200,000 Smartphone Unboxing, contains many great examples of unboxing video techniques, including point-of-view shots of each step in the process.)

 

Even seemingly mundane aspects of product packaging (the protective plastic) can be filmed in a way that heightens the memorable, “you are there” experience, complete with enhanced sound. (From Arun Maini’s The $200,000 Smartphone Unboxing.)

The revenue model varies for videos of this kind.

On YouTube, the poster will often add links for purchasing the item, as well as the usual subscribe buttons and sponsor links.

 

Know the Rules before Entering the Fray

Although the popularity of unboxing videos is undeniable, marketing professionals should know the rules before entering the fray.

Production values are critical.

It takes real skill to make an unboxing video simple and easy to watch—especially when the narrative pushes the video’s run time over the usual length for marketing videos.

Strive for authenticity, not fancy camera work.

Production values are important but remember that the vast majority of good unboxing videos are produced with simple, single-camera shots.

Typically, this means alternating sequences of the narrator and point-of-view shots of the box being opened.

The storytelling must simulate the senses.

By its very nature, a physical package involves more of the senses than just vision and hearing—the only two that today’s video medium can handle.

So, the narration and the visuals must also convey, however subliminally, the tactile experience—and even the olfactory experience, if there is one—of a well-designed box.

Social sharing is the goal.

An unboxing video is not an elaborate tutorial or how-to.

To move viewers to share it with their followers and friends, the video must evoke the feelings of receiving a holiday or birthday gift—or at least the opening of an exciting new purchase.

Communicating those feelings is the essence of social selling.

 

The Real Star of the Show

An unboxing video can follow all the rules and still fail as a social selling tool if the product box is just an ordinary box.

Even the most die-hard fan of a particular product will likely not finish, much less share, a video of an uninspiring package design.

But too few marketing professionals fully appreciate what makes consumer product packaging appealing—both on the store shelf and in a video.

Product packaging is the single most complex branch of printed graphic communication.

It has to be practical—for both shipping and store display—as well as provide basic information (ingredients, parts, size, price, barcodes, safety information, the list is almost endless).

On top of that, a package must also attract a shopper’s attention, given the fact that the time spent making the decision to pick it up from the shelf is only about 2.6 seconds.

No pressure.

Other attributes of a product box communicate value—to the shopper in the store, to the customer who receives it in the mail and especially to the person opening it for the first time.

Its visual layout, use of color, and typography are also essential, albeit subliminal ways to increase its perceived value.

(In 2003, a University of Alabama study illustrated the powerful role of packaging in communicating brand meaning and strengthening the consumer-brand relationship.)

Even the weight and heft of the cardboard used for the box, as well as its texture and special printing and finishing effects, all send a subliminal message—one that cannot be literally conveyed in a video but must be described well.

 

Common printing and finishing techniques, such as raised metallic texturing or embossing, can be filmed in a way that evokes the tactile experience of a package. (From ASMR’s GlossyBox May 2021 Unboxing.)

The outer box is just the beginning.

Many consumer products (famously, Apple and Samsung smartphones) take special care to place individual components in their own, distinctive packaging within the main box so that each new piece becomes its own, memorable step in the experience.

In other words, when all aspects of the packaging are designed to be a pleasant process of discovery, then that process is ideally suited to be shared with others.

 

The Big Picture

The principles of social selling are not new. People have been telling their friends and family members about the great new thing they bought for as long as we’ve been buying and selling great new things.

The difference now is that we can amplify those stories via social media.

And, because moving pictures speak louder than words, the best medium for sharing our delight in opening a new, well-designed product box is a video that can be shared freely with online connections.

About the Author

John Parsons is a Seattle-based business and technology writer and co-author of the IntuIdeas Video Marketing Guide (https://intuideas.com/video-marketing-resources).

The post The Secrets of Unboxing Videos appeared first on Content Marketing Consulting and Social Media Strategy.

Source: convinceandconvert.com

How to Monetize Your Expertise

 

Whether you have used your time at home this past year to become an expert of something or whether you need an additional incentive to become better at something, the good news is that you can actually make money from something you know well.

In other words, monetizing your expertise is not just possible; it is also quite doable.

How to Monetize Your Expertise?

Here are a few easy options for you:

1. Write a Book

This may sound quite intimidating, but it is actually easier than you may think.

First of all, you don’t have to look for a publisher.

These days, there are powerful self-publishing platforms.

Obviously, writing and publishing your own book is a vast undertaking, but here are four key steps:

• Identify your topic. Hopefully, you are already creating digital content, so what you really need is to update it for it to work as a downloadable and/or printable book.
• Start working on expanding your content. Naturally, a book is a more in-depth asset than a blog article. So it is important to update your content to make it more comprehensive and thorough.
• Create the book cover. Yep, you can do it yourself, so no need to start looking for a designer.
• Start uploading your book to digital product selling platforms. This will take you quite some time for your first book.

Your first book doesn’t have to be perfect.

Unfortunately, too many writers never complete their books because there is an infinite number of ways to edit and improve them.

Consider publishing your first book as a learning opportunity.

Your next one will be better (and in many aspects easier), and your third one may be a perfect book.

Book publishing is also a powerful personal branding tactic.

Suddenly you’ll notice Google treat you as a brand and showing a Knowledge Graph for your name:

 

 

Google treats Rand Fishkin as a brand and shows a Knowledge Graph for his name.

It will take some time for Google to start doing it or your name, but it will help you look like the real deal and sell your other products as well.

 

2. Become a Mentor, Coach, or Trainer

Global lockdowns have had one interesting outcome: People have learned to do everything from home, from shopping to learning and even traveling.

The demand for online learning has grown dramatically, which means there’s a huge opportunity opening for niche experts who can now monetize their knowledge in a particular subject by developing online training and coaching services.

It is true that there are lots of online learning opportunities already, so it is quite a competitive niche, but it is still doable. And examples of successful coaching business models are numerous.

One recent example is the “Clients on Demand” coaching program. It has exponentially grown because it differentiated itself as an exclusive, success-oriented “high-performance” community that only accepts entrepreneurs who are ready to evolve.

A few important takeaways from the above example are:

• When building your own coaching program, find how your own personal expertise and skill set can make it truly unique and useful.
• The best way is to start with a very narrow topic, something you know for sure no one else is doing better than you do. For example, instead of creating a generic SEO program, I once decided to teach people to search Google properly to find just about anything. Taking a very specific topic will help you stand out.
• Try and look at your own journey and find what you have personally learned over time. Coaching programs that are based on personal stories are the most relatable and successful.

To monetize your expertise through coaching, use Appointfix, which will allow your clients to book online personal training meetings with you and immediately pay.

The tool also makes it easy to manage your schedule and send reminders to your clients.

Appointfix allows your clients to book online personal training meetings with you and pay right away.

 

3. Create a Video Course

This option works well with the above steps: all you need is to figure out your course structure and record some online coaching meetings where you talk about how to solve a particular problem.

If you need help figuring out your video course structure, use question research to find out which questions are being searched online.

This will also help your course get found online. Text Optimizer is a cool tool to use here.

It uses semantic research to help you discover popular questions on a particular topic:

Use question research to find out which questions are being searched online.

Additionally, tools like Zoom make it extremely easy to record yourself talking about a particular topic, including clicking through slides or sharing your screen for a walkthrough.

This process took me minutes to figure out. And online video editing tools like InVideo enable you to create more entertaining videos, branded intros, and even professional listicles.

One video editing tool like InVideo enables you to create more entertaining videos and branded intros.

Once you have at least an hour of video content, you can start creating your course.

Platforms like Udemy handle the hosting, lead generation, and design.

You are unlikely to earn a lot of money from Udemy (because it’s incredibly limiting to content creators), but it is a good place to start.

From there, you can start working on your self-hosted course, which could be an advanced version of your course on Udemy.

