Using video in your marketing is an effective way to build your brand and increase your online presence. We all enjoy watching a short video clip. I mean Americas Funniest Videos has been on the air for 21 years and all they do is show short video clips. Look at YouTube and Tosh.0 these are purely devoted to video. Now I am not telling you to go get yourself on video doing something…well…painful or funny. I am saying using video can be powerful and there is no reason why you should not be using it to your advantage. 

Now unlike the examples above you can use video for educational or promotional purposes. Here is what you do. Set up your lap top or computer camera. Pick a subject. Pick 2 or 3 points or examples and start talking. Try and keep the video less than one minute. Videos do not need to be perfect. The truth is that when you act like yourself and make a few bobbles here and there you become more human and charming to your audience. 

Keep your videos simple. You do not need a studio and fancy cameras and lights to make a video. Record with your kids flip camera, your cell phone, your lap top whatever works. Don’t worry about your background; use your office, back yard, living room. So here are a few ideas that you can implement the use of video:

Testimonials – What is better than a written testimonial? A testimonial captured on Video! A great way to get some of your best customers on camera singing your praise is to ask for it. Hold a contest, have the customer give one next time they are in your office for a policy review, ask for them at your next event. Then once you have the testimonials use them. Put them on Facebook, or your website. 

Video Content – Use video to showcase your best content. If you don’t want to be in front of the camera that is ok, use a slideshow and record your comments. 

Public Speaking – Always be sure to film your presentation when you are speaking at an event. It is great content where your audience can see you in action. You might even get a few more invitations to speak if people can see your work in real life. 

Videos in Surprising Places – Think outside of the hamster wheel and take video beyond the typical content or sales video. Put video on your thank you pages, on your website, in your emails or even FAQ page. Having you talk directly to your customer or prospect is way more powerful than any letter they get in the mail. 

Now you have a few ideas to get started with using video. Video is the most effective way to become real in the eyes of your prospects. Make your videos fun. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to use video in your business.