Get Video online

So, you understand the amazing boost video SEO can give your website and you’ve made the first step of filming your video – you’re ready to broadcast it to the wide world. Just one problem – your video is sitting on your camera and you can’t get it onto your computer. Mocking you, it refuses to upload onto your computer so that you can edit it. Although your first reaction is to launch either your camera or your computer (or both – Oh yes we’ve been there –  out of the nearest window, here’s a quick checklist to run through.

Check your video equipment.

• Look at your cables. Are the ends blackened (which could suggest a shorting in the port)? Are all the connectors clear, clean and visible? Is there a break in the cable? Keep a selection of cables handy for just this problem. I’ve often had to replace cables that have been chewed by the dog!
• Check your ports. Do they look dirty or are there pins bent?
• Check your software. Is it up to date with no conflicts?
• Does your camera save your work in a file version that your software accepts? Always check this when shooting with a new camera for the first time. This problem is pretty rare these days as most digital cameras will download the software to your computer as soon as you connect it up. However, it’s good practice to ensure it’s going into a specific video folder where you can access it – that doesn’t always happen automatically depending on which camera you’re  using so worth checking during the upload process.

Video still refuses to upload

How does video improve the perception of your business?

Reasons why videos like this work…

• They engage your viewing audience
• They help you connect with people who need what you have
• They humanize your brand
• Engagement is one of the most important aspects of social media marketing – video is the number one tool for engagement.

Connect with Johnson & Johnson on Twitter here and you can also check out their videos on YouTube here.

Establish yourself as an expert in your field with a series of videos that show your customers how to do things properly. You’ll build your credibility and you’ll stamp your personality on your business – just like Darryl’s done here. We call it the video halo effect…

You can check out Darryl’s business here http://bertelectrics.co.uk/testimonials - and note how’s he used video on his website to give his prospects the testimonials they need to help them make a quick and easy decision to call him. You can follow Darryl on Twitter – @DarrylBertie . He’s got his bases covered when it comes to building his online visibility with both video and social media – a marriage made in Saucy Horse Heaven ;-0

Easy peasy! Can we help you use this approach to your online and digital marketing?

Video for your website

If you have big plans for your business, then a video is a great way of showing them to the best advantage. You can not only talk about your plans but can show them off with video clips and stills, which make it all the more interesting for your viewer – and future customer.

This video from the MD of Royal Windsor Racecourse does just that by showcasing everything that the racecourse does best, as well as plans for 2012 around their involvement in the Olympics.

This is a great technique that you can use on your own website for product launches, expansion details, new services, or simply a reminder that you’re there! How about a seasonal video – one every 3 months, say, that updates your customers and prospects on what’s been going on, as well as what’s coming up? Finish off with a call to action – get in touch today for your VIP voucher / invitation / code / offer… it can be anything that will encourage your viewer to connect with you. That way you are in good shape to keep in touch over the coming months and to eventually convert them into paying customers.

The Company Video X Factor

Now if the words you’d use to describe your business are “Dry”, “Humourless” and “Happy to merge into the crowd” (and more to the point, happy to be perceived by your customers as such) then let me save you the time – this blog is not for you.

If however you’re looking to make your mark – let your customers know WHY they should do business with you and not the company down the road then this might be of interest…

There are very specific reasons to use video on your website…

You rank higher in Google searches with a video on your website.

Some videos rank higher than websites for certain searches your customers make.

Video keeps people on your homepage for longer.

Video increases the likelihood that someone will make a decision to buy.

And what about just good old fashioned common sense? Videos are more interesting than static text and, more to the point, they help you build credibility in the eyes of your prospective customers.

So, if you’re still with me, and you get it, the next question is what sort of video for your website? You could just use a talking head (you speaking to the camera) and that often works on a certain level. Or maybe you’d like to tackle some misconceptions about your business sector? Perhaps you’d like to inject fun and a sense of personality into what you do – why you are different to your competitors?

Here’s how a couple of our clients have done this…

Quite different styles, you’ll agree, but you certainly get a feel for the businesses and what they’re all about. What sort of video would suit your business?

Who are you? Answer the question with video!

Looking for a great way to use video on your website and also tell customers who you are? You can’t go wrong with an introductory video!

Show customers who you are

Make sure that your video gives an accurate representation of who you are – your personality as a company and what you’re all about – or else customers are in for a shock when they meet you! Show who and what is important to you and the right customers will make the connection with you and your company.

