Can You Handlebar Spotlight

CAN YOU HANDLEBAR

Every now and again we like to shine the spot light on a client.  One reason we do what we do is because we get to be apart of the success stories of other businesses.  How cool to be an ingredient in the formula that helps people provide jobs, create ideas, build brands and reach goals?!

CYHB has the seat today, they sell beard care products (if you couldn't tell by the name).  Since we started shooting for them, they have grown from a one man team to a full production facility, staffing a large team and being sold in hundreds if not thousands of stores across the world.  Art Of Shaving just picked them up and they haven't looked back.

Right before their sprint, Doug came into the studio and we were chatting about the direction of the business and how our photography has helped.  We naturally stuck a camera in front of him, attached a mic to his beard and asked him to go again.  You can watch that out on our testimonial page.

Head over to canyouhandlebar.com to check them out - tell them we say hi.  If you have a similar story you'd be willing to share with us, please do!  They motivate and inspire us to improve and create. 

- Aiden

aiden@imagealivestudios.com

Product Videos Can Increase Your Conversions

Product Videos Can Increase Your Conversions

We mentioned before that having great product videos and 360 photos on your site can help increase sales and customer interest. But what we haven’t done is give the cold, hard proof. Today’s we’re going to do just that. We’re going to reveal some real-life online retailers who have implemented product videos and that actual conversion bumps they saw as a result.

Here are just a few retailers who have used product videos to increase their conversions:

• Zappos – While not all products on Zappos’ website have videos, a good many do. And for those, the company has seen a jump in conversions and sales of 6 to 30 percent on every one.
• Ariat – An equestrian retailer, Ariat began implementing videos on select products just last year. The result? A conversion rate jump of a whopping 160 percent!
• Stacks and Stacks – This home goods retailer uses product videos sparingly, but when it does it delivers real results: according to the company, conversion rates are 144 percent higher on items with product videos.
• Simply Piste – Simply Piste, a ski equipment retailer, recently began adding demo videos on many of its products. The videos paid off, and conversion rates jumped 25 percent for products with associated videos.

While some retailers saw more success with product videos than other, one thing rang true for all four: conversions increased. And even a 25 percent increase in conversions can mean a huge difference in sales. Say you do $100,000 in sales a month. With a 25 percent conversion jump, you could be making $125,000 instead. Over a year, that adds up to $300,000 total! Who can argue with results like that?

Are you ready to improve your site’s conversions and increase sales exponentially? Then it’s time to consider product videos for some (or all) of your products. Contact Image Alive Studios to schedule a free consultation and to learn more today.

How to Ensure Your Product Videos are Successful

How to Ensure Your Product Videos are Successful

Integrating product videos into your e-commerce store can do great things for your business. It can improve conversions, it can increase sales, and it can enhance your overall brand image on the web. Of course, that’s only if your product videos are good. If they’re not, it can do the exact opposite – bringing down your sales and turning off customers in an instant.

So how do you ensure your product videos are done well and are effective in the long run? It’s easy; just follow these steps:

1. Check out other retailers. Do some competitive research. What are other retailers in your space doing in regards to video? Are they creating simple product videos that show off one item at a time, or are they creating more promotional, commercial-style videos? What types of videos look best, and which ones do you think are ineffective? Which would work best for your brand? If possible, put together a list of retailers. On one side, list the retailers whose videos you like and want to mimic. On the other, write down retailers who you feel are doing it wrong and whose video style you want to steer clear of.
2. Choose an experienced team. To really give your product videos the best chance at success, choose your production team wisely.  Make sure they have experience not only with product videos, but also within your specific industry. This can provide invaluable knowledge that can make your videos even better and more powerful.
3. Know your audience. Take some time to get to know your audience. What do they want, need and like? On the side, what do they dislike? Are they young, old, rich or poor? Do you mostly buy via smartphone, or are they more laptop and desktop users? This information will all play a crucial role in the production and creation of your videos. And the more you know, the better.
4. Brainstorm ideas. When you meet with your producer and production team, come to the table with plenty of ideas and concepts for your videos. Make sure they speak to your products and your customers, and that they’re doable from a production standpoint. Be sure to address any logistical concerns with your producers as well.
5. Come prepared. On the day of your video shoot, check, double-check and triple-check what you bring. You want to have everything you need, so your shoot doesn’t get delayed or slowed down in the slightest. This would not only prolong the time until your product videos are completed and on your site, but it will also cost you significantly more in production expenses. So before you leave for the shoot, make sure you have it all: your products, any accessories you want photographed, backgrounds, models, mannequins – anything at all you need.

