Partnership offers online, mobile phone and iPad compatible HTML5 video for small local business advertisers

Northcliffe Digital, the digital arm of regional publisher, Northcliffe Media, has launched a suite of affordable online video products for small businesses advertisers across its network of over 400 hyperlocal and regional web sites operating under the thisis and localpeople brands.

The online, mobile phone and iPad compatible videos are being offered through an exclusive partnership with online video advertising specialist, Localstars. They cater for a variety of customer needs, ranging from highly customised ‘mashup ads’ compiled on Localstars’ video ad creation technology using library video, customer images, logos and graphics, to fully bespoke videos filmed by Localstars' network of local film-makers.

“Clearly online video viewing is now a norm. Our video marketing and production solution with Localstars means that local businesses can now really stand out and get target audiences to engage. Our affordable video solutions deliver high quality video options which we ensure get seen by our clients’ potential customers,” said Lee Williams, General Manager - Local Media, at Northcliffe Digital, which has 5m visitors to its web sites.

All videos are widescreen with voiceovers to provide maximum impact and are compatible with the latest HTML5 web standard which means they can be played across multiple channels and devices, including mobile phones and iPads. All video creation and production is outsourced to Localstars.

“The partnership with Localstars - an expert in video advertising - means we can deliver great quality video services quickly and efficiently at cost effective prices. Video is a critical part our digital solutions suite that we now offer to local businesses to drive leads for them and boost our digital revenues,” added Mr Williams.

Chris Bunyan, MD at Localstars said: “A lot of the recent growth in online video has been from large brands extending their TV campaigns. We’re working with leading publishers such as Northcliffe Digital to bring the power of video to smaller businesses. Our new generation of video technology operates across multiple devices such as iPads and mobile phones - further amplifying the reach and impact of video. We're excited to be working with Northcliffe on rolling this out.”