With the popularity of Online Video skyrocketing, more and more small business owners and entrepreneurs are racing to get in the game.  To help you get past any potential hurdles you may face when you decide to add video to your marketing mix, I've answered some of the most common questions below.  Here's what your colleagues from across the globe are asking…

Sue - Lancaster, PA

How do I optimize a video on a video sharing site to get the most exposure?

When uploading your video to YouTube (or any video sharing site), it's important that you use your keywords in the title, description and tags.  Using "My New Video" as your title will certainly not give you any SEO benefits, so be descriptive.  Also, when uploading to YouTube, be sure to start the description section with your website's entire URL.  This will show up on YouTube as a live link back to your site!

Nikki - New Orleans, LA

What's the best sequence of attention-getting benefits to attract and keep the viewer intrigued for addressing their problems? What are the best, most attractive places to shoot your video?

To make your video more engaging, keep it short and relevant. Get to the point, address the needs of your target audience, and offer some value in your video.

As for setting or background, that really depends on your brand and the message you are trying to deliver.  If you're an attorney, the best background may be your law office or a courtroom.  If you're a work-at-home mom, it's perfectly acceptable to shoot video from your home office or even your living room.  Shooting video "on location" outdoors is also an option, as long as there is some logical connection to what you're talking about on camera.

Jerry - Montclair, NJ

I am disappointed by the audio quality of the new mini-cameras (like Flip). The pictures are fine. How do I get both good pictures and good audio without buying a professional rig?

One of the few limitations of a pocket camera like the Flip video camera is that the microphone is in the camera, and there's no way to attach an external mic.  If you're using a Flip, the best advice is to stay no more than 3 or 4 feet away from the camera when recording.  If you're too far away from the camera, the audio will fade.

One alternative is to look at video cameras that allow you to attach a separate, external microphone.  Kodak's new Zi8 pocket camera is similar to the Flip, but you can plug in an external mic - giving you much more control over your audio quality.

Ashley - Dallas, TX

How important are written comments that show up on the bottom of your screen while making a YouTube video? e.g."call this number (finger pointing down) for more information," or "check out this website: www.abcdef.com".

With the enormous volume of videos on YouTube, it's always a good idea to keep your call to action front and center.  If the goal of your video is to drive traffic to your website, then be sure to include your web address on the lower third of your screen at the end of your video, if not for the entire length of your video.

Make it as easy as possible for video viewers to find you and take the next step.  Be sure to list your entire web address early in your video description, as well.  For even more interactivity, consider using a video service such as Veeple.com, which allows you to embed live, clickable links into your video!

Janine - Johannesburg, South Africa

I would like to have a website that shows short travel videos. What is the best way to do so?

One of the best ways to begin quickly and inexpensively may be to purchase a "dot TV" domain name, such as www.YourNameHere.tv, so you can create your own web TV "channel."  You can even do this with a simple WordPress blog site, then upload all your travel videos (or any video) to your "TV" site on the web.

Chris - Chula Vista, CA

What's the best and quickest way to make professional style unique videos without being in front of the camera?

There are many alternatives for online video that don't require you to be on camera.  Camtasia or Jing are two options for creating computer screen captures which are great for training or demo videos.

You can also use some of the popular new web-based video creation solutions such as Animoto.com or OneTrueMedia.com.  There are free versions of both online, and each allows you to simply upload some photos, select some music and add some text for an almost "instant" online video.  The online software is easy to use and the end result looks very professional.

Melissa - NY, NY

I want to insert videos into Blog entries. My first video is being hosted by YouTube. Is this the best way to do things (hosting on a server other than where the Blog is)? And is YouTube the best platform for doing so (taking into account cost, performance and overall exposure)?

YouTube is a perfect starting point for uploading and hosting videos that you can then add to your own website or blog.  YouTube (and most other video hosting sites) gives you an "embed code" that you can copy and paste into your site.  YouTube also provides easy, "one-click" sharing options to send your video to your Facebook or MySpace page.  Other low-cost video hosting options include Amazon's popular and reliable S3 service, as well as Techsmith's Screencast.com.