Want highly effective, sales-inspiring product videos for your e-commerce store? Then come to Image Alive Studios. With extensive experience in video product, as well as industry know-how in hundreds of different sectors, we have what it takes to make your videos a success. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.

4 Ways to Successfully Merchandise Your Ecommerce Products

4 Ways to Successfully Merchandise Your E-commerce Products

Buying a domain name and throwing up a few products will give you an e-commerce store in theory, but will it be a successful one? Probably not. If you want your online store to make a splash, then there’s one major area you need to focus on, and that’s merchandising. Merchandising is the key to making any store a success. In the end, it's what makes customers want, need, and ultimately, buy your e-commerce products rather than products from another retailer.

Need help merchandising your own e-commerce products? Try these four tips on for size:

1. Offer detailed, high-quality product photos. When shopping online, customers are really limited on how they can evaluate products. They can’t touch, feel or interact with the product in person, so they’re forced to use photos, copy and other details to make their buying decision. For this reason, your product photos are extremely important. If you want to bring in sales and increase revenues, make sure your product photos are clear, crisp and, most importantly, highly detailed so that customers can get all the information they need to make a decision.
2. Show it in use. Another great way to demonstrate just how great your e-commerce products are is to show them in use. If you sell soccer balls, show a professional athlete kicking one of your products into a goal. If you sell shirts, show a girl wearing one of your shirts to a party and having a great time. These types of photos don’t just show the products in a great light, they also make them relatable, and they make customers see and feel exactly how those products can integrate into their own lives.
3. Supplement with 360 images or videos. In addition to your product photos, consider offering up even more information for your customers through videos and 360 degree images. These can allow viewers to see your products live and in action, and they can let them zoom in, flip over and interact with the product in a way that’s just not possible with static photos. In the end, it can make a huge difference on your conversions.
4. Pair it with other e-commerce products. Showing your e-commerce products in use with other products on your store is also a great way to increase sales – not just on one product, but on both.  Here’s an example: say you sell cameras. In your product photos, have the cameras set up on a tripod or with a strap or travel bag your store carries. This will help increase sales across the board, and it will give customers a good idea of how your products are used and integrated.

Want to better merchandise (and sell) your e-commerce products? Then consider hiring the pros at Image Alive Studios to handle your product photos, videos and 360 degree images. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.

Best Practices for E-commerce Product Videos

Best Practices for E-commerce Product Videos

If you’re going to spend the money and invest in product videos for your e-commerce store, then you want to be absolutely sure you’re producing the most effective, sales-inspiring videos possible. Fortunately, we’re here to help you do just that.

We’ve compiled a list of the best practices in product videography. Make sure your videos follow suit, and you’ll have increased sales, improved conversions and more revenues in no time.

1. Optimize your videos for SEO – Videos hold huge weight when it comes to search engine rankings, so take advantage of this. In the title tags, descriptions and other detailed fields on your video, be sure to include plenty of keywords and descriptive terms that will help customers find your product. Also pay attention to meta tags, as well as any backlinks to the video on your site.
2. Upload the videos to YouTube and embed them on your site – YouTube and Vimeo videos almost always come up at the top of search engine results. To make sure your videos have this chance, always upload them to these sites first, and then embed them directly on your product pages. Then, you’re video is driving sales on TWO different places!
3. Show the product in use, if possible – If you can, try to show the product in use. This makes your product not only look good, but it makes it relatable to your customers. They can easily see, hear and feel how it would be to have that product in their own lives.
4. Get detailed – If you have a complicated product, use your product videos to provide instructions on usage or set-up – anything that will make purchasing and using that product easier for your customers.
5. Keep it short – Most people don’t have time to sit and watch a 5 minute video. They’re shopping online because they want a quick, easy solution, and they don’t want to waste time going to a store. Because of this, you generally want product videos to be no more than two minutes in length. So keep them concise, and get to the point as quickly as possible. Your customers will appreciate it.

Want to incorporate product videos into your e-commerce store? Then contact Image Alive Studio today. We’ll ensure you get the best, most powerful videos possible. Call us now to schedule a free consultation to learn more.

4 Additional Ways to Use Product & Promo Videos

4 Additional Ways to Use Product & Promo Videos

So far, when talking about product and promo videos, we’ve only discussed their placement on the actual product pages of your website – and how doing so can reduce returns, improve sales and increase conversions. But did you know there are actually a number of other highly effective ways you can use those great videos you’ve created?