Show customers your achievements

Don’t hide your light under a bushel! This video shows many of Nigel Botterill’s achievements in a humorous way, but also gets the point across. On-screen captions, voiceovers and photos can show awards and accomplishments in an easy to digest & palatable way.

Show customers your company.

Video the day to day goings on of you and your company.  Edit this into your video for background and colour and show your customers what kind of company you operate, and the way that your customer service ethic works in practice.

Show customers some great testimonials

Having existing customers offer testimonials helps customers see how you can help them.  Video testimonials are a very powerful tool; it helps build a trust and connection with viewers and potential customers.  You can help other people the way that you have helped the customers giving the testimonials.

Show customers something that they might not know!

This video works well because it shows a variety of aspects of Nigel and his successes –  from the serious – best-selling business writer, respected businessman; to the fun stuff – he can juggle! ; to the personal – OMG he met and got a kiss from Rihanna!  Viewers come away from watching the video knowing more about Nigel Botterill, his achievements, and how he might be able to help potential customers.

How can you use this style of video for your business?

Think of the video as an online business card. What would you like potential viewers to know about you? How can you adapt these ideas for your online company video?

YouTube Channels for Business

How does your YouTube channel look?  Is it a thing of beauty… or a place that you remember to update once in a blue moon??

Your YouTube channel fulfils many functions – it’s a driver to your main website, a library for your videos, and your way of showing to your customers who you are and what you do.  How can you make sure that your YouTube channel is achieving its full potential?

Driving Traffic To Your Website With YouTube.

Make sure that every video description includes your website address – right at the beginning. Not just a www but a working link. Annotate your videos with a call to action, encouraging customers to visit your site.  Make sure that your profile is up to date and includes full details of your main company website.

Creating Playlists on YouTube

Group similar videos together in playlists and highlight these in your YouTube Featured Page. You can focus on product lines, How-Tos, Company stories etc. Keeping your playlists up to date when you add new videos is important as it makes sure that returning customers will check them and new customers know what your company and product is about.

Spend Some Time on Your You Tube Account

Making sure that your YouTube account looks good and is kept frequently updated will pay dividends. Customers know to keep an eye on it and will subscribe to see your content.

So Where Does Pretty Woman Come In?

Youtube is the 2nd biggest search engine, behind only Google. It’s owned by Google so it’s only going to get bigger. It’s a massive opportunity for you to set yourselves as the expert in your field… the go-to when it comes to whatever service or product you provide. Are you failing to take advantage of a YouTube account for your business?As Julia Roberts says to the Rodeo Drive sales clerk in Pretty Woman. “Big Mistake. Huge”

Video Production for Business

You may think that your product doesn’t lend itself to video, but you’d be wrong!  Hazel and the crew at The Container Team wanted to have a bit of fun with their video while showcasing their product at the same time, and this is the result.

It’s a feel good video that is embedded on The Container Team’s website. So not only does it showcase the company and the product, it is improving SEO at the same time. Win all round!

(and I defy you not to singing “yes we do, do doodoodoodoo” for the rest of the day)

Let your clients know that you’re on it!

Making a video for your website is a great marketing tool for your company. But why stop at one? If you are in an industry where you can keep the content flowing on a regular basis then why limit yourself. We’re not saying every video needs to be a Steven Spielberg production.  We’ve put together a simple but snappy video for this Estate Agent in Maidstone to showcase all of their latest properties!

It’s simple and time effective and gives your viewers and clients the impression that you’re on it!

By creating more than one video you will then find yourself with an archive. And what can you do with this archive? Create yourself a library for your company’s videos on YouTube. With YouTube having over 4 billion views a day I think you will agree it’s definitely the place to be! So why not start your archive today? Do you have material that a video production company could edit for you?

Using Customer Testimonials in Video For Businesses

Using a Video to Launch a New Business

For companies launching a new product or service, a video for the website is a great way of highlighting the benefits of your product. Customers can get an idea of how they would actually use your product, and seeing it “in the wild” makes it more tangible and available.

This video, launching a new product, includes customer testimonials and an introduction from the company owner; which build up trust in the company and the product. It also includes a strong Call To Action at the end of the video, letting potential customers know where they can purchase the product

And all this in less than a minute and a half!  A short video for website that does an excellent job of promoting the company and the product!