As a small business owner, you’re constantly thinking of new ways to promote your product or service. Years ago, the advertising options were limited. Owners paid for an ad on the radio, TV or in print. Now, there’s a whole host of digital marketing options that are available, including video marketing.
By 2017, it’s estimated that 69% of consumer Internet traffic will be consumed by video. It’s an impressive statistic, but many owners assume the cost and time commitment to create and share videos isn’t within their reach.
What if you could make videos that market your business with your iPhone, or simple DIY tools? Don’t think it’s possible? Take a look at this video created by Bentley. It was shot entirely using the iPhone 6.
To inspire you to create promotional videos on your own, here are three videos that you can make. We’ve even included a list of possible tools or apps you can use to make the video in a snap.
1. How-to videos
One of the best ways to use video is to show customers how to do something that pertains to your business. For instance, a restaurant could show customers how to set the perfect holiday table, or a cleaning company can show business executives how to keep their desks organized.
Whatever your product or service, brainstorm a list of topics that you can show customers how to do.
Here’s a great how-to video from chef Jamie Oliver that explains how to make the perfect scrambled eggs.
Possible tools to use:
- Smartphone
Shoot and edit the video
An app that allows you to add text and music to a video
2. Show off a product
Looking to show off a new product or showcase a service that your business offers but few know about? Why not create a video?
Here’s a great example from a real estate agency showing off a new property that’s available. It has just eight shots, no music, and no voiceover – just a few cool shots of a luxurious home.
A video posted by Christie’s Int. Real Estate (@christiesrealestate) on
The idea behind a promotional video is to show consumers the product in a way that’s not overly “salesy.” Consider shooting a few clips of video of your new product in a unique setting, and edit them together with music in the background and text on the screen.
Possible tools to use:
- Smartphone
Shoot and edit video
A photo-editing app that allows you to edit video, add music and share on social
Turn still images into a moving slideshow
3. Explainer video
How can you explain what your company does to an audience? One of the best ways to explain your product or service is to shoot what’s called an explainer video.
The point of this video is to explain what your business does in a visual and succinct way. A lot of businesses put explainer videos on the main page of their website and see great results. Research indicates that explainer videos can increase conversion rates by 20 percent.
Here’s a great example from RealtyNinja, and another explainer video from Dropbox.
You could create an explainer video using animation, like in the examples above. There are several DIY tools that can help you make videos like that. Or, you could shoot a video where the owner sits in front of the camera and explains what the business is all about.
Possible tools to use:
- Smartphone
Shoot and edit the video
A DIY animation tool that helps businesses create animated videos
With a little time and creativity, you can create a video that promotes your product or service. Of course, there’s going to be a learning curve involved, but once you get the hang of shooting and editing video, you’ll be able to apply this marketing skill to a whole host of areas.
You can shoot mini-tours of your company, a time-lapse of an event you hold or a quick interview with a satisfied customer.
Don’t think of every shoot as an Oscar-winning opportunity; just focus on simple, executable ideas that are worth sharing with your audience.
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