How Can the Little Guy Stand out on the HUGE World Wide Web?
You guessed it! Video of course! Why video? I have stated this before but it bears repeating:
“Online video is the future, the latest trend, and continues to rise in popularity. Key indicators point to corporations embracing online video as an essential marketing tool. In a 2008 Interactive Marketing study, Forrester Research predicted a compound annual growth rate of 72% through the year 2012 – the most robust of all interactive investments. Online video is expected to grow significantly more than search engine marketing, display ads, and email marketing.”
Watch the video below to see someone else’s perspective on the value of video:
But How Can the Small Business Owner Get on Board the Video Bandwagon?
Videos come in all different shapes, sizes, and price ranges. One does not have to be a professional actor/actress or a professional Videographer to be able to use video efficiently and cost-effectively to promote their brand. The easiest way to create a video is to turn on your webcam and speak. Most people today have a webcam built into their computers. There are some simple things you should take into consideration before you turn on your webcam, like lighting, and knowing ahead of time what you are going to say, but in general, it is basically as easy as turning on a switch. Using video in this manner creates a connection with your target market by putting a name, face, and personality behind your brand. People like to do business with people they know – video helps these people “know” you. It you as a small business owner, do nothing else but this type of video marketing, you are way ahead of the game. Think about all the different messages you can send simply by speaking these messages? You can create a welcome message for your website, talk about a new product or service, thank your customers…. the list goes on and on.
There are also other free or low-cost alternatives to creating video for you business. Animotooffers both free and low-cost video production options. There are some limitations with regards to having control over the effects and timings but for most people, this option is more than adequate. I am a little spoiled in being used to having complete control over these functions but I have also used this service when I need a quick video.
You can also create awesome and powerful videos using Microsoft PowerPoint which is what I use to create mine. PowerPoint 2010 has changed my life – literally – with the new “save as wmv” file option. Prior to upgrading to 2010, I was messing around with different low-cost software converters and was never completely satisfied with the results because the timings were always a little off. Upgrading to 2010 for the suggestion) was the best investment I have ever made making it a true pleasure to simply select the “save as wmv” option and know that my timings (that I do spend a considerable amount of time on) will convert exactly as they should.
Remember, it is all about branding and promoting your brand and using video is a means to that end.
Did you know that there are options available to help you make YOUR brand stand out for less than $50/month? These options are available starting at $14.95/month. You can see samples of the products HERE. Learn MORE about the video marketing tools from MyVideoTalk HERE.
Did you know that Video Killed the Radio Star? Do you want it to kill your small business?
















