6 Ways Video Can Boost Your Business

Small businesses are embracing video in a big way. Why? Because video is simple, inexpensive and can be used to connect with customers in a very unique way. Not only that, videos get seen. In fact, YouTube is the second largest search engine getting 2 billion visitors a day. Contrary to popular belief, these are NOT just teenagers and twenty-somethings. People of all ages are using YouTube to learn “how-to, product features, professional presentations, product reviews and more.

Suffice to say that millions of people are watching videos online and through mobile devices and now it's your turn to get some of those views.

Revealing statistics:

“All told, 84 percent of the U.S. Internet audience watched online video in October 2010 “ as researched by Kelsey Group. www.bia.com and www.kelseygroup.com

Each week thousands of businesses produce a variety of online videos. Small business video is growing by 150% and more each year and for good reasons. Many businesses are finding a real profit in producing even the simplest online media. For example the online shoe store Zappos saw a nearly 30% increase in sales with simple videos of shoes, while eBags rejoiced over 130% conversion once consumers clicked on the video. But can small local businesses expect similar results? I will venture to say Yes.

How can your small business use video to increase sales?

Small businesses are great resources for information and creativity too. Local businesses have great stories and passion about their products, services and customers. Why not produce a short video series touting customer success stories or create an instructional video series.

Here are six kinds of videos small business can produce to grab some much needed internet traffic and attention for the buying public.

Demonstrate a Service Product Videos

Make a short series of 3-5 minute demonstrations of your service. If you have a “soft “ service like coaching, create a series of videos where you answer common questions of share before and after stories of how you helped clients with a problem. If you sell products, take a specific model and show people how and why to use that particular model.

Film Customer Appreciation Events

Does your business hold customer appreciation events like summer BBQs or spaghetti dinners? Next time take pictures and create a short documentary explaining what you are doing , for whom and why. These may seem old hat to you, but they are interesting to outsiders and it shares a different side of your business.

Video Live Product and Service Reviews

Product reviews are a great way to incorporate video into your marketing mix. You probably know more about the products you sell than most folks so share your expertise with keyword targeted product reviews. Be honest and specific and encourage people to contact you for more information.

Present Video Customer Testimonials

Nothing says success or failure louder than customer testimonials. Customer reviews have become one of the most viewed featured on the internet. People want to know about others experience before they risk shopping with you. Give them the info and enthusiasm of satisfied customers – live and on camera.

Show off - Introduce your Office

Small businesses are known for exceptional customer support, so take an opportunity to show off your staff. Give a tour of the office, introduce your key people and use video to let people experience your warmth before they visit you locally. Give small business tips, insider secrets or just say hello.

Share What Makes you Unique

Most small businesses have something that makes them special. Take this opportunity to describe your uniqueness in film. A few ways to do this would be to answer common questions, share stories about success or challenges or have customers tell others about it.

Create a call to action

• Invite folks to sign up for your mailing list
• Educate customers on product instructions and features
• Review Specific products
• Ask for customer questions, demos and testimonials
• Share customer successes and stories
• Film a “benefits” video

Video can enhance your online communication

Simple videos can enhance your companies ability to reach your local customers when they are looking for your products and services. Whether you use “how-to”, “product reviews” or informational clips, video gets your message seen. Another great reason to use online video is because the average web page gets viewed for seven seconds or less while the average video gets viewed for almost one minute – that is an almost 500% increase in face time.

Small business marketing is evolving fast and video is just one of the ways Tucker businesses can gain valuable online exposure and local sales. I have included seven videos that show businesses that are already using videos to promote themselves online.