It's no secret that video is on the rise and for a variety of reasons. Yet, I'm surprised by the number of business owners we work with who do not use video. They share that they aren't sure where to start or aren't confident in what they will say or do.
If you aren't using video in your business, here are some tools and tips to get you started.
WHY SHOULD I USE VIDEO IN MY BUSINESS?
Did you know people are only 7% likely to connect and engage with you when they read your words? This increases to 38% if they hear your voice. This increases to 55% when they see AND hear you.
As business owners, we all want our customers, hosts, and team members to connect with us because connections build relationships and people do business with those they know, like, and trust.
Other statistics that will encourage you to get started with video:
- Video increases people’s understanding of your product or service by 74%.
- Website visitors are 64% more likely to buy a product on an online retail site after watching a video.
DO I NEED FANCY EQUIPMENT TO MAKE VIDEOS?
Videos can be recorded or broadcasted live using equipment you most likely already own, such as a phone, tablet, or computer.
Other accessories that can improve the quality of your video include a tripod, ring light or lighting kit, and if you'll be recording in a place with lots of background noise, a lavalier mic.
Depending on your brand or purpose of your video, creating the “perfect” video is not always necessary, but good lighting and audio quality can most definitely make a difference.
Looking for inexpensive, video editing apps that are easy to use?
iMovie is a simple editing tool available for Apple devices. Other options to check out are VivaVideo and FilmoraGo.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BROADCASTING LIVE VS. RECORDING AND POSTING A VIDEO?
- Live broadcasting, through platforms like Facebook Live, allows for a two-way conversation. Customers or team members can ask questions that you answer in real time.
- There is no need to worry about editing or uploading since video replays post automatically after the broadcast.
- This is a great opportunity for customers and team members to get to know you and your personality. Live broadcasts are typically more genuine because there are no “do-overs”.
A live video experience can also be achieved by using an online meeting/webinar platform like Zoom. With Zoom, you can connect with clients and team members “face-to-face” instead of a phone call or conference call.
“But, getting on a conference call means I don't have to put on makeup and get dressed!”
Doing a conference call does allow you to “hide”, but think about how much more effective a video call would be versus a conference call. Both parties are typically more engaged, NOT multi-tasking, and make stronger connections.
I'M WORRIED ABOUT HOW I WILL LOOK OR WHAT WHAT I'LL SAY.
Most often we are our own worst critics. This is one of those times where you need to take the focus off of yourself, feel the fear, and do it anyway. EVERYONE is nervous the first time they click the GO LIVE button. Here are some things to keep in mind.
- Focus on the PURPOSE of your video, not on being PERFECT.
- Focus on who you are speaking to and the message you are getting across.
- Be real. Be you.
- Roll with it when things go wrong or you forget what you were going to say. If you are uncomfortable your viewers will be too.
- Envision yourself in the same room with the person or people you are talking to.
- Breathe. (This is especially helpful if you tend to talk faster when you are nervous or excited.)
WHAT TYPES OF VIDEOS SHOULD I MAKE?
Introduction/Welcome Videos – Introduce yourself and your business. What are your values and mission? What makes your business unique? How does your product or service fill their needs? Share this video on your Facebook business page, YouTube channel, blog or website.
Have a team website or Facebook group? Post a video that welcomes new team members and share what they can expect and how you will support them.
Testimonial Videos – Have you ever purchased something because there were great reviews? Ask your happy customers to share what they love about a product or service you provide. Hosts can share how easy and rewarding it was to have a party with you. New and seasoned team members can share what their business has done for them. Share these videos on social media and on your website.
Instructional Videos / Tutorials – These videos can describe what you sell or do, features & benefits, use & care, various uses, close-ups, etc. YouTube is the second largest search engine for a reason. Your potential leads are searching for HOW and WHY to use what you offer. Posting instructional videos on YouTube will introduce you to new leads. Posting these videos on your website and in your VIP Customer Facebook group will increase loyalty and repeat business.
Recognition/Appreciation Videos – Want to express gratitude or congratulate someone for a job well done? A heartfelt message from you via video will be more meaningful than an email or text. Thank your fans and customers on social media. Recognize your hosts and team members with a quick video that you share privately or in a group.
Animation Videos – Not all videos need to feature you. Put together a video montage of a collection of products or share a video recap of your team at convention.
Animation videos can also be used to increase excitement about an upcoming event, meeting, or webinar. Or, to create a video that gives more details about something that you offer.
Two of my favorite tools for video animation are Adobe Spark and Biteable.
Keep in mind that you do not need to do ALL of the above. Choose one type of video that you know will impact your business and help you reach your goals and JUST DO IT!
After building her own business for 20 years, Lydia Martin joined the Step Into Success team as a trainer for Direct Selling Now & Digital Academy. Her passion is teaching business owners digital systems and strategies that help them be more effective and efficient.
Interested in learning more about how to use Facebook Live and Zoom to grow your business? Members of Direct Selling Now Plus get access to webinar replays, including a special webinar I did in June 2017 that explains WHY and HOW to use Zoom and Facebook Live to connect with your customers, hosts, and team members. CLICK HERE to join and get instant access to this webinar replay!