Well, there are. And just like videos on your product page, they can have a big effect on your bottom line. They can entice new customer leads, bring in sales, and help improve your web performance as a whole. Are you considering investing in product or promo videos for your brand? Do you already have some? If so, here are just a few of the alternate ways you can use them to improve your revenues:

1. In email marketing campaigns – Do you have a newsletter, email list or database of leads? Next time you send out a campaign to them, be sure to include one of your product or promo videos, too. For most effectiveness, you’ll want to embed it into the body of the email. Because some people have email client’s that don’t allow video, though, you’ll also want to include a link to your video, so they can watch it elsewhere if necessary.
2. On video sharing sites – You can also post your videos on sites like YouTube and Videos, which allow users to post and share their own videos with others. These sites have millions of users daily, so they can offer you exposure to customers you may not otherwise have reached! Just be sure to be very descriptive in your video’s title, summary and other details, so that it shows up in the site’s search results.
3. On your social media networks – In addition to posting your video on your product pages and on video sharing sites, you should also disperse it via social media. Post the video directly to Facebook, and let users like and comment on it. You can also share the link via Twitter or post a screen-shot on Instagram. When a user interacts with your video, shares it or retweets it, it will then put your brand in front of their friends, family and social circle – all potential customers you couldn’t have connected with otherwise.
4. On your blog – If you have an on-site blog, create a unique blog post for each product and promo video you have. This will give you a great place to direct users when sharing the video on social media, in emails and other non-media-friendly venues. It will also be an easy way to allow comments and interaction with viewers, and it will give your site an overall SEO boost!

Don’t have product or promo videos of your own just yet? Then contact Image Alive Studios today. Our video production experts can help you create powerful media that helps entice new customers, sell your products and improve your website as a whole. Call now for a free consultation.

What to Look for in a Video Production Company

What to Look for in a Video Production Company

In a recent post, we talked about just how powerful product videos can be. They can improve your brand image, your sales and your conversion, and they can make a marked difference on your bottom line. But one thing we didn’t talk about was how to go about creating those great videos and, most importantly, how to find the right video production company to handle them.

In a big Metroplex like Dallas-Fort Worth, video production groups are literally a dime a dozen. This can be a benefit (you have lots of choices), and it can also be a burden (those choices aren’t always well-qualified.) If you want to make sure your product videos are as powerful and impactful as they can possibly be, you need to be careful in choosing who provides them for you.

Specifically, you should look for these traits in a video production company:

• Experience with products – Creating videos of people and places is one thing, but creating videos of products is a whole different ball game. It requires more creativity, more specific lighting and a deft hand in editing in order to tell the product’s story correctly. If you want your videos to be great, you want to choose a production team that has extensive experience in shooting products – not just live-action videos of landscapes, scenery or people. Be sure to request a portfolio or samples, and see their past videos for yourself before you hire anyone.
• Their own studio – Don’t choose a production team that operates out of their own house or on the go. You want someone who has a space of their own where you can shoot your product, capture B-roll, check out your video in editing, or just sit down for a consultation if you need to. Teams with their own studios are typically more successful than others (they have more money to spend) and they tend to have more (and better) equipment, simply because they have the space to store it. All of this can benefit you and your brand in the long run.
• Photography abilities – The best type of video production team is one that can also handle your photography, too. This allows you to have a consistent look and feel throughout all your media and collateral, and it helps you keep costs low and efficiency high. They can shoot your products when a new line comes in, head-shots of new employees for your website, or even lifestyle shots for your advertising or marketing campaigns. It makes for a valuable and convenient relationship for both parties.

Are you on the hunt for a great video production team for your brand’s product videos? Then contact Image Alive Studios. We have the experience, equipment, space and ability to get the job done. Call us now to schedule a free consultation!

4 Product Photography Tips for Clothing Retailers

4 Product Photography Tips for Clothing Retailers

Clothing retailers have a unique product. Unlike most stores, which sell tangible goods that buyers need or use, clothing retailers offer something that will be physically worn by the shopper. Because of this, their product photography needs to not just give shoppers enough detail to evaluate the clothing item, it also needs to frame the clothing in a way that makes shoppers want the product and imagine themselves wearing it.

It’s a tall order – especially for retailers trying to DIY it.

