The Post and Courier Launches Video Streaming App PC+

 

The Post and Courier has launched PC+, a new streaming app where the newspaper’s videos are curated to provide an engaging visual experience for viewers using Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Roku Services.

Digital Expansion

In its continued digital expansion to provide news to readers across South Carolina and beyond, The Post and Courier is seeking to meet audiences where they are.  Increasingly, that is through social media, including YouTube, and streaming platforms.

Video is an engaging way to reach digital consumers and deliver the latest news and updates, said P.J. Browning, publisher of The Post and Courier.

“We are always evolving and trying to stay up to date with the latest technology,” she said.  “This is an exciting opportunity for us to showcase the important work our photojournalists and videographers provide beyond our regular format.”

The Post and Courier, which is the South’s oldest daily newspaper and the largest based in the Palmetto State, has told stories of Charleston and South Carolina for centuries.  That includes an award-winning track record as a visual storyteller.

The company has expanded statewide with editors and reporters based in Beaufort, Bluffton, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill and Spartanburg.

OTT Market Takeover

Consumers continue to cut the cord and turn to over-the-top, or OTT, apps to watch videos and other digital content.

Nearly nine out of 10 U.S. households – some 86 percent – have at least one streaming video service, according to a new report from Leichtman Research Group, a New Hampshire-based firm that provides data and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries.  That is up from 52 percent in 2015.

Furthermore, half of U.S. households today have at least four streaming services, with Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu being the most popular.  Others include Disney+, HBO Max and YouTubeTV, reports J.D. Power.

“We have been telling the stories of Charleston and South Carolina for more than 220 years, and we are now providing those stories and coverage on more modern platforms,” said Chris Zoeller, chief opportunity and marketing officer at The Post and Courier.  “This is the natural next step as we expand our digital footprint and have already been producing high-quality video storytelling.”

Advertising Opportunities

This new video streaming app venture is good news for businesses who are looking to take advantage of The Post and Courier’s extensive advertising and sponsorship opportunities.  The PC+ app will host a variety of digital advertisements for our audiences to engage with.  For more information, subscribe to the B4B Newsletter and check postandcourieradvertising.com for regular advertising updates.

Consumers will continue to find video and other digital content on postandcourier.com, YouTube, the newspaper’s podcast channels and now streaming.  PC+ is available on app stores available through Amazon Fire TV, AppleTV and Roku.

The Post and Courier is launching new apps for video content on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV platforms.
The Post and Courier is launching new apps for video content on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV platforms.
Vlog

Making a Vlog Series: Just Do It

Vlog Series for Content Marketing

Rather than serving as a trendy bonus component of a company’s digital presence, it’s become a necessity for brands to incorporate video into their content marketing strategy. Because 65% of people are more likely to retain information that they see, video is a strong solution for helping businesses quickly establish thought leadership in the digital age.  After all, it’s anticipated that video will account for 80% of all internet traffic in 2019.

The video marketing industry currently has a $135 billion value and there’s no better time than now to claim your piece of it.

What’s the first step?

Three words: Vlog It Up. Otherwise known as a “video blog”, a vlog or video blog is an excellent way to show your customers how and why they should use your product or services. Use a more down-to-earth approach. Take a step back from hard advertising methods that interrupt users and think about fitting in to their experience more naturally. Create a more personal relationship with your customers so they develop a desire for your brand. You can integrate vlogs into your website, social media pages, email campaigns – you name it. It’s a great way to frame and distribute valuable content to internet users.

Why start now?

The future of marketing is visual.

YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world. Therefore, the best time to share your video content is now. Even by simply knowing what a vlog is and the benefits it brings your customers, you’re already showcasing your business as one that’s focused on the future of communication.

Quickly establish your business as a thought leader in your respective industry.

You are telling people about your company, and even more, you’re showing them what exactly you do. 42% of consumers say that video is their preferred way of learning about a product or service. You have the ability to share your knowledge in creative, meaningful ways through how-tos, simple branding videos, and more. For example, the real estate industry is certainly seeing the benefits of vlogging. 44% of homebuyers end up purchasing a property they found through a real estate video.

Gain the ability to reach unlimited share potential.

With the help of easy access social media share buttons and more sharing platforms than ever, videos have the potential to go viral quickly. 92% of users share online videos with their personal and professional networks. Therefore, if you have content worth sharing, prepare for a significant increase in overall following and brand awareness as a result of your vlog campaign.

Add face value to your growing business.

Let people see and hear from the experts themselves. Above all, vlogging creates a trustworthy personal relationship within a business relationship. People are more likely to work with a business that they feel personally tied to and trust as opposed to one that appears to only care about the business transaction. The healthcare industry specifically relies heavily on video to connect with their customers on a more personal level. It’s an excellent way to provide custom answers to important questions such as common procedure specifics, protective measures to combat flu season, and vaccination preparation.

Not sure where to start with topic selection? Here are our suggestions:

Customer testimonials

Company introduction

Team introduction

New product or service announcement

Q&A sessions

Trending topics in your specific industry

 

We want to help you see what vlogging can do for your business. Contact us to get started!