If you’re looking for something new and fresh to change up your website or blog for the new year, delving into videos may be just the thing! Now, before you begin to think that, while you are pretty technologically savvy, there is no way that you could make videos to put on your sites... read further.
Videos open up a whole new realm of marketing, but maybe being in front of a camera, knowing exactly what to say, creating a well made video and posting it on your sites just seems a bit too overwhelming. We understand!
Not all of us enjoy the spotlight or have the time to make videos, but we just wanted to throw out this idea in hopes that you’re looking for something new and creative to do in 2011. It’s easier than you think!
Here are nine tips for creating better online videos from Entrepeneur.com:
1. You Don't Need Expensive Equipment: Consider using a flip video camcorder. It's a small camcorder that can shoot a few hours of high-definition video, and it costs a few hundred dollars at the most. It's easy to use, plugs directly into any USB port and even includes editing software to get you up and running quickly.
2. Don't Worry About Being Perfect: Chances are you won't like the first take of any video you create. It's OK to record a few extra takes, but don't let multiple takes slow you down to the point of taking weeks or months to finish your video. Find the key points, rehearse and then speak to your customers from your heart. Your confidence will grow as you get more comfortable in front of the camera.
3. Keep it Short: The less people know about you, the shorter their attention span will be when watching your video. Your prospective clients want to know who you are, what you do and, most importantly, what's in it for them. So give them the message in less than three minutes. Often, 60 to 90 seconds can be enough.
4. Include a Call to Action: So many websites have great videos but no call to action. If you want clients to call you or click on a link, then ask them to do so. You can also ask them to sign up for your e-mail list or visit your blog. If your video is focused on what's in it for them, you'll have their undivided attention. So take maximum advantage of this and prompt them to take the action you want them to take.
5. Make Your Video Visible: It must be on the first page of your website. Don't hide your video on some obscure or deep page an online customer will never find. Including a short video on your home page can keep visitors on your site longer. Make sure you keep your video "above the fold" on your site, meaning visitors shouldn't have to scroll down to view it.
6. Determine Whether You Want Your Video to Begin Playing Automatically: When your clients (or prospective clients) visit your website, do you want your video to play automatically? Consider that if your clients visit your website multiple times, you may want to consider having your video play on demand, as an automatically playing video could irritate them and make them leave.
7. Include Your URL at the End of Your Video: It's a great way to get additional exposure online, especially if you are posting it to YouTube or Viddler, as there are millions of viewers on these sites. Make sure your URL is in a larger font, and place it at the bottom middle for better viewing and exposure.
8. Upload to Multiple Sites at Once: Uploading your video to all of the video sites available can be time-consuming. There are paid tools and services you can use to upload your video to multiple video sites simultaneously.
9. Name Your Video Correctly: Give a relevant name to your video, and your video will show up better in search engine results. Your title should be something that matches what your clients are looking for. For example, “10 Mistakes to Avoid When House Hunting” will let viewers know exactly what they can expect. Use keywords in your title, and search engines will find it much easier to index your video file.
One of our clients, Joy Rice, who’s a Realtor in Flower Mound, Texas has done a great job in using videos on her website. She has a very specific niche market; those who love and/or own dogs! Many people are drawn to Joy’s site because she’s not only very professional, but down to earth and easy to relate to! Check out this video on her Pet Tips page on her website:
She’s given people just one more reason to go to her site and hang out for a while! This video gives her viewers great tips and something they can walk away with and use. We’re excited for Joy’s success in her video endeavors and hope you can find the same success in the new year!
Already broken in to the lights, camera and action of marketing? We’d love to hear about it!
Allie Coyle
Marketing & Copywriting Coordinator
Comments(3)