Send them into the wilderness, not here!

Let me first say that Facebook can be a great way to find customers.

I know that, and I appreciate it. It’s huge.

BUT, (and this is a big ‘ole but!) when you drive customers AWAY from your site to Facebook, you may as well be sending them to Times Square.

Facebook is the utmost land of distraction!

Here’s What Happens

I repeat this scenario, just about every day.

I go to a website (today it was a naturalist’s site), wanting to learn about the owner and his services and then I see the big “We are on Facebook” icon and a “Click to Follow Us” link.

The first thing I do is resist the urge to go to FB because I know I will be distracted from my task. (By the way, this is exactly what you don’t want your customers to do!)

But in the end, I click the FaceBook link anyway because I don’t find the updates I’m looking for. The company’s most recent content can’t be found at the company’s own website.

When I get to FB, I check out the company’s timeline for about 30 seconds, then BOOM, I’m off to click the little red “Notifications” button, or I click an ad for that thing I was looking for earlier and forgot about (because I got distracted then, too!)

Don’t Lose Customer Attention With These FB Mistakes

Mistake 1: Starving Your Site to Feed Facebook
You post updates and photos to FB but not to your own website. You starve your site to feed FB. It’s just like the Cherokee 2 wolves story. Do you know that one?

Fix This:
Post updates to your site THEN share the link and the image on FB, or Twitter (or Google+, the 2nd biggest Social media site after FB.)

You want customers coming back to your site, where you can control their browsing experience much better.

You also need that content to be on your site so search engines can find it. Facebook is a walled garden. It’s not good for your site’s SEO.

Mistake 2: Sending Your Audience Away to Facebook
You send potential customers away from your site to FB.

Fix This:
The FB buzz is alluring, and you want them to see your content (it’s what people search for).

You become a digital sharecropper to FB very quickly if you are not careful. I hope you know that FB’s main reason for being is to get you to click ads. This is not an injustince, it’s just not working in your favor.

Mistake 3: Posting to Facebook Because It’s Easier
You send updates to FB because it’s easier than posting to your own site. Your site’s not set up for storytelling yet. Or maybe you are just stuck in an old groove. I fall into this trap a lot, myself. Change is hard, but so often necessary.

Fix this:
Find a way to post quickly to your site. The easiest way is to use web software like WordPress, a highly respected and easy system to use.

WordPress can update by smartphone app, email or the normal “back-end” admin page (Page updates on WordPress are about as easy as Facebook updates).

Does your system update easily? If not, how can you fix that? Use a template? Another workflow? Find out!

Why is this such a big deal?

This is critical because people give themselves a limited amount of time to get things done on the web.

The little time they give you is your best chance for them to know, like and trust you.

Personally, if you don’t have me in 15 minutes, you have lost me.

We work hard to get customers to our sites, so don’t spoil your chance by sending them away.

Instead, keep them on your site where your stories and your personality can shine through. Get them to know, like and trust you in your space.

If you want to learn more about how storytelling can get you more customers, grab my free e-course by signing up below.

Do you know that Cherokee story about the 2 wolves I mentioned?

Drop me a line about that, or if you have a thought about the FB mistakes.

Well, yes it is awesome, but I’m a Mac video user, so it was tough to get it into my video editing workflow.

What’s more, I really (really) don’t like Windows.

But in my geeky world, a new computer is s pretty sweet thing, so I gave it an honest try.

Here are the results, with a bit of history on the project.

The Mac/PC Video Workflow Project History

My initial email response to Dell, when they asked to try a PC in my video workflow. My strong response as a Mac user did not slow them down.

I made a short video about my experience of trying out the Dell M6600 Mobile Workstation that Dell, Nvidia and Adobe teamed up to give me to try out and to keep.

I wrote the Top 5 Reasons a Mac Video Editor Should Try A Dell for Direct2dell, Dell’s official corporate blog. See their version of it here, next week.

Setting Up a Mac/PC Workflow for Video Editing

Every Lynda tutorial has a few free videos that you can watch without subscribing. There is a great summary of the advantages of Adobe’s Mercury Playback Engine here. Look under part 2 for the free video.

More Video Articles Like This

How to Shoot Better Video: the Top 5 Production Tips for Small Cameras

Can You Put Your Video Online This Quickly?

In my work as a video editor and as an instructor, I try to focus on the importance of storytelling over the importance of the tools. But it’s hard. Good storytelling elements never change, whereas video editing tools change like the weather.

