Web Video Marketing Ideas for a Difficult Economy
Most companies have had to make changes in this economy to stay in business. And as we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, this period should be seen as an opportunity. The playing field has evened out and everyone has a chance for a fresh start. I’ve spent some time talking with my marketing advisers, colleagues, and clients about some ideas for marketing through video on the web. Hopefully you’ll find some of these ideas helpful and applicable to your business.
Homepage Video
Its almost essential to integrate some type of homepage video into your website these days. These videos can explain your services or products, introduce a new promotion or sale, or simply animate your logo in a cool way so as to draw people in.
Viral Video
A video becomes “viral” when it gathers so much interest that viewers actually link or re-post it around the web. These are typically short videos that relate loosely to your business. Many of the most successful ones make you laugh and entertain you. Feel free to really think outside the box on these. If you think too closely about making a corporate marketing piece, it will come across as just that and viewers will diminish. The point is to get your brand floating out on the web in as many places as possible, and hopefully a customer will see the video and get them thinking about your services. YouTube.com, Hulu.com, and DailyMotion.com are 3 example sites to get your viral video rolling.
Product Videos
If you have a product to sell, its often difficult to show the customer what they are buying on the web. If you have a small boutique store or restaurant, it may be difficult to convince customers that it is worth actually coming to your establishment. Video can help by giving a 360 degree look at whatever you are trying to sell. If your product is too small or difficult to capture on video, animation can virtually illustrate its features. So instead of just offering a photo on your website, give your customers a full view of what they are buying. It increases customer confidence and likelihood of a sale.
Testimonials
Your website offers you the chance to paint a total picture of your business. Customer testimonial videos act as your business references. They instill trust in your new customers that they will be getting quality service or products. They are also a chance to show you’ve worked with customers from different industries or backgrounds. With a carefully crafted interview, you can point out key features of your business through these videos.
Video Blogging
Video blogging is a chance to show your customers what you know and more about you. These could be as simple as your CEO talking about your services on camera. But also they could be detailed instructional videos related to your business. Make people want to watch by educating them on some subject and showing off what you know. For example, if you run a boutique clothing store, you could do several segments on how to match outfits for different occasions. These videos could be a simple webcam or shot in high quality video or animated.
Well I hope these ideas help you plan a new approach to spreading your business out to the world. Don’t be afraid to try something new and unusual.
Ben Young – Head of Production
www.rapideyedigital.com
Rapid Eye Digital – Video production, animation, visual effects in the Bay Area, North Carolina, and New York.
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