Multimedia Tools

Multimedia is the combined use of several media, such as sound and full-motion video in computer applications.  It can be the finishing touch to one’s blog, website, or online resume when advertising a personal or professional image.  I would describe it as the “bells and whistles” of a particular online platform.   Adding multimedia can enhance an individual’s online messaging.  This can be through videos, infographics, audio, moving text, podcasts, photos, slideshows, and other multimedia options.  Multimedia content often goes viral quicker than other online content since it is visually appealing.  There are several programs and online sites that can help develop multimedia.  They include YouTube, GarageBand, iMovie, and even a program as basic as PowerPoint.  Individuals can enhance his or her personal brand message by adding a quick video, giving more information or displaying his or her strengths.  By replacing a cover letter with a quick video pitch, job seekers can showcase skills and abilities lost in translation in a traditional resume (Lagunas, 2012).  Videos provide employers with more of a personal approach to a resume.  Blogs and online resumes can often look the same.  However, adding infographics can add visual “spice.”  “Presenting a recruiter with a more visually stimulating overview of experience and qualifications can go a long way in setting a candidate apart (Lagunas, 2012). 

Companies can benefit from and advertise their message by using online videos as well.  “The real trick is adding multimedia that enriches your site, product, or brand without taking away from your company’s core message and aesthetic (Sniderman, 2010).”  Multimedia has sometimes been described as mobile marketing.  Webcasting and hosting videos can be used as advertising pieces for a company if designed appropriately.  Webcasts broadcast the company’s message by promoting products and gaining business exposure.  Using YouTube to create videos related to a particular brand is a very effective tactic for brands attempting to broadcast their message.  YouTube is a free service that creates videos capable of being shared on different online media platforms including blogs, social media, websites, and many more.      

               I believe that videos and webcasts are more effective than other multimedia platforms since they are visually appealing to online users.  Videos and webcasts provide rich online content and can potentially boost traffic to one’s site.  Both multimedia tools can easily be shared on other sites, advertising the message even further spreading the message.

               Google uses many different animations on its homepage.  These animations are called Google Doodles.  Google Doodles are the fun, surprising and sometimes spontaneous changes that are made to the Google logo to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, and the lives of famous artists, pioneers and scientists (Google, 2014).  These small animations attract the user’s attention when he or she visits Google’s homepage.  Some of the animations include animated GIFs, videos, and interactive games.  I believe that Google uses Doodles to make the user’s searching experience, whatever he or she may be searching for, more entertaining. 

               Domino’s is another company that uses multimedia to enhance their messaging.  Domino’s president issued a video apology to win back the trust of the public after a social media outrage over a video showing its employees acting in a highly unhygienic manner (Arora, 2013).  This video delivered a more personal touch to Domino’s customers since it was the actual president speaking.  Text only would not have been nearly as effective to deliver their message in a situation such as this. 

               Multimedia has provided individuals and companies with another option to enhance messages.  With the creation of new tools and interactive programs, I believe multimedia will constitute the majority of online content. 

References

Arora, Vineet. "3 Innovative Examples of Multimedia Use in PR and External Communications." N.p., 14 May 2013. Web. 30 Oct. 2014. <https%3A%2F%2Fwww.executiveboard.com%2Fblogs%2F3-innovative-examples-of-multimedia-use-in-pr-and-external-communications%2F>.

Lagunas, Kyle. "Can Multimedia Enhance Your Resume Message?" N.p., 2 Apr. 2012. Web. 30 Oct. 2014. <http://www.jobjenny.com/the-blog/2012/4/2/can-multimedia-enhance-your-resume-message.html>.

Multimedia. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved October 30, 2014, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/multimedia

Sniderman, Zachary. "HOW TO: Add Multimedia to Your Blog." N.p., 28 July 2010. Web. 30 Oct. 2014. <http://mashable.com/2010/07/28/add-multimedia-to-blog/>.