Online video marketing has gained a lot of traction since YouTube and social media made it easy to produce and share online videos.
The other technology developments that have driven the momentum include the increased speed of internet connections with broadband and also smartphones allowing video viewing anytime, anywhere.
According to research by Forrester, videos are 50 times more likely to rank on the first page of Google than static text pages alone.
In order to gain visibility on the Internet, online video production is considered to be one of the best options. Making videos and then posting them online to be viewed by the world doesn’t have to be expensive.
Video longevity
Videos in the past lived in the offline and traditional media world and sharing them online was not possible. The longevity of a video on YouTube is now only restricted by how long we keep the world’s electricity and web lights on.
We have created a permanent archive for videos and its public and its called YouTube, Vimeo and Hulu.
The synergy between video and social media has made video sharing easy and potentially viral. You now have a lot of opportunities available to post your videos online (think Facebook, Google+ and Twitter just for starters)
Tips for Online Video Marketing
If you are new to the world of technology and are using video for the first time, here are a few guidelines and strategies to get your creative juices flowing. Implementing some of these will help you make your videos more effective.
#1. Provide education
Videos provide a great way to educate your potential customers about your products and services. Provide the features and benefits in the video. This can create credibility remove objections and drive sales. Online stores can use this to increase their shopping cart conversion rates.
#2. Answer the questions
When a video is related to a particular product or service there are many questions the viewers may want to ask. One can make short 2 to 3 minute video clips, which would answer the top 5-10 questions.
#3. Review a product
Provide an in depth product review. In the video, you can dive deep and take a detailed review of the product. This can then be embedded in a blog, website or you e-commerce site.
#4. Grow a list
If you have a business organization, building a list of prospective clients is key. Provide a premium video for your prospective clients that they can only view by providing you their name, phone number and email address.
#5. Create video case studies
Produce video case studies which showcase the results you have achieved. This will build credibility with prospective clients. You can also make a video on a case study of a customer who did not follow your strategy or methods that didn’t work and provides lessons on what not to do. Another idea is to read testimonials provided by satisfied clients.
#6. Narrate a story
Narrate a story in your video. People will remember a story much more easily rather than some dull facts and figures. Often there is a great story behind how your business started and grew. Create a video that shows that journey.
#7: Demystify the myths
In a video, you can talk about the top 3 myths in your industry. Provide examples and instances that debunk the myths.
#8. Take viewers behind the scenes
Often customers see organisations as faceless corporations. A behind the scenes video can humanize the brand. People buy from people and revealing the mysteries of how a product is made and the people involved can be intriguing to many viewers and prospective clients. This will help in gaining the attention of more viewers.
#9. Ask questions
You can ask some questions to create conversation and facilitate viewer engagement. Ask the viewers to leave their reply in the comments section.
#10. Supplementary video opportunities
There are many other options to make a video even more effective. Make use of other screen captures, keynotes, slideshows and also Power Point slides.
Don’t try to be just right
As a first timer, your video might not appear to be correct the first time and it’s ok to do some retakes. With each video you make and upload, your confidence level will increase and improve.
Make a promise to yourself that you’ll make at least one video in the next 7 days.
You can share your experiences of making your video in the comment box below; we’d love to hear about it!
Guest author: This article was written by Joe Forte, co-owner of D-Mak Productions LLC who seems to know a thing or two about online video production.
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