Many small business owners shy away from video marketing because they’re camera-shy and don’t want to be the “star” of the video. However, even if you don’t do well in the spotlight, you should still consider using videos as a marketing strategy for your small business.
Whether you want to be the main focus of your videos or not, here are four ways to produce your videos.
1) Someone Else Is The Star. If you don’t want to be the main focus in your videos, you can always have a business partner, employee, assistant or someone else associated with your small business be the star. It’s important to keep in mind that they need to have a strong grasp of your business and be able to relate it effortlessly to your viewers.
2) Record Your Screen. Screen capture software allows you to record what you’re doing on your computer screen along with voice narration. You can create instructional videos, demonstrations, or a powerpoint presentation. Usually screenware capture software is well over $200. However, there is a free alternative available at: www.jingsoftwareproject.com Jing has excellent editing capabilities and allows you to convert your videos to many different formats.
3) Use a Free or Low-Cost Service To Produce Your Video. You can put together an interesting presentation highlighting your products or services using pictures, music and text. One such video service can be found at: www.Animoto.com. If your presentation is 30 seconds or less, the service is free.
4) Make Your Own Picture Movie. In addition, if you are a “do-it-yourselfer,” you can download free movie editing software (Windows Movie Maker for PC’s or iMovie for Macs) to use on your own computer. You are then able to import your own pictures, your own music and even your own voice narration.
5) You Are The Star. If you are not camera-shy, starring in your own videos is a great option. When you talk directly to your audience, it helps them understand that there is a real person behind your small business. It allows them to connect and relate to you. Of course, if you focus on educating your prospects and giving them tips and strategies related to your industry, they will also perceive you as an expert in your field.
So, even if you aren’t a natural-born movie star, you can still use the power of video marketing to bring extra exposure to your small business.
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Useful post. I was really surprised when I tried it out and found how effective just a powerpoint presentation can be.
Thanks!
You’re right Lesley…powerpoints are one of my all-time favorite ways to market using video!
This can only go so far, but you can also create video testimonials starring your customers. One of my customers actually produced a video testimonial for me and I didn’t even have to ask him. I’d never thought of doing this before then, but I posted the video on my site and several video-sharing sites soon after and it’s brought me a lot of new business. I think I need to use some of the suggestions above though and expand on this.
Excellent reminder! Yes, video testimonials are VERY powerful. Obviously, they are more powerful than a written testimony since they are obviously real.