For example, I often get asked by my small business clients, “What’s the best editing software or hardware these days?” This question bugs the heck out of me.

I want to tell them, “Don’t focus on the tools. Focus on storytelling, because that’s what matters most.” But I understand the question all too well. As small business owners, my clients want the same things that I want: an efficient, organized solution that gives them a better, more creative result.

But don’t get me wrong here. It’s not the “What tool is best?” question that bothers me. It’s that I spend so much time and energy focusing on the tools myself!

The Background on This List

In my 21 years as a visual storyteller, I’ve switched from tape-based AB roll editing to Premiere on the Mac, to the Media 100, then back to Premiere on the PC. I’ve tried Avid, I’ve been a faithful Final Cut Pro user, and I recently even tried to like FCP X.

I was super excited about FCP X before it came out, but after trying it, I knew it was time to switch. I simply did not like it for many reasons that I won’t go into now. I knew that Apple was going in a different direction than I was. The MacPro needed a major update that has still not come as of September 2012. Apple seemed to put a faith in their expensive and slow-to-grow Thunderbolt option, so that did not excite me either.

I dreaded a move to another editing solution, but I knew it had to happen. Switching takes time, energy and money but I knew I had to do something. My 4 year old Mac Pro was bound to die and I’d be up the creek.

Was the Dell/Nvidia Combo Worthy of the Switch?

That’s when Dell threw me a curve ball out of nowhere. They were looking for Mac users who would consider trying a Dell Workstation. As you can see in my initial response and project history, I told them yes but don’t expect too much. I love my Macs and had no plans to switch back to a PC.

By the end of my review process, I discovered many advantages to adding a Dell.
Check out my list and see why even a Mac user should consider a Dell solution.

1. Adobe’s Premiere Pro Has Become a Top Choice

I switched back to Premiere Pro after being a Final Cut Pro user for four years. Premiere is better at handling DSLR footage than FCP, and it has better integration with PhotoShop, AfterEffects and Audition.

Adobe’s Mercury Playback Engine does a great job with the color conversion. When used with Nvidia Quadro cards you get very fast, realtime edits and quick output renders. I’m using the Quadro 5010M and it screams.

Premiere’s program files and media will work on both the Mac and the PC with few problems. This is a huge advantage, especially since Adobe has put Premiere on the cloud. I can now use two copies of all their cloud software: One set on the Mac and one on the PC. You had to buy two copies to do that before.

2. Cross Platform File Sharing has Gotten Better

Like most of my small business clients, I edit everything myself, so file sharing between machines has not been a big issue. When I added the PC into my workflow, it became a problem. I use Gigabit ethernet for networking, but direct disk access is best.

Thankfully, the new XFAT file system that works with Windows 7 and OSX version 10.6.5 or above, allows me to swap ESATA or USB3 hard drives between platforms. (Never mind that my MacPro does not have a good USB3 solution.)

3. The Dell Workstations are Very Capable

Like I said earlier, Dell and Nvidea gave me an awesome machine to try out and to keep. The M6600 laptop has a fast processor, a built in ESATA port, two USB3 ports, Firewire 600, 3 internal drives (two 2.5 in. drive slots, one micro drive) and there is still room for a DVD burner. The 17 in. display is wonderful and the Quadro externally displays via SVGA, HDMI, or a Display Port.

One big recent surprise to me: Apple no longer sells a 17 inch laptop! The 15 in. Retina Display is certainly great, but I’m not sure it makes up for the smaller physical size.

Speaking of size, I must add that the larger size of the Dell comes with a tradeoff in thickness and weight over the Macbook Pro, but that’s the tradeoff for more flexibility and power without having to add Thunderbolt peripherals.

4. Windows is Better than it Used to Be

Please excuse my Mac bias, but Windows annoys the heck out of me. My last experience was with Vista, so it could not have gotten much worse than that. All in all, working with Windows 7 on the Dell has not been too bad.

One thing that helps a lot: most of my daily productivity apps (Evernote, Gmail, and Dropbox ) are now on the cloud. I miss the beautiful simplicity of the Mac OS when I’m editing on the Dell, but in a way that is good. It keeps me focused on what I’m supposed to be doing: editing video!

5. Apple has Shifted Focus from Professional Video Editors

As a professional editor, I feel like like Apple has given us the proverbial finger. And we were their darlings for so many years! (Students of brand loyalty and emotional connections to products can learn a lot by looking at Apple’s shift in this market.)

