Developing marketing ideas that will attract prospects and cultivate clients is one part of my business that I love! Over the last couple of years I’ve been talking to everyone about creating videos. There hasn’t been a business yet that couldn’t benefit from creating videos. Hardly a week (or a day) goes by that I am not tempted to click on a video in Facebook and watch. If you haven’t started using videos for marketing your business, you are missing out on a popular tool.
Now, you may be thinking one of these things:
- I don’t know what kind of video to create. (of course that is why you need to continue reading…)
- I don’t have access to good video equipment.
- I hate to be in front of the camera.
Here’s the good news! You don’t need expensive equipment, I’m going to give you a lot of good ideas, and most of them don’t require you being in front of the camera! Most businesses can create a short video – 30 seconds to no more than 2 minutes – using a low-cost video camera. There are lots in the $175 range. I have a Kodak Zi8 that does a great job. Someone you know may have a Flip camera. Easy to do: Power on, shoot video, upload to YouTube, and post. And honestly, I’m sure a lot of the videos that people create are taken using their smart phone.
Now, you’ve got the camera. Where are the ideas? Here are some of my favorites.
- Give a tour of your office or location. Let us see what’s going on inside. You might show us the shop where your products are made, or introduce us to your customer support person. If you are a restaurant, how about a peek inside the kitchen. If you are a retail store, show us some of your wares.
- Interview someone in your office. It’s nice to see and get to know the people you are working with.
- Interview some of your clients – we’re talking video testimonials. Many would be very happy to oblige. Just ask!
- Do some before and after videos. This could apply to building a house, style makeovers, personal organizers, or updating a website. Another variation that might fit some clients is explaining how your product works, or applications for your product.
- FAQ’s are great to create videos for. What do people always ask you? Create a series of videos answering one question in each video.
- Do regularly scheduled tips. Search for “legal minute” or “marketing tips” or something similar inside YouTube. You will find a lot of people give out tidbits of information in this fashion. If you are a fitness expert, create a video showing the proper way to do each exercise.
- Do a video blog. This would be just you sitting in front of the camera telling the story or teaching the information in the way that you would have written it down.
Most of those ideas can even keep you off the video if you are not interested in being in them. Find someone else to be in the video if that is an issue. However, there is great power in building relationships if prospects can actually see you. Don’t miss out on that! Another tip is to vary the setting of your videos. One time you might be in your business outfit at your desk. Another time you might be outside on your patio in more casual wear. The viewer is more interested in what they are going to learn from you than what you are wearing or how your hair looks. (Depending on your business, you will have to use good judgement as to how casual you can go. I’m a firm believer in looking presentable at all times…)
Are you using videos yet? Please share some other video ideas in the comments!
I really do love using video, however, I stop myself because I always feel like I need to make a big production. I will make a commitment though to now produce more simple, easy videos that my audience craves and desires. Thanks for the push, and I love the 7 ways to think about using videos!
Amy, great tips and ideas for bringing people into your world and helping them see behind the scenes. As an auditory and visual learner, I LOVE to not only watch videos, but listen to them. I often find myself cleaning or getting ready in the morning and bringing my IPad in with me and putting on an educational video – that I listen to in the background. Guess you’d say multi-tasking at it’s best. But you’re absolutely right Amy, teaching via video is HUGE – and this is a great push for me to just do it! Thanks for sharing your wisdom…and like Andrea says, the push!
OMG, Amy … This article couldn’t come at a better time for me! I have been SAYING that I want to add video to my marketing for almost two years … and I haven’t because I’m freaked out! I have a major fear and block around shooting myself on video and guess what? I HAVE to shoot one today for a speaking gig – Ack! I’ll be using my iphone cam for this one, so we’ll see how it goes!
Jennifer Bourn, Bourn Creative
LOL… I just read Jennifer’s comment and – DITTO! I’ve been saying it for at least that long too! These are really great ideas for the Laptop CEO’s like us who have a little resistance to being center stage, camera ready, the list goes on he he
Thanks Amy!
Andrea – a big production isn’t necessary. I always feel like I want someone to stand there and punch “record” at least. Luckily these new video cameras are so easy!
Brenda – I like the different learning styles part of your comment. And I can just picture you wandering around with your ipad and watching/listening to videos as you get ready! Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer and Gina! I need to get my own self in gear, too, to make more videos. In our heads we think they need to be so fabulous, we need to be wearing just the right thing, say our words in just the right way. Guess what? Probably not true. We just need to do it. I’m guessing if you wrote out a little outline for 6 30-second videos, by the time the last one rolled around, you’d be feeling like a pro! Although I might be running back into the house for a costume change on a few of them…!
What a great post Amy! I often find that the next hurdle, after getting over being camera shy, for folks who are new to video marketing is, what do I talk about!
You offer a list of great suggestions that make it easy to crank out content. No one is expecting a “Hollywood” quality production! Thanks for these great ideas!
Okay, I admit it, I am scared to death of video. Currently I do not have a business but I did just get certified as an Ananda Yoga Teacher and Meditation Teacher. Your comment about the fitness trainers really struck me. I could show people the proper way to get in and out of a yoga pose. I could also give tips about yoga and meditation. There is a lot of potential there that I would have never thought of before. Thank you so much Amy! When I get my next venture going and I do my first video, I will have to give kudos to you! :0)
utilizing video as part of your marketing strategy has never been easier or more affordable! i actually hired a professional videographer for my first few videos – huge, costly mistake. investing in my Flip is one of the best decisions i’ve ever made. you’ve given good examples to get just about anyone started.
Sydni – It’s funny – people could talk to a person over coffee for 20 minutes about a topic they know and love, but “draw a blank” when sitting in front of a camera! Appreciate your comment.
Kristi – Demos and tips on camera are great. You can always film someone else doing the pose while you talk through it.
Donna – I know a lot of people that have a Flip and love them! Good luck with your videos. The only thing I didn’t add was that you might need a $7 tripod to stand the camera on your desk or table.
Can’t wait to see what everyone produces!
[...] Make a list of a dozen videos you can create and write a rough outline for 3 of them. If you need some inspiration, see my post with lots of video ideas. [...]