Videos – The Future of Advertising

Did you know that Youtube is the second most popular search site after Google?

People are drawn to videos and many a business has found its sweet spot on Youtube, as much as their website or blog. Video is a great attention-getter on any website or blog, and can make your business stand out. And it actually does boost the bottom line. Here’s some recent stats from the US.

1. Online retailer Living Direct found that videos boosted conversion and time on site by 9%.
2. Internet Retailer reports that visitors who view product videos are 85% more likely to buy.
3. Retail site visitors who view video stay two minutes longer and are 64% more likely to purchase.
4. In tests merchants such as Archie McPhee experienced conversion rate increases averaging 30%.
5. According to Internet Retailer, Shoeline.com saw a 44% increase in online sales conversions by using online videos to showcase their products. (N.B. We suspect that running parallel in-store videos on cheap wide-screen TVs would boost in-store sales too!)

The bottom line is if you want to increase conversions, USE VIDEO!

Making videos is certainly easier these days and embedding them within a website takes only a minute using YouTube and WordPress. Most people have a digital camera that is capable of taking photos as well as video recordings.

For even better results, hand video cameras like the $239 Kodak Zi8 are ideal.

Here’s 7 great ideas

1. Video testimonials. The more authentic and real your video testimonial, the better. Some of the most believable video testimonials I’ve seen are people just talking about their local community efforts.
2. Video before and after demos. What I’ve done is take a bunch of before and after PHOTOS and then produce into a video format. Very effective!
3. Video product demonstrations. There’s nothing more effective in selling a complex product or service than creating a video demonstrating how it works and the benefits it produces.
4. Video email messages. I LOVE video email! Use it for making introductions off of social media sites to start new relationships. I also use it to invite people for interviews and to respond to people’s emails.
5. Video news show. If you want to be the "go to" person or company for news in your industry to capture attention and eyeballs, start your own video news show. The world’s best example is at http://videonews.co/
6. Video online TV show. Video TV shows or interviews are great for establishing and nourishing relationships with your viewers. It’s also great for establishing yourself as a guru in your industry.
7. Video "how to" training. I use video "how to" training to attract new prospects and establish credibility. I also use it to actually train people (imagine that).

 

You can use online providers, do it yourself, or employ professionals to assist. Below are some of the providers we use and recommend. The first is a good DIY option if your funds are limited. Note if this is outside your budget, then download Googles free Picasa software, which can also generate these effects on your PC, then upload the output to Youtube. You can even add your own voiceover.

Professional options Even better, get it done right. www.Livelook.co.nz can assist with a more professional video shoot, as an interview below. It’s a great option.