Fortunately, there are a few tips you can follow that can make clothing product photography significantly more effective. If you’re an online clothing retailer, try these quick tips at your own store:

• Use models or mannequins – There’s nothing less exciting then limp clothes strewn about the floor. If you want shoppers to imagine how the clothes look on, how they accentuate the body, and how they fit, you need to show them. If you can afford it, hire one or two models for your product photography shoot. If that’s too pricy, invest in a good mannequin to model the clothing. You can usually edit these mannequins out in post-production, but at least they give your clothing some body and shape.
• Style away – Remember you’re not just selling a product, you’re selling a look. For this reason, you need to really focus on styling. You might only be selling a shirt, but if you want that shirt to look its best, accessorize it with a great pair of jeans, some jewelry, a hat and more. You should also ensure your models have hair and makeup to match the feel of your clothes. If you’re selling workout gear, give them a more natural, subtle and laid-back look. If you’re selling ball gowns, a full face of makeup and an up-do may work better.
• Hire a pro – If you want the best product photography possible – no matter what type of product you sell – it’s always best to enlist the help of a pro. Not only do they have the experience and know-how necessary to make your clothing look great, they also have studio space and equipment – something that’s very hard to come by when you DIY it.
• Watch your background –Most photographers will use a simple, solid white or black backdrop when shooting clothing items. This allows the pieces to really pop on the screen, and it puts all the focus on the product, taking away any distractions for the buyer.

Are you a clothing retailer looking to improve your product photography? Then call Image Alive Studios today. We have years of industry experience, state-of-the-art equipment and studio space, and a whole team dedicated to your success. Contact us today for a free consultation.

5 Reasons You Need a Promotional Video

5 Reasons You Need a Promotional Video

In addition to product videos, promotional videos can also be a great way to add value to your business and draw in new customers. They give you a chance to market your company as a whole – not just one particular product or service – and they enhance your brand image in the eyes of your customer.

Does your business have a promotional video yet? If not, here are 5 reasons you should consider getting one – and fast:

1. To let customers get to know you. Customers like to know who they’re working with and buying from. It helps them feel more confident in their purchase, and it gets them more excited about the process. A promotional video is a great way to give customers a glimpse into your company – what you do, who you are and how you do it. Show your team hard at work behind the scenes, conduct on-screen employee interviews, or even show a product being made and manufactured – anything that will give them insight into your brand.
2. To show off your products. In a promotional video, you can show off your products in a broader way. Instead of focusing on just one, you can focus on the whole line, and you can even show them in use! Incorporate an actual customer, and have them demonstrate the products live, on-screen. You can also show them using the product in their real life, and let other potential customers see just how powerful your products can be.
3. To show off your services. If your company is more service-oriented, a promotional video is great for that, too. Catch your team in action delivering your services and taking care of your customers in the office, on the field or even at home. Potential customers will love seeing your team in action and getting a glimpse at just how exactly your services work.
4. To give customer testimony. Promotional videos are also perfect for showing off happy, satisfied customers. Gather a group of past customers – ones who were extremely satisfied with their products of services – and see if they’d be up for a video shoot. Prepare questions, and interview them about their experience with your brand right on camera. In the end, it could result in some pretty persuasive testimony.
5. To look professional and connected. We’re in a digital age, and if you want to look professional, current and at the top of the game, you need go digital, too. That means you need a great website, you need 360 product photos that translate to mobile phones, and you need a customized promotional video just about your brand. Ultimately, it will make you seem more professional, and it will help you connect and engage better with your customers.

Are you ready to invest in a promotional video for your brand? Then contact Image Alive Studios today and schedule a free consultation. We can even incorporate product videos, 360 images and product images into the shoot!

Why Clothing Retailers Need 360 Product Photography

Why Clothing Retailers Need 360 Product Photography

We’ve said it before: 360 product photography can be a boom to sales no matter what industry you’re in. It can improve your conversions, it can reduce your return rates, and it can increase your revenues across the board. But although you can enjoy these benefits regardless of what type of product you sell, there’s one sector in particular that can see exceptional gains, and that’s the clothing industry.

CLOTHING RETAILERS AND 360 PHOTOGRAPHY

Selling clothing and wearable accessories online can be difficult. In the real world, shoppers will touch, feel and even try on the items before they purchase them, so they can be absolutely sure the product meets their needs, fits them and is worth the cash. When selling clothing online, this type of tactile interaction just isn’t possible. But, with 360 product photography on your side, you can at least come pretty close.

With 360 product photography, you can give shoppers a way to virtually interact with the clothing and accessories they’re considering. While they obviously can’t try it on or model it in front of a mirror, they can view it at every angle, zoom in on details and accents, and get familiar with the colors, fabrics and other more intricate parts of the product. Ultimately, this allows them to better evaluate the piece in relation to their needs, and it helps them feel more comfortable putting down their cold hard cash for something they’ve yet to try on or even touch.

In the online world, selling clothingcan be difficult There are a lot of hurdles to overcome, and return/exchange rates are often high, increasing your costs and lowering your customer satisfaction. Though 360 product photography isn’t the end-all be-all solution; it can certainly help improve your customers’ shopping experience and your sales on the whole.

