4 tips for your web video strategy

YouTube has been the second most popular search engine since 2008, beating out all other search engines except Google. And Google actually owns YouTube, and incorporates videos into its main search results. Also, almost all adult Internet users have watched videos online.

So it’s obvious that video marketing online can be effective, especially in terms of SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

Let’s look at four tips you can use to create your web video marketing strategy.

1. Set up a YouTube Channel

Take a couple hours to set up a channel on YouTube. The initial setup is as simple as creating an account on YouTube. If you already have a Google account, you can use that as your YouTube account as well.

Next, customize your channel’s appearance. Use a good avatar that represents your business. Set up a background color that’s consistent with your branding. Then give your channel a title, description and the appropriate tags. Finally, set your default tab to Featured Tab and pick the Blogger layout.

Once you’ve done those things, you’ll have a great, professional looking hub for your online video marketing.

2. Information and Entertainment before Promotion

Too often, all people try to do in their videos is sell, sell, sell. On YouTube, people are usually looking for informational videos. Either that, or entertainment. If you make promotion the main focus of your videos, you’re putting the cart before the horse.

Instead, first make sure that your videos are informative or entertaining, maybe even both. Once you’ve got the attention of your prospective customer, then you can slip a little plug in there at the end.

3. Use Good Basic Videography

Let’s face it, we’re not all professional videographers. Know your limitations! Make sure you work within those limitations, and you’ll end up with much better looking videos.

Pay close attention to lighting. A poorly lit video is an unprofessional looking video. And make sure you’re also taking sound into account. Don’t have too much background noise, and think about using a good microphone. Finally, make sure whoever you’re videoing is comfortable and moves around naturally. It may not feel natural to them, so they should definitely practice.

Of course, the best option is to use a professional. We may be able to help if you’re planning on producing videos on a regular basis. Or, if you want some one-off assistance, we’re happy to recommend someone.

4. Promote It!

Finally, your video is useless if you don’t promote it. Put it on your website in addition to your text, as an alternative way to present information. When doing your Facebook management, put the links on Facebook, on both your personal account and your business page. Email out the video to your mailing list. Post it on your LinkedIn account, groups and company page.

And make sure you promote it on YouTube itself. Pick a good, catchy title, write an appropriate description, and pick keywords that will help others find it.

Bonus: Call to Action

The video is largely useless if you don’t have some sort of call to action, along with contact information. Make sure you mention and display the link to your website, as well as more traditional contact information like your phone number. Encourage viewers to take action, and make it easy for them to do so.