May 18, 2012

Online Video

Online VideoOnline Video
Market your Business Better with Video

With the advent of digital cameras, Flip Video Camcorders and video sharing websites such as YouTube, "everyone" seems to be watching online video these days

According to ComScore, in the month of April, 2010, 178 million people watched 30.3 billion videos, with the average viewer watching 171 videos per month in the U.S. The opportunity for businesses that work to produce even basic video can be substanital. The month-to-month data clearly points to the fact that watching videos online is a trend that will continue to gain momentum.

Morgan Brown, the Director of Marketing for Turn Here, a leading production and advertising company based in Emeryville, CA lists several steps small businesses can take to market their businesses better with video.

  • Aim for Authentic, Actionable Content
    Don't focus on all of the details and concerns over stock photography, videographers and production templates. Just be authentic and personal. Keep it short, less scripted, and be sure to ALWAYS include a call-to-action. Be sure to include some action path – for example, a trackable URL, a coupon, discount code, or unique phone number to call. This not only encourages viewers to engage with you, but also provides a tangible way to measure the results of your video.
     
  • Add Video to Your Facebook Page
    Try to be fun and creative with Facebook video. Use it as a chance to let users see a more personal side of your company. Keeping it fun will help increase the amount of views and increase the interest of your fans.
     
  • Get Your Video on YouTube
    YouTube and other video sites are great vehicles to reach an audience who might not find you otherwise. Best of all, you can create a branded YouTube channel and host your videos without incurring any bandwidth costs.
     
  • Add Video to Your Google Local Business Listing
    This ultra-targeted form of marketing is highly effective for driving clicks and calls. And amid a list of company names, addresses and phone numbers, an engaging video brings your listing to life and sets you apart from the crowd.

Grow your Business with Video

Grow your Business with Online VideoGrow your Business with Video
Add Online Video to Increase Web Conversion

Online video is quickly becoming one of the most effective ways to engage and market to online buyers. In fact, recent studies show that online video grew 124% in 2009, having over 18.9 billion views. This massive growth is opening up new opportunities that are helping drive online sales growth for those embracing this technology.

One of the most advantageous ways to use video is for the purpose of increasing website conversion rates.  The conversion rate of your website (the percentage of visitors who make a purchase; sign up for a newsletter; download a report or whatever your objective may be), is really the most important metric when it comes to understanding the effectiveness of your website because it is how you measure your marketing Return on Investment (ROI).

Shown below are three simple ways that you could integrate video into your website to increase website conversion:

  1. 30-60 Second Intro
    First impressions are crucial. Today's buyers are educated and have access to a variety of alternatives, so utilizing video to engage them upon their arrival is a great way to ensure they stick around. Your '30-60 second pitch' is an effective way to entice visitors to perform an action such as providing an email address, clicking through to the next page, or even making a purchase decision.
     
  2. Video Testimonials
    Nothing speaks to your business' credibility and quality like testimonials from other satisfied customers.  Whenever possible, integrate video testimonials in places where an action is required. This may include forms or check out pages or even an up-sell or cross-sell in the checkout process.
     
  3. Tips and Helpful Advice
    You can engage your prospects and establish more trust and rapport by providing them with the tools and resources for which they are looking. If they see value in the free resources you're providing, they are more likely to see the value in the paid for products and services your company offers.