A free guide on how to use video on the Internet to market your business

Why video?

Simply put, moving pictures and sound gets viewers' attention.

People like to see what they are buying and who is selling it to them. Using video can both show who you are and demonstrate your product to potential clients. And now that many homes have broadband, it is realistic to use short sharp simple videos to help market your company, educate your customers and sell your products.

It needn't cost the earth, a simple well produced and inexpensive video can increase traffic to your website and open sales opportunities.

How to use video - a three pronged attack to attract customers

Educational marketing and training

You can use video to attract new viewers to your site by putting educational videos on streaming sites such as YouTube. Educational marketing videos impart enough knowledge to solve the first part of a typical customer problem. Then, if you have grabbed the imagination of the viewer they will want to know more and are likely to go to your website.

Sales/introduction/demonstration

Once you have a potentially interested viewer at your site, video can show them who you are and explain what you can do for them. The video should convince the viewers that they want to know more about your company and explore the rest of the website.

Testimonial/closing - finishing the pitch

Finally, if the viewer is interested in what you do, persuade them that your company is who they need by using video testimonials from your satisfied clients.

So do I only need video on my site now?

Video quickly imparts knowledge and can show “who you are and what you do” in a matter of seconds. However, video should only be part of the website. Use it to gain interest and demonstrate what can't easily be covered by the rest of the site.

Types of videos

Video testimonials

Video testimonials are gaining popularity because they are easy to make and a simple concept to grasp. The advantage of a video testimonial is that it is more believable than a “Mr Smith of Such and Such Ltd says the product is wonderful”.

Company introduction

This is a director or sales representative talking about the services or products. A lasting impact can be made by personable and genuine director talking about his business. The viewer will remember this and want to build a relationship with the company increasing your business opportunities.

Product demonstrations/property tours

A film demonstrating the product takes less time and is easier to understand than reading a page of text. For example a thirty second video tour of a hotel would quickly give you an insight in whether you would want to use their services.

Educational/training

As previously stated you can use video for marketing by giving viewers something for nothing leaving them wanting more. Video can also be used to make training guides both for customers and internal use or marketing videos which can be filmed once and shown many times to save costs.

Making a direct profit from video

When you have specialist knowledge, revenue can be generated selling this advice on subscription video websites. Put a simple taster on public video hosting services such as YouTube, and direct interested viewers to the paid subscription site.

Making a video

Content

Keep it short, simple and informative - Internet viewers have a very short attention span. The video should be high quality and the sound is the most important part which must be clear and easy to listen to.

Planning

Plan your video carefully before shooting it. Think about the location, the content, the targeted viewer and your message. What message do you want to get across?

When filming, allocate plenty of time to set the shoot up. Think about lighting and getting the best look. Do you want cut aways to add interest to the video? Do you want music, effects or opening titles?

Where to film

Filming in a studio is the quickest, easiest and most cost effective solution and by using green screen, different backgrounds can be digitally put in place. Filming on location will give the viewer a more in depth insight into the company.

Where to host the video

When marketing your company using educational videos, use public streaming sites such as Google Video to direct new and untapped revenue streams to your company. Host sales videos directly on your web site.

Finally....

Small business that use video are still in the minority so use it to stand out from the crowd and share information in a way that's both interactive and compelling.

How ShootingBusiness.com can help you

By using professional camera and lighting equipment, ShootingBusiness.com provides you an affordable and professional Internet Video Marketing and Production service. We film on location and also have a small studio with green screen facilities. With your needs in mind, we can provide the complete package including scripting content, filming, editing, making Internet ready and hosting.

To find out more call 0800 5422 480.