Gary North

Feb. 4, 2008

Here is a nice "how-to" series on CamStudio, the free screencasting software: www.CamStudio.org.

CamStudio is a nice piece of software. It can add a lot to anyone's site. A screencast is a real advantage. If you don't know what a screencast is, click here.

See how it works: http://www.garynorth.com/snip/460.htm

Learn with CamStudio. Then graduate to Camtasia Studio ($300).

Here's how to use screencasts.

Highlight a product you sell
Show how to solve a problem
Use as part of a FAQ list
Teach a concept
Direct someone to an important website or document
Use in a job search strategy to show that you know technology

Screencasts are nice tools for any size business, but especially web-related businesses that have trouble showing new users how to get up to speed.

Users' frustration is a major barrier to repeat sales. Users quit before they become dependent of your product. Use screencasts to reduce users' initial frustration. Get them up and running on your program in just a few minutes.

You may have only a few minutes before the user gives up.

Any company that sells shareware that doesn't include links to its on-site page with various screencasts is walking away from money.

Any shareware company that doesn't have half a dozen YouTube screencasts of "Watch This!" demonstrations (2 minutes long) is missing an easy way to generate downloads.