Marketers all across America are turning towards video. And it’s easy to see why.
Small businesses in Milwaukee can use video marketing strategies to give their business a boost. This article will explain why video marketing is a good idea and some simple strategies to incorporate video marketing in Milwaukee.
Why Use Video Marketing?
Video is engaging. It stands out from the crowd. You will impress consumers by creating well put together videos for your company.
A recent study found that 85% of all internet users in the United States watched video content monthly on one of their devices. And 54% of consumers want to see more videos from businesses they support.
Video content is very much in demand. Consumers are more likely to pay attention to a video as long as that video is engaging and timely. People skim written content. When you use video you have their full attention.
Millennial consumers have a strong preference for video. If your business caters to millennial consumers you should invest in video marketing.
When used appropriately a video marketing strategy can work hand-in-hand with your other marketing strategies to boost your results. There is a great amount of opportunity for businesses that invest in video marketing.
1. Video Ads
Video ads are short attention-grabbing videos. They highlight your companies best features and show the viewer beautiful imagery. Video ads have a clear call to action at the end.
You’ve probably watched video ads. They are the most common type of video used by businesses. They are commercials on TV, streaming services, YouTube, and Facebook.
The goal of a video ad is to attract new customers. They have broad appeal and tell the viewers just enough to make them want to learn more.
Video ads are memorable and stick with the viewer. If this is the viewer’s first time being exposed to the brand, chances are they won’t forget it.
Video ads are short. These days the typical video ad is between 6 seconds to a minute long. Popular video strategies for video ads include placing them on your website, social media, or even TV.
Your video ad should represent your brand in a quick and easy to watch format.
2. Video Content for Social Media
Video content for social media differs from a video ad in a few ways. These videos are created to be shared specifically on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or Pinterest.
They are fun, playful, and engaging. Use videos as part of your organic content or your paid social strategy.
Video content includes lifestyle shots or scenes related to your product. They may have small interviews with people at your company or sound bites. Or they could simply be beautiful shots of your product.
Video content for social media is used to engage potential customers and current customers. These videos can fall into line in many places along the buyer’s journey.
Keep your videos short. The best performing video content is usually 1 minute or less. Different social media platforms have different specs for your video. There are also different tools you can take advantage of such as looping, autoplay, and muted play.
Showcase videos from an event or a conference. People have a fear of missing out. They will watch your video to see what they could be missing.
3. How-to Videos
Maybe you have a service business and you’re trying to figure out how to use video marketing to promote your services. There are lots of uses for video marketing for service-based businesses and how-to videos are a great tool.
A mechanic could create a video showing how to check your oil or how to change a tire. These are all things that relate to his business and could help him engage more within his online community.
If you are an interior decorator you could produce a how-to series on tips for decorating. Video marketing ideas are endless for service-based businesses.
Teach your audience about your company and your brand. Show them a useful skill that is related to your industry. These videos will showcase how your company can solve the problem.
How-to videos are a great introduction to your business. They will show what your company does and why it matters. These videos are typically 2 to 3 minutes long, but sometimes as long as 15 minutes. It depends on how in-depth you need to go. Some businesses break longer videos into chapters. Regardless, the videos should have a strong call to action at the end.
When you are brainstorming how-to video ideas your company can create think about some typical problems or questions you hear from customers.
Then showcase how the problem can be solved while also showing that your company is helpful and experienced. Tell your audience why they should choose your company.
4. Video Testimonials
Video testimonials are powerful. They show real current or past customers talking about their experience with your product.
Consumers value honest feedback. Testimonials are more powerful than anything you can say about your own company. A recent study shows that 90% of consumers say that a review influenced their decision to buy.
Video testimonials are reviews of your company in a video format. These can be even more powerful than an anonymous online review because consumers can see the people leaving the review and identify with them.
Customer testimonial videos should be between 30 seconds and 2 minutes long. They should focus on happy customers. You can feature one customer or many. It’s up to you.
These videos can be published almost anywhere. Use them on your website, social media, or yelp.
Just make sure the testimonials are authentic. Testimonials that seem faked or forced could hurt your business instead of helping it.
5. Product Videos
Product videos focus on the features and benefits of your product. Show your product in action and show people how to use it.
The main goal of a product video is to attract new customers. These videos can help in the product research stage. Show them why your product is useful and necessary. Consumers will wonder how they ever lived without it.
Tell consumers what makes your product the best. These videos are encouraged to be 1 minute or less but can be as long as 2 to 3 minutes depending on how in-depth your business needs to be.
These videos can be shared through email, paid advertising, social media, or on your website.
Use high-quality production and a well thought out script and you are in business.
Video Marketing Strategies Are Here to Stay
Video marketing isn’t going anywhere. The return on video marketing strategies is worth the initial investment for your small business in Milwaukee.
Highlights Media is a full-service production company. We provide everything you need to produce high-quality videos for your business.
If you own a small business in the Milwaukee area we’d love to help you with your video marketing project. Contact us today for a free quote.