7 benefits of using videos in your marketing
Have you noticed how much more people are using videos in their marketing? Do you feel like you’re missing a trick? There are lots of reasons why you should be using videos to help market your business.
I’ve pulled together the 7 benefits I think will make a huge impact on your business. Have a read, and then scroll to the end to download my video marketing kick-starter guide!
Videos help you simplify your message
This year, we’ll see an increase in the use of videos on social media. Think about what you do when you see a video on Facebook or Twitter. I expect you to check out how long it is before investing your time. The reality is that we have shorter attention spans than ever before. So, if you’re going to make videos part of your social media, they need to be short.
The upside of this is that it really makes you think about what you want to say to help you achieve your goal. A simpler message is easier for your viewers to understand. Working out how to achieve this is good for you in honing your story.
Minal’s Tip: work out your goal for your video before you start. This will help you lead the viewer to the action you want them to take.
Videos help you work the social media algorithms
Whether you like it or not, Facebook is the biggest social network and one you should be leveraging. Facebook has been putting a lot of emphasis on videos, both native (you upload directly to Facebook) and live streaming. A Facebook video receives, on average 135% more organic reach than a Facebook photo. (Social Media Today)
What does this mean for you? You have a better chance of being seen because the Facebook algorithm likes videos.
Whether your platform of choice is Facebook or one of the others, video is becoming the best way to create engagement. And what does engagement do? It helps your audience’s wider network see what you do!
Minal’s Tip: the optimum length of videos varies from network to network, so do some research to find out what works best on the social media network you want to focus on.
Videos increase social shares
92% of mobile video viewers share videos with others. (WordStream) Imagine achieving that kind of reach for your business! Social media is all about getting your message out to your followers’ networks, i.e. extending your reach. These are people who don’t know you yet, but may be in need of your products or services – now or in the future.
The bottom line is that using videos in your marketing will help you to reach more people on social media. Don’t you want that?
Minal’s Tip: make your videos fun and engaging to encourage that all-important share.
Videos boost conversion rates
Businesses which use videos in their marketing achieve 27% higher click rates and 34% higher web conversions than those that don’t. (Social Media Today) So, using videos in marketing activities such as email marketing or landing pages will help you increase the number of people who take the action that helps you achieve your goal.
As small business owners, we really are our brand. Letting people see the person behind the business is a distinct advantage we have. It helps form trust and shows potential customers the type of business you are.
Minal’s Tip: If you’re using landing pages or email marketing, work out your follow-up before you make your campaign live.
Videos increase web traffic from search
Businesses using videos receive 41% more web traffic than those that don’t. Let that sink in. You could be benefitting from extra traffic to your website, which means the potential to capture more leads. You want to stand out from your competitors and what better way than appearing higher up in search results? Using videos on your website will help you achieve this.
Minal’s Tip: Keep your videos shorter than 2 minutes, after which engagement drops off. (Wistia)
Videos help create deeper connections
Remember I said that you are your brand? Well, you may not be able to speak face-to-face with all your customers or potential customers. Video lets you get in front of these people and show your authentic self.
Have you read the phrase “people buy from people”? Small businesses have the opportunity to give a more personal service, but you can only really show this by letting your customers and prospects see the person behind the business. Video is a great way to reach those people you can’t always meet in person.
Minal’s Tip: If you’re nervous about being in front of the camera, do a few practice sessions to get used to it. Believe me, it is something you can get over, as I’ve discovered!
Videos are a great way to use content you already have
When people think about creating videos, they are quite often put off because they think they’ll have to come up with new ideas. If, like me, you blog regularly, then you already have content. Whether you prefer to be in front of the camera or not, using content that you’ve already created gives it a new lease of life.
Minal’s Tip: Once you have your video, remember to link back to the original blog post to encourage people to read the full post, and capture leads.
I hope I’ve shown you how powerful videos can be. Writing this post has confirmed to me that I should be using more videos in my marketing. I’m off to put my own tips into practice!