Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
By Elena Stewart
Having a marketing strategy is essential for any small business, but it can be difficult to know where to start, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Luckily, video marketing is an increasingly accessible and effective way to reach your target market and promote your product or service. In this guide, Succeeding in Small Business covers the basics of video marketing for small businesses so you can get started right away.
Choose your video type
There are quite a few different types of videos you can create for your small business. Some common types include product demonstrations, testimonials, brand awareness ads, educational content, how-tos, and behind-the-scenes footage. The type of video you create will be determined by your business goals. For example, if you want to increase brand awareness, a brand awareness ad would be most effective. If you want to increase sales of a particular product, a product demonstration would be most effective.
Identify your target market
Before you can create an effective video marketing campaign, you need to identify your target market. Who are you trying to reach with your message? Consider factors like age, gender, location, and interests when choosing your target market. Once you know your target market, you can create content that resonates with them and speaks to their needs.
Keep costs In mind
LinkedIn points out that one of the great things about video marketing is that it’s relatively affordable compared to other forms of marketing. However, it’s still important to set a budget for your campaign so that you don’t overspend or get in over your head financially. When setting your budget, consider how much you can afford to spend on production costs as well as promotion and advertising.
Use stock video
Incorporating stock footage into your campaigns can bring motion and life to your video advertisement, while also saving time and money. When looking for stock video, there are a vast number of libraries to choose from; most have millions of selections in numerous categories like business, technology, nature, travel and much more. Finding royalty-free videos that perfectly fit your company’s style can help create a message that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Put your videos to work
Once your videos are created and edited, it’s time to publish them! There are a number of different places where you can publish your videos online, including social media channels like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram; video hosting platforms like Vimeo; and even your own website or blog. Experiment with different platforms to see what works best for you and determine where your target market is most active.
Show off behind the scenes
Using video marketing to showcase your company’s 3D design process, for example, is an effective way to demonstrate the value and innovation behind your products. By highlighting the importance of design software, you can emphasize the precision and creativity involved in bringing your concepts to life. A good software solution is crucial for producing high-quality 3D designs, and sharing this process through engaging videos can captivate your audience, building trust and credibility. Ultimately, incorporating video marketing into your promotional strategy allows potential clients to witness firsthand the expertise and cutting-edge technology that sets your company apart from competitors.
Combine video with content marketing
Adding video to your content marketing efforts can be a great way to engage your audience and add an extra dimension to your story. When done well, video can capture the attention of your viewers and help you stand out from the competition. There are several ways to add video to your content marketing mix, so find the approach that best fits your goals and audience. For example, you could use video as a lead generation tool by including a call-to-action at the end of each video. Alternatively, you could use video to build brand awareness by creating engaging and shareable content.
Track your efforts
Digital Marketing Institute notes that it’s important to measure the effectiveness of your video marketing campaign so that you can make adjustments as needed and continue producing content that resonates with your target market. There are a number of metrics you can use to measure the success of your campaign that will give you insight into what’s working well and what areas need improvement.
As a small business owner, you know that every little bit counts when it comes to marketing. So why not take advantage of one of the most popular channels out there and add videos to your marketing mix? Videos can help you reach a wider audience, build trust with potential customers, and boost your bottom line. Plus, thanks to the rise of social media, creating and sharing videos has never been easier. And if you’re on a budget, consider using royalty-free stock videos. Get started today and see the results for yourself!
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Elena Stewart is a certified life coach who specializes in the teachings of Brené Brown, Danielle LaPorte, and Marie Forleo. She successfully transitioned from the corporate world to running her own business, and she now helps others achieve their career goals and dreams.
