I was recently interviewed on video (in a t-shirt) at our offices here in Seattle by Payscale.com for their Salary Stories blog. I'm not sure if I'll ever be fully comfortable with how I look on video, but it might be something to experiment with.
Don't worry - the video's short, but it is more personally focused on me and the business than on SEO in general, though I do try to guess at what G-man's earnings are like, which should be fun.
And, yes, that's an Optimus Prime action figure in the background :)
Rand, you do the industry proud. You came across as comfortable, sincere and passionate. There is no attitude more captivating than honest love for one's work. Your continued commitment to doing the “right thing” for the right reasons is inspiring. You help all of us feel prouder for being a part of this alliance of committed consultants and technicians.
What more can a leader do?
He can be a great boss as well, which he undoubtedly is. And he's not a bad friend, either.
I'm quite flattered and a bit surprised. Thanks for the kind words, gang.
I will consider doing some video tutorials - I'd like to see if they are something that can help to reach a wider audience. Starting out with 1 advanced and 1 begginer level chat would probably help to gauge where the most value will be. I'll also try to involve some props or whiteboarding so its not just a talking head :)
Rand, not knowing how many of your clients get face to face meetings with you, or not, videos may increase conversions. This is the case for any business that has a lot of virtual clients. I think you sell your company well via your blog and your speaking engagements, as well as networking in person at conferences. For those who don't have these opportuntities, as you do, videos are an idea to consider. (You just get one more tool in your present arsenal.)
As an example, I evaluated a university website. Their target students were not only local, but global. They came up with a list of things they could do on their website to convey their expertise and environment. One of these were video interviews with professors. Each one could be shown in their classroom or setting of their choice, and were briefly interviewed (topics vary). One of them stood out in my mind because he showcased the talents of his previous students, which effectively proved how good a teacher he was and visually showed what prospective students would learn in his class.
I know people aren't understanding the whole marketing and usability (conversions, persuasive design) connection yet. That you are experimenting openly and launching discussions is something to be proud of.
that would be really cool Rand! And you could do video interviews with other SEO professionals and discussions etc Nothing like face to face interaction, even if it is one way.
Your video is a good example why I love this industry and all the great people I get to meet and work with - everyone really is sincerely passionate about what they do and honestly wouldn't want to do anything else. That, and we get to wear t-shirts :)
You come off well on video Rand, I agree with roadies that some video tutorials would be a nice addition to the site.
Great video. You seem like such a honest and sincere person! I love that you can talk about salary and stuff and tell how much you charge an hour. In England talking about salary is like mentioning the plague. I was born and bred in Norway and in Norway we don't have this hush hush concept of salary. Because everyone get's paid fairly. But here in the UK people are so secretive and suspicious.
Anyway, great little video snippet.
I got a kick out of it Rand. I'm not sure how to say this, but the introductory statement about things needing to be hard when starting out sent my mind in so many directions, I could barely stay focused on the video.
Hmmm... Great Transformer! I noticed it mysteriously diapears about halfway through the interview though. Foul Play?
I think you did a good job of making the industry look laid back and fun. Transformer and cereal boxes in the background -- that’s an industry I could get into!
Oh wait I am in the industry, but trade the transformer for a bagel and the boxes for hundreds of post-it notes covered in doodles.
Good job!
Those aren't cereal boxes, they're birthday cards Rand received from his loving and supporting staff :D
I agree with the inflatable mouse. Quotes like "have to drag me away kicking and screaming" and "I'd never do anything else" show your true passion for the job, and when others see that passion they want to be a part of it too.
The video was good. You should take a Matt Cutts approach and offer some video tutorials.