I’m reading Secrets of Social Media Marketing by Paul Gillin. The book features great chapters on how to make the most of social media, and specifically, how to let images tell your story.
In these chapters, Gillin highlights video and it’s importance. His sums his advice for creating a successful viral video as AEIOU: Authentic, entertaining, Intimate, offbeat or unusual…with an added “b” for brevity.
Take a look at the newest video from Direct Relief International’s YouTube Channel:
It’s not flashy, wrought in high production value or entertaining for entertainment’s sake. However, it is indicative of values of the charity. A Santa Barbara-based organization, Direct Relief International spends 98.9% of it’s funds on community-based projects domestically and worldwide.
This video demonstrates the passion and authenticity of the organization, targeted to those who already have some interest. Intimate, simple, explanatory videos are the hallmark of Direct Relief International’s YouTube channel.
Here is another example from Direct Relief’s library:
A simple online interview answering FAQs posted on the nonprofit’s Twitter and Facebook page. What a great way to connect with followers, answer questions that interest donors and potential donors and combine aspects of social media outreach.
Some might argue these videos are dry, but I think they are effective for their purpose. What do you think?
sarahkassel
[...] Water’s video follows Gillian’s AEIOU (B) rule, but in contrast is high in production and entertainment [...]
By: The Power of Video Part Deux: Charity: Water « The Worldly Nonprofit, 2.0 on November 15, 2009
at 4:38 pm
I’ve seen the video response to FAQ’s on another major website: whitehouse.gov. The White House used social media to respond to rumors of death panels and increase premiums in the health care reform debate. They weren’t so entertaining, but they were certainly authentic and intimate.
By: James on November 18, 2009
at 3:03 am
[...] media, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to mention Konbit Sante. Hinging on the conversation about Direct Relief International, Konbit Sante recently partnered with the latter nonprofit to [...]
By: Sustainability and Konbit Sante « The Worldly Nonprofit, 2.0 on November 18, 2009
at 9:37 pm