Cutting Edge Video Strategies Why Use Video?
Trying to keep up with all of the changes on the Internet can seem like an overwhelming task, particularly for those who did not grow up with a computer by their side. Now that the Internet is going… video, smart business owners have started using it as one of their most effective tools in their marketing toolbox. Sadly however, most business owners underutilize this valuable resource. As you will read over the next few weeks, for those who embrace video, you will have a decided advantage over your competition.
Yes… I could talk all day about spending less money advertising and getting better results by using video, (And I will in a later article.), but for now let’s discuss, WHY?
Over the past few years, there have been three significant developments that have opened up the arena for video on the web:
1.) Broadband Tipping Point. The US has reached a tipping point in regards to broadband Internet service. Today, approximately 90 percent of daily active Internet users have broadband. What that means is that broadband provides enough “bandwidth” for the very large video files to play uninterrupted. The visual and sound quality is so good that even the major television networks use the Internet as a way to increase viewership and build a fan base for their shows.
2.) Standardized Format. YouTube has standardized the way we view video. In the past there were multiple video file options but today Flash /.flv video rules. Flash video works with both Mac and PC, and all Internet browsers! Not too long ago, if a website had a video on it, there was a very good chance that you would not be able to view it because of browser and compatibility issues.
3.) Inexpensive and Easy to use Equipment and Software. Consumers can spend as little as $100 for an inexpensive video camera like a Flip. Nowadays, just about every new computer system sold has a video editing software package already installed on the system. It’s no wonder YouTube has exploded!
The Internet in no longer the Information Super Highway, it’s now the Information and ENTERTAINMENT Super Highway. In August 2009, YouTube and Google served over 10 billion videos a month. Overall there were over 21 billion videos viewed! Whether you realize it or not, YouTube and the multitude of other video hosting sites are grooming our future clients. If you want a competitive advantage, your online marketing is going to have to inform and… entertain your visitors.
You can use video to:
1.) Stand Out
Every day of the week we are hit with over 3,000 advertising impressions. The conventional way of advertising is expensive and extremely challenging. How does one break through all of the advertising noise? For the top marketers, video is a key tool in their marketing toolbox.
2.) Counterbalance Skimmer Mentality
Nobody reads all of the copy on your website except for maybe your mother and your competitors. Video allows you to communicate your message in a compelling and entertaining way. This enables you to get the full story out to your prospects.
3.) Add Personality
Getting your personality across with copy is very challenging and if you hire a copywriter, very expensive! With video, your personality will shine through, enabling you to begin building relationships with every visitor.
4.) Evoke Curiosity and Tap Into The Entertainment Factor
The longer you keep people on your site the greater the chance that they will take action. There is no disputing the statistics; websites with video outperform sites without video. The use of green screen special effects in video can also create a lot of “curiosity” and “staying” (on the site) “power”.
5.) To Create Mini Traffic Tsunamis
Video TV shows have been known to flood websites with tens of thousands of visitors in just days, weeks and months after the initial upload of the video. Take the viral video TheTimeMovie.com which for the creator Scott Stratton generated hundreds of speaking inquires and pushed his contact list into the stratosphere.
6.) To Connect and Build Rapport
By using different types of video your business can connect in different ways. An interview format video may work better in one setting, whereas a quick, inexpensive PowerPoint movie might perform just as well or better in a different setting. The various types of video enable the business to take “baby-steps” to the sale. Studies have proven that customers who respond to multiple marketing media have a longer life time value than those that respond to the first advertisement they see.
7.) Video is the Future!
It is where we are “quickly” going. There is no such thing as “slow” when it comes to the Internet. For a short period of time, your business will stand out from the pack if you incorporate video on it. The top players have already figured this out and are reaping the rewards. Within the next year or two, most websites will be loaded with video.
8.) Oh Yea… To Increase Sales and Opt-ins
Want to convert more traffic on your website? Websites with video are realizing increases of up to 300 to 500%!
By: Charlie McDermott
About the Author:
Filed under Internet And Businesses Online by on Aug 21st, 2010. 