 

Conclusion

As this pandemic colorfully demonstrated, when one door closes, another door opens.

Maxwell Hertan of Megaphone Marketing puts it, “the whopping 50% increase in Internet use” means a fast-growing demand for digital services and content.

This may be the best time to monetize your expertise!

While many sources of income are being eliminated during these dreadful times (think entertainment workers, brick and mortar business owners, etc.), other opportunities arise.

Remember, you don’t have to pick one monetization method.

You can use each of them to empower one another.

For example, use your free Udemy course to find clients for your coaching program.

You can repurpose content from one method (coaching) to build another asset (a video course).

And while it can take time to figure out additional income sources, it can be done. Good luck!

The post How to Monetize Your Expertise appeared first on Content Marketing Consulting and Social Media Strategy.

Source: convinceandconvert.com

How Could Deepfakes Change Marketing?

Below, I’m breaking down exactly what these videos are, the drawbacks of using them, and the different ways marketers are currently using deepfakes to create stronger campaigns.

Deepfakes are receiving a lot of bad press.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) called the technology a propaganda weapon.

Facebook’s COO Sheryl Sandberg said deepfakes raise the issue of not believing what you see.

Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub was targeted with a deepfake pornography video to discredit and silence her.

With so much negativity around tech, is there any chance of it bringing good into the world?

Yes! The possibilities when you combine AI technology with marketing are exciting and can change how we speak with our customers forever.

When used with positive intent, they are a potent marketing tool.

Below, I’m breaking down exactly what these videos are, the drawbacks of using them, and the different ways marketers are currently using deepfakes to create stronger campaigns.

 

What Are Deepfakes?

Have you seen a YouTube video of Barack Obama calling Donald Trump a “complete dipshit?”

What about Jon Snow apologizing for the disastrous season finale of Game of Thrones?

If you answered yes, you’ve seen a deepfake video.

The term “deepfake” was coined in 2017 and is a combination of “deep learning” and “fakes.”

It uses deep learning technology (a branch of machine learning) to create the dupe.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) learns what the source face looks like at different angles and then superimposes it onto an actor’s face, essentially creating a mask.

For example, let’s say you have a database of audio clips or video files of a person.

You could create a hyper-realistic fake video of celebrities discussing the future of cinema or revenge porn.

Hollywood has already taken advantage of deepfakes by transposing real faces onto other actors.

The most notable example is bringing Carrie Fisher back to life for a short scene in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

While many fear the technology being used for nefarious ends (more on this below), deepfakes offer a range of intriguing possibilities.

You can create apps to try a new hairstyle or use it to help doctors with medical diagnoses.

 

The Drawbacks of Using Deepfake Technology

With the rise of deepfake technology, it’s not hard to understand why some people are skeptical and even terrified of it becoming widely adopted.

After all, the advances in this technology make it harder to distinguish what is real and fake.

It can lead to serious dangers like fake news, putting words in politicians’ or celebrities’ mouths, and ruining someone’s life with fake pornography.

Lack of Trust

Deepfakes can breed a culture of mistrust and not knowing what to trust.

If the president holds a press conference inciting violence, but it’s a deepfake, how do you know what to believe?

For example, a deepfake of Mark Zuckerberg made the rounds on the internet.

The video shows Facebook’s CEO giving a speech about how the platform “owns” its users and crediting an organization called Spectre for Facebook’s success.

Increase in Scams

Another con is the opportunity it provides for scammers.

Audio deepfakes have already been used to defraud people out of money.

For example, a German energy firm’s U.K. subsidiary paid nearly $243,000 into a Hungarian bank account after a scammer mimicked the German CEO’s voice.

The core message for both examples is not knowing what is real.

Consumers are already doubting what they are reading online with social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, adding fact-checking processes to content.

Deepfakes can create more distrust of everyone around us and make us question everything we are seeing and hearing.

 

7 Ways Marketers Can Use Deepfakes

With all the backlash and potential pitfalls of deepfake technology, can marketers use it for good?

The answer is yes!

Some of the world’s biggest brands are already experimenting with deepfakes and using them to create unique and engaging content.

As long as you’re transparent about using the technology, you can create a more dynamic consumer journey.

1. Dynamic Campaigns With Influencers to Increase Reach

Imagine having an influencer agree to an ad campaign and only provide you with 20 minutes of audio content and a few video shots.

No lengthy photoshoot or filming days required.

Not only does it help you save time, but it opens the door to creating dynamic campaigns, a.k.a. microtargeted ads at scale.

Case in point: David Beckham’s 2019 malaria awareness ad.

The deepfake had the soccer star speaking in nine languages and is an excellent example of how this technology can increase a campaign’s reach.

Translating an ad into multiple languages also allows brands to enter new markets seamlessly and speak to consumers in their native tongue while still benefiting from the influencer or celebrity’s likeness.

 

2. Hyper-Personalized Campaigns for Your Audience

While some people want to ban deepfakes because of how they can be used to deceive people, it’s a creative and groundbreaking technology for marketers when used for good.

If you’re in the fashion industry, you could easily show models with different skin tones, heights, and weights.

With the average person seeing thousands of ads per day, using this tech to create psychological ownership and see the product as an extension of themselves is vital to cut through the noise.

It also helps marketers create hyper-personalized ads.

The benefits of creating a shopping experience catered to multiple segments mean you can reap the rewards of personalized marketing.

 

3. Product Ownership to Increase Sales

Another way to create ownership with deepfakes is using the technology to create personalized videos of your clients using or wearing your products.

For example, Reface AI lets users virtually try on the new Gucci Ace sneaker as part of a virtual try-on haul.

Users can browse through the footwear options and view it on foot by pointing the phone at their feet.

Savvy marketers know the likelihood of a sale increases if people feel like they own the product.

It doubles down on the sensory experience where the longer someone spends looking and holding a product, the more likely they will buy it.

Deep learning can help stimulate the same experience with a deepfake of the customer behind the wheel of the latest BMW or a makeup look with the newest MAC eyeshadow palette.

 

4. Host Exhibitions and Events Anywhere in the World

For the events and art industries, deepfakes open up a world of exciting possibilities.

Technology can help you recreate objects or people anywhere in the world at the same time.

An example is the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Fla., which uses a deepfake of Salvador Dalí to greet guests.

It creates a more engaging experience for visitors and brings the surrealism master back to life.

Dalí’s video was created by using over 6,000 frames of video footage from past interviews and 1,000 hours of machine learning to overlay it onto an actor’s face.

What makes the deepfake even more impressive is that Dalí is interactive.

The video has more than 190,000 possible combinations depending on a person’s answers.

While we already have holographic concerts for iconic musicians like Michael Jackson, deepfakes would create a more hyper-real experience for attendees.

Art exhibitions can use technology to display artworks around the world simultaneously.

Marketers can take it one step further and create deepfakes of product prelaunch (like the new iPhone) to generate buzz and create an interactive Steve Jobs to answer questions about the latest device.

 

5. Use Deepfakes to Entertain Your Audience

Marketers can use deep learning to create ad campaigns we would have never been able to do 20 years ago.

State Farm is leading the pack with its ad for The Last Dance, an ESPN documentary on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

Using deepfake technology, State Farm superimposed 1998 SportsCenter footage to make it look like Kenny Mayne predicted the documentary.

The ad’s success led to a follow-up ad with Keith Olbermann and Linda Cohn “predicting” Phil Jackson’s success when he left Chicago to lead the Lakers.

These deepfakes serve to purely delight audiences and create a viral piece of content for the brand.

 

6. Market Segmentation and Personalization

One of the most successful deepfake examples using market segmentation is the 2018 Zalando campaign with Cara Delevingne.

The campaign’s concept was to create awareness around Zalando now delivering Top Shop fashion to people in the most remote parts of Europe.

