With rising competition in the digital world, businesses are exploring new strategies and content formats to level up their game. It doesn’t mean you have to start promoting aggressively; instead, take a smart approach to captivate audiences. In addition to offering solutions through blogs and articles, bring some visual elements to your content strategy. Although images and infographics can do wonders, nothing beats videos. After all, people have become addicted to videos these days.
From binge-watching Netflix to consuming content on YouTube – videos are trending tremendously. So, why not hop onto video marketing? You can use videos to spread your brand message across, give product demos, or upload customer reviews. It is one of the most prevailing content mediums for storytelling that leaves an impact on audiences. Likewise, consuming content through videos is far less time-consuming than reading information-packed blogs and articles.
As a result, you can connect with audiences while strengthening relationships with them. However, refrain from making videos sound like a sales pitch because people don’t like direct advertisements. Your aim should be to entertain audiences while subtly putting your brand message across. In case you are foreign to the world of video marketing, have a look below. Here we are listing five ways to prepare your videos for branding this year.
1. Draft a Stellar SEO Video Strategy
Surprisingly, SEO goes beyond blog posts and articles. After Google, YouTube is the second largest search engine that is specifically for video searches. As people use these networks to find videos, make sure your videos are visible. Firstly, streamline user experience to ensure people enjoy your video content. After all, user experience is what search engines love the most, so don’t mind going the extra mile for it.
Besides all graphics and sound effects, consider adding timestamps to the YouTube’s video URL. It would take viewers directly to the point where you want them to watch, a perfect choice for long videos. If this sounds tricky, integrate a savvy tool like designrr software to add timestamps and modify the URLs. It would also let you crop videos for editing purposes, improving visibility and rankings. You can also use eye-catchy titles to capture attention but remember to keep them informative and short.
Moreover, add keywords to your video description with a website link to open doors for better indexing. In addition to boosting rankings, it will help users understand what your video covers.
2. Prepare for A Marvelous Beginning!
According to Cision, an average user’s attention span is eight seconds. Therefore, you have to bring the brand’s story to life quickly to capture audiences’ attention. Otherwise, people will end up scrolling their feed. Firstly, provide clarity about your video in the opening sentence. It gives viewers confidence that the video is worth their time. Similarly, you can create a hook and give a quick preview of what’s coming up in the video.
Also, upload an attractive thumbnail to make viewers feel excited while leaving a lasting impression. You can even begin your video with a question, insight, or anything that appeals to the audience. However, avoid using burry or motion-filled shots because people don’t like low video quality.
3. Choose A Video Format
Before hiring a video production team, understand your target audiences’ preferences and tastes. Is there a need for your product? Are they aware of your brand’s existence? Asking these questions will help you select a suitable video format, driving traffic and leads to your website. For instance, if users are at the top of the funnel – awareness stage, brand and product videos would be more appropriate than testimonials. Here we are listing five different types of videos you can create to draw in audiences’ attention.
- Brand Videos: The goal of brand videos is to create awareness around your company and intrigue customers. You can highlight your vision, mission, or values.
- Educational Videos:You can use these videos to teach something to the audience. It will build a strong foundation, helping them understand your business and solutions readily.
- Testimonials: As word of mouth holds a lot of importance today, request customers for testimonials. These are videos of customers giving reviews about your brand that establishes trust in the digital markets.
- Live Videos: These days, people want to learn about the brand inside out. Surprisingly, live videos can give audiences a special ‘behind the scenes’ look at your company. It engages viewers and establishes your brand’s credibility.
- Product Demos: Indeed, products and services come with instructional pamphlets, but why not offer something more to your customers? Whether it is downloading software or assembling a product, explaining the procedure through videos is more effective. Thus, feel free to give a shot to product demo videos.
4. Focus on Stories, Not Sales
Video marketing goes beyond promotions because it focuses on creating value for the viewer. Thus, videos solely focusing on a brand selling products and driving sales won’t get any videos. The most likable videos are the ones that tell stories and connect with viewers. You can tell stories about your brand, its emergence, the obstacles you came across, etc. It will help users understand your company’s mission and its offerings.
You can take inspiration from Coca-Cola’s advertising strategy. It spreads a message of friendship and culture while explaining how their product brings people together. Alongside promoting the brand message, marketers keep the viewers hooked through their story. So, consider creating a storytelling arc from the first frame and see how your audience perceives it.
5. Pick Distribution Outlets
Once you have stellar videos ready for the campaign, find the right distribution channels to deliver content to your target audiences. Firstly, you can upload the video on your website even if it doesn’t generate much traffic. Google sees videos as a potential ranking factor which means, you will have new visitors to watch your videos. Secondly, publish it on the brand’s YouTube channel.
You can also share videos candidly on social media forums like Facebook, Twitter or embed them in emails. Once your video is all over the digital world, find new ways to promote it. In addition to creating brand awareness, promotions can also expand your customer base.
Final Words
Undeniably, a lot of hard work, sweat, and time goes into creating high-performing videos. Luckily, with the right plan, strategies, and loads of creativity, you can capitalize on the video’s potential and generate incredible results. It highlights your brand in the crowded marketplace, builds authority, and brings new customers to the business. Hence, delve into different video types, gather some social proof, and prepare stellar videos for your marketing campaign.
