If you’ve made the leap and joined the ranks of online video marketers, congratulations! That first video is always the hardest.
But now that you’ve produced your first video, what’s next? How do you not only maximize the marketing of that video, but also create new video marketing opportunities? Unless you want to succumb to the dreaded “one and done” syndrome, you’ll want to create a strategic marketing plan to use video regularly in your business.
As with any plan, you must begin with the end in mind. What are your business goals for video? Is it to grow your list? Build your brand? Generate more web traffic? Improve your credibility? Your goals will determine your direction.
If you said “all of the above” to the video goals we just listed, here are some ideas to keep your video momentum going…
1. Create a series of “expert tips” to share your experience. Short 1-2 minute “how to” videos are a great way to increase your credibility and expand your influence.
2. If you have a blog, add a vlog post every two weeks.Search engines love videos, and your readers will enjoy a dynamic change of pace from traditional blog posts. Added bonus: video is so much more personal and compelling than print alone!
3. Get some face time.Use a personal video message or video email to get “face to face” with your customers or prospects. Sending a video greeting, birthday wishes or thank you video has much more impact than a regular email. If you want to stand out and be memorable, use videos!
4. Make it an event. Whether you’re promoting a webinar or launching a new product, nothing makes a bold statement like a video. Adding video to your promotional plans makes your webinar or launch feel more like a special event. Again, it’s the best way to break up the clutter online and make sure your message gets noticed.
5. Live!You can do a live webcast or offer a “question and answer” video session using free platforms like Livestream or Ustream.tv. These web resources make it easy to turn on your webcam and go live whenever you want. A live webcast is dynamic, engaging, and highly interactive. (You may want to do a test run first, just to get comfortable with the format.)
However you decide to use video, it will kick your marketing into overdrive and accelerate your results. The secret is perseverance and strategy. Make a plan and stick to it. Anyone can make a video. The real winners online will be those who make online video a regular part of their marketing efforts.