With a single video shoot, they created 60,000 bespoke video messages for every tiny town and village in Europe using deepfake technology to produce alternative shots and voice fonts.

Then using Facebook’s ad targeting, they showed users the specific video which mentioned their hometown.

The campaign received more than 180 million impressions, and Top Shop sales increased by 54 percent.

This can help marketers eliminate further customer generalizations or affinity grouping and create content that speaks to people on a more individual level.

 

7. Educating Consumers With Deepfakes

Do you have a product with a learning curve?

You can use deepfake technology to educate your customers on how to use it and improve their skills.

For example, if you’re a camera brand like Canon, you can use an AI instructor to help novice photographers learn faster.

The technology can point out compositional mistakes, advise on camera settings, and help them slowly master their device.

At trade shows, you could have potential customers practice taking photos, learning from the AI, or testing their skills against the deepfake.

It can help create an interactive experience, put the product in the person’s hands, and start building brand loyalty.

 

Conclusion

Of course, there’s always going to be a few bad apples.

While some people are causing mayhem with deepfakes, there are plenty of golden opportunities for marketers.

This technology allows you to create hyper-personalization, duplicate your marketing efforts instantly, increase brand loyalty, and use product ownership to increase sales.

What are your thoughts on using deepfakes in marketing? Do you think its potential to do good outweighs the bad?

Source: neilpatel.com

Best Business Security Systems

It’s a good idea to set up a business security system before you need it. For too many companies, the decision to make this investment is reactive. Their company’s physical security gets compromised, resources are lost, and employees feel unsafe.

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

A lot of people see cost as a barrier to installing a reliable business security system. That used to be true, but today, there are tons of really affordable solutions.

A small shop can set up basic video surveillance for under $300 for the first year. No joke. And the high-end systems cost nothing compared to the losses they prevent.

Don’t want to drill holes and run wires? That’s fine. There are DIY wireless systems available for a song.

And, with video storage in the cloud, most business owners can monitor all their alerts and recordings from a smartphone.

I’ve put together a list of five of the best business security systems. You’ll find lightweight options that cover the basics, as well as powerful systems with competitive pricing.

In here, there’s going to be a business security system that meets your specific needs. By the end of this post, you’ll know which one.

 

The Top 5 Options for Business Security Systems

• SimpliSafe – Best for DIY Security System for SMBs
• Vivint – Best for Professional Monitoring
• Alarm.com – Best Professional Security System for SMBs
• Alibi Security – Best for Upgrading Existing Security Systems
• Wyze – Best for Affordable DIY Video Surveillance

 

How to Choose the Best Business Security Systems for You

Pretend you are a thief. Could you break into your own business and get away with it?

Without a full business security system in place, every office or storefront is going to look like an opportunity to the wrong crowd.

But what does it take to really secure a space?

Not that much, unless you’re trying to lock down a casino or bank.

The typical workplace and even huge corporate headquarters can get by with a surprisingly modest amount of equipment.

Let’s break business security systems down into their basic elements:

• Access control
• Intrusion detection
• Video surveillance and recording
• Professional monitoring
• Installation

I’ll go over the major considerations in each section. From there, you can decide which equipment is going to work best in your space.

Access Control

One of the key responsibilities of a business security system is controlling access to the property. The products I really like to have smart locks, which can be controlled remotely.

What’s more fun than having to let someone into the office on your day off?

Plus these locks can be set to open or shut at particular times, ensuring that a building is secure even if the last person out forgets.

Many smart locks come with keypads and let you assign unique PIN codes that identify who is entering. No more missing keys.

Some of the more advanced access control features include keycard systems, which create a log of everyone coming and going.

Intrusion Detection

Adding sensors to doors and windows lets business owners know when something has been opened.

Usually, owners can configure the types of alerts they get. This means a manager might get an alert that a service door was left ajar, but only the owner would see that the safe was opened.

There are also motion sensors, which can trigger alerts or blare a warning siren to let an intruder know they’ve been detected.

Glass break sensors are triggered by the specific frequency of someone smashing a window, which can provide an alert even when a burglar is not in view or range of other equipment.

Some cameras come with built-in motion detectors, alarms, lights, and sirens. Mounting one of these cameras over an entrance can deter would-be criminals, especially if they trip the motion detector and find themselves bathed in light, frowning at a camera.

There’s actually quite a bit these cameras can do, so let’s jump to that now.

Video Surveillance & Storage

Each camera that is part of a business security system has two important jobs: capture video and store it safely.

To accomplish both these tasks, a camera has to have the right capabilities. Let’s break down each responsibility.

In terms of capturing footage, here are the core camera features to be thinking about:

• Resolution: the quality of the picture (look for 1080p or better)Field of view: how wide an angle the camera sees
• Pan: the range a camera can swivel from side to side
• Tilt: the range a camera can swivel up and down
• Zoom: the camera can reframe and enlarge part of the field of view
• Infrared: the camera can use heat signatures to improve lowlight/night vision.

Let’s say there’s one camera pointed straight down a hallway, and another in a parking lot. The hall cam doesn’t need a wide field of view, night vision, or the ability to pan/tilt/zoom.

The parking lot cam might need all those features, plus a higher resolution to keep image quality when zooming in on a car at the end of the property.

Now, surveillance footage is pretty much useless if you can’t access it when needed. In terms of video storage, here are some of the major things to think about:

• Camera type: analog, cellular, IP, and WiFi cams
• Resolution: the higher the image quality, the more storage required
• Clip capture: whether a camera records a picture every x seconds or records for y seconds after motion is detected
• Continuous recording: the camera is rolling 24/7Storage location: recordings can be stored on a video card, in the cloud, on a DVR, NVR, or some blend of these locations.

The overarching question is, how do I make sure that every camera can deliver its recordings to a centralized place where everything can be managed?

With cellular and WiFi cameras, you really just have to get power to them. WiFi cameras have to be in range, but cellular ones can be anywhere service is available. If these are battery-powered and record to a memory card, they are 100% wire-free solutions.

When it comes to IP and analog cameras, they have to connect to a recorder. If the cameras are PoE (power over ethernet), power and recording can be delivered with the same wire. If not, you’ll need to both, power the camera and wire it to the central hub.

Professional Monitoring

Some business security systems have the option to include professional monitoring. That means that emergency alerts will be routed to a security center that will contact police, fire, and/or EMS.

The cost of professional monitoring can vary widely and sometimes it is only available via a third-party service.

Installation

Some vendors offer installation for supposedly DIY systems and I recommend pricing that out. If it takes you and one other person all day to set things up, is that really more economical than paying a pro $100 to get it right before lunch?

With the more heavy-duty systems, professional installation is going to be required. Getting dozens of IP cameras wired and placed throughout a large property is not something a non-specialist should tackle.

There are also codes and regulations to consider for the non-DIY systems. Usually, a sales rep will be able to answer all your questions about the fire code and other laws that might affect your system.

It’s nothing to lose sleep over, just not a problem you want to discover with the inspector.

 

The Different Types of Business Security Systems

The breakdown of different types of business security systems is pretty straightforward. Depending on your needs, you may know exactly what type is going to work.

Alternatively, you may fall somewhere in between these categories. Then the decision will come down to the specific equipment that makes up the system.

If anything, I’d err on the side of caution and make extra sure you are securing the entire property, rather than trying to stretch a lighter system to its limits.

DIY Business Security Systems

The so-called DIY business security systems are made up of WiFi and cellular cameras that don’t necessarily require any extensive setup.

Since the cameras record directly to the web, there’s no need to wire them to a central recorder. Mostly it’s just mounting the cameras and plugging them into a power source.

All the cameras, sensors, locks, and other equipment are accessible from a browser or mobile app. If you are not climbing ladders, the whole installation may take no more than an hour.

DIY business security systems are really affordable, but they have their limits. They don’t typically accommodate a large number of cameras and start to lose their effectiveness at longer ranges.

