Local companies are increasingly considering Webcasts to convey their marketing message to a global audience.
This is particularly evident in the tourism industry, says Now Media Webcasting manager Dennis Herold, adding that requests for Webcasts at the company have risen sharply.
"We have found that most of our clients who are accessing international markets understand that broadband is now offering them a new, cost-effective method of distributing their marketing message."
Broadband availability has been a barrier to uptake, as it made streaming videos difficult, but that is changing, says Herold.
"As broadband becomes more readily available in SA, more clients have come onboard. Furthermore, they appreciate the impact that moving pictures and sound have in...conveying a strong marketing message."
Herold believes the Webcasting of environmental affairs and tourism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk`s opening speech during the Indaba annual travel trade show earlier this month served as the catalyst for tourism uptake.
"We`ve since had several meetings with tourism authorities and private companies wanting to make special announcements available to national and international audiences on a highly cost-effective basis," he says.
Van Schalkwyk`s opening address was edited and made available for broadcast through media servers around the world, including Taiwan, Australia, the US, Canada and the UK.
According to Herold, statistics show an average of 466 downloads for the narrowband video. "The broadband streams have statistics of around 271 views," he adds.
Webcasting is not limited to the tourism industry, as it can potentially benefit any company with an international audience, says Herold.
"Timely, powerful communication of marketing messages will give companies a distinct advantage over their competitors. It will enhance their ability to communicate with relevant stakeholders all over the world, and ensure openness and transparency in any relevant communication."
The immediacy of the Internet is surpassing standard communication platforms such as television, says Herold. It also means that people are not tied down to specific dictated viewing patterns, and can access information on demand, he concludes.
Share
