Everything You Need to Know About Video Marketing: The Complete Guide

November 18, 2022
Contents

Video marketing is one of the most popular and effective forms of content marketing. You can use it to promote your business in many ways, from increasing brand awareness to driving sales. 

In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about video marketing: what it is, how to use it, and why it's so effective. We'll also provide tips for creating high-quality and engaging videos. 

So whether you're just starting with video marketing or want to take your efforts to the next level, this guide has everything you need!

What is: Video Marketing

Video Marketing is the process of creating, optimizing, and distributing videos to promote your brand or drive sales. It can be an extremely effective marketing tool, as it allows you to connect with your audience more personally and engagingly than other forms of content.

You can use it to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or engage with customers. There are several ways to use video marketing, from creating informative tutorials to running ads.

More on this later.

How Video Marketing Works

There are many ways to use video marketing, but creating and posting videos on social media is the most common. 

You can do this organically by posting engaging and informative videos that your followers will want to watch or through paid advertising.

Paid advertising is often more effective, as it allows you to target specific demographics and interests. 

For example, you can run Facebook ads that target people who live in your city and are interested in your product or service.

When done correctly, video marketing can be an extremely effective way to promote your business. It's important to remember, however, that quality is vital. Your videos should be well-produced and engaging to be successful.

Is video always a good fit for marketing?

No, not every business or product is a good fit for video marketing. It's important to consider whether or not your target audience is likely to engage with videos before investing time and resources into creating them.

Despite all of the above, you can use video marketing in many different ways, so even if you're unsure if it's right for your business, it's worth exploring.

Now that we've covered what video marketing is and how it works, let's discuss why it is essential. 

The Importance of Video Marketing

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There are several reasons why video marketing is so important, but one of the most important is that it allows you to connect with your audience more personally.

When you create a video, you have the opportunity to show your audience who you are and what your brand is all about. You can do this through stories, testimonials, or creatively featuring your products or services.

Video Marketing Encourages Social Shares

Another critical reason to use video marketing is that it encourages social shares. People who watch a video and enjoy it are more likely to share it with their friends or followers. 

This helps to increase your reach and can lead to more sales or leads.

Video Marketing Improves SEO, Boosts Conversions, and Increases Sales

Next, video marketing is crucial because it can improve your SEO and boost conversions and sales. 

This is because videos are often ranked higher on search engine results pages (SERPs) and tend to keep people on your site for longer.

Video Marketing Appeals to Mobile Users

It's also worth noting that video marketing appeals to mobile users. 

More and more people are watching videos on their phones and tablets, so creating content your audience can consume on these devices is essential.

Video Marketing Is Great For Educating And Building Trust

If you're still not convinced that video marketing is right for your business, consider this: video is great for educating and building trust. 

If you want to build trust with your audience, there's no better way to do it than through video. You can educate them about your products or services or show them how your business works.

Challenges of Video Marketing

Like with any marketing strategy, there are a few challenges that you may face when using video. These include:

  • The cost of production
  • The time commitment
  • The need for quality and creativity

Fortunately, there are ways to overcome these challenges. For example, you can create videos yourself using a smartphone or tablet. 

Or, you can work with a video production company to create higher-quality content. No matter your budget or level of expertise, there's a way to make video marketing work for you.

Video Marketing Goals and Targets

Now that we've gone over video marketing basics let's discuss your goals and targets.

When setting your video marketing strategy goals, it's crucial to consider short-term and long-term objectives. For example, in the short term, you may want to increase brand awareness or boost sales of a particular product.

In the long term, you may want to build trust with your audience or establish yourself as an expert in your industry.

It's also important to remember that not all goals should be quantifiable. For example, one of your goals could be to create entertaining or informative videos. While these goals may not directly impact your bottom line, they can still benefit your business.

How Video Supports Each Stage of The Customer Journey

Now that you know your goals, let's look at how video can support each stage of the customer journey.

Awareness: Top of The Funnel

The first stage of the customer journey is Awareness. Potential customers become aware of your brand and start learning about your products or services. 

Video can be a great way to increase brand awareness. For example, you can create product videos or ads that show your products or services. You can also create educational videos that teach your audience about your industry.

