As a small business owner, you know how important marketing is to grow your business. One of the most effective marketing tools today is video. According to recent studies, American adults spend more than five hours per day watching video online. This means that video should be an essential part of your marketing strategy.
In this guide, we will discuss the benefits of using video in your marketing, and how you can create effective videos for your business. We will cover two types of video production: DIY video and professional video.
Benefits of Using Video in Your Marketing
Video provides a powerful way to engage with your audience. Here are some benefits of using video in your marketing:
– Videos give your customers an impression of you and your business. It’s more personal than an email or blog post.
– Customers get more information in a shorter amount of time by viewing one well-made video.
– Video is used in marketing in many ways today. Short videos posted to Vine and Instagram are short and easily shared. Tutorials and vlogs on your website or YouTube are a bit longer and more informative.
– Video is an effective way to showcase your products or services. It can help you demonstrate how your product works or how your service can benefit your customers.
DIY Video
Small businesses often take the DIY approach to save money where possible. With the rise of mobile phones, it’s easier than ever to create your own videos. Apps such as Vine and Instagram make it possible to create short videos. They’re free and simple to use.
Here are some tips to help you create DIY videos that look professional:
Storyboard
Use paper or software to plot out each scene for your video and the dialogue or narrative that goes with it. Come up with a few versions, then narrow it down to the best one. This will help you stay organized and focused when you start filming.
Lighting
Poorly lit videos look awful. Make sure you have at least one bright light source. Whether it’s sunlight through a window or a floor lamp aimed at your product, be sure the thing you’re filming is brightly lit.
Script
Stumbling over your words makes you sound like a novice and increases editing time. It helps to practice speaking a few times before shooting, even if it’s only a few second clip for social media. The script is even more important when filming a longer video, such as a tutorial for YouTube.
Sound
Tiny smartphone microphones aren’t the best at capturing clear sound in your film production. Be sure there is silence when you’re filming (unless background noise is intentional). Try using the earbuds with mic that came with your phone for clarity. You can also purchase a microphone that plugs into the 3.5 mm jack on your phone or a clip-on mic.
Stability
Don’t make your customers nauseous with shaky video. Invest in a tripod before shooting videos for your business. Choose a full size tripod or a little Gorillapod® depending on what and where you’ll be filming. Some lower end tripods can droop or slowly move while filming, so look out for that while testing it out.
Image Licensing
Avoid getting sued by only using commercially licensed images and video clips. You’ll either need to purchase a license, get permission from the creator, or use Creative Commons (CC) images. Be aware “free to use” and CC works are not always commercially licensed. Read the fine print to be sure you’re allowed to use the image.
Professional Video
Even if you’re able to film a decent video yourself, you may not realize just how labor-intensive video editing is. It can be a lengthy and complex process to get to the final polished version of your video. While you may be capable of doing the editing yourself, it may make more sense as a business owner to pay a professional to spend hours creating a great video for you while you focus on other responsibilities.
Here are some reasons why you may want to consider hiring a professional to create your videos:
– Hiring professionals to create your video will ensure a polished final product.
– The obvious difference in quality gives the impression that your business is trustworthy.
– When it comes to video ads, tutorials, help videos for your product, and any video featured prominently on your website, you’ll want to consider investing in a professional to create your videos.
– The impact it has on your customers is invaluable.
Conclusion
Video is a powerful tool that can help you grow your business. Whether you choose to create DIY videos or hire a professional, make sure that your videos are informative and engaging. With the right approach, video can help you connect with your audience and achieve your business goals. Start experimenting with video today and see how it can benefit your business.