Professional Business Security Systems

When it comes to business security systems that have to be installed by a professional, you’re going to get a much greater range of capabilities than with a DIY system.

For one thing, you will be able to deploy a large and complex system. This means as many cameras, sensors, and locks as necessary. All of it will be centralized in one place, regardless of the type of camera.

They’ll also have more robust access control equipment that’s designed specifically for businesses, like keycard systems.

The cameras tend to be more expensive than their DIY counterparts, but they capture better quality images, have a greater range of vision, and include enhanced night vision or other capabilities.

If you think that a DIY system won’t cut it but you’re not sure you need a  commercial-grade security solution, this category is going to cater to your needs.

Commercial-Grade Business Security Systems

The biggest difference between commercial-grade and professional security systems is the range and depth of the equipment available. These are solutions that work for casinos, airports, correctional facilities, and so on.

We’re talking thermal cameras that can record body temperature so that workers clocking in can be alerted if they have a fever. They’ll be able to recognize faces and license plates, quantify foot traffic, and come in virtually indestructible casings.

They also tend to offer a much richer system to manage video surveillance at scale. Hundreds of thousands of cameras can be linked to a unified system that uses analytics to surface the most critical alerts.

Not every business needs a commercial-grade solution, but those that do shouldn’t settle for anything less.

 

Examples of Business Security Systems

#1 – SimpliSafe — Best DIY Security System for SMB

SimpliSafe is one of the most popular security systems for homes and businesses. Why? The equipment is easy to install and gets the job done.

SimpliSafe’s hardware basically is plug and play, with the entire system controlled from its mobile app. From the base station, which is the core of the system, it’s possible to build out a fairly extensive system with their range of sensors and multipurpose SimpliCam ($99 indoor, $119 outdoor).

Because these cameras have cellular and WiFi connection, they only need the power to start working right away. This cuts down on setup hassles and gives more flexibility in terms of how far you can place cameras from the base station.

From the app, you can arm/disarm your system remotely. You can also create unique PIN codes so you know who exactly is accessing the building. Create one code for cleaners, one code for each employee, and grant or deny access without ever having to come in.

A lot of SMBs lease space that someone else is responsible for. When the landline goes down or there is a power outage, they can rely on SimpliSafe’s cellular cams with battery backup to maintain security.

Some of the highlights of a SimpliSafe business security system include:

• HD video/audio cameras
• Smart locks
• Sensors for entry, motion, glass break, temperature, and water
• 105dB siren (about as loud as a car horn)Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Centralized dashboard for multi-site management24/7 alerts

I really like it for SMBs because the setup is truly DIY and covers all the bases of business security. They have dedicated business packages for offices, storefronts, and restaurants which come with tools designed to meet the challenges of each space.

Plus, professional monitoring services are really affordable. It’s 50¢/day for Standard and 83¢/day for Interactive, which comes with a lot more features.

With either plan, when an alarm is tripped, SimpliSafe confirms with video verification that the threat is real before dispatching police.

They also provide assistance with the permitting process for security systems, which takes another responsibility off the plate of SMBs located in cities or states with important regulations.

There are no contracts with SimpliSafe and you can cancel any time. On top of the extremely competitive price, SimpliSafe offers free shipping, free returns, and a 60-day money-back guarantee. They’ll even pay for the return shipping.

That gives you basically two months to figure out if SimpliSafe works in practice. And if it doesn’t, don’t pay.

#2 – Vivint — Best for Professional Monitoring

Vivint is a great professional business security system. For companies that can’t use a DIY solution, but they also don’t need the hefty services associated with commercial-grade security, Vivint strikes the right balance.

They have a wide range of equipment and 24/7 professional monitoring comes with every plan they offer.

Vivint doesn’t outsource monitoring to a third-party service. Since it’s kept in-house, the average wait time for an emergency is eight seconds. That’s 7.5 times faster than the national average.

Cellular connection with battery backup will keep the system operational during a power outage, so the 24/7 professional monitoring remains unbroken.

There are three motion-activated cameras that Vivint offers, all of which deliver real-time alerts to you and the Vivint security team.

My favorite, the Outdoor Camera Pro, comes with Smart Sentry detection, which recognizes human movement. It lets off a loud chirping noise that draws the intruder’s eyes up to the camera where a red recording light lets them know you’re on camera.

With the two-way voice feature, you can hear what’s happening and deliver your own choice words about the attempted intrusion.

Vivint’s outdoor camera also captures really high-quality images. With the 4k image sensor, it’s possible to zoom in on faces and license places, even in the dark.

Every camera Vivint makes is just as feature-rich as their outdoor cam, and I didn’t even cover everything that comes with it. Their other business security features are similarly robust, including:

• Wireless security camsPan and tilt cams
• Doorbell cams
• Door and window sensors
• Sensors: Door and window, recessed door, motion, tilt, glass break, temperature, and flood
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Medical pendants
• Smart locksSmart thermostats

The Vivint Smart Drive stores all captured video, automatically creating clips whenever sensors detect unusual activity. Everything stored can be viewed, managed, and controlled on the mobile app.

The Smart Drive automatically stores 30 days of continuous footage. This is nice because businesses don’t always know something has happened immediately, even with professional monitoring.

If someone is playing funny money with the register, being able to look back and zoom in on the cash drawer can be crucial.

You can call Vivint to get a price for how much a business security system is going to cost. Be advised, the equipment is fairly expensive.

The Outdoor Camera Pro is $399.99 purchased alone, but they offer zero-interest payment plans broken down over the course of years to help keep the monthly payment competitive.

All Vivint equipment comes with a lifetime warranty and strong encryption to prevent the footage from being accessed by unauthorized users.

There’s just a lot of peace of mind you get with Vivint because you know they are always there if something happens.

#3 – Alarm.com — Best Professional Business Security System for SMBs

Alarm.com is famous for both its home and business security systems. Their technology is used to protect more than 5 million properties and they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

For business, they are focused on serving small to mid-market business owners. This means they don’t have the same range of products as commercial-grade solutions, but what they do offer is tailor-made for the challenges SMBs face every day.

Their Smarter Business Security centralizes all security cameras, lights, and locks for easy automation and control. Information that the devices capture is reported on clear dashboards from the website or mobile app.

You can set schedules to automatically lock doors at a certain time each day of the week as an extra safeguard. If there is an intrusion detected, real-time viewing allows owners to see if the disturbance warrants calling the police.

Alarm.com can be deployed across multiple sites, where the reporting features can be really helpful in ways beyond business security.

For one, you can visualize trends, identifying rush times, and customer traffic.

And since the lights and the thermostat are connected to the alarm system, the building will always be comfortable when people are there and energy-efficient when they’re not. Alerts prevent a window from not being shut all the way, which limits waste and eliminates a potential security breach.

In terms of cameras and equipment, Alarm.com offers:

Indoor/outdoor camerasWired/wireless camerasFixed/Pan camerasSmart locksKeycard systemsEntry sensors

Analog cameras can be connected to your Alarm.com system and every camera they sell comes with any time mobile access, instant video alerts, intelligent clip capture, and real-time streaming.

To purchase an Alarm.com business security system, you’ll have to reach out to an authorized service provider in your area. Depending on your needs and requirements, all of their providers offer a range of self-service and professional installation options.

Alarm.com is a step above the full DIY systems. It unifies intrusion detection, access control, video surveillance, and energy management into a single, intuitive app.

Business owners are always informed and their property is always safe.

#4 – Alibi Security — Best for Upgrading Existing Security Systems

Alibi Security is an umbrella company that sells equipment from a number of high-end security brands. Because of this, they offer an incredibly wide range of devices that can tie into any system.

It’s a great commercial-grade option for companies that want to upgrade instead of replacing their existing infrastructure. No matter how you have deployed your system in the past, Alibi has the tools to help you improve it.