TRY 360 PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY

Are you an online clothing retailer? Then consider implementing 360 product photography on your site today. Contact Image Alive Studios now and get a free spin of one of your products!

How to Amp Up Your Product Pages

How to Amp Up Your Product Pages

As an e-commerce retailer, your product pages are your bread and butter. They power your website, they fuel your sales and, ultimately, they put money in your pockets. With all this important stuff riding on their shoulders, shouldn’t you be doing all you can to ramp up those product pages, and make them the best they possibly can be?

Fortunately, we can help. Over our years in the industry, we’ve seen some sure-fire tactics that can improve your product pages and make a marked difference on your sales, revenue and bottom line. Here are a few of the most effective:

1. Add interactive elements – Get the user involved. Let them swap out colors on the product, allow them to zoom in and enlarge the photos, and give them the ability to share their favorite items on Twitter, Facebook and other social media. You can even let real-life customers share their reviews of products after a purchase.
2. Offer 360 degree views – When it comes to product photos, nothing is as powerful as the 360-degree image. It gives online shoppers a unique, 3D view of a product, making it look and feel like a real-life, in-store shopping experience. With 360 product photos, customers are able to get more details and information on the products they’re considering, in turn, increasing your conversions, improving your customer satisfaction and reducing your return rates in the long run.
3. Have videos – In addition to your 360-degree product photos, you’ll also want to have videos of your products wherever possible. Give live demos of your products in action, show them being used by real-life people, or even post video reviews of products if you have them. These will show up great on virtually any device your customer is using, and they’ll give a professional look to your product pages on the whole.
4. Show stock levels – Nothing spurs action like scarcity. If customers know there’s only one or two of a product left, and they’re even somewhat considering purchasing it, that’s usually enough to spark a buy.  You’ll be clearing out that inventory in no time!
5. Display price comparisons – Let customers know just how affordable your prices are. Show them in relation to prices on other e-commerce sites, or even against their “manufacturer price.” For utmost visibility, display the price somewhere near the product photos, where you know viewers will be looking.
6. Offer live chat – Be there to answer your customers’ questions when and where they have them. If they’re on your site, looking at your product photos, and they can’t tell if a shirt is green or blue, then let them live chat you and ask for help. Most of the time, great customer service is a enough to turn a prospective buyer into a real, tangible sale.

Want to improve your sites’ product pages? Then call Image Alive Studios. We can create sales-inspiring 360-degree product photos, videos, and more that will help sell your products and improve your revenues. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The 5 Keys to Great Product Photography Across the Board

The 5 Keys to Great Product Photography Across the Board

If you sell your products online, then a lot rides on your photography. For online shoppers, there’s not much else to go on! Sure there are customer reviews and a short description – but really, how much can they tell about your products through those? The only true way to impress them and inspire them to buy is to have great, top-quality product photography that catches their eye.

Is your current product photography doing enough to bring in big sales? If not, you might be missing out on one of these five key ingredients:

1. Consistency – You want all your product photos to have a consistent look, feel and vibe. Regardless of where a product is located, what season’s line it’s from or how old it is, in order to have a truly professional look, they all need to be consistent. They should use the same framing, lighting, angles and, of course, image size, and the transition from one product to the next should be seamless.
2. Brand voice – One of the biggest keys to successful product photography lies in a photographer’s ability to capture the brand’s voice. What is a “brand voice,” you ask? Basically, it’s a company’s essence – its culture, its people and its message to the world. A great product photo will deliver this voice clearly and concisely. When people see those photos, they’ll know precisely what brand they came from and what kind of service they’ll get if they make a purchase.
3. Clarity – Always remember, the focus of your photos is the actual product – not anything going on around it. Sure it’s OK to take a few actions shows here and there, for but for the most part, you want clean, clear and uncluttered photos that put all the emphasis on your products. Pure white and black backgrounds are usually best for maximum effect.
4. The right lighting – Lighting plays a crucial role in product photography. With the right lighting, a product can look even better than it does in person!  With the wrong lighting, you can turn customers off a product forever. Always be sure you choose a photographer that’s not only great with shooting products, but one who’s familiar with various lighting techniques and strategies. You’d be amazed at the difference it makes.
5. Good editing – No matter how hard you try, sometime, mistakes just happen. Fortunately, when it comes to product photography, it can usually be fixed in editing. Blown outimages, poor framing and incorrect angles can all be manipulated in the editing room, as long as your photographer knows how.

Want to ensure your product photography is as good as it can be? Then contact the pros at Image Alive Studios today and schedule a free consultation. We’d be glad to help!