Consideration: Middle of The Funnel

The second stage of the customer journey is Consideration. This is when your potential customers compare your products or services with your competitors.

Video can be a great way to stand out from the competition. For example, you can create demo videos that show off the features of your products or services. 

You can also create testimonial videos showing what other people say about your business.

Decision: Bottom of The Funnel

The third and final stage of the customer journey is Decision. This is when your potential customers decide whether or not to buy your products or services.

Video can be a great way to close the deal. For example, you can create a video that outlines the benefits of your products or services.

You can also create a video that shows people how to use your products or services.

Creating videos at each customer journey stage can increase the chances of converting potential customers into paying customers.

Determining What Topics To Cover In Your Marketing Videos

There are a variety of topics you can cover in your marketing videos. However, some topics are more effective than others. 

Here are a few ways to get the best topics.

Ask Your Personas What Videos They Like Watching

Your personas are your target audience. So, asking them what types of videos they like to watch makes sense. 

You can do this by surveying your personas or conducting interviews. This will give you a good idea of the kinds of marketing videos that are most effective with your target audience.

Check Out Your Competition

See what kinds of marketing videos your competition is creating. What topics are they covering? What strategies are they using? You can learn a lot from your competition, so it's worth checking them out.

Look For Gaps in Your Content

Chances are, there are topics that you're not covering but should be. These are called content gaps. To find them, look at your buyer's journey and see what kinds of content are missing. Then, create marketing videos to fill those gaps.

Get Video Ideas with SEO Keyword Research

SEO keyword research is a great way to develop ideas for marketing videos. Simply think of the keywords you want to rank for and create videos around those topics. 

For example, if you want to rank for the keyword "video marketing," you could create a video about how to use video marketing to promote your business.

YouTube Keyword Tools

Several YouTube keyword tools can help you generate ideas for marketing videos. These tools allow you to see what kinds of videos are being searched for and how popular they are. 

This can give you a good idea of the kinds of marketing videos that are most effective.

12 Types of Marketing Videos

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Now that you know the various topics you can discuss in your videos, it's time to decide which kind of videos you should create. You can make all kinds of marketing videos, but some topics suit a specific type of video more than others.

Here are 12 types of marketing videos that you can create:

1. Demo Videos

Demo videos are a great way to show off your products or services in action.

They help potential customers see how your products or services work and what they can do for them. Plus, they can be a great way to increase brand awareness and build trust with your audience.

Film yourself using your product or service to create a demo video. You can also include a voiceover to explain what your product or service does and how it can benefit your viewers.

Demo videos are a great way to show off your products or services in action.

They help potential customers see how your products or services work and what they can do for them. Plus, they can be a great way to increase brand awareness and build trust with your audience.

2. Brand Videos

Brand videos are a great way to introduce your company to potential customers. They help you tell your brand story and show your unique selling points.

To create a brand video:

  1. Start by filming a short introduction to your company.
  2. Film yourself talking about your products or services and how they can benefit your viewers.
  3. End with a call to action, such as telling your viewers to visit your website or buy your product.

3. Event Videos

Event videos are a great way to show potential customers what it's like to do business with you. They help you capture the energy and excitement of your events and show off your company culture.

To create an event video:

  1. Start by filming a short introduction to your event.
  2. Film yourself talking about why your event is important and what your viewers can expect.
  3. End with a call to action, such as telling your viewers to buy tickets or register for your event.

4. Expert Interviews

Expert interviews are a great way to show your audience that you're an authority in your industry. They help you build trust with your audience and establish yourself as an expert.

To create an expert interview:

  1. Start by finding someone who is an expert in your field.
  2. Film yourself asking them questions about their area of expertise.
  3. End with a call to action, such as telling your viewers to visit your website or buy your product.

By starting with a short introduction, followed by questions about their area of expertise, and ending with a call to action, you can create an expert interview that will help your business.

5. Educational or How-To Videos

Videos that teach your viewers how to use your products or services are not only entertaining but also help you build trust and credibility.

