NiftyClicks: SmartDraw, SitePal, Coupons, Zentation





Andrew Lock

SmartDraw

SitePal.com

SitePal enables you to create speaking characters (animated characters with a human voice) without any technical knowledge whatsoever. It’s worth noting that a number of marketers have massively increased conversions by using this technology. No one really knows why, but why argue with the results, right?


Step 1:


Visit www.TrySitePal.com and click on the ‘demo’ button on the left hand side to get a hands on demonstration of how to create a new character using the online system.


Step 2:


There are five steps to creating a character:



  • Choose a model

  • Accessorize the model

  • Choose a background

  • Add audio

  • Add a function to the player

  • As you can see, it’s very straightforward.

Step 3:


When it comes time to record the audio, there are five options:



  • Use text-to-speech converter (audio will not sound completely natural because it’s computer generated, but it’s pretty good).

  • Use a microphone attached to your computer and record the audio directly to the SitePal system.

  • Record the audio professionally then upload the WAV, MP3 or WMA file to the SitePal system. I recommend JohnMelley.com for a versatile male voice. Tell John I sent you, he’s a great guy.

  • Dial a supplied telephone number and speak the audio through the phone (not recommended because the quality is not great).

  • Visit the SitePal voice talent store and have them find a suitable professional voiceover artist to record the audio for you.

Step 4:


When your video is ready, you can send it via e-mail (for free), or you can embed it in your Web site using the supplied code (you’ll need to register an account).


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Zentation

Zentation.com

Step 2:


Enter your email address, your choice of password (twice), your name, postal code, country, and check the box to agree to the terms and conditions (if you agree). Submit the info.


Step 3: On the confirmation screen you’ll immediately see a sample presentation, and a button to create a ‘new presentation.’ Click that button.


Step 4: Enter a name for the presentation, and a description (to remind yourself about the content later). Then, choose a level of service (free, or the paid option). I suggest starting with the free level until you’re comfortable with the service. Click ‘start’.


Step 5: In this step, you’ll be asked to specify the location of your video, so you’ll need to upload it to YouTube or GoogleVideo, then specify the URL. When you’ve pasted the URL code, click ‘check video’ to make sure it plays okay within Zentation. Click on ‘next step’.


Step 6: Select the powerpoint presentation from your local hard drive, and click ‘upload ppt’ (max size of 30Mb which should be fine). It’ll take a few minutes for the system to process your slides.


Step 7: Now you’re ready to sync the slides to the video. Click ‘edit’ next to the presentation, and then enter times during the video where you want each slide to appear.


It’s a straightforward process. When you’re done, click the text link that says: “Done? Click to View Presentation.”


Andrew Lock is a self-described maverick marketer and the creator and host of Help! My Business Sucks, a free, weekly Web TV show full of practical marketing tips, advice and resources to help small businesses “get more done and have more fun.”





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