Did you know that 1,300 people type "what is video marketing" into Google's search engine during any given month? That's a lot of searches but it shouldn't be surprising because this IS the digital age we live in, after all, and video is one of the fastest growing strategies used by small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) today.
Once considered a luxury due to high production costs, video marketing is more affordable than ever before since the playing field has been leveled for SMBs to compete on. So what changed?
Advances in consumer technology such as high-definition smartphone cameras, user-friendly editing software, and popular video sharing platforms have made video production and syndication much, much cheaper and easier.
According to a report by Wyzowl, 86% of businesses use video to market their products and services, way up from 63% several years ago. This high usage rate clearly illustrates the growing affordability and effectiveness of video marketing.
Types of Video Marketing Content
Product and Service Demo Videos. Demonstration videos showcase how something works, its features, and benefits. These videos are particularly effective for SMBs selling complex or innovative products. A well-executed demo video can reduce customer support inquiries and increase conversion rates.
Customer Testimonials. Customer testimonials and reviews are powerful tools for building trust and credibility. Videos featuring satisfied customers sharing their experiences can humanize a brand and provide social proof, making potential customers more likely to convert.
Explainer Videos. Explainer videos simplify complex ideas or processes. These videos are ideal for introducing new products or services, explaining their value proposition, or educating customers about industry trends.
Behind-the-Scenes Videos. Behind-the-scenes videos pull back the curtain and offer a glimpse into the inner workings of a business, fostering a sense of transparency and authenticity. These videos can showcase the company culture, production processes, or employee stories, helping to build a stronger connection with the audience.
Live Streaming and Webinars. Live streaming and webinars allow SMBs to engage with their audience in real-time. These formats are excellent for hosting Q&A sessions, product launches, or educational seminars. Platforms like Facebook Live, Instagram Live, and YouTube Live make it easy and cost-effective to reach a broad audience.
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Social Media Videos. Short, engaging videos tailored for social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook can significantly boost brand awareness and engagement. These videos can be used to promote products, share tips, or simply entertain the audience.
Why SMBs Should Embrace Video Marketing
Increased Engagement. Video content is inherently more engaging than text or static images. According to a study by HubSpot, 72% of customers would rather learn about a product or service through video. Higher engagement means better brand recall and increased likelihood of conversion.
SEO Benefits. Video content can improve search engine optimization (SEO). Websites with embedded videos are 53 times more likely to appear on the first page of Google search results, according to Moovly. Additionally, videos can increase the time visitors spend on a website, signaling to search engines that the content is both relevant and valuable.
Cost-Effective Solutions. With the advent of affordable technology and accessible platforms, producing video content has become more cost-effective. SMBs can create high-quality videos without breaking the bank, making video marketing a viable option for businesses of all sizes.
Building Trust and Credibility. Video content, especially customer testimonials and behind-the-scenes footage, can build trust and credibility. By showcasing real people and authentic stories, SMBs can foster a deeper connection with their audience, leading to increased loyalty and advocacy.
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Versatility and Reusability. Video content is versatile and can be repurposed across multiple channels. A single video can be shared on social media, embedded on a website, included in email newsletters, and used in presentations, maximizing its impact and ROI. Any video content you produce for your business becomes a permanent and valuable marketing asset that you actually own.
Bottom Line: You Should Be Using Video Marketing For Your Business.
Video marketing is now an indispensable tool for SMBs in the modern era. With its low cost of production and the many potential benefits, there is no reason for businesses to shy away from adding video into their overall marketing practices. By leveraging various types of video content, SMBs can boost engagement, improve SEO, build trust, delight their customers and new prospects, and ultimately drive growth.
So what is video marketing? Bottom line - it's a necessity for any SMB that wants to thrive in today's highly competitive landscape.
Need new video content for your business? Call me at 800.519.5391 and let's talk.
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