Video Marketing 101 for Newbies Part 1: Why You Must Incorporate Videos in Your Social Marketing

Videos are one of the hottest marketing venues right now. In fact, if you have not incorporated video marketing or video blogging into your social marketing plan, then you are probably missing out on the benefits of what this channel can offer you.

Let me just say that video is a traffic driver. One lady emailed me the other day and told me that she found my blog through a video I posted on YouTube. Now, even though I don't have a lot of videos out, one of the few ones I have still brought one person who turned out to be a potential lifetime follower! (Who knows? There might be hundreds of others who just have not emailed me to tell me where they found me?)

I guess the question about video marketing is…is it for everybody? Many business owners shy away from utilizing video marketing because of the time needed to create it as well as the topic and the creativity to put it together.

The answer is YES and NO. Yes if you have the time to do it, the creativity to put it together, and the content to discuss on the video and NO if you don't have them but it does not mean to say that you cannot outsource the actual "labor" needed to execute it. I must admit that it takes a lot to do implement video marketing but the benefits are rewarding.

4 Reasons Why You Must Incorporate Videos in Your Social Marketing

1. Videos provide backlinks and increase your chance of higher search engine rankings.
Google loves videos. Observe your own search activities on YouTube. There are certain keywords that return videos as the top results. By having YouTube videos, you are providing backlinks to your blog which are important in getting ranked well on search engine page results.

2. Videos are Interactive.
With videos, your audience feel that they are connected with you because on videos, you are actually talking to them.

3. Videos are Transparent and Personal.
People appreciate YOU. In this new social media era, transparency has become the thing. People love seeing REAL people.

4. Videos are Viral.
With YouTube’s “Share” function and embed codes available, you don’t know whose computer
your video might end up in! The viral marketing power of YouTube that is.

What You’re Going to Need for Your Video Marketing:

1. Decent Video Camera/Camcorder
If your laptop has a built-in camera and you don’t plan on shooting outside, then this perhaps will suffice for now.
If it doesn’t, instead of getting a webcam, I suggest you might as well get a camcorder which you can use whether you are indoor in front of your computer, in another room, or outside.

One that is highly recommended by many is the Flip Video HD. Wherever you are, you can use it. What I like about it is that it has a built-in internal memory so you don’t have an extra expense on an expensive memory card. It also already has a USB so all you have to do is plug it in to your computer to upload.

If you decide not to get the Flip Video, make sure that whatever you choose has an external mic in jack (just in case you might need it!).

I personally use the built-in camera on my Macbook Pro and so far I’m satisfied since I really haven’t shot anything away from my computer.

2. High Five Floor Lamp
Lighting is the key to creating a good home video. I found this floor lamp from Walmart for $20. This has 5 lamps and you can adjust them to bounce off the lights so as to have the light evenly and not have it harshly on your face.

3. Video Tripod
Definitely needed to hold your camcorder. Available in any camera store or Radioshack.

4. Editing Software
If you have a Mac computer, iMovie will do the job. For PC users, I’ve heard a lot of people use and rave about Camtasia. Do your homework and read reviews on what software has the fastest learning curve for beginners.

On my next blog post, I will discuss some tips on creating your first video as well as some video sharing websites that you MUST upload your videos to.

Until then!…

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Comments (1)

Social Media Buzz Feb 4th | 3Twenty5 Media, LLC says:

February 11, 2011 at 10:43 AM

[...] Video Marketing 101 for Newbies Part 1: Why You Must Incorporate Videos in Your Social Marketing – Entrepreneur Chic [...]

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