Leaders from virtually every industry are asking, "Why does my business need a video?" Or they're scoffing, "Isn't that just a fad?" Others are in denial, believing their target audience doesn't watch videos online. All of these concerns combined with the projected cost of a video campaign may have your head spinning. If any of this sounds like your organization, it's time for a serious wake-up call. Every business from the tiniest mom-and-pop shop down the street to huge enterprises such as Google need to have video content. Without high-quality videos your brand, leads, and sales are suffering.
Watch the video and read on to find out why your business today needs video marketing as a part of your overall strategies.
1. Video is Popular
No matter what social site you're on it's pretty obvious that video is dominating content. When scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. videos are prevalent and shared amoung networks at a much higher rate than blogs. By posting a video online, you're opening up that content for sharing which can have a profound effect on your business, especially if your video goes viral. According to HubSpot 92% of the mobile video audience shares videos, which demonstrates their commanding popularity. In addition, on YouTube alone there are 4 billion views per day- video is extremely popular and your business needs to be part of it. If the apparent demand isn't enough to sway you, keep reading!
2. The Future is Video
If you're concerned that video is just a "passing fad" rest assured that an investment in videos will be quality content for years and years to come. All signs and studies point to videos dominating the internet of the future. A study from Cisco predicts that by 2019 video will comprise four-fifths of world-wide-web traffic, that's about 80%- an enormous percentage you don't want to miss out on being part of. Clearly, video is going to become even more prevalent and necessary as time goes on. Creating great content now will give your organization a leg up on competitors and those who wait until even later in the game to jump on the video bandwagon. Every business needs video now in order to remain competitive in the future.
3. Video Provides Measurable ROI
There are many metrics to track video success and to determine if your investment was worth it, spoiler-alert it likley will be. Websites like Wistia and Youtube provide tools to track characteristic such as shares, unique views, likes, etc. so you can keep tabs on your efforts and investment. Tracking metrics and setting smart goals will help you determine the ROI of your video. Keep in mind that 64% of users that watch a video are more likely to buy a product online. It's simple to use video data to calculate your success and ROI- painting a clear picture of video's worth.
4. Video Tells More
A 30-second video can say a lot more about your business than other types of content. Everything from your actors' facial expressions to lighting choices make an impression on your audience. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, just imagine how much is packed into a video. They give businesses the ability to say the most about their brand in an optimal amount of time for today's internet user. Your business can say much more about your brand with a video, making it worth the investment.
5. Videos are Versatile
A high-quality brand video can be used in many, many instances. Try putting your video in an email, did you know sending a video in an email increases the click-through rate by 96%? Say goodbye to hitting leads' spam and trash cans by adding engaging video to your next workflow. It doesn't stop there, a video in an email also increases the click-through rate 200-300%. Add videos to relevant blogs, landing pages, and social media ads to see conversions and engagement rates soar. Make sure you're also following inbound best practices while you're promoting videos to really see results. Creating a high-quality video for your business is helpful in everything from newsletters to sales pitches.
6. Your Audience is Watching Video
Sure all of these facts are impressive, but what does it all mean for your target audience? Are you worried that in your industry people are not consuming and engaging with videos online? To be blunt, almost everyone loves video content, from teenagers to baby boomers. It's true; For proof, YouTube reaches more 18-34 and 18-49 year-olds than any cable network in the U.S. Your target audience is likely watching videos online and by creating a targeted video that speaks to them your organization could increase brand loyalty, trust, sales, conversions and more.
7. Anyone Can Create Video
While it may seem like a daunting task, making a video can be as simple as owning a smartphone and using certain applications. If your business doesn't have the professional equipment, grab your iPhone and download an app like Instagram or Periscope. (P.S. while you're at it follow us on Periscope!) While you're waiting for approval and production of a more professional video, these social sharing apps can be useful to promote your brand and build customer loyalty. The best part is these apps are free! Also, there are different free programs for video editing in case your company decides to make a simple video. Working with a qualified, consultive team like those at ManoByte also simplifies the process, so any business can create a lead generating video.
8. Video Improves SEO Results
On top of the other inherent perks of promoting video content, a marketing video can also help boost your SEO ranking. If you're one of the many who struggles with elusive SEO, then this should be all of the support you need to pursue a video. It should come as no surprise, YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world after Google, and to top it off Google owns it. Using video to your SEO advantage is as easy as tagging your video, using keywords in the text, and utilize the video transcript. Not an SEO expert? Check out our blog that goes in depth on video and SEO.
9. Sell More Effectively With Video
When you invest in videos your sales team will sing your praises. No body wants to listen to a lecture-like sales pitch, but people do respond well to video. In fact, 59% of executives would rather watch a video than read text. This should ease your fears that your target audience is too "intellectual" for video marketing. Also, having product video content on your website can help nurture leads, so they become more sales qualified. To be specific, 90% of users say that seeing a video about a product is helpful in the decision-making process. Sell more efficiently by giving your audience what they want.
10. Video Connects with Audiences Where They are the Most
All smartphones and most mobile devices are optimized for video consumption. People spend an enormous amount of time on their phones, and the majority of mobile users share video content with their friends. Optimizing a video for mobile is a great way to reach your audience where they spend the most time. Since your clients have their phones on them all the time, it's crucial that any video you create is digestible on mobile.
That was a lot of information, but here is what it all amounts to- your business needs video. If you're on the soapbox at work trying to convince your boss that your business needs a video share this blog with them for a wholisitc view on video effectiveness. Creating and investing in a video for your inbound marketing campaign is a serious leg-up and one of the best investments you can make.
