Monika Newman Power of Video.........
Are you using video in your online marketing? If not, why not?
According to Cisco, it's predicted that video will account for 69% of all online traffic by 2017 with 93% of video
marketing professionals using online video in 2013.
Why should you be using video?
Connection is vital in an online environment. Video allows us to stand out and engage on a more personal level with
our audience because we are automatically attracted to faces as opposed to images and voice.
Through video we can convey emotions using body language, facial expressions and voice. It allows our authenticity to
shine through helping to build rapport and increasing our persuasive powers with others.
Most people watch video content before reading text. They will stay longer on websites which incorporate video
because it deepens their engagement. If you aren't using video you're missing out as 100 million internet users watch
online video each day.
YouTube is the biggest search engine after Google. Google ranks video higher than any other content increasing
Search Engine Optimisation. Using video will give you an edge over your competitors but despite the fact that video is
very popular there are still not many businesses using it or using it effectively.
In what situations are videos most effective?
In today's world economy video allows you to harness the power of the internet to spread your firms’ global message.
Video is very influential as a promotional tool for events, products and services. In the education and training field it's
used to deliver courses and provide information. In a corporate environment it can serve as an introduction to
company products, its philosophy and mission statement. Video can be an introduction of you or your staff to the
viewer, thereby personalising the experience and increasing your reach at a deeper level of emotional connection.
What is the best way to start adding video to your marketing plan?
Start off with your "Why"? Define your goals and be clear on what these are. For example, you might want to promote
an event, educate, entertain or engage as many people as possible to convert viewers into sales or perhaps build a list.
If list building is your aim you need to give the audience a reason to sign up. Or your video could be to simply show
gratitude to your connections and to keep in touch.
Once you have determined your "why" you can develop a script and build your story. The script can be as basic or
detailed as you like but a one page bullet point document may be all you require. Once you have your script you can
develop the flow and feel of the video, i.e., who is your target audience? Does it need your corporate branding, what
location would be best suited to your video? Will you film in your office or a more casual feel at a beach or outdoors
location?
Are you planning on videoing an event to repurpose later, if so do you may need to get participants to sign a
disclaimer for permission to film them? Do you propose a series of videos or just a "one off"? Where will you host the
video; on your website, YouTube or another platform, free or paid hosting? There are many questions that arise and
these same questions have prevented many people from adopting video. But it will become evident that if you are not
participating in online video, you may be missing out on a huge marketing opportunity for you or your company.
There are many "how to" video learning tools on the internet or you can start off by using your iPhone or Android
phone and a purpose built microphone then practice, practice, practice! Remember that the quality of your audio is
important.
People will forgive poor quality video but not poor quality audio! The time to get started on
video is now. To read some very interesting statistics on Video Marketing click ReelSEO for
their free and in depth report.
In conclusion, one hundred hours of video is uploaded to YouTube every minute of every day
and that’s not counting other online platforms.
Will your video be part of that rising figure in 2014 and if not, why not?
Monika Newman, VA support to Speakers, Public Relations Consultants, SME's and
Corporations. With a corporate background and experience with major multinational oil
companies over her career, Monika is a Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of
Distinction Nominee who has worked on countless projects in Australia, Asia and the USA.
Contact her at Certified Virtual Assistant | LinkedIn | +61 0 418 660 450
Twitter [email protected] or http://www.absolutelyvirtual.com.au