One of the most common things I hear from my clients when it comes to fears around connecting with their audience is about video. Maybe some of these statements ring true for you but, a lot of Entrepreneurs say things like “I don’t like the way I sound” or “The camera makes me look fat”. Unfortunately, we live in a world where there is a lot of criticism in those areas however, it’s important to understand this. Yes, you will have your naysayers that say “Did he really wear that on camera” or “Why does his voice sound so irritating” but most of the people who watch you on video are surprisingly not watching you to critique you. Yup, it’s true, they didn’t wake up with the intent to criticize you and make you feel terrible during your video recording today. As a matter of fact, most people actually watch your videos because they are interested in what you have to say and your level of expertise in a specific area.
So why video as part of your marketing strategy for your new business?
According to Hubspot, 81% of businesses are using video as a marketing tool in 2020. That means your competitors are using it to tell their story. As a business, a strong video will give your brand and products more visibility. People can almost touch, feel and definitely see some of the benefits and features or expertise you offer as a thought leader in your industry. Businesses can see and know, especially since the pandemic, that people are watching more video today then they are watching television. According to google, 6 out of 10 people would rather watch online videos then television. Mobile video consumption rates are increasing year over year. Its easier to watch videos and people are doing just that. To elaborate on the value of video, YouTube is a hot commodity these days. All users combined view more than 1 billion hours per day. Now that’s a lot of video.
As a new entrepreneur, you might be asking, how am I going to do video, it costs so much money. Now, I will say this, there are certainly times where a well-produced video is important to maintain the quality and credibility of your brand. I do recommend it based on what your strategy is. A great video ad or a promo for a product or server as an example might be a good time to invest in a well-produced video designed by video experts. That said, you do not always have to go that route. If you are live on Social Media, Instagram and Facebook offer Live features where you can create and record videos right in their platforms to feed to your fans. Both platforms allow you to utilize notifications when your live video is about to start. They both also let you know how many people are watching as your video is occurring which gives you insight as to how large your audience is and what you should do to satisfy that audience as part of your live video. Both Instagram and Facebook live also allow your audience to engage with you through comments and liking. This is a good way to ensure that your audience is really taking advantage of the information that you are providing to them and digesting it with ease. Live videos are just that LIVE. They happen in real time although they can be recorded for later consumption by your audience. When you are doing a live video, remember to promote it. Do a post about it or even consider a paid ad for it. Remember, this is another way for people to connect with you. Through video, they will test your products and services. Its your way to make an impression. It deserves the attention of a marketing plan to promote it and drive its success. Remember to prepare ahead of time. Use natural lighting and film from a cozy yet non-busy location. You want the focus of the video to be on you and your content and not the busy background behind you. Practice your speech and be inviting to your audience. This video will live on and it’s a great way for you to connect a bit deeper with your target audience.
Once your video is done, remember to post it immediately. People who were on can access it again if needed but people who missed it still have access to you. Engage with your audience using comments while you are recording. You can then use the content from questions or comments in your overall marketing strategy. Video is a great way to boost your engagement so don’t be afraid of it. It can certainly work for you. You got this. Happy filming!
Need help with your Lights, Camera, Action video strategy? We can help. Email us at [email protected].
