Do you want to increase reach and generate more revenue, but you can’t take the time you need to wait before you see visible results through paid ads and other marketing channels out there? Do you want to convert your audience into buyers, but texts and images are not enough?
Then, it’s time to dive into Video Marketing.
Afraid that you don’t have the right tools, you don’t have time, or you can’t afford video marketing? Think again. If your business isn’t doing online video marketing, then you are certainly leaving so much money on the table. Once you start incorporating a video content marketing plan, you’re making a smart move, and your customers (and your bank account) will thank you. So, if you haven’t tried doing one, then you have to keep reading. In this blog, we will discuss what video marketing is, why it matters, how it works, how to create and what are some of the video hosting platforms you can use for your business.
What is Video Marketing?
In the sea of marketing materials everywhere that tightly compete for consumer attention, how would your business and brand cut through the clutter to be unique? How would your brand stand out? It is through Video Marketing.
It is a component of a digital marketing strategy that involves the use of creative videos to engage new audiences, grow brand visibility online, improve social engagement, enhance conversion rates and build trust. They’re like a commercial—just cheaper and more effective. Most digital marketing experts point towards video marketing to tap into the emotions of the viewers. People buy with emotions rather than logic, right?
Why is Video Marketing Important for your Business?
Now more than ever, in the digitally overloaded world, people are realizing the importance of connection. Seeing a face, hearing a voice, and listening to a compelling story is powerful and matters to them. People don’t just want to scroll through blogs and slog through texts hoping to get what they need. They want to see and experience things. As a result, marketing video production now plays an important role in the customer journey, and purchasing decisions. This is why video marketing should be an essential part of your marketing strategy. Businesses are utilizing video marketing services to capture their audiences to drive high-quality leads and drive more sales.
You may be asking, “how?” The ROI speaks for itself:
- 95% of businesses say video helps people better understand their offerings.
- 89% of marketers report positive video ROI.
- 86% of marketers say video has helped them generate leads.
- 81% of marketers say video has helped them directly increase sales.
- 55% of consumers say they’ve watched video while shopping in-store.
Huge number of businesses all around the globe are using videos to attract, convert, and retain new customers with great success. And it can definitely work for you too.
How to Make a Video for Business?
Listed below are some of the steps you can use as a video marketing guide for your business.
Step 1: Decide and establish your goals
Setting clear goals should be the first thing you need to do when creating a video marketing campaign. You ask yourself questions such as: “What action do I want my ideal customers to take after viewing this video?” “What do I want them to feel in this video?”.
Step 2: Set metrics
In order to know if your video marketing ad will work, you have to define your key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics before you even proceed in creating the video.
How will you measure the effectiveness of your video — conversion rates, click-through rates, video views, or the percentage of viewers who follow a call to action? This way you will also be able to measure the level of success your video ad gets and what areas does it need to improve.
Step 3: Create your ideal customer image
You also need to have a specific idea of your target customer and craft a detailed customer persona so that you will know what kind of language and message you should use and deliver that will highly resonate with them. In that way your ideas will flow, having your customer image in mind.
Step 4: Set a budget and timeline for the video production
Having a set budget and time for your video production allows you to save money and time. It helps you avoid unnecessary delays and makes the process smooth and flowing.
Step 5: Pick a Video Hosting Platform
It is also important that before you even begin crafting the video ad, you already have in mind where you are going to publish or post it. In thinking of the platform you are going to use, think about what kind of people does the platform usually have? So that it will match the goal you have in mind in creating the video ad in the first place.
Step 6: Think and come up with ideas
Begin by looking for an inspiration from your competitors, colleagues, and even bigger brands. You can determine the areas where they do well and areas which you can improve on. You can also look for topics by analyzing articles which drive more interested readers as there is a high possibility that they want a video about it too. You can also visit websites or social media sites where your ideal customers hang out so you can see what they are often talking about which relates to your offer so that you can generate topics you can use to trigger the needs, satisfy desires, and solve their problems. You can also know their interests and personality which you can inject in your video.