3 Types of Product Videos You Should Be Using

3 Types of Product Videos You Should Be Using

In addition to great product photos and 360 spin images, videos are also a great way to make sure your products stand out from the pack. Product videos allow you to give online visitors an in-depth, real-life look at your products, including how they work, what they do, and just how great they are. Ultimately, they can help lead to more sales, they can lower your return rate and they can increase your conversions – all of which means more money in your pocket.

Thinking about using product videos to up your online store’s ante? If so, be sure to incorporate these three types:

• Demonstrations – One of the biggest problems with online shopping is that customers can’t see, touch, try on or really interact with the product at all. This makes it hard for them to feel comfortable with the purchase, and it often leads to more returns than you’d like. Fortunately, product videos allow you a way to combat this. Use your product videos to show real-life individuals using, interacting with and demonstrating your products. These will give customers a detailed look at exactly what your product is and how it can be used in their own life.
• Details – Product videos are great for showing detail and getting up close and personal. They allow you to zoom in on small parts and accents and show how the color, print and fabric looks in real life. Often, this can be just want a customer needs to feel comfortable putting down their cash and making a purchase.
• Reviews/Testimonials – Another great use of product videos is the review/testimonial. If you have customers who are extremely satisfied with their recent purchase from you or some that are just in love with a product or service you carry, then see if they’d be willing to go on tape about it. Have them talk about their experience with your company, how great the product is, and how it’s changed their life. In the end, it could be that honesty and personalized touch that pushes a customer to click that “buy” button, and head to checkout.

Want to start adding product videos like these to your online store? Then contact Image Alive Studios today for a free consultation. Our team can help you take your brand to the next level.

Spin Photography and Product Videos Go Hand in Hand

SPIN PHOTOGRAPHY AND PRODUCT VIDEOS GO HAND IN HAND

Spin photography can do wonders for improving your online store and increasing your overall sales and revenues. It can give customers a great way to get intimately familiar with your products (even on tiny smartphone screens!), so they feel comfortable purchasing products – even without ever seeing them in person! But spin photos aren’t the only way to do that. Now, you can complement those same interactive images with product videos, and give your customers even more to get excited about.

360 PHOTOGRAPHY & PRODUCT VIDEOS

360 spin images and product videos go hand and hand. While a spin photo can give customers a way to zoom in, pan and spin around a product, taking in all its minute details, product videos can take that even further, rotating products for them, flying over and under the products, and much, much more. In a nutshell, product videos can add even more dimension and detail to your product page.

The best part is, if you choose a studio that has automated spin photography equipment, they can use that equipment to create both 360 images AND product videos for your stores – all at the same time. This saves you significantly on production costs, and it helps ensure you get your final images and videos in no time at all, so you can start making money.

GET 360 IMAGES AND PRODUCT VIDEOS FOR YOUR BRAND NOW

Take a look at what spin photography equipment can do for product videos in this example, and think about how much videos like this could change your brand and online presence. Want to learn more? Ready to get started? Contact the Image Alive team today for a free consultation or product spin.

Product Photos & Videos Can Improve Your SEO

Product Photos & Videos Can Improve Your SEO

Did you know that having product photos, videos and other media on your website can improve your brand’s overall SEO performance? It may sound crazy, but it’s true: imagery provides you yet another way to appear in search engine results and grab the attention of potential customers around the world.

Here’s how it works:

• Product photos are indexed by search engines, and when a user searches related terms and phrases, relevant photos are then displayed in the search engine’s “images” section. While this area is separate from the main search results page (where your web and blog pages appear), it still gives you yet another way to gain exposure with potential clients.
• Typically, search engines will look at a number of areas when determining relevancy to the user’s query: the alt tag, the title and the file name of the photo. For best results, always include a keyword or phrase in each of these areas when uploading a photo or video to your website. It will increase your SEO power exponentially.
• Search engines give great weight to videos – especially those posted on sites like YouTube and Vimeo. In fact, they’re often the first or second result displayed! To really ensure your videos deliver as much impact as possible, instead of uploading them on your site directly, use YouTube, Vimeo or another free video platform and post them there. Then, you can imbed them on your site, and still take advantage of the extra SEO bump! Just be sure to use your best keywords and phrases in your video title, URL and description, and you’ll be golden.

So there you have it. Product photos and videos aren’t just for impressing your customers and increasing your sales anymore, they can actually help market your company and allow you to reach an even wider audience! Do you want to reap all the SEO benefits product photos and videos have to offer? Then contact The Image Alive team today and schedule a free consultation.