There’s just a stunning range of top-of-the-line equipment that can be adapted to fit any scenario. Just looking at security cameras, for instance, Alibi has:

• Cloud IP cameras
• HD-TVI Cameras
• Network IP cameras
• Wireless cameras
• Pan-tilt-zoom cameras
• Doorbell cameras
• Deterrent cameras
• Hidden cameras
• Micro camerasBoard cameras
• Snake cameras

What does a hidden camera look like? Alibi has some that look like ceiling speakers, motion sensors, and even smoke detectors.

They have the video recording solutions to completely support any array of cameras—analog, IP, wireless… it doesn’t matter. All Alibi recorders have common management software, centralizing operations, and decreasing the learning curve for users.

When it comes to intrusion detection and access control, Alibi has a full set of hardware and software to set up the keypad, keycard, and request-to-exit systems.

Much of Alibi’s equipment is compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act, which means it’s good enough for the U.S. Military.

You’ll have to get in touch with a licensed Alibi dealer in order to get pricing. It’s going to be on the high end like other commercial-grade security solutions tend to be.

Where it stands out from its direct competitors is the ease with which Alibi’s equipment integrates with your existing hardware. Since all of their HD/TVI recorders have Hybrid+ technology, it’s not hard to migrate from analog to HD or to install a hybrid analog/HD solution.

Adding more cameras is also easy, as many Alibi recorders support up to 64 IP channels that are each pre-licensed and fully-enabled.

Easy to tie in and easy to scale out, Alibi is the choice for companies looking to beef up their security with the latest and greatest technology.

#5 – Wyze — Best For Affordable DIY Video Surveillance

Wyze has ridiculously low priced cameras that get the job done for businesses that need to record what happens on-site.

Really, Wyze is aimed at homeowners more than business, but if all you need is video surveillance, what’s the difference?

The latest version of the Wyze Cam is $19.99. It’s small, yet it’s got 1080p color night vision and IP65 weather resistance. The Wyze Outdoor Starter Bundle ($49.99), which comes with one outdoor cam and a required base station, lets you mount a cam anywhere.

Really, anywhere. The outdoor cam is wire-free and powered by batteries that last 3-6 months. With Wyze, there’s a lot of freedom to get a video surveillance system set up at a very little cost.

The Wyze Cam Pan ($29.99) can spin 360° in under three seconds. It also has motion detection so it can follow the action. This is essentially at one-third to one-tenth the cost of most other cameras that can pan.

Some of the Wyze smart home products are really helpful for business owners. Wyze Bulbs, for instance, connect to WiFi to give you the ability to control them at once or individually.

Change the light color temperature to better suit the mood of a restaurant—soft and warm for the diners and then bright as day for the nighttime clean up crew. Set a schedule so lights come on during the night to make would-be intruders think someone is there.

Some of the other nice products and camera capabilities include:

• Doorbell camera/intercom
• Smart thermostats
• Smart locksMotion detection sirens
• Motion detection zonesMobile app
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alerts

Beyond the motion detection siren on the Wyze Cam, they don’t have any products for intrusion detection, though a new line of Wyze Sense products is on the horizon.

In terms of access control, they offer the smart lock ($99) and keypad ($20) that fits over most single-cylinder deadbolts. It will give you a record of everyone who keys in and out and alert you if the door is open.

For video storage, the Basic plan is free and comes with 14-day rolling cloud storage, though it only captures a 12-second video when it detects motion or sound. There’s also a five-minute cooldown period before you can see the video.

My guess is that a lot of business owners are going to want the CamPlus plan ($1.25/month per camera). It’s a very competitive price and comes with unlimited video length recordings and no cooldown period.

At the end of the day, several Wyze cameras are going to deliver 1080p video surveillance for well under $300 in the first year, including the cost of the equipment.

 

Summary

Some tasks are really hard to define. Securing a business is not one of them.

The goals are clear and the stakes are high. Offices, shops, restaurants, and warehouses are responsible for keeping their shared space safe.

It’s not just about protecting assets. A business’ reputation with staff and customers are on the line.

For SMBs that want a security system they can set up themselves, SimpliSafe is a really great option. It’s got the full range of intrusion detection, access control, and video surveillance necessary, yet the system remains easy to deploy and manage.

If you only need video surveillance, the best DIY option is definitely Wyze. The price is impossible to beat and the cameras are surprisingly good.

Should DIY security systems not rise to the challenge, Alarm.com can outfit a business completely. Whether they protect one or many sites, owners get total oversight of their business security in the sleek interface.

Vivint is an excellent choice for businesses that need professional monitoring. Their equipment is really solid and their security team will verify the incident over video before alerting the authorities. Cutting down on false alarms is huge for ensuring a quick, reliable response.

Looking at commercial-grade solutions, Alibi Security is a really strong choice. Not only do they offer best-in-class security solutions, but they’ll also integrate seamlessly with your existing stack. For businesses that want to evolve their security in the right direction, Alibi is it.

The post, Best Business Security Systems appeared first on Neil Patel.

Source: feedproxy.google.com

The Best Conference Call Services (In-Depth Review)

There are already hundreds of options to choose from, making it feel impossible to choose the right conference call services for your team. So to help make your life a bit easier, I looked at dozens of options and narrowed it down to my top eight recommendations.

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

Just a decade ago, conference calls were challenging to set up and manage.

But today, I can click a few buttons and hop on a call with my entire team in a matter of seconds from the comfort of my home while my teammates stay safely in theirs.

However, the best conference call services go beyond basic phone calls.

They also offer a suite of collaboration and connectivity tools that make our current situation easier to navigate… together.

As the demand for remote connectivity rises, new services are popping up left and right.

Plus, there are already hundreds of options to choose from, making it feel impossible to choose the right conference call services for your team.

So to help make your life a bit easier, I looked at dozens of options and narrowed it down to my top eight recommendations.

 

The 8 top options for conference call services

• GoToMeeting – Easiest conference call software
• RingCentral – Best all-inclusive communication software
• ClickMeeting – Best for hosting webinars
• Grasshopper – Best virtual business phone system
• Zoom – Best for video conference calls
• Google Meet – Best for G Suite users
• Vast Conference – Best for instant conference calling
• Bluejeans Meetings – Best for video and sound quality

 

How to choose the best conference call service for you

The best conference call service for you and your team depends on various factors, including the size of your business, the level of security you need, and extra features you’re interested in.

It may help to start with a comprehensive list of everything you need. Then, you can use that as you go through the decision-making process.

And as you create your list, don’t forget to include the following considerations.

Number of participants

A conference call with ten people is vastly different than a conference call with hundreds of participants.

So, it’s essential to consider your team’s size and the number of participants you expect for any given meeting. Some service providers include low limits, while others allow thousands of participants depending on the plan you choose.

Security

Whether your meetings are confidential or not, security is an important feature to consider. Furthermore, it should be a priority rather than an afterthought.

So, make sure you consider:

• The level of control over who can join the call
• 256-bit TLS encryption to make sure the line is secure
• Security policies of the service provider

Furthermore, pay attention to how the provider stores your data and what they’re allowed to do with it if you use their services.

Mobile access

The world is more mobile and more distant than ever before. That said, mobile access is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a conference call service.

Giving employees and other meeting attendees the ability to join using their mobile devices is convenient for everyone involved.

And it may mean fewer cancellations plus more of the right participants joining in, even if they’re not at their desk.

So, ensure the service provider you choose includes mobile access.

Audio and video quality

A conference call with low audio and video can be incredibly frustrating. So, it’s crucial to choose a service provider with top-notch video and audio quality.

Of course, your internet connection plays a role. But you should carefully consider choosing a conference call service with HD video and audio capabilities for a smoother experience all around.

Additional features

If you need other features, like a virtual phone system or the ability to host webinars, you can bundle conference calling services with software specializing in something else.