Step 7: Write a script
Having a script before you shoot a video will help you follow a good flow for your video, effectively build a cohesive narrative and effective sequence of your ideas. It will also allow you get a clear picture of your ideas so that what you want to happen will happen in the actual shoot.
Step 8: Prepare your tools
Of course, it is important that everything you need for video making are all available and comes in handy. It is also important to remember that you do not need expensive materials, and an in-house video production staff. As long as you have the basic tools such as a video camera (which can be your smartphone), a microphone, and a few people that will help, then you are good to go.
Step 9: Select your recording place
Knowing where to record your video is a must. You must choose a place that will be free from any distractions and must be free of background noise.
Step 10: Start recording
Once all these steps are done, you can now proceed on the video recording proper. Make your ideas and script come alive. Remember to focus on bringing value to your ideal customers and efficiently deliver your message to them.
Video Hosting Platforms You Can Use for Your Business
Most business owners do not use video marketing because they think that it is too expensive and complicated to use. They think that hosting platforms will cause them to break the bank. But there are actually a lot of free and easy-to-use hosting platforms available. These platforms make it easy and affordable to promote your video ad, and track its performance and even beyond that.
It is also important to take note that video marketing isn’t just about what people are watching, it’s where they’re watching. Because it also needs to come from a credible site or platform for them to patronize your ad.
To save you the hassle of researching the best ones, here are the list of video hosting platforms you can use for your business.
YouTube
YouTube is regarded as being the second-largest search engine in the world with more than a billion active users. Although there is no denying YouTube’s popularity, many people are unaware of the platform’s immense potential, which has led to YouTube-hosted videos starting to replace traditional website links in top Google search results.
Vimeo
If your business is on a tight budget, then this platform is one you can consider. It’s simple to generate excellent videos with Vimeo’s user-friendly interface from the comfort of your PC or even a mobile device. You may then immediately share, embed, and publish your movies to your own website or online distribution channels like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
Wistia
Wistia is a strong contender among platforms for video marketing that concentrate on lead conversion. If you want to convert your video views into worthwhile leads, this is a fantastic option.
It has a lot to offer in terms of reporting and analytics as well. Even if you have little knowledge in the field of video marketing, the individual reports are simple to read and comprehend. You can track where viewers « drop off » for each video using reporting tools like heat maps, which might help you with future video production.
It is said that videos uploaded on Facebook are proven to have more engagement. And the massive amount of data Facebook has on its 1.2 billion users enables you to develop targeted advertising campaigns towards your ideal client persona.
As a result, you can be sure that your video will be seen by individuals who have already visited your website, opened your emails, or interacted with previous social media posts. This increases the likelihood that they’ll become repeat customers.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Now that you are equipped with sufficient knowledge of what Video Marketing is, and how it will help your business grow, as well the steps you can take to create one and platforms you can use, it’s time to grab a camera, begin recording, and see your engagement rapidly rise.
Take action now!
FAQ
What is video marketing and why is it important?
Video marketing involves using videos to promote and market your product or service. It’s a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their audience visually. Videos can convey information effectively, evoke emotions, and improve brand awareness. The dynamic nature of video content makes it an essential component of a comprehensive marketing strategy.
How can I get started with video marketing?
To begin with video marketing, identify your target audience and goals. Create engaging and relevant content that aligns with your brand. Use platforms like YouTube, social media, and your website to share your videos. Invest in quality production, whether through professional services or by using accessible tools. Consistency is key – regularly produce and share videos to build a strong video marketing presence.
What are the key benefits of incorporating video marketing into my strategy?
Video marketing offers several advantages, including increased engagement, improved SEO, and better brand recall. It provides an opportunity to showcase your product or service in action, making it more relatable to your audience. Videos also have a higher likelihood of being shared, expanding your reach. Additionally, they allow for creativity in storytelling, helping you connect with your audience on a more emotional level.