The future has arrived, ladies and gentlemen. And her name is plastered everywhere in neon lights: video marketing. In fact, video marketing is long past the “up-and-coming” phase. It’s here and it’s here to stay. According to TechCrunch, over 500 million hours of videos are watched on YouTube every day. Video is the most engaging and entertaining form of marketing for your customers so it goes without saying–you need a video marketing plan in place!
If there were a foolproof formula for the perfect video marketing strategy, this would be a simple endeavor. However, getting the right angle can be tricky. You need to look at your brand, what your competitors have done that has or has not worked, the audience you’re marketing to and the ultimate conversion you’re aiming to reach.
Remember first and foremost that just like all your other online marketing content, video marketing lasts forever on the internet. With that in mind, here are a few tips and tricks to get you started:
Keep it short. We live in the age of Vine-video attention spans. Hook your viewers through a crisp video that is clear and concise. Your target audience will thank you…promise.
Another reason you should be marketing through videos is the plain and simple fact that Google LOVES video marketing! Video increases the amount of time spent by customers and prospects on your site. The more exposure your site builds, the more that triggers search engines that your site has great content. Since Google also owns YouTube, videos will affect your search engine ranking big time!
Include a call to action. Always, always, always. Depending on the plan you have for your video, insert a call-to-action for your viewers. Whether you want them to share, like, subscribe, shop, call etc. this can be added strategically at the end of the video. Just don’t overwhelm them with gaudy, distracting CTAs.
Pay attention to the feedback you receive. Depending on your call-to-action, your feedback will play a big role in the amount of air time your video will receive. For example, if you post your video on Facebook, you can encourage them to love the video or share it. On other platforms, like YouTube, you can tag cards or create surveys to gain a deeper view into their opinions. This will give you the chance to edit any future campaigns or continue on the proven track you’re already on.
Start a YouTube Channel. It’s simple to create and adding video to your channel takes a couple minutes. You can connect this to your website, newsletter, and social media as a great exposure to your business. The value only increases your reach and trust with your clients. 
The bottom line is that video marketing will increase your conversion and sales. It can make you serious money if it’s done correctly. Undoubtedly, video marketing should be the shiny new tool in your promotion toolbox. Is it cost-effective? Do you have the right resources? The answer is simply, YES! There’s a reason everyone is using video marketing and that can be summed up in one word: POWER. It’s a powerful way to communicate your brand story, explain your value proposition, and build relationships with your customers and prospects. Find out how to get started today!