Educational or how-to videos are a great way to show your audience how to use your products or services. They help you build trust with your audience and establish yourself as an expert in your industry.

6. Animated Videos

Animated videos are a great way to show your audience what your products or services can do for them. They help you explain complex concepts in a simple and entertaining way.

To make an animated video, start by hiring the right people. Or, if you're short on time and tight on budget, you can use a video maker like OFFEO to create your animation.

Finally, end with a call to action, such as telling your viewers to buy your product or visit your website.

7. Case Study and Customer Testimonial Videos

Case studies and customer testimonial videos are fantastic methods to demonstrate your company's legitimacy and trustworthiness to your audience. They assist you in establishing a trustworthy reputation while also helping you build confidence with your audience.

To create a case study video, start by filming a short introduction to your company. Next, film yourself talking about your case study or customer testimonial. Lastly, conclude with a request for action, like asking your viewers to purchase your product or go to your website.

8. Live Videos

Live videos are a great way to show your audience what it's like to do business with you. They help you capture the energy and excitement of your events and show off your company culture.

To create a live video:

  1. Start by filming a short introduction to your event.
  2. Film yourself talking about why your event is essential.
  3. End your video with a call to action, like asking your viewers to buy your product or visit your website.

9. 360° & Virtual Reality Videos

360° and virtual reality videos are a great way to show your audience what it's like to do business with you. They help you capture the energy and excitement of your events and show off your company culture.

10. Augmented Reality (AR) Videos

Augmented reality (AR) videos are an excellent method to show your customers what it's like to do business with you. They aid in the capture of events' energy and enthusiasm, as well as showcasing your company culture.

11. Personalized Messages

Personalized messages are a great way to show your audience you're thinking about them. They help you connect with your audience on a personal level and build trust.

To create a personalized message:

  1. Start by finding out what your audience wants to hear.
  2. Film yourself talking about why you're the best person to provide that message.
  3. End with a bang by asking your audience to take your desired action, whether buying your product or checking out your website.

How to Make a Video for Your Business

After figuring out which kind of video you want to create, it’s time to create one. Making a video for your business is easier than you might think. 

With the right tools and a little know-how, you can create professional-looking videos that will help promote your business.

To make a video for your business, start by following the steps below.

Script Your Video

The first step in making a video is to write a script. This will help you plan your video and ensure it flows smoothly. 

Keep your target audience in mind when writing your script, and include a solid call to action.

Set Up Your Studio

You'll need to set up a studio if you're planning on making high-quality videos. This doesn't have to be expensive or complicated.

A simple home studio can be enough to get the job done.

Invest In Good Equipment

You need to invest in some basic equipment to make good quality videos. This includes a good quality camera, lighting, and audio equipment.

Hire A Professional

If you're not confident in your ability to make a good video, you can always hire a professional. Many companies specialize in video production.

Prepare Your Talent

If you're going to be in the video, you must prepare yourself. This means practicing what you're going to say and getting comfortable in front of the camera.

Film Your Video

After you've rehearsed your video, it's time to film it. Make sure to take your time and get everything right.

Choose The Proper Video Format

There are many different video formats you can use for your marketing videos. 

The best format will depend on your goals and the kind of video you're creating. For example, if you're making a brand video, you'll want to use a format that's sleek and professional. 

On the other hand, if you're creating a product video, you'll want to use a more informative format.

Plan Your Shot List and Get Used to Your Equipment

Before you start filming, you need to plan your shots. This is called a shot list. A shot list is simply a list of the different shots you want to include in your video.

As you plan your shots, getting used to your equipment is essential. This includes things like your camera and lighting.

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of filmmaking. If you don't have good lighting, your video will look bad.

Sound is also crucial. Make sure you have a good microphone so that your audio is clear.

Rehearse Your Video

Once you have everything set up, it's time to rehearse your video. This will help ensure everything goes smoothly when it's time to film.

Shoot Your Video

After you've rehearsed your video, it's time to shoot it. Make sure to take your time and get everything right.

Start With A Strong Opening

Your video should start with a strong opening. This is your chance to grab the viewer's attention and make them want to watch more.