New Survey Reveals Power in Product Videos

New Survey Reveals Power in Product Videos

We all know that great images, 360 photos and product videos can influence sales in your online store – but exactly how much?  What sort of impact does it really make in the grand scheme of things? Well, thanks to a new survey from Animoto, a DIY-slideshow technology, now we know.

Animoto’s survey talked to more than 1,100 adults in the U.S. Each one had watched an online product video on their computers, tablets or cell phones at least one time during the previous 6 months.  The result? Nearly 75 percent of those surveyed said they were more likely to make a purchase after viewing the video.

The survey also found that product videos impact how a customer views a brand. Specifically:

• 77 percent of those surveyed said brands that use product videos on their sites are seen as more engaged and in touch with their customers.
• 71percent said that product videos leave an overall positive impression of the brand.
• 58 percent said that product videos show a brand as more trustworthy.
• 42 percent said they want to see more product videos online – especially when it comes to electronics.

But Animoto’s survey isn’t the only one proving the efficacy of product videos on web sales. In fact, a study by Walker Sands recently showed that a whopping 50 percent of consumers has been influenced by a YouTube video in making a purchase. Additionally, Invodo found that 57 percent of web shoppers feel more confident in making an online purchase after viewing a video and are thus less likely to return the product later on.

Well there you have it: solid proof that product videos really do have a positive effect on your online sales. Are you ready to hop on the bandwagon yet and create some awe-inspiring videos for your products and services? Then contact The Image Alive team today for a free consultation!

Integrating Video Production into Photography Shoots

Integrating Video Production into Photography Shoots

Many business owners are hesitant to hop on board with product videos, simply because they think video production and all the costs that come with it are just too expensive. The truth is, as long as you choose the right photographer, product videos shouldn’t cost you all that much more than static product shots. The key is simply finding the right photographer.

THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER CAN DO BOTH

A truly great photographer can integrate video production seamlessly into an existing product photo shoot. They’ll have the proper video equipment on hand, and they’ll be able to alternate static shots with video clips, all at the same, singular shoot.

This not only saves you an immense amount of money (you’re paying for one shoot instead of two), it also ensures your product photos and videos get shot and produced quickly, so you can start utilizing them to increase sales. Additionally, it also make the video production and photoshoot process easier on everyone; instead of scheduling and coordinating two separate shoots, you only need to manage one, all-encompassing shoot that meets all your needs at once.

As a bonus, you also get an additional marketing tool for your products. While static images can go a long way in selling your products, videos can go the extra mile. They can give more detail, they can help with mobile sales, and they can simply make your products more tempting to the customer.

INTEGRATE VIDEO PRODUCTION INTO YOUR NEXT SHOOT

Do you need to schedule a product photoshoot in the near future? If so, you may want to consider integrating video production into it, and killing two birds with one stone. Then, you’ll have powerful, professional product images, as well as interactive, impressive video clips to complement them.

Contact The Image Alive team today to learn more about our product photography and video production skills, or two book your all-in-one shoot now.

How to Choose a Filmmaker for Your Product Videos

How to Choose a Filmmaker for Your Product Videos

Product videos are a great way to amp up your online store and increase sales of your products across the board. They give customers a more intimate look at your offerings, and they allow them to take in details and learn information they just couldn’t from a static photo or image. Additionally, product videos are great for mobile users. They show up crisp and clean on that tiny smartphone screen, ensuring each and every customer gets the details they need to evaluate the product and make a purchase.

To reap the benefits of product videos, however, you have to first ensure your videos are high quality. DIYing your videos or hiring an amateur to do them won’t do the trick; it will just make you look unprofessional, and it will turn off customers in an instant. If you want to integrate product videos into your website, hiring a professional filmmaker is a definite must.

Not sure how to choose the right filmmaker for your videos? Follow these tips:

• Look for experience. First and foremost, you want to look for experience. Experience in video production and, more importantly, experience in product promotion. They should have extensive knowledge about how to present products in the best light, how to position and stage them, what angles to use and more, and they should have ample experience in shooting product photos as well as videos.
• Check out their samples. Always take a minute to look at a pro’s samples before hiring them. Check out any videos they have on their website, look through their product image portfolio, or email them and ask them for examples, if you can’t find any online. Chances are, if they’re worth their weight, they’ll be happy to show off the great-looking videos and images they’ve shot.
• Get a free consultation. Be sure to schedule a consultation with the filmmaker before moving forward. (Most will offer these for free.) This will allow you to get a feel for their style, their work ethic, and their ideas for your brand. You want to make sure the two of you will jive and be able to work together seamlessly to produce a great product.

