It doesn’t take an I.Q in the genius range to see that online video is the up-coming marketing tool for just about any product and service. The rise of YouTube and hundreds of cloned versions has been nothing less than spectacular.

YouTube was launched in 2005 and has since had hundreds of millions of page views. No one questions their “success,” and the recent acquisition by google shows some one values the service. Although, back in 2006, billionaire, Mark Cuban, was quoted as saying, “Anyone who buys YouTube is a moron.”

Regardless, the fact is, everyone and their Grandmother sees YouTube as just another marketing opportunity. Easy uploads, massive exposure and a ready audience panting with anticipation to see the next uploaded video. Or is it? Here’s five questions you should ask yourself before doing so - if you have a luxury property to market.

1. Would you market your property in “Seventeen,” magazine? 

Despite conflicting reports from some sources, Neilsen and Netratings agree, “ Visitors between 12-17 years of age are nearly 1.5 times more likely to visit YouTube than the average Web user."

2. Would you market your luxury property alongside 25,000 other properties?

A search for the term “real estate” at YouTube yielded 25,300 results – many of which are never viewed.

3. Would you wish to have your luxury property associated with some one like this?

Sure, he’s funny, but do you really want the next video a prospective client watches after yours to be this one - on the same page, with the same look and from the same source? 

4. Is it remarkable?

I am a big fan of Seth Godin. Seth Godin’s marketing advice (apart from suggesting that you quit selling real estate) is that for something to warrant attention, it has to be “remarkable,” i.e. some one seeing it should remark upon it.

How remarkable are YouTube videos? I am not sure exactly how many youtube videos there are – in fact, I’m not sure they know, but as of February 2008, there were over 72,000,000. Needle in a haystack anyone? Anyone can upload a video to youtube. My 7-year-old niece can upload videos to youtube. How “remarkable” is that? You need an edge when it comes to marketing something, and youtube is not it.
 

If, as I suspect you did, answered “No” to any or all of the preceding questions, the next logical question is:

5. Where should I market my luxury property video

Here are a few options that offer a far more targeted audience.

Forbes Video Network

Forbes has an extremely high quality, well presented video search facility, which includes luxury real estate. For a good example of the sort of quality available, take a look at this video of one of Donald Trump’s $6 million properties.

Luxury Property

Luxury Property has combined with a number of professional video production services to offer the best possible quality and a peerless venue.