Video marketing isn't a new flashy way for big companies with idea studios to get people to buy things. No it's more real and down to earth. So what makes video marketing so effective especially for small businesses?
How often do you look at social media? Video naturally grabs your attention whether it's stories on Facebook Instagram Reels or TikTok trends. A study by Wyzowl found that 86% of businesses use video to market their products. This shows how much people want it. People learn more when they watch videos. They tell stories show how people feel and show things that words alone can't always do.
But here's the thing small businesses don't need movies like Spielberg's. A simple well made video made with tools like Utilise the Power of Video to Increase Visibility and Profits or even just your smartphone can connect with people better than content that is too polished. Being real and relatable often wins big.
Video is like a magic lamp that tells stories. It helps you tell your story in a way that keeps people interested. But you also need to be honest. Don't try to be perfect just be who you are. There is a story behind every business or more than one! And trust me customers love stories.
Think about showing "behind the scenes" content. Showing the good the funny and even the coffee spills in a day in your life can make your business seem more real. People spend their money on people not brands that don't have a face. People feel connected when they get a little peek behind the curtain. According to HubSpot 54% of people want to see more videos from businesses. So why not tell them a true story to get their attention?
For instance a bakery could talk about how they make a certain pastry from mixing the ingredients to how good it tastes when it comes out of the oven. Stories that make you happy nostalgic or just smile are what make you stand out and most importantly trustworthy.
People expect to talk to each other these days. Video marketing doesn't just go one way. It's not hard to get your audience involved all you have to do is invite them into your space.
You can get help with calls to action. It may seem easy to say "What do you think?" or "Let us know in the comments" at the end of the video but these phrases really work. Engagement metrics like comments and shares can help you figure out what your audience likes. Your videos are doing well if you get more of these kinds of comments.
Live videos are also important. You can have live sessions on Facebook and Instagram whenever you want. They can be a Q&A a product launch or just a friendly chat. People may feel like they need to act quickly and that they are special when they can talk to each other in real time. A blog post called "How to Leverage Stories and Ephemeral Posts on Social Media" says that 80% of users would rather watch live video from a brand than read a blog. It has power because it is personal and immediate.
All right let's talk about where to show off your awesome videos. The loud digital world has a lot of options and opportunities. Knowing who your audience is and where they spend their time is important.
Younger people have fun on Instagram and TikTok. Facebook and YouTube on the other hand are more popular with people of all ages and backgrounds. But here's where being clear helps you don't have to be everywhere. Choose two or three platforms where you see the most potential or current engagement instead.
YouTube is a search engine as well as a place to store videos. Add keywords that are relevant to the titles descriptions and tags. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you. You can play with trends hashtags and partnerships on Instagram and TikTok though. You can become famous overnight by doing a strange challenge or posting about a trend.
Your video is now out there in the world. When you hit "publish " it's a cathartic "ta da" moment. But what happens next? Put on your analytical hat and see if it's working.
You can get quick feedback on your posts by liking sharing and commenting on them. But metrics like watch time and retention rate give you a better idea of the whole picture. When most of your audience watches your video it means that the content is good. You might need to change the introduction length or relevance of your videos if people don't watch them for as long as you want them to.
It's also important to get conversions. Watch what people do after they watch the video if you want them to visit your website buy your product or sign up for your newsletter. Links with UTM codes or built in analytics on sites like Facebook Insights and YouTube Analytics can be helpful.
And don't just look at the numbers pay attention to your viewers. Their comments questions and reactions are often more helpful than any statistic. It's important to remember that video marketing is just as much about making a real connection as it is about making a plan.
To sum up video marketing isn't a quick fix it's a mix of creativity understanding and interaction. As a small business owner you can use this tool not only to make sales but also to build relationships that last beyond the checkout. Have fun filming!
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