One way to start strong is by starting with a question. This will engage the viewer and make them want to see what comes next.

Another way to start strong is with a shocking statistic or fact. This will help you grab the viewer's attention and make them want to learn more.

End With A Call To Action

Once you've made your point, it's time to end your video. Your ending should be strong and leave the viewer wanting more.

One way to do this is with a call to action. A call to action is simply an instruction for the viewer to do something. 

This could be anything from subscribing to your email list to following you on social media. Another way to end your video is with a question.

This will leave the viewer thinking about what you've said and encourage them to take action.

Edit Your Video

Once you've filmed your video, it's time to edit it. This is where you'll add graphics or music and ensure the video flows smoothly. If you're unsure how to edit your video, OFFEO's video maker can make it easier. 

Choose Your Music

You should choose your video's music carefully. It should be appropriate for the video's tone and message. If you're not sure what kind of music to use, many websites offer free or royalty-free music.

Record Your Voiceover

A voiceover can help make your video more engaging and informative. As you're recording your voiceover, remember that it should be clear and concise.

It should also be appropriate for the video's tone and message.

Once you've recorded your voiceover, add it to your video.

Export Your Video

After you've edited your video, it's time to export it. This means saving it in a format you can play on a computer or other device.

You can export your video in many formats, but the most common is MP4 or MPEG-4. This format is compatible with most computers and devices.

Upload Your Video

Once you've exported your video, it's time to upload it to the internet. You can do this using several different services, such as YouTube or Vimeo.

Once you've uploaded your video, it's time to promote it. You can promote your video by sharing it on social media or emailing it to your list of subscribers. 

Here are more ways of distributing your videos to more people.

Getting Strategic to Succeed in Video Marketing

Now that you know your goals and how video can support each stage of the customer journey, it's time to get strategic about your video marketing.

Here are a few tips:

  • Plan your videos around crucial topics or themes. This will help you stay on topic and avoid veering off into unrelated territory.
  • Create a mix of videos. This will help you appeal to a broader audience and keep people engaged.
  • Keep your videos short and sweet. This will help people stay focused and avoid getting bored.
  • Test, test, test. This will help you figure out what works and what doesn't so you can make the necessary adjustments.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to video marketing success.

How to Create a Video Marketing Strategy

Now that you know everything you need to know about video marketing, it's time to create a video marketing strategy.

1. Choose Your Target Audience and Find Out Where They Spend Their Time.

This is the first step in creating a video marketing strategy. 

You must choose your target audience and find where they spend their time. This will help you determine where to post your videos so they can be seen by the people you want to reach.

There are several ways to do this:

  • You can use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to find where your target audience spends their time.
  • You can use Google Analytics to see which websites your target audience is visiting.
  • You can use demographic data to determine which channels your target audience is watching.

Once you've determined where your target audience spends their time, you can start creating videos that appeal to them.

For example, if your target audience spends time on Facebook, you can create a video showing your products or services. 

If they spend time on a website like Google, you can create an educational video that teaches them about your industry.

Remember, creating a mix of videos is vital so you can appeal to a broader audience and keep people engaged.

2. Connect With Stakeholders To Align On A Plan For The Video

The next step is to connect with stakeholders to align on a plan for the video. This includes figuring out what the video will be about, who will be in it, and how long it will be.

3. Set A Timeline And Budget For Your Video

After you've figured out what the video will be about, it's time to set a timeline and budget for your video. 

This will help you determine how long the video will be and how much it will cost to produce.

4. Choose The Best Platform To Distribute Your Video

Now that you've created your video, it's time to choose the best platform to distribute it. This will help you reach the people you want to reach and get the most views for your video.

There are several ways to distribute your video:

  • You can post it on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
  • You can post it on your website or blog.
  • You can use video marketing platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.

Once you've chosen the best platform to distribute your video, you can start promoting it.

Here are a few tips:

  • Use social media to promote your video. This will help you reach a wider audience.
  • Use email marketing to promote your video. This will help you get more views and traffic to your website or blog.
  • Use paid advertising to promote your video. This will help you reach a wider audience and get more views for your video.

