Get Ready….It’s Ad:30 on YouTube
By WellcomeMat on Aug 22, 2007 in WellcomeMat
Google has finally hoisted the ad flag on YouTube, and there is no turning back. Their move signifies the official beginning of video sites either a) proving their model (via ads, or a paid services), or b) folding. The most amazing thing about video on the web is that it is the most expensive form of content to host and distribute, and-no matter where companies sit in site ranks/traffic-so few have proven their business models. Smell that? It is the burn of VC money…and I can guarantee that there is some enormous pressure on entrepreneurs at this very moment to monetize their sites up to investor expectations, or get off the pot. What does this mean for the real estate industry?
Anyone using video to better market their properties deserves a bow: you have lead the pack to the most consumer-centric presentation tool on the web. Well done! There is a hurdle that everyone needs think about now: advertisements. The free for all is going to slowly come to a halt. If you are using a service that has not yet proven themselves in some growth-oriented way, chances are they will monetize your content via ads. This means that you are going to have unknown people selling ad spots into your content.
So, what are your thoughts? Are you comfortable with someone unrelated to real estate selling advertisements to be displayed within your videos?
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On Aug 22, 2007, Al Goldsmith said:
I think it is a necessary evil. Our site’s custom video player has already begun this. http://www.reeltours.tv/co/511399 We are launching in 8 cities within the next month and will begin selling ad space shortly thereafter. If you don’t have a way to generate revenue, those “angels” that gave you all that money, will soon turn to devils. I guess we don’t have too much to worry about though…no angels around here!
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On Aug 22, 2007, WellcomeMat said:
I don’t believe that ads are a necessary evil, but turning them off has to cost someone something.
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On Aug 22, 2007, Tony - vidlisting.com said:
Hardly a necessary evil.
We’re profitable. Our real estate video revenues after only 7-8 months cover all of the bills and our travel (even those not related to real estate video). We also don’t have VC money and have already turned down a number of solid offers which allows to remain focused on building a sustainable business rather than an equity event. Ads won’t be an issue anytime soon with http://vidlisting.com or any of our other video sites in other languages.
It’s hard to effectively monetitize when the bulk of video views are from conferences and interviews. We briefly thought about ads but then sat down and really refined what it is that we want to do and where we want to go.
A plan followed once the path became clear and we have been executing against that plan ever since. Our monthly video views have skyrocketed (we’ll be close to 90,000 videos watched this month - the vast majority being proerty videos) and our cash flow has improved as a result.
Tony
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On Aug 22, 2007, WellcomeMat said:
The Mat is on a clear path to a cash flow positive position, but we are happy to see you have found your path Tony. Our march has just begun.
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On Aug 22, 2007, Norvell Rose said:
To see how relevant advertising can be associated seamlessly with high-quality property video tours and agent profiles, please visit www.RexNet.tv. Our patent-pending Flash player offers an integrated, interactive environment that blends related content and messaging in a compelling package. Happy to receive feedback.
Norvell Rose
Founder, CEO
RexNet LLC
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