|
 Video tributes are
part of the essential steps that funeral directors need to take in
order to personalize services and also raise the perceived value of
your service offerings, especially when competing with
discounters.
Now that you are ready to elevate your service offerings by providing
video tributes it is imperative that you produce the best product
possible for three reasons:
- It is a reflection of your funeral home
- Prevent do-it-yourselfers from wanting
to provide their own video tribute
- Provide a better product than your
competition
The Keys for a
high quality video tribute:
- Use proper
video editing software such as Power Director, Pinnacle, WinDVD Creator, etc. Go to TopTen Reviews for a comparison.
These applications range from $50 - $100 USD. For
under $50, consider PhotoPulse. There are also a couple of funeral
specific video tribute programs that our clients are very
happy with: Pictures
in Motion and Timeless
Tributes.
- Do Not Use PowerPoint - you will waste too
much time trying to convert file formats and also using
PowerPoint puts you on the same level with the public as
most people with computer access have access to PowerPoint.
PowerPoint is a great application for presentations, not
Video Tributes.
- Only
show one song at a time. If a family wants two songs
(or more), create separate videos for each. Rule: Always leave them wanting a little more than thinking
it was too much
- Keep
timing to 5 to 7 seconds per picture.
- Don't
get too fancy. Avoid using too many fancy transitions
- use 4 to 6 transitions throughout the project.
- Make
the whole presentation professional. Don't only just
make a great video and then give the DVD to the family in
a CD sized case and a "Sharpie" titled DVD. Go the
extra mile and give them a proper DVD jacket and a computer
printed DVD label affixed to the DVD. Go the Downloads
page for a PhotoShop template for the DVD jacket.
Additional
Revenue Opportunities:
- Charge
for additional copies. This is obvious but it must be
priced right so that you or your staff aren't having to produce a lot
for minimal income and on the other hand that you are not charging too
much that they will copy it themselves. $20 / copy will probably
float
- Offer
to upload it on the Internet. The software applications
above all have the ability to compress the video in different formats
that are web friendly. $75 - $200 would be reasonable depending
on your ability to upload the video. Only offer to leave it up
for a limited time, or the option to have it up for longer (i.e.. $100
for 1 month or $200 for 13 months)
- Packages!
Although you will need to have à la carte
pricing, offer a Video Tribute package that includes: creating the
video, providing 3 additional copies, and uploading to the Internet for
13 months.
- Take
your Show on the Road. At a
time when more people are choosing to have services at golf clubs and
private residences - usually not involving the the funeral director -
this is another opportunity to be a part of the service. Portable
projectors are around $1,000 and portable DVD players run $150 -
$300. The portable DVD player can also be used for
pre-arrangement and at-need arrangements at the residence.
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Funeral
Video Tributes