You may also want to consider other features, like:

• Call recording
• Hold music
• Auto-assistant
• Internal communication
• Call forwarding
• Extension numbers
• Custom greetings
• Text messaging
• Internet faxing

Hardware requirements

It’s also important to consider if you need to buy new equipment to handle a conference call service you’re considering. Some software integrates directly with the hardware you already have, making setup and everyday use a breeze.

However, others may require special equipment or something newer than what you currently use. And they may require professional installation, as well, depending on the number of users you need.

Some may work with your employees’ personal phones, mitigating the need for separate business phones.

 

The different types of conference call services

There are two main types of conference call services:

• Assisted
• Reservation-less.

The one you’re probably most familiar with is reservation-less. It’s the most common and easiest to use because you can do everything on your own.

All you have to do is create a bridge and then share the link with anyone you want to join.

It’s perfect for small, informal meetings and regular conference calls.

Assisted conference calls are much more formal. However, they require you to rely on someone else to organize. Assisted calls are most commonly used for large events with attendees all over the world.

The operator organizes the call and may even help invite the right people. Plus, they usually greet attendees when they join and help manage the flow of your meetings.

While an actual human being traditionally does this, today’s technology has helped automate the process.

As such, many conference call services offer an auto-assistant to greet callers, create custom joining experiences, gather caller contact information, store it, highlight action items, and more.

 

Examples of Conference Call Services

#1 – GoToMeeting Review — The easiest conference call software

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use online conference call software, go with GoToMeeting. It’s an excellent option for both small and large businesses alike. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to set up.

In fact, you can host or join meetings in one click from your phone, your laptop, a conference room, or any remote location.

Furthermore, you can easily host and join audio, video, and web meetings as well. So, whether you’re the administrator or an attendee, it’s a smooth and seamless process for everyone involved.

With GoToMeeting, you get a ton of influential conference calling features, including:

• Screen sharing of your desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet
• VoIP conference calling
• Face-to-face HD video conferencing
• Intuitive, yet powerful, mobile access
• Meeting recording and transcription
• Internal and external instant messaging
• Smart meeting assistant
• Toll-free conferencing
• 25 video feeds per meeting
• Drawing tools

Plus, meeting participants can join using the commuter mode, which helps them save mobile data and provides a distraction-free experience on their mobile devices.

Unlike most of the other options on this list, GoToMeeting doesn’t offer a free plan.

But their paid plans are incredibly affordable and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Those premium plans include:

• Professional — $12 per organizer per month (up to 150 participants)
• Business — $16 per organizer per month (up to 250 participants)
• Enterprise — Custom pricing only (up to 3,000 participants)

Start your 14-day free trial to see if GoToMeeting is right for you!

#2 – RingCentral Review — The best all-inclusive communications tool

RingCentral is an all-in-one business communications platform encompassing instant messaging, video, and phone. So, it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a comprehensive communication tool.

Furthermore, it’s secure, easy to use, reliable, and accessible on any device.

Plus, you’re an excellent company with more than 400,000 customers worldwide.

And the best part? They offer an incredibly robust free plan for video conferencing. With it, you can meet with up to 100 participants (for up to 40 minutes) anytime from anywhere on any device.

The free plan also comes with incredible features, including:

• Simultaneous screen sharing
• Host controls and user management
• Custom meeting IDsHD voice and video
• Whiteboarding and annotations
• In-meeting chat capabilities
• Unlimited file sharing
• Meeting recordings

And their premium plans include advanced features like phone support, reporting, single sign-on, and advanced team messaging tools.

RingCentral’s all-in-one office pricing is a bit expensive, with plans starting at $19.99 per user per month. However, those plans come with a ton of extra features, including everything you need to streamline business communications.

So, it’s an excellent choice if you need everything from SMS messaging and video conferencing to business phones and internet faxing for your entire team.

Alternatively, you can upgrade to a paid conferencing-only plan with RingCentral Meetings. Their Meetings plans include:

• Essentials — $14.99 per organizer per month (for small businesses)
• Advanced — $19.99 per organizer per month (for enterprise businesses)

Sign up for a free forever plan to get started with RingCentral today!

#3 – ClickMeeting Review — The best conference call service for hosting webinars

Webinars are an excellent way to demo products, deliver online training, and host online events. They’re useful for everything from marketing and sales to education and large meetings.

So, if you’re looking for a tool that offers webinar capabilities and conference call features, ClickMeeting is your best option.

However, it’s a bit expensive, so I only recommend it if you plan to use it for both purposes.

The software comes with a ton of excellent features for both conference calls and webinars, including things like:

• Paid and automated webinar sequences
• Webinar timeline views
• Independent subaccounts
• Custom branding
• Customized invitations
• Registration pages
• Waiting room with agenda
• Whiteboarding and screen sharing
• Chat translation
• Advanced analytics

Furthermore, they offer an extensive knowledge base so you can learn everything to make the most of your new software without calling customer service.

However, keep in mind that all plans cap conference calls to 25 participants.

ClickMeeting offers a free 30-day trial, but there isn’t a free forever plan. There are three options to choose from, including:

• Live — $25 per month
• Automated — $40 per month
• Enterprise — Custom pricing only

Start your 30-day free trial to take ClickMeeting for a test drive today!

#4 – Grasshopper Review — The best virtual business phone system

Grasshopper is a bit different than the other options on this list. Their software is a simple way to turn your personal phone into a business phone without worrying about buying new hardware.

So, if you’re a solopreneur or small team looking for an easy way to set up business phones for your team, Grasshopper is an excellent choice.

However, I don’t recommend going this route unless you actually need a virtual business phone system.

The software is incredibly easy to set up. All you have to do is select your phone number, choose a pricing plan, download the app, configure your settings, and you’re good to go.

It seriously takes just a few minutes and is incredibly easy to use. Aside from conference call, you also get access to powerful features, including:

• Toll-free, local, and vanity numbers
• Custom greetings
• Personal extensions
• Call routing
• Multi-call handling
• Instant response text messages
• SMS messaging
• Internet faxing
• Voicemail transcription
• Auto-receptionist

While most of the app features are incredibly easy to use, conference calling is a bit less traditional than the other options listed here.

Rather than participants joining your call, you have to call them, making it more aligned with old-school conference calls.

But you get unlimited conference calls with up to ten participants and the added business-phone functionality all for an extremely affordable price.

Grasshopper’s paid plans include:

• Solo — $26 per month for one phone number and three extensions
• Partner — $44 per month for three phone numbers and six extensions
• Small Business — $80 per month for five numbers and unlimited extensions

Sign up for a free 7-day trial to see if it’s right for you today!

#5 – Zoom Review — The best for free video conference calls

As more people shift to remote work, Zoom has become a household name.

It’s one of the most popular videos conferencing tools on the market—and for a good reason.

Their robust free plan is more than enough for most users, making it an excellent and budget-friendly option for individuals and small businesses alike.

Their free plan includes unlimited meetings with up to 100 participants for up to 40 minutes and unlimited 1:1 meetings with a 24-hour time cap. Furthermore, you also get free access to features like:

• Automatic calendar syncing
• Robust security encryption
• Role-based user access
• Waiting rooms and password protection
• HD audio and video
• Up to 49 videos on the screen
• Screen sharing and recording
• Hand raising and in-meeting chat
• Video and audio settings
• Dedicated dial-in numbers

All for free. So, if you’re looking for a robust and intuitive conference call service without paying a penny, Zoom is definitely one of the best options on the market today.

However, if you outgrow the free plan and need something more advanced, you can upgrade to one of their paid plans, including:

• Pro — $14.99/month or $149.90/license per year (up to nine licenses)
• Business — $19.99/month or $199.90/license per year (minimum of 10 licenses)
• Enterprise — $19.99/month or $199.90/license per year (minimum of 100 licenses)

Sign up for a free forever plan to see if Zoom is right for you and your team today!