5. Develop Messaging And Choose The Right Types Of Video For Your Personas

The next step is to develop messaging and choose the most suitable types of video for your personas. 

This includes figuring out what kind of videos they want to see and how often they want to see them.

For example, if you're targeting millennials, you might want to create short and sweet videos. If you're targeting baby boomers, you might want to create longer videos that are more educational.

Keep in mind that it is crucial to test out different video styles and see what gets the best reaction from your target demographic. 

The only way to do this is by experimentation until you discover something they connect with.

6. Decide Which Metrics You Want To Track And How You Will Measure Success

The last step is to decide which metrics you want to track and how you will measure success. This includes figuring out what you want to track, how you will track it, and your goals.

For example, if you're trying to increase brand awareness, you might want to track the number of views your videos get. 

If you're trying to increase sales, you might want to track the number of people who click on your links and purchase your products or services.

Remember, it's essential to set goals for your video marketing campaign and track your progress to see what's working and what's not. 

By doing this, you can make the necessary adjustments to ensure your success.

Distributing Your Videos

Once you've uploaded your video, it's time to promote it. You can promote your video by sharing it on social media or emailing it to your list of subscribers. 

Here are more ways of distributing your videos to more people.

Hosting Your Videos Online

There are many different ways you can host your videos online. The most popular option is to upload them to YouTube or Vimeo.

Another option is using a video hosting service like Wistia or Brightcove. These services allow you to host videos on their servers and embed them on your website.

Finally, you can also host your videos on your website. This requires a bit more work, but it's a good option if you want complete control over your videos.

Link to video hosting platforms article

Host it on YouTube to Get Discovered More Easier

YouTube is the most popular video hosting platform, with over a billion active users. This makes it an excellent option for hosting your videos.

When you upload a video to YouTube, you can make it public or private. If you make your video public, anyone can watch it.

If you make your video private, only people with the link can watch it. This is a good option if you only want to share your video with a specific group of people.

YouTube also offers several features that can help you promote your videos. For example, you can add tags to your videos to make them easier to find.

You can also add a description and thumbnail image to your video. These can help people understand your video before they watch it.

Finally, you can create a playlist of videos. This is a good option if you have a series of videos that you want people to watch.

Paid Reach with Video Ads

In addition to organic reach, you can also use paid video advertising to promote your videos.

You can use many different platforms for video advertising, but two of the most popular are YouTube Ads and Facebook Ads.

Video Ad Networks And Exchanges

You can use many different video ad networks and exchanges to promote your videos.Some popular options include TubeMogul, BrightRoll, and AOL On.

These platforms allow you to place video ads on various websites and apps. This can help you reach a wider audience with your video ads.

Facebook Video Ads

Facebook Ads offers various ad types, including in-stream and out-stream ads. In-stream ads are played before, during, or after a video. They can be up to fifteen seconds long.

Out-stream ads are not played on videos.

Youtube Video Ads

With YouTube Ads, you can create many different ad types, including skippable and non-skippable ads. Skippable ads are the most common type of YouTube ad.

They allow viewers to skip the ad after five seconds. People must watch non-skippable ads before viewers can watch the video they want.

These ads are less common but more effective at getting people to watch your video.

Tips for Video Marketing on Social Media

Tips for Video Marketing on Social Media

Social media is an excellent platform for video marketing. You can use many different social media platforms to promote your videos.

However, there are several things you need to consider when publishing your videos on social media.

Expect Viewers To Watch Your Videos Without Sound

People often scroll through their social media feeds without sound. This means you need to make sure your videos are still understandable without sound.

You can do this by adding subtitles or using text overlays in your videos.

Keep Your Videos Short

On social media, people have a short attention span. This means you must ensure your videos are short and to the point.

Ideally, your videos should be less than two minutes long.

Grab Attention Fast

Your video needs to grab attention within the first few seconds. Otherwise, people will scroll past it.

You can do this by starting your videos with an interesting scene or a catchy title.

Shoot Video That Works On Many Different Screen Sizes

People watch videos on many devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops.

You must shoot your video to look good on all these different screen sizes.

For example, you should avoid using close-ups if people watch your videos on their phones.

