Use Video to Enhance Your Marketing
There are many ways to reach your customers and those avenues are evolving constantly. One of the newest, but most effective, is the use of online video (“videocasting”). It requires very little financial investment and just a little know-how to get started. Before you know it, you will be able to offer short video clips on your website and via YouTube to reach new customers and offer a service to your existing clients.
There are many applications any type of business can use video for. Retail business can record a walk-through of their store including special features, customer service and sales. “Main Street” businesses can record basic maintenance techniques, like changing furnace filters, as a courtesy to their customers and a way to build interest and loyalty among prospects.
There are excellent reasons for service businesses to use video. You can have a conversation with current or future customers, giving them an introduction to who you are and what you do. You also can provide free training videos which builds trust in what you have to offer. Knowing who you are in advance improves the chances that viewers will reach out to you for additional services.
Videocasting isn’t expensive. There are excellent video cameras for $150 or less. You may already have decent video recording capabilities on your digital camera. Digitally recorded video clips should be 3 minutes or less. If you are sitting at a desk, use a tripod. If you are recording a process, it may be better to have someone else managing the video camera for you.
Natural lighting is always preferred, but make sure whatever you use is of decent quality. Keep your filming area quiet. But, do note that many successful entrepreneurs have built loyal followings while breaking every recording rule, like walking when talking or having moderate quality video. In the end, it is about offering something unique to your viewers. Be prepared to do several takes at first while you get used to the recording process.
Most video cameras come with free editing software. In the off chance it doesn’t, there are plenty of free or inexpensive options online. Many times you won’t need to edit and you can directly upload your video clip to YouTube. Be sure you have one set up in advance and that your profile includes a link to your company website. You can also use YouTube to network and communicate with your viewers and other YouTube members. Plus it provides free storage for your clips.
Once you have uploaded your video to YouTube, be sure you make it public versus private. This way people can find it via searches. Click on “share” in YouTube and it will provide you with the code that you can use to add the clip to your website and the URL link to share via email. Using video is a great way to build loyalty and rapport and to reach potential customers in a way your competitors might not have thought of.
With 30 years of consulting experience, Steven Schlagel provides training and coaching for startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners. Check his site for more articles to increase your success!
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