What the heck is a Vlog and why do I need one in my biz?

Video Blogs, also known as vlogs, are entries that are primarily composted of embedded video or video links rather than text. Vlogs are taking on almost any topic imaginable from documenting research, to delivering news, to sharing a special moment. Video Blogs have been around for almost a decade, but it was just in the last couple of years that they have become an accepted form of marketing and communication. Vlogging started gaining momentum in 2005-2006 with the launch of YouTube and then the creation of the first annual video blogging awards – the Vloggies in November of 2006!

And the users of video blogging might surprise you. While all vlogs are experimental, some have a little further reach than others. Politicians are hosting their own vlogs to share information and answer questions. Radio and TV shows are using video blogs to interact with more listeners and viewers. Even iTunes allows you to upload video through their podcasts!   Check out a sample here:

There are many sites to host your video blog. If you already have a blog check there first, as almost all allow video uploads. Some good sites for hosting a blog as well as a video blog are WordPress, Blogger, and Typepad. If you are launching with just a vlog then look into a video hosting site.  Sites like WordPress have specific video themes (skins) that you can purchase to kick up your vlog.  We went with a Woo Theme, “Groovy” to host our vlog, www.watchuslaunch.com.  Install some google analytics and you’re good to go!

Tip:  To shoot easy video for your vlog, check out a Flip Cam- available at Best Buy, etc for around $100!  This cool, palm-sized camera has a built in USB port that snaps right into your computer.  Just shoot, flip and upload it right to your YouTube account.  And it even comes in cool colors like pink, orange and green, so you can fully personalize your vlogging experience!

Getting your message out there: Whether you want to share your birthday party video with your sister, show a new product about to be released to your end users, or just give some insight into starting a business (www.watchuslaunch.com) you have to promote and market your vlog. Social media tools are an excellent grass roots campaign starter. Depending on the scope of your reach you may just want to keep the videos public on YouTube and promote them within your industry circle. Either way, using RSS allows others to subscribe to your site or have your content feed into their reader. This is simple if you have an existing blog that you can add your video to. Record yourself, post it, and share it! We hope to hear about more of your joining the video blogging world!