Project Highlight: The Dakota Mountain Lodge & Spa

This month we’re looking at the most recent virtual tour produced by Paradigm Productions, The Dakota Mountain Lodge and Spa. The story behind the story was a very short deadline due to our client’s need to show the piece during the Sundance Film Festival.

The keys to meeting the tight deadline? Story, Planning, and Management.

• One: Develop the story, create a storyboard, and then make minor adjustments as you go.
• Two: Plan the shots needed in detail. Assemble the materials required in each scene, build only what is going to be seen. Spend time on what will be in the camera - not in items that’ll never be viewed.
• Three: Check, test and tweak each shot and how they flow together to enhance the emotional impact.
• Four: Manage the team to stay focused on the story within the time given.

From storyboard to delivery of the animation was five weeks (and in the midst of the Christmas holidays). What does that mean to you? Just because time is short doesn’t mean the quality of your marketing material needs to suffer.

Building your database

Remarkably, computer databases have been in use since the 1960’s, but never have they been more powerful than they are today. This is especially true in the Real Estate market. Studies indicate that more residential sales start on-line than any other medium. Furthermore, the main form of communication between Realtor and buyer has quickly become the internet and email.

Having said this, we often find clients that have not been taking advantage of the opportunity their website and a properly designed database offers. The database can be one of the most powerful and cost effective tools available - when used correctly.

Getting the data is as simple as setting up a contact form on your website and then driving sufficient traffic to your site. What you do with the information is the important part.

What you don’t want to do is flood your registrants’ in-box with useless sales pitches. Most likely you’ll end up on the Spam list and that’s no way to start a relationship with your potential buyers. What you do want to do is keep them opening and reading the emails. Offering quality information and value in the emails is key.

Once you start using your database correctly you will find that it can be a truly unbelievable marketing and communication tool. Oh… and don’t forget to track your campaigns. Check back for future Blog entries on the specifics of setting up, utilizing and tracking your database.