Up until recently video was seen more as a distraction than a valuable marketing tool for businesses. That has all changed. People now spend more time on You Tube than on Google.
Now a lot of those are people just playing around. But, I believe that if businesses aren’t using video in their online marketing then they will be missing out on sales. The trend is very clear.
Today’s technology has made video creation accessible to everyone. Digital cameras are more affordable, and the process of creating and uploading a video to a sharing site is easier than ever.
All you need is a camera, some editing software, and an account with a video sharing site. These accounts are usually free, and the uploading of videos is encouraged because it supplies the site with constant material.
Video sharing sites like YouTube.com are popular places for people to share information. Most people, at one time or another, have visited You Tube.
Here are some sites to investigate…
www.youtube.com
www.vimeo.com
video.msn.com
So…
How do you use videos to promote and increase traffic to your website?
1. Create a ‘Preview’
Movie previews are used to promote a new film that has just been released. They hook the viewer, making them want to see the coming production. Create a ‘preview’ for your website or online business that will draw new viewers there by making them curious to see exactly what you are doing. If you’re selling something, use the trailer to give just enough information to make viewers click the link to your site.
2. Create your own Story
Think about making a creative series to bring regular viewers to your website. The key here is to link the video (on You Tube for example) to your website because that’s where you want people to go. For example, create a video series where you make offers of free content that’s available on your website.
3. Tell Your ‘War Story’
People love to look inside the development of a product or market. Even if you think it is of little value you may be surprised at the following you will get once you begin your short video story about entering a new market or the development of a new product.
Again, the key is to bring people to your website. Make something in your story to draw the viewer to your site. Depending on the content of your site, this could be simple or very involved. The choice is yours.
Tips to produce a good video…
1. Clarity
Be sure your video is clear and can be heard. By the way, voice clarity is more important than picture clarity. If the sound is clear then you’ll be forgiven for low picture quality.
The worst mistake is allowing poor video quality to distract or frustrate the viewer. But you can do these videos yourself. You don’t need a professional in a studio. Keep it raw and it is more realistic.
2. Humour
Some of the most popular videos on these video sharing sites are those that make people laugh. Depending on the content of your site, choose a form of humour to get your message across. Create a blooper type video or use some quirky events that happened during your marketing or product development.
3. Keywords
Choose descriptive keywords to help people find your video. Don’t limit yourself to single words. Create phrases that someone might consider searching the internet.
Just as keywords are important for your text content online, they play an important role in helping people find your videos once you publish them online. Though the viewer may not be searching for your exact video, once they get there you want them to stay and watch. Once they watch, you want them interested enough to visit your site.
CALL TO ACTION
Here are some considerations to make when getting started with online video.
1. Think carefully about your goals for using online video. Are you looking to increase visitors to your website? Establish a brand? Make sales? The reason for creating the videos will give you the starting point for what to create.
2. Play around with Windows Movie Maker (available free on most PC’s) to create short video clips. It’s very intuitive and once you get the hang of it, you can create some really professional looking video content.
3. Create a script or general idea for the video(s) you plan to make and get to work recording!
4. Edit your recordings and add special effects, web URL’s, and other information to encourage people to take action after watching your videos.
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