Social media is becoming a standard channel for instant communication, online marketing and sharing of knowledge. Whether you’re a fan or not, you really can’t ignore it. We are all becoming a part of it. One increasingly popular part of social media is online video. Not only is video being used for marketing, but it’s also becoming a common method of communicating and sharing. I recently started experimenting with online video for my own business blog. Although I’m only a few videos in and have a lot of room for improvement, I can already see some encouraging benefits. If you’re on the fence about using video in your business or on your blog, here is a compilation of some of the benefits that may convince you to get in front of the camera and give it a try.
You can build a rapport with your audience.- You will instantly become more personable.
- It can be a powerful way to promote your brand.
- You can motivate potential clients to act quicker.
- If your competitors do it and you don’t, you could be losing potential clients.
- You don’t have to type anything for a change.
- You can demonstrate your expertise.
- You can show your creativity.
- You can have fun.
- You can show your human side by posting a not-quite-perfect video.
- It may be easier for you to retain the attention of your target audience.
- You can develop a level of trust beyond what’s possible in writing alone.
- It’s an inexpensive marketing approach.
- You’ll show that you’re keeping up with technology.
- You can experience increased visibility in search engines.
- You can give your audience a way to benefit from your knowledge passively (it’s a lot easier to watch a video than read a screen of text!).
- You can provide targeted training.
- You’ll become more memorable.
- Consistent videos can build a different audience than you have through your blog.
- You can “show” instead of “tell.”
- You can reach more of your target audience.
- It can help you establish yourself as an expert.
- You can get people to come back to your site more frequently.
- You can tap into the emotions of your audience.
- You’ll make it easy for your viewers to pass on your message.
- You can use your videos to make announcements, share news and offer special deals.
- It’s entertaining for your viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Benefits of Online Video
What are the key benefits of using online video for my business?
Online video offers numerous benefits for businesses. It can significantly increase your online visibility and search engine ranking. Videos are more engaging than text, making it easier to capture and hold the viewer’s attention. They can also convey a large amount of information quickly and effectively, making them an efficient communication tool. Additionally, videos can help to build trust and credibility with your audience, as they allow you to show a more personal side of your business.
How can online video improve my SEO?
Online video can significantly improve your SEO by increasing the amount of time visitors spend on your site. Search engines view this as a sign of quality content, which can boost your ranking. Additionally, videos are more likely to be shared than text content, which can increase your backlinks and further improve your SEO.
Can online video help to increase my sales?
Yes, online video can help to increase your sales by improving your conversion rates. Videos can provide a more detailed and engaging presentation of your products or services, which can help to persuade potential customers to make a purchase. Additionally, videos can help to build trust and credibility with your audience, which can also increase your sales.
How can online video help to build my brand?
Online video can help to build your brand by increasing your online visibility and establishing a strong online presence. Videos allow you to convey your brand’s personality and values in a more engaging and memorable way than text content. They can also help to build trust and credibility with your audience, which can strengthen your brand image.
What types of online video are most effective for businesses?
The most effective types of online video for businesses can vary depending on your specific goals and target audience. However, some of the most popular types include explainer videos, product demos, customer testimonials, and educational videos. These types of videos can help to engage your audience, convey information effectively, and build trust and credibility.
How can I measure the success of my online video?
There are several ways to measure the success of your online video. These include tracking the number of views, likes, shares, and comments your video receives, as well as the amount of time viewers spend watching your video. You can also track the impact of your video on your website traffic, conversion rates, and sales.
How can I optimize my online video for search engines?
You can optimize your online video for search engines by including relevant keywords in your video title, description, and tags. You should also include a transcript of your video content, as this can help search engines to understand and index your video. Additionally, you should share your video on social media and other platforms to increase its visibility and backlinks.
What are the costs involved in creating online video?
The costs involved in creating online video can vary widely depending on the complexity of the video, the equipment and software used, and whether you hire a professional video production company. However, there are also many affordable options available, such as using a smartphone or inexpensive camera to record your video and free or low-cost editing software to edit your video.
Can I create online video myself, or do I need to hire a professional?
Whether you can create online video yourself or need to hire a professional depends on your specific needs and resources. If you have the time, skills, and equipment, you can certainly create your own online video. However, if you want a more polished and professional-looking video, you may want to consider hiring a professional video production company.
How can I make my online video more engaging?
There are several ways to make your online video more engaging. These include using a compelling story or narrative, including interesting visuals and graphics, using clear and concise language, and including a call to action. You should also make sure your video is relevant and valuable to your target audience.
Alyssa GregoryAlyssa Gregory is a digital and content marketer, small business consultant, and the founder of the Small Business Bonfire — a social, educational and collaborative community for entrepreneurs.
