Internet Marketing Tips, Tools and Strategies

Video marketing is a great way to connect with your customers (or audience) and is playing a huge part in where the Internet Marketing industry is headed. Users are more inclined to watch videos now - they are easier, more dynamic, more entertaining, and more personable. Also, it doesn’t take much to get started with Video Marketing - you don’t need fancy equipment, a big production budget, or a super star in front of the camera.

Here are a few tips to create successful videos that promote your company:

What is your video going to be about? Think about that before starting to record. Target some keywords and not only use that in the title and description (more about this later) of your video, but be sure to actually discuss that topic (and keywords) in the video! Also, create an outline of your key points to help you cover all the items you want to discuss. Mentioning some of your keywords in your video is going to be more and more important as video search engines become more sophisticated and will continue to scan the content in your videos.  

An outline can also help you hook users in with content. I suggest “front loading” your marketing video by telling the viewer what they are going to get from this video in the first 10-45 seconds. You want them to watch the whole video and feel like they are being rewarded (or getting something) for watching the entire video.

Share your video and I don’t just mean on YouTube. Oh and by the way, you absolutely need to be on YouTube! Be sure to link to your video on all your social platforms – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. YouTube even makes this easy by allowing you to link to these and other social sites (orkut, tumblr, Blogger, Myspace, hi5, Bebo, and StumbleUpon) by clicking a link located under the video’s share tab. You should also consider creating a podcast feed for your videos.

Another great social trick to get more video views is to post your marketing video in the comment section of appropriate (for your industry) and popular Myspace pages. Example: sharing a cake baking how-to video on Martha Stewart’s Myspace page.   

Optimize your marketing video for search. When writing your video’s title, description and tags be sure to include your target keywords. Be sure to also include a link to your website within the description – hint: format your link like this - http://yourwebsite.com/, to make it clickable on YouTube.

Include a call-to-action at the end of your marketing video. You always want to direct your viewer to an action at the end of your video. YouTube allows you to add comments over the top of your video or you could always add a static page at the end of your video. No matter how you chose to do it, the point is to drive traffic back to your website for a sign-up, download, etc.

The last thing I want to share with you is this - Keep it short. Be yourself. Be energetic. Be comfortable.

Now get out there and start shooting your video!

Video is a rapidly growing method of communicating with online buyers and engages them with a product. Recent studies have shown that online video grew 124% in 2009 with over 18.9 billion views and the average person in the U.S is watching 187 videos per month.

With facts like that there is no denying that if implemented correctly video can help grow your business. However compelling statistics don't make the creation and marketing of a video any less overwhelming. There is a common misconception that a production company would be necessary to create a powerful video. The reality is that a simple, in-house videos can have a greater impact than professional videos because they are easier for the viewer to identify with. A small and affordable video camera such as the Flip HD is perfect for creating a video.

Once you've decided to make a video and you have the tools to film it you need a plan to make that video benefit your business.

Here are 5 tips for creating a successful video:

1. Creating Your Own Videos
Your first step is to decide on content. Think about what your target audience wants to hear from you. Promote something that is unique about your business that will hold an audience's attention. Consider promoting an upcoming event, a how-to video to explain a product's use or a product review.

2. Increase Website Conversions
A beneficial way to use video is to improve website conversion rates.
Create your video with a "thirty second intro" that really entices visitors to engage further with your video. You need to get their interest immediately.

Include video testimonials to greatly increase credibility and help the viewer to take the next step.
Share tips and advice with your audience. If you give them information they are looking for and share free resources with them they may be more inclined to see the value in the paid for products and services your company offers.

3. Search Engines
Search engines are unable to sort through what is being said in your video. In order to make sure your video is showing up for the appropriate searches you'll need a catchy title with your keywords and lots of comments. A video with more comments can preform better in search engines especially if the comments include your keywords. If you really want to make sure a search engine is finding your content you should consider a transcription service. Preferably one that is double checked by a person rather than a computer.

4. Marketing Your Videos
You have to spread the word about your video. Email marketing allows you to share you message with you prospects and clients. YouTube's audience is unbeatable in the video world. Post your video on YouTube and potentially reach 9.1 million unique users monthly. Syndicate your video with the free tool TubeMogul that reaches a dozen or more video websites. Writing press releases and blogging are also great ways to share your video.

5. Create a YouTube Channel
YouTube is the largest video network on the internet. Creating your own channel and archiving all of your videos gives users a branded place that represents your business to view your video content.

Don't let video marketing get the best of you. Follow these tips and keep your video in-house and simple and take advantage of the rapidly growing world of video marketing.

Watch our Webinar on Video Marketing for Business