If you’ve been on social media this year you’ve probably noticed more and more videos in your news feed.  Facebook and Snapchat have both surpassed 8 billion daily video views and YouTube’s 1 billion-plus users are watching hundreds of millions of hours of online video every day.  Your customers are watching more videos, so as a business owner, you need to take advantage of this opportunity and start creating and promoting your own brand videos on social media.

Videos are becoming easier to create and share.  Luckily you no longer need expensive video equipment to create engaging videos.  If you have a smart phone, you can make video work for you. Grab your audience’s attention from the beginning and hold it. Connect with your viewers with emotions and provide value.

More social networks are rolling out video features such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.  Then we have YouTube and Vine whose main functions are video sharing. There is also LIVE video on Facebook, Periscope, and Meerkat, which have updated their newsfeed algorithm to favor live videos. What does that mean? Facebook knows its users like videos more than wordy posts or pictures, so If you record a live video, Facebook is going to promote that video to your followers so more people will see it.

How can you use video in your social marketing?  Maybe you just got in some new products or have an upcoming event you want to promote. Offer value for your customers by creating How-To videos or respond to customer questions with a 30 second video.  Create lead generation by including a clear and well-placed call to action. Social media videos can deliver impressive ROI. 

·       72 percent of businesses who use video say it has increased website conversion rates

·       74 percent of all internet traffic in 2017 is projected to come from video

To keep your fans attention, keep the videos shorter than 30 seconds.  Live videos can be longer but need to be about authenticity and real-time engagement.  They should feel like a conversation between you and the viewer.  Do a Q&A with your fans.  Are you a realtor? Give an in-home tour of a home. Are you a clothing boutique? Record a fashion show with the new fall line.  Give a behind scenes tour of your business or do an interview with a featured employee of the month.  Social media is about creating that relationship with your fans.  They want to get to know you and your business.

How are you currently using social media videos to reach your marketing objectives?  Are you building brand awareness or telling your brand’s story through video?  Share with us your most successful video campaigns.