#6 – Google Meet Review — The best conference call service for G Suite users

Google Meet is the upgraded version (and replacement) of Google Hangouts.

And if you’re an avid Google fan and already use G Suite, Google Meet is entirely free for you to use, making it an excellent and affordable option for businesses of all sizes.

Furthermore, you don’t have to do anything to sign up if you already have a G Suite or Gmail account. All you have to do is head to the Google Meet page to open up a meeting room.

Doing so automatically pulls in your contacts and information, too.

The best part is that all of Google’s tools and software integrate seamlessly. So, you can quickly and easily jump straight into a video chat from their Chat tool, your calendar, or even your mobile device.

Plus, the free Google Meet tool includes intuitive features like:

• The US and international dial-in numbers
• Secure Google global infrastructure
• Encrypted video conferencing
• No third-party plugins or software required
• Live captioningLow-light mode
• Built-in noise cancellation

On the Basic G Suite plan, you can host calls with up to 100 participants. If you need more than that, you’ll need to upgrade to the Business or Enterprise plan, which supports 150 and 250 participants, respectively.

If you already use G Suite, head over to Google Meet to get started!

#7 – Vast Conference — The best for assisted conference calls

If you’re interested in hosting formal, assisted conference calls, Vast Conference is the way to go. While they also offer reservation-less meetings, their assisted conference call features are where they shine.

Operator-assisted calls require a bit more planning in advance. However, all you need to do is call their reservation desk to set up a time and date.

From there, you can choose the level of assistance you need for your event.

Operators can help with the planning of your event, show up live during your event for technical assistance and call quality, and deliver call recordings and participant lists afterward.

It’s like hiring the assistant you never knew you needed. On top of that, operator-assisted calls may also include:

• Welcoming and identifying callers
• Continuous assistance from staff
• Up to 6,000 participants
• A pre-conference room meeting
• Triple-checked event transcriptions

These types of conference calls start at $0.16 per minute per line for a standard event and $0.19 per minute per line for premium events. Plus, there are no contracts or obligations as these are managed separately from their reservation-less meeting services.

Vast’s reservation-less plans are quite expensive compared to other options on this list. So, I don’t recommend it unless you’re using their operator-assisted services.

Choose your plan to start planning your operator-assisted event today!

#8 – Bluejeans Meetings Review — The best conference call service for sound quality

If you need meetings with crystal clear sound quality, Bluejeans Meetings is definitely the way to go. Every plan includes Dolby voice audio with built-in noise reduction, spatial audio, and dynamic leveling.

Plus, you also get HD video, so you never have to worry about the low quality.

Besides excellent sound and video quality, you also get access to a ton of influential conference calling features, even on the lowest-tier, including:

• Unlimited 1:1 and group meetings
• No time caps whatsoever
• 5 hours of hosted meeting recordings
• Meeting highlight reels and action item tagging
• Outlook and Google calendar integrations
• Video pinning and content slider
• Desktop and application sharing
• Remote desktop control
• Whiteboarding and annotations
• Advanced host controls
• Safe driving mode

Bluejeans is one of the most feature-rich options on this list. However, that comes with a steeper price point and fewer meeting participants allowed on each plan.

Plus, keep in mind you get excellent crystal-clear audio and video quality, making it feel like everyone’s in the same room. It also helps reduce dialog delays and ensures everyone speaks at the same level.

So if that’s something you need, the extra price is well worth it. Their pricing plans include:

Standard — $9.99 per month billed annually (for up to 50 participants)Pro — $13.99 per month billed annually (for up to 75 participants)Enterprise — Custom pricing only (for up to 100 participants)

Try it free for seven days to see if Bluejeans is right for you!

 

Wrapping things up

GoToMeeting and RingCentral are my top recommendations for most people because they’re simple, affordable, and effortless to use.

Plus, they include a ton of intuitive and powerful features that make connecting with coworkers and colleagues more straightforward than ever.

But that doesn’t mean they’re the perfect choice for you.

So, don’t forget to consider the features and must-haves we talked about as you go about finding the best conference call services for you and your team.

Which conference call software do you prefer?

The post The Best Conference Call Services (In-Depth Review) appeared first on Neil Patel.

Source: feedproxy.google.com

Best Video Conferencing Software

Video conferencing software has exploded in popularity over the last year. With people working from home and remote work becoming the new normal, businesses rely on video conferencing services to communicate.

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

But not all video conferencing software is the same.

The tools you use to video chat with your friends and family across the across aren’t necessarily the best business communication options.

Which video conferencing software is the best for you? I’ll break down my top picks in greater detail below.

 

The Top 6 Options For Video Conferencing Software

1. BlueJeans — Best For Remote Work
2. Cisco Webex  — Best For Healthcare
3. Lifesize — The Best Zoom Alternative
4. Whereby — The Best Simple Video Conferencing Software
5. RingCentral — Best All-in-One Communication Suite
6. GlobalMeet by PGI— Best For International Video Conferencing

 

How to Choose the Best Video Conferencing for You

As you’re shopping around and evaluating different options, there are certain criteria that must be taken into consideration.

Keep these factors in mind to ease the buying process and narrow down the best video conferencing software for your business.

Call Size

The first thing you need to consider is the call restriction limitations. How many people can be part of the video conference?

Entry-level plans might restrict you to 25 or 50 callers while the highest tiers can be 10,000+.

If you’re running a small business or just need to occasionally meet with a small team, you probably won’t run into problems with restrictions.

But for those of you who plan to give presentations to your entire enterprise-size organization, a large call size capability will be a top priority.

Simultaneous Video Streams

Even if you get a plan with a large call size, it doesn’t mean that everyone on the call will be able to stream their webcam simultaneously.

Let’s say you have 500 people attending a video conference; there won’t be 500 videos on the screen. You might be limited to just 10 or 20 streamers. The rest will be view-only.

Video Quality

There’s nothing worse than being on a video conference with a poor stream.

It can really distract from the purpose of the conference.

Everyone is worried about disconnecting and then reconnecting, hoping that fixes the issue, which wastes valuable time.

Each participant’s individual Internet connection will obviously impact the quality as well.

However, some software is definitely better than others in this category.

The best way to determine the video quality of the software is by experimenting with free trials and reading reviews from current customers.

Team Collaboration Features

If you’re using video conferencing software for work, it’s useful to have an all-in-one collaboration solution.

I tend to look for features like file sharing, cloud storage, screen sharing, presentation mode, and integrated live chat.

You should also look for features that integrate with tools you’re already using for CRM, site analytics, or whatever else your team is working on.

Now everyone can collaborate from a single platform, instead of bouncing back and forth between different software while on a video conference call.

Industry and Specific Use Cases

What exactly do you need video conferencing software for?

There are plenty of general-purpose solutions out there.

But in some instances, certain software is geared towards purposes like remote work or international calls.

There are even industry-specific tools for healthcare or education.

So if you fall into one of those categories, make sure you choose software that accommodates your unique needs.

 

The Different Types of Video Conferencing Software

As previously mentioned, not all video conferencing software is the same.

I’ll quickly name and explain the most popular options, so you have a better understanding of what to expect as you’re shopping around.

Cloud Video Conferencing Software

Cloud software or browser-based video conferencing software is extremely flexible.

Participants can join a call from anywhere, simply by logging in through a web browser.

This software is supported by open WebRTC (real-time communications) standards.

If you’re going to have conference calls with participants outside of your organization, then you’ll definitely want a cloud solution.

Then you can invite people to join with a URL link, and they won’t have to download any software.

For example, let’s say you have a sales team that uses video conferencing to communicate with prospects.

Forcing those potential customers to download software would add friction and confusion to the sales process.

Desktop Applications

Desktop apps are commonly used for in-house video conferencing.

The best video conferencing software will support all major operating systems.

Call quality and features are usually enhanced with a desktop app.

For example, you might not be able to share your screen on a cloud version of software, but you’d access that feature by downloading the desktop app.

Mobile Video Conferencing

Mobile video conferencing is crucial for people who need to join calls on the go.

Busy professionals can’t always be tied to a desktop or laptop computer.

But this type of software allows people to participate from smartphones and tablets.

If you’re using cloud software, you can usually join from a web browser on your mobile device.

However, the experience is definitely enhanced by downloading the mobile application from your video conferencing provider.

Nearly all of the best video conferencing software on the market today will have some mobile conferencing features.

Meeting Room Systems

Some businesses require a complete meeting room system for video conferences.

These solutions require additional hardware, like external cameras, microphones, speakers, and more.

A meeting room system is typically designed for physical conference rooms.

If you have a video conference call in an executive board room with a dozen people present, a laptop at the end of the table isn’t going to cut it.

These really aren’t necessary for home offices or remote work.

They’re designed for large spaces and large groups in a single location.

 

Examples of Video Conferencing Software

#1 – BlueJeans — Best For Remote Work

BlueJeans has a wide range of video conferencing options for businesses of all sizes.

It’s trusted by global brands like ADP, Facebook, Zillow, Intuit, and National Geographic.

For small and large businesses alike, BlueJeans can help your organization and employees communicate by providing them with the right tools for remote work.

Depending on your needs, there are actually four different BlueJeans video conferencing products for you to choose from. Here’s a quick explanation of each one:

1. BlueJeans Meetings — Video, audio, and web conferences from any device
2. BlueJeans Rooms — Single-touch audio and video conference rooms
3. BlueJeans Events — Host and stream interactive events for large audiences
4. BlueJeans Gateway — Access Microsoft Teams calls from any meeting room system

BlueJeans was recently acquired by Verizon, so the video call quality is exceptional.

You’ll also benefit from features like enterprise-grade security, meeting transcriptions, automated alerts, meeting management tools, analytics, and more.

Pricing starts at $9.99 per host per month.

The entry-level plan comes with unlimited 1:1 meetings, unlimited group meetings, unlimited meeting lengths, and five hours of recording.

You can host video conferences with up to 50 participants on this plan as well.

Try it free for 7 days.

#2 – Cisco Webex Review — Best For Healthcare

Cisco has been an industry leader in the telecommunications space for 35+ years. So it should come as no surprise to see Cisco Webex rank so high on this list.

In addition to basic video conferencing, Cisco has tools for contact centers, online meetings, cloud calling, online training, team collaboration, and more.

But what really stands out is the industry-specific solutions offered by Webex, including video conferencing for healthcare.

As more and more medical practices make the transition to telehealth, Cisco Webex has been growing in popularity.

It’s a top solution for practices that need to meet with patients online, make administrative calls, collaborate with care teams, and healthcare IT teams.

From virtual consultations to training and security, Webex has everything healthcare organizations need for video conferencing.

Here are some of the highlights of using Cisco Webex:

• End-to-end security with strong encryption
• High-quality video and audio calling
• Virtual training capabilities with recording and on-demand viewing
• Share your entire screen or just share a single app or document
• AI-powered web assistant
• Integrations with tools like Slack, G Suite, Salesforce, and more
• Compatible on the web, desktop, mobile, and video systems

For anyone that prioritizes quality and security, Cisco Webex will be a top choice for you to consider.

Plans start at $13.50 per host per month. Sign up for free to try it out; no credit card required.

#3 – Lifesize Review — The Best Zoom Alternative

Zoom has quickly become a household name over the past year or so.

But it’s not for everyone, and lots of businesses are looking elsewhere for a video conferencing solution.

If you’re searching for a similar setup and feature list, Lifesize will be your best option.

Lifesize is a cloud video conferencing solution and team collaboration platform that’s compatible with any device.

You can use the software to meet with co-workers, clients, employees, and anyone else, from anywhere.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits and highlights of Lifesize:

• Ultra-high-definition and 4k screen sharing
• Unlimited guest invitations to meetings
• Large meetings with up to 500 participants
• Broadcast live events with up to 10,000 viewers
• Manage users and room settings from a web-based admin console
• High encryption standards for robust security
• Interoperability with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and more

For those of you who need a complete meeting room system, Lifesize has all-in-one conferencing solutions with hardware as well.

Lifesize is free for up to 10 participants with unlimited meetings.

The entry-level plan starts at $12.50 per host per month. This plan comes with SSO support and allows you to host meetings with up to 100 participants.

#4 – Whereby Review — The Best Simple Video Conferencing Software

Whereby is arguably the simplest video conferencing solution on the market today.

There’s no app installation required. Just choose a personalized meeting URL, and participants can access the same link every time.

The software was actually built in Norway, and it’s a popular choice for Europeans.

So it’s GDPR compliant and follows some of the strictest data protection and privacy laws globally.

Here’s a quick overview of the features and benefits you’ll get by using Whereby for video conferencing:

• Live chat and reactions during video calls without interrupting the speaker
• Rooms are locked by default, so admins can choose who to let in
• Fit up to 50 participants in a room at the same time
• The host has control to mute members and ends the meeting for everyone
• Participants can open other tabs and explore websites during a meeting
• Add company branding and logos to your meeting rooms
• Integrations with Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar
• Record meetings that you can download and share
• YouTube integration for watching videos during a meeting
• Screen sharing, Google Docs integration, and mobile support

Again, even with all of these great features, Whereby is as simple as it gets. It’s easy for anyone to use and figure out, regardless of their technical skill level.

There’s a free forever plan for personal use that can host small meetings with up to four participants.

Paid plans start at just $9.99 per month.

#5 – RingCentral Review — Best All-in-One Communication Suite

If your business needs more than just video conferencing, look no further than RingCentral.

Unlike other software options that accommodate personal use, RingCentral is built specifically for businesses.

They offer an all-in-one communication suite for integrated video meetings, phone calls, team messaging, file sharing, and task management.

The software is trusted by 400,000+ organizations across the globe, making it one of the most popular videos conferencing solutions on the market today.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the features, benefits, and highlights of RingCentral:

• Enterprise-grade security and a 99.999% uptime SLA
• Easy to set up, deploy, add new users, and manage teams
• Works from any device
• Solutions for small businesses, enterprises, and everything in between
• Tools for remote work and remote customer service
• Cloud phone systems and contact centers
• Solutions for managed service providers

RingCentral even has industry-specific solutions in categories like education, healthcare, retail, financial services, high tech, contact tracing, and more.

Plans start at $19.99 per user per month. You can try RingCentral for free with a 15-day trial.

#6 – GlobalMeet by PGI Review — Best For International Video Conferencing

GlobalMeet is another popular business communications platform. As the name implies, the software is built to accommodate international calls.

They have 160+ points of presence in over 60 different countries. This allows for exceptional call quality, even with participants streaming video calls from different continents.

Here are some other top reasons why I like and recommend GlobalMeet:

• They offer hardware solutions for complete video room integrations
• Join calls on the go through the mobile app
• Record your meetings and play them any time with cloud recording capability
• Single-click to join video calls from an intuitive user interface
• High definition video with simultaneous screen sharing functionality
• 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email in 12 languages

For organizations with an international presence, whether it be internally or with clients, GlobalMeet by PGI is the clear winner.

There’s a free plan for basic use, and paid plans start at $12 per user per month.

 

Summary

What’s the best video conferencing software?

With so many options to consider, naming just one as my top pick isn’t very practical. It all depends on what you’re looking for.

Regardless of your business size, industry, or video conferencing needs, you can find what you’re looking for using my methodology and recommendations listed in this guide.

The post, Best Video Conferencing Software appeared first on Neil Patel.

Source: feedproxy.google.com