As online video continues to grow, it is important for both you and your company to understand how video can be a great source for social media marketing (SMM). A recent study conducted by comScore in October 2009 has revealed that more than 167 million viewers watch videos in the U.S. This means that there is great potential for video marketing next year because videos allow customer interaction, building brand awareness, and encourage viral sharing (as mentioned in previous posts, i.e. Bing and WillItBlend?). Thanks to advancements in technology and growth of the Internet, it’s never been easier for creating marketing videos and being able to share through social media marketing (SMM).
Of course there are certain rules and tips to follow to make your marketing video effective. For example, it is important for the video to be thorough, yet concise. The best average time would be under two minutes, but 30 seconds would be even better. Also keep in mind that music should be kept to a minimum and simplicity is key. Below are more detailed tips on using videos to improve your business.
· Videos on Your Website – The simplest way is to embed videos, using YouTube or Vimeo, onto your website. Also, be sure to add a ‘share this’ feature so that others can share the video through social media, such as Facebook or Twitter.
· Selling Through Videos – Companies such as Mashable and Jivox have reported increased sales through online video. There are also services such as Wistia that provide statistics on the way viewers interact with your video.
· Online Video Ads – A research about online ads has indicated that 52 percent of people who have watched an online video ad took action, such as researching for more information about the product.
· Show and Tell – With the use of online video, you can now tell and show your customers your product. You will now be able to inform and show them the benefits and how to use your product, thus establishing more value for your product.
· Mobile – Mobile devices are wildly popular, thus making it imperative for your video to be adaptable for multiple devices such as smartphones.
Bottom line: online videos are great techniques for your social media marketing (SMM). Online videos are only going to grow from here; so it is vital that you and your company has laid down a strategy for online videos in terms of social media, PR, and marketing.
*Below is a viral ad just released by Epson, with game footage courtesy of Electronic Arts Inc., of a mobile man taking gaming to another level called Extreme Gaming. The video was just released yesterday and is receiving hundreds of views per hour.
Written by Chris C.