Phil - Perth, Australia

What length of video into do you recommend for a website?

The short answer is as short as possible!  In today's no-attention span society, it's best to deliver your video message as succinctly as you can.  If you can make your point in 30 seconds, then do it.  For most videos, you really should try to keep the length under a minute and a half.

The exception would be training videos, online lessons or demos - which by nature usually need to be longer.  Otherwise, short and sweet is the way to go!

Lou Bortone is a long-time marketing consultant and branding coach who helps entrepreneurs build breakthrough brands on the Internet.  As an online video branding specialist and award-winning marketer, Lou provides services such as video production, brand development coaching, creative support and video coaching.

Lou is a former television executive who worked for E! Entertainment Television and later served as the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Advertising for Fox Family Worldwide, a division of Fox in Los Angeles. Lou is an author and ghostwriter of six business books, a Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach and a Book Yourself Solid Certified Coach.  His website is at: http://www.OnlineVideoBranding.com.

Video on the web is growing at an astonishing pace and becoming more popular than ever.   YouTube is now the fourth most visited site with one BILLION views per day and 41 million views per hour!  One recent statistic even revealed that it would take you 9,000 years to watch every single video that's available on YouTube today!  (Who has that kind of time!?!)

So how do you make YOUR video stand out among the billions of videos on YouTube?  Simple.  Just add some Hollywood sizzle!

As video use has grown, video editing has also become easier and more accessible.  The fact is, even with the most basic editing - such as adding a title or music to your video - you can look better than 95% of the content out there.

Video editing - also called post-production - is anything you do to enhance or improve your raw video footage.  Editing includes things like graphics, titles, transitions, music and effects.   Fortunately, you don't need to be a Hollywood producer to edit your video.  Simple and affordable editing programs are available to make the job easier than ever.

Here are a few of the more popular editing programs available:

For the PC:

Windows Movie Maker (Free with  Windows)

Free is good and simple is better.  Windows Movie Maker makes it relatively easy and intuitive to add background music, graphics and a handful of special effects.  If you're new to video, it's a great place to start.

Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9 ($100)

Sony's Vegas software is another popular choice.  Their "Platinum" version has a low, entry-level price tag, but you'll have to pony up if you decide to make the jump to Sony Vegas Pro 9. ($600)

Adobe Premiere Elements 7 ($100)

If you're ready for a step up from Windows Movie Maker, Adobe's Premiere Elements is a good choice.  The software has reasonable price tag and is not overly confusing to anyone with some basic computer experience.

For the Mac:

iMovie '09 (Free with new Macs)

The latest version of Apple's iMovie is user-friendly and simpler than ever.   As a professional editor who uses Final Cut Pro, I used to thumb my nose at iMovie.  However, I find myself using iMovie for smaller editing jobs more and more.  It's drag and drop simplicity also makes iMovie a great choice for video newbies.

Final Cut Pro ($1,299)

Final Cut Pro is the top of the line editing system, but it requires a bigger investment and a much steeper learning curve.  When people ask me how I add all kinds of bells and whistles to my videos, the answer is Final Cut.

Final Cut Express ($199)

Final Cut Express is Final Cut Pro's little sibling, but it still packs a punch for the very reasonable price tag.  If you're willing to take on the learning curve, it's a great alternative.

If you'd rather not bother with editing at all, you can send your raw footage to a pro (like me!) and get your video professionally edited with all the bells and whistles that will make it stand out online.   You might even want to check out our turn-key video sizzle packages at www.Good2GoVideo.com!

Whatever direction you take, you'll find that video editing has become something even the video novice can tackle with confidence.

Lou Bortone is a long-time marketing and branding consultant who helps entrepreneurs build breakthrough brands on the Internet, with services such as online video production, video branding, coaching and creative support.  Lou is a former television executive who worked for E! Entertainment Television and later served as the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Advertising for Fox Family Worldwide, a division of Fox in Los Angeles.  Lou is an author and ghostwriter of six business books, a Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach and a Book Yourself Solid Certified Coach. Visit Lou's website at http://www.OnlineVideoBranding.com and you can see many of Lou's videos at http://www.LouBortone.tv.