Do you want to improve your online store and increase your product sales? Then consider implementing product videos on your site. Contact The Image Alive team today for a free consultation, and to learn more about how product videos can improve your brand.

Product Videos, Images and 360 Spins: The Benefits of Using a One-stop Shop

Product Videos, Images and 360 Spins: The Benefits of Using a One-stop Shop

Often, when you’re looking to promote your products, it’s not just one or two things you need; you want the whole kit and caboodle. You don’t just want images for your website or your catalog, a video for your homepage banner or a 360-degree shot of your most popular item. You want it all, and you want it done in the most professional, sales-inspiring way possible.

Fortunately, there are some studios (like Image Alive), that serve as a one-stop shop for all these services and more, so you can meet all your product promotional needs in one easy, seamless and affordable way.

While you might be tempted to go to different vendors for each individual need, the truth is, using a one-stop shop will benefit your company much better in the long run. Here’s how:

• It will deliver a consistent look across all materials – By using the same studio for your product videos, images and 360-degree shots, you’ll ensure that each one looks consistent, professional and a part of the same whole. This will contribute to your overall brand image, and it will help give you reliable look and feel throughout all your collateral.
• It will allow you to bundle pricing and achieve a more affordable cost – If you go to three separate vendors, you’re going to have three different price tags to contend with. When you use one studio for all your needs, you can create a customized package that includes all the services and images you need, at a price you can afford.
• It will make for an easier, faster process – Going to three separate studios for your product videos, 360 spins and product images can make for a pretty lengthy process. When you include travel time, set up, shooting and editing for each, you’re looking at a couple months – at least. When you use a one-stop shop instead, you can do it all at once, shaving weeks off the whole process and ensuring you get your materials as fast as possible.
• It will start a long-term relationship with the studio – Chances are this isn’t the last time you’re going to need a product image or video. By choosing a studio to handle all your needs now, you’re setting yourself up for success in the future, too. When you have new products come in, you have a new promotion, or you simply want to update your images, all you have to do is call up your studio, and they can  pick up right where they left off.

Are you in need of product videos, images or 360 spins at your company? Then contact a one-stop shop like Image Alive today. We can help with all your needs and more. Plus, we’ll even offer you a free spin to start!

The Problems with Using an Amateur Fort Worth Photographer

The Problems with Using an Amateur Fort Worth Photographer

Instead of hiring a professional Fort Worth photographer to handle their headshots, product images, website photos and other visuals, many business owners opt to cut corners, and choose an amateur photographer instead. They might have someone on their staff do it, they might seek out a friend who enjoys photography, or they’ll find anyone else that has an iota of experience and will do the job for cheap.

Unfortunately, while the up-front price tag may be lower, using an amateur rather than a professional Fort Worth photographer can cost you significantly more in the end. It can hurt your sales, it can affect your brand image and reputation, and it can even cut down on your customer satisfaction if you’re not careful.

Are you considering using an amateur photographer for your company’s photo needs? Here are just a few of the problems you may experience if you do:

• It will make you look unprofessional – Sure, using an amateur will save money, but do you really want your business to have an “amateur” look? Do you really want less-than-perfect product photos? Do you want banner images that aren’t as powerful and crisp as they should be? Few consumers want to do business with an amateur company. They want to buy from someone who knows what they’re doing, someone who delivers high-quality products , and someone who is an absolute expert in their field. Amateur photos just won’t do the trick.
• It will hurt your sales – Images play a large part in online product sales. It’s how customers evaluate whether a product meets their needs and if it’s worth the price tag you’re asking. Without good photos, they simply don’t have enough information to evaluate it, and they’ll start looking elsewhere to find the product they want.
• It will take longer – With a professional Fort Worth photographer, you get to work with someone who has a set system and process for each and every step of the way. This allows them to be extremely efficient, staging, shooting and editing your photos in just a few days’ time. An amateur, one who’s not as well-versed in the industry, will take much longer. That means it’s longer ‘til you can get your site up, it’s longer ‘til you can start taking online sales, and it’s longer ‘til you can make money.
• It will hurt customer satisfaction and increase return rates – Poor photos just don’t allow customers to evaluate a product the way they need to. Because of this, many times, when the product arrives at the door, it doesn’t meet their needs or just isn’t what they were expecting. That means a higher return rate and an unhappy customer – neither of which are good for business.

Unfortunately, these are just a few of the adverse effects you’ll see if you choose an amateur photographer for your company’s photos. Want to avoid them? Then call Image Alive, and hire a professional Fort Worth photographer with experience. We’ll even give you a free consultation to start! imagealivestudios.com/contact