One of the most common things people tell me is that they just don’t have the budget to acquire rich media such as, video, audio podcasts or even animations for their site. Also many ask is it really worth it? Also what kind of ROI do you see? I thought I might take a few days to talk about some of these issues.

Well, all are valid questions and I thought I might take a couple of moments to add my 2 cents to the subject. Clearly rich media is very important in engaging your visitors. The days of static content are rapidly going the way of the dinosaurs. Needless to say there will always be a need and place for such content but most individuals want more. I am not telling you anything new or anything you haven’t heard. But really, think about it. As a result, like most good businesses we want to provide services and products that our customers demand. The question is how and why.

As I alluded too earlier, smaller Institutions whom have to fight for every dollar (an I am not saying I don’t) have to prioritize their needs. Adding rich media when you are just trying to get a web site up and going may not be a priority. So how can you effectively come up with engaging content without breaking the bank?

First, you need to think about things a little differently when it comes to you vendors. Like most, we deal with hundreds of vendors, drug, medical device, equipment etc. All of them have one thing in common. They want to sell more product to you! Many are also as smart or smarter than us. Just look at the direct marketing of drugs to consumers. As a result many of these companies have spent vast dollars on building rich media. Yes rich media, animations, videos etc. In most cases, most are more than happy to share this with their customers. These vendors are more than happy to provide you with the files and licensure to use their media on your site.

Case in point, many of us have Weight Loss Surgery Programs. Did you know that ALLERGAN has some excellent animations that explain the LAP-BAND ® procedure. Further, they are more than happy to provide these to institutions that use their products. Why not take advantage of this content? Sure not every vendors media is going to be suitable for your site but with a little work and a few phone calls opportunities abound.

Another example is that of the da Vinci Robotic System. Intuitive Surgical Inc. has an excellent consumer overview of how the system is used for prostate surgery. Why not take advantage of this content if you have such a system in your facility. These are just a few of many examples. The bottom line is, ask and ask again. Consider your vendors as strategic partners not just a bunch of sales people intent on selling you. By working with them and their marketing departments you might find yourself with the beginnings of some cool rich media.

Well in my next posting I plan to discuss the issue of ROI and how end users are using this content.