FCP X now caters to the middle, where there are more numbers of folks buying. This is not good for many video pros nor for small businesses who need more flexible solutions.

Dell, on the other hand, is going over backwards for the pro video market. They make it very clear that they want our business.

What’s the Answer to the Question Now?

Ask me today “What tool is best?” and I will recommend Premiere Pro with a Quadro card in a Dell workstation. Or if you already love OSX, buy a Mac and know that you will be super compatible with the majority of the world’s PCs.

BIO:
For the last 21 years, David Bourne has helped universities, small businesses and non-profit organizations create better visual stories. Video has always been his favorite medium because of the awesome power it holds to convey both information and feeling.

Most recently, he’s combined his passion for the outdoors with his love of tech to help nature-based businesses reach customers better online. You can see more of how the “Nature Tech Connect” works at http://Wilderize.com.

As visual storytellers, we have to choose our tools wisely. Sure, we can edit video on our mobile devices, but to get the fastest, most precise results you will need a  Video Workstation.

So, when Dell computers asked me to try out a PC, I was hesitant. As a Mac user, adding a PC  into my workflow would be tough.

But I did it, and I was surprised by how much I liked the machine.

Learn more about why a Mac user added a Dell to his workflow.

My Response to Dell When They Asked Me to Try a PC Workstation.

Jan 27, 2012

Hi there,

It looks like you have me pegged. I used to buy and use nothing but

Dells, ever since working at Duke Hospital and then UNC-Asheville. I

swore by them.

Then I had a 40 min documentary crash, and crash and crash, just as I

was ready to export it on a Christmas Eve deadline (why did I agree to

that!?).

It was not Dell’s fault, it was Premiere’s fault. So I swore off the

PC and Moved to FCP.

Now I’m back to using Premiere, because of their move to FCPX and

apparent flipping of the finger to Video Pros like me.

But yes, it’s on a Mac. And as you know the options are limited in

when it comes to graphics acceleration. IT’s still pretty awesome

though, and I rarely use FCP now.

But here’s the rub. I’m a Mac lover. I started editing video on one

when I was 23 (I’m 43 now – that went fast). My mac was a 660AV, and I

edited postage stamp sized video clips and loved it.

So, will a try at a free PC change my mind? I don’t’ know, but if you

are willing to give it a try, I am too.

Thanks for considering me. It’s an interesting situation.

Best,

DB

Why yes, I do it every day, and I bet you do to (maybe not as fanatically loving tech as I do, though.)

Here at Wilderize we try to work within a broken system to create a better world.

More Outdoors is Better, Right?

Yes, the world would be a better place if we spent more time outdoors. But people are going to use the Net a lot, and we need to help them remember and want to be outside.

So where would be the world be without the Internet? Sorta like this, but we would still find other shiny objects to distract us.

Via: OnlineEducation.net

Pardon the Quick Rant

What do you think? Can we abandon the Net?

The Tips, Tools and Secrets to Help Promote Your Nature Business Online

Learn how to tell better stories more frequently here:

Creating and Shooting Video Productions is Hard, Or is it?

A lot of people think shooting with video cameras is hard.

And it’s true that lots of folks do get video production wrong.

But it does not have to be this way. Your stuff can look (and sound) great if you will use a few simple tips and techniques.

You will feel better for it because you will know that you have met the basics and your story will be visually solid.

After all, if you feel better about your content, you will tell more stories on the web and you will connect better with your customers.

More video content can mean more viewers and more potential customers. That can improve traffic and help with SEO, as well.

How to Shoot Video: My Top 5 Tips

• Sound – if you miss this one, you are sunk!
• Steady – how to lock in your grip
• Soft – don’t let harsh lighting ruin your shot
• Sideways – video is horizontal and use the Rule of Thirds
• Excitement – this is where the story gets good

Watch This Episode Now (4 mins, 14 sec)

Here is the link to the inexpensive but good smartphone mic I promised in the video.

If you take a look at most online video, you will see a lot of junk. Most of it is silly personal stuff (we can forgive the junk with that type) but a good number of rough looking videos are for small businesses. Ouch.

So, make some small efforts and get big paybacks; your videos will be better heard, less shaky, better lit and well balanced.

And most importantly, the excitement you capture will make for great storytelling.