2009 is coming to a close and we're embarking on a brand new year in 2010!  It's the perfect time to reflect on the experiences, people, relationships and interactions of the year.  I don't know about you but I've learned so many valuable lessons this year.  With each lesson, I know I move with great intention toward new and more exciting ventures via connections, conversations and relationships with lots of very kewl people.

I wanted to take this opportunity to share intentions for 2010 and review the amazing resourcefulness and sheer know-how of the powerful experts of Group Coaching Mastery.  Each of these experts possesses a truly special gift that shines through in their sharing and caring.  They totally rock!

Lisa Manyon, Copywriting Expert

Lisa Manyon is a such a savvy businesswoman!  We haven't actually met in person but I feel her presence in the way she shows up and shows out as the consummate professional she truly is.  Lisa knows copywriting and lots more.  My favorite blog post by Lisa shares powerful yet quick ways to write great headlines.  I'm looking forward to more exciting posts and savvy action from Lisa in the new year. Lisa is really a copywriting super star!

Regina Baker, Ecommerce Expert

Regina Baker knows her stuff!  I learn something new about shopping carts, ecommerce and even affiliate marketing with every post.  Regina's post on shopping cart blunders was eye-opening.  Who knew there was something called a "smooth cart path" to consider to guide folks easily through the buying process?  I'm ready to learn so many more ins and outs in the new year with Regina–let's go!!

Lou Bortone, Online Video Expert

Lou Bortone is an online video visionary!  Why? Because he gets the magic of video and it's power to transform the planet.  In today's world, where most people are still trying to get the blogging thing down, Lou has a mastered online video and readily shares his expertise, paving the way for innovation for the rest of us.  How kewl is that?! Lou is the Go-To Guy to go viral with your online video in the new year.

Carol Deckert, Netweaving Expert

Carol Deckert is an energetic connector.  She knows how to build relationships and shares those relationships to pay-it-forward for all involved.  Her netweaving post gave me real insight in to the art of networking.  Carol is delightful and I know she has lots more to wisdom to give in the new year.  Who do YOU know who…?

Lisa Angelettie, Article Marketing Expert

Lisa Angelettie is the article marketing expert for coaches!  She's always looking for ways to help us get more coaching clients and ultimately, grow our coaching business.  Lisa gets to the heart of the matter with proven strategies and I just love that!   I know Lisa has more resources and strategies to help ME succeed in the new year.  KEWLIO for you, t!

Kristen Beireis, Marketing Implementation Expert

Kristen Beireis is an awesome implementation professional!  She keeps me on my toes and supports me with lots of kewl, new learning.  Her post on implementing new marketing systems is evergreen and very appropriate for this time of year.  I'm so excited about learning more from Kristen about marketing implementation in the new year.  You are my shero, Kristen — the coaches marketing source indeed!

Shannon Cherry, Publicity Expert

Shannon Cherry is THE power publicist!  Not only does she know publicity and media.  She also knows how to leverage tools and technology to get visibility for your group coaching programs.  Shannon is aptly known as the power publicist helping folks to be heard in a crowded marketplace.  Oh, what kewlness the new year holds for you to be heard!

MaryPat Kavanagh, Social Media Relationships Expert

MaryPat Kavanagh is a social media connector who loves joint ventures.  She knows how to leverage social media tools to create profitable relationships for the communities she serves.  I know MaryPat will offer more insight to help you build relationships and create joint ventures in the new year.  WOOHOO!

Wendy Y. Bailey - Master Certified Group Coach

By the way, the timing of this post is quite deliberate. At 5:14 pm Eastern on the day this post is published we'll experience a full moon/blue moon eclipse.  I won't go into the science of it but the message is very clear:  Our lives are a gift that we need to take seriously. Celebrations and parties are a wonderful thing, but this Full Moon/Blue Moon Eclipse wants us to take a look at our life and create something wondrous.

Create something amazing and wondrous in your group coaching business in 2010!  I look forward to serving you with Group Coaching Mastery!

Big HUGS and MWAH!

WendyY