Follow Best Practices For Each Social Media Platform

Each social media platform has its own rules and guidelines for videos.

For example, Facebook recommends that you use square videos. On YouTube, on the other hand, landscape videos are more common.

Make sure you follow the best practices for each social media platform to ensure your videos are successful.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to start creating and promoting videos on social media.

Best Practices for Video Marketing

Now that you know the basics of video marketing, it's time to learn some best practices.

Here are a few things to remember when creating and promoting your videos.

1. Instead Of Selling, Focus On Crafting Stories.

Your videos should tell a story, not just promote your product or service. People are more likely to watch and share a video that tells a story than one trying to sell something.

Think about the stories you can tell that would be of interest to your target audience. For example, if you sell software, you could tell a story about how your software helped a customer solve a problem.

This would be more effective than just trying to hard-sell your product. Remember that people buy from people, not companies.

When creating your videos, focus on telling stories that connect with your viewers personally. This will make them more likely to buy from you.

2. Use The First Few Seconds Wisely

As we mentioned before, you only have a few seconds to grab attention at the beginning of your video.

This is why starting your videos with an exciting scene, or catchy title is important.

If you can hook viewers in right away, they're more likely to watch your entire video.

Furthermore, ensure your thumbnail is exciting and catches attention, as it is the first thing people see when they come across your video.

If you manage to do all this, you'll be able to get more views.

3. Target Relevant Audiences

Not everyone is going to be interested in your video. That's why it's important to target relevant audiences with your marketing.

For example, if you're selling software for accounting firms, you won't want to promote your videos on a general-interest website.

Instead, you would want to find websites that are popular with accounting firms and promote your videos there.

The same goes for social media. You shouldn't just promote your videos on your own social media channels. Instead, you should find relevant groups and forums to join and share your videos.

Doing this will help you reach a larger, more relevant audience.

4. Add Call-To-Actions (CTAs)

Your videos should always include a call-to-action (CTA). This could be like asking viewers to subscribe to your channel or visit your website.

People may watch your video without a CTA and then forget about it. Including a CTA will help you convert viewers into leads or customers.

Where should you place a CTA in your videos?

You can include a CTA at your videos' beginning, middle, or end. It depends on the type of video you're making and what you're trying to achieve. 

For example, if you want people to visit your website after watching your video, you would place the CTA at the end of the video. 

On the other hand, if you're giving away a free ebook in exchange for people's email addresses, you would place the CTA at the beginning of the video.

Experiment with different CTAs to see what works best for your videos and target audience.

5. Optimize For Search

You should also optimize your videos for search. This means including relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions. Doing this will help people find your videos when searching for topics related to your business.

It's also vital to include transcripts of your videos on your website. This will make it easier for search engines to index your videos and improve your ranking.

6. Collaborate With Other Brands And Influencers

Collaborating with other brands and influencers is a great way to get more views for your videos. For example, you could create a video with another company in the same industry as you.

Or you could have an influencer promote your video on their social media channels. Doing this will help you reach a larger audience and get more views.

There you have it! These are six tips to help you market your videos effectively. Implement these tips, and you'll be on your way to creating successful video marketing campaigns.

FAQs: What is video marketing

What is video marketing meaning?

Video marketing is digital marketing that focuses on creating and distributing videos to promote a product or service.

What are the benefits of video marketing?

The benefits of video marketing include increased brand awareness, more leads and sales, and higher engagement rates.

What is an example of video marketing?

An excellent example of video marketing would be creating a product demo video and sharing it on social media and your website.

What are the best video marketing practices?

Some best practices for video marketing include creating transcripts of your videos, optimizing your videos for search, and collaborating with other brands and influencers.

Why is video marketing important?

Video marketing is crucial because it helps you reach a larger audience, increase brand awareness, and generate more leads and sales. It's also great to engage with your customers and build relationships.

Conclusion: What is video marketing

The future of video marketing looks bright. More and more businesses are using videos to promote their products and services, and engagement rates are only increasing. It's a great time to get started with video marketing!

Implement the tips in this guide, and you'll be on your way to creating successful video marketing campaigns. 

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