Got any other tips or questions for me? Just let know in the comments. Or hit me up on Twitter.

Do You Only Want the Audio?

Click the Play Button to Listen Now

Or download the file to your computer. Right click on “Download”, then “Save file as…” option.

Other Playback Options

• Download the MP3 Audio file by right clicking here
• Subscribe to the video in iTunes or another podcast player (Coming soon, I PROMISE!)
• Subscribe to the audio in iTunes or another podcast player (Coming soon)

Do You Want A Better Website?

If you become a better online storyteller you can have have a better website.
Click Here to See More in This Series

But if you have a business, you know that there are people out there who want what you have to offer. Those people are online, using search engines like Google or Bing to solve their problems.

By putting your stories online, you can give them the content that they are looking for.

What you get in this episode:

Watch This Episode Now

(2 mins, 16 sec)

Only Want Audio?

Click the Play Button to Listen Now

Or download the file to your computer. Right click on “Download”, then “save file as…” option.

Other Playback Options

Do You Want A Better Website?

Become a better storyteller and you can have have a better website.
Click Here to See More in This Series

Learn more about how it all works in the free Wilderize E-Course. (Also coming soon)
Check out more SEO topics at Wilderize.

Transcript (Coming Soon)

The text transcript will go here (it’s also good for my search engine optimization, by the way.)

In this episode:

• How to promote your business by talking about your passions and expertise
• How a fishing guide used nature stories to transform his business
• Why storytelling works online
• How to do marketing without being pushy

Don’t Do “Marketing”, Tell Stories About What You Love!

In this first episode I help you get over a big hurdle many small business owners face: how to promote your business online without it feeling like a sales pitch every time.

Storytelling is more fun than “marketing”, it’s easier and it works! This is something I struggle with myself, so I feel your pain, if this sounds like you.

Watch This Episode Now (2 mins, 52 sec)

Video Transcript

(Transcription is good for search engine optimization (SEO), by the way. It helps folks find your content, so you should try it.)

Hey folks, it’s David Bourne for Wilderize.com and this is Episode 1 of the “How Storytelling Works Series: The tips tools and secrets to better promoting your nature business online.

Telling quick stories online can help your business by allowing you to share your passion your expertise for your knowledge set. It’s a really excellent way to gain an audience, to get some attention, to give you something to talk about: and storytelling is a big part of this.

A Fishing Guide’s Transformation

So to start things off, I’m going to tell you a story about a fellow I met. He was fishing guide and I met him on an eco-tour which after we got started for a while on the tour, I asked him about his business and he told me was a fishing guide and that eco-tours were not something that he wanted to do at first. But, he was asked to do it and started doing them.

And after a while he realized that they he really liked it! He had all this wealth of knowledge that he had gained over the years from being a fisherman: from knowing the area, from knowing the weather, from knowing how tides effect fishing, how you can you can learn from the birds how they can tell you where the fish are.

He’d spent whole life outdoors in this environment and he was so passionate about it, and all that came out when he started telling the stories on the eco-tour, something at first he thought would not be fun at all.

How Stories help Your Nature Business

The reason I’m telling you this story is that storytelling makes a huge difference. It resonates with people. So if you have a passion for what you do for your outdoor-based nature-based business, if you could spread that passion online you can really start seeing results.

Telling quick stories online is a great way to let people know about your expertise about your passions share those passions and it’s a good way to promote your business without feeling like you’re promoting it. You can do marketing without feeling you are doing marketing. You just share your stories, share your passions, and I’m here to help you with the technical details and with plan of how it all works.

So if you want to know more go to Wilderize.com to get more links for relevant information on these topics. So look for more in the series of “How Storytelling Works”.

Thanks! It’s David Bourne for Wilderize.com.

Do You Prefer Just Audio?

Click the Play Button to Listen Now

Or you can download it to your computer with a right click on “download”, and a “save file as…” option.

Other Playback Options

I’ve tried to make this series available in many ways. Different folks like different ways of learning.

1. Watch it on this page by clicking the play button on the video
2. Download the MP3 Audio file by right clicking here

If you want to see other episodes in the “How Storytelling Works” series Click Here.

Help Me Help You

The point of this series is to help nature-based businesses get better at online promotion.

If you have any ideas or questions, please let me know. Use the form on this page to shoot me an email, or best of all, use the comment form below.

If you want to learn more about how storytelling can get you more customers, grab my free e-course by signing up below.