In today’s fast-paced society, where instant gratification is the norm, traditional marketing techniques sometimes aren’t as powerful as they used to be. Thankfully, this society is also one that is consumed with online videos – an often untapped channel of marketing that has the ability to turn large amounts of viewers into customers. Online videos can and should be an invaluable tool that your small business uses for marketing purposes.
Experts suggest that just a two to three second video image holds more weight and makes more of an impact on viewers than any other form of marketing media. More than 81% of senior marketing executives have capitalized on this phenomenon by adding video content to their marketing strategies, and you should too. Below are five more reasons why you need to be using video marketing to promote your small business.
- Potential Clients Watch Videos
Videos are ideal for small businesses because they have the power to attract potential customer’s attention more than any other media source. And the reason is simple: people love to watch videos. YouTube, for example, has more than four billion videos views every day. Not only do 92% of business-to-business customers watch online videos, but 78% of people say they get on YouTube at least once a week, and more than 50% use YouTube every day. Furthermore, 48% of consumers say they trust online video ads, so they’re not just watching videos they’re trusting them too.
- **If You’re Not Using Video, Your Competitors Probably Are **
Chances are your competitors are using - and profiting - from videos, even if you’re not. Some studies have shown that companies doing email marketing can improve their email open rates by nearly six percent and their click-through-rate by more than 95% by using videos in their efforts.
- Videos Can Improve Your SEO
By including video in your marketing program, search engines are much more likely to target and pull your content. In fact, some reports suggest nearly 70% of the first 100 Google search results include video. Not only can this mean more traffic to your site, but it could also mean you don’t have to spend as much time optimizing other components of your site. Plus, videos can be used to bolster your company’s social media which in turn leads to more likes and shares and sometimes better rankings.
- Reach Potential Customers on Mobile
Did you know that more than 50% of all mobile traffic is dedicated to online video? And this statistic is only expected to continue growing. A recent study found that a quick 30-second ad on a mobile device has an estimated 88% completion rate. You could reach possible customers on their mobile devices through video marketing.
- Videos Tell a Story
Though mediums like brochures, flyers, and banners can communicate your business messages or advertise your product, they don’t generally make an emotional impact on clients the same way videos can. Not only can videos entertain clients, but they can also invoke emotions that connect to their hearts and minds. By using video as a way to tell a story, you have the opportunity to make lasting impressions on your clients.
**Example of Success **
The dental marketing company DentalMarketing.net recognized the benefits of marketing via video and went above and beyond to create an ingenious video series that is loaded with informative, engaging, and funny videos. Though your marketing videos will likely differ from DentalMarketing.net’s, you can create equally impactful videos that contain lots of useful information and engage customers.
Tips for Making Marketing Videos
Here are a few tips to consider while creating your marketing videos:
Are you selling a physical product? Give people a good idea of exactly what your product is by including details in your videos. What does the product feel like? What is it made of? What are its benefits? Think about including these details in your videos.
Consider making some of your videos in a how-to format. This is a great way to make videos interesting while also explaining the benefits of your product or service.
Feature real-life customers who have had positive experiences with your product. For truly organic content you can invite clients to post videos of themselves using your products or reviewing your services.
Give customers an inside look at your company. Perhaps you could have a series in which different staff members create a unique video every week, giving clients a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of your business. No matter how your company creates videos or what the content includes, using video to market your small business is absolutely necessary to remain relevant and competitive in today’s fast-paced society.
The benefits and advantages of using video in your marketing strategy will lead your small business to success in no time.
**About Matt Casady **
Matt Casady is an Online Marketing Specialist at Big Leap. He has a background in advertising and specializes in local search and content marketing.
