If you know that you need to do more marketing with video — but you aren’t sure where to start — then you’re not alone.
People worldwide are relying on video more than ever before to develop personalized connections and build trust. But most companies are struggling to either get started in a way that leads to quick wins, or come up with a list of must-create videos that will make the sales and marketing teams happy.
There are tons of guides out there on the best tools. In fact, we’ve written a few of them ourselves, like the best video equipment and types of video software.
But right now, you probably have a few other questions, like:
You’re in luck – we’ve helped companies leverage video long before the pandemic caused a global shift in the way everyone does business. In fact, we’ve driven more than 100,000 video views on YouTube for our own firm alone. We know the secrets to what works — and what doesn’t.
But more importantly, we have video marketing ideas and examples to help you develop a well-rounded strategy for 2021 and beyond. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and explore 5 specific ideas to get you started on your journey of marketing with video.
FAQ videos are beneficial to your company in a couple of different ways.
To plan out your first video, take the time to think about your sales process. When crafting your FAQs, think about your customer’s journey and carefully consider the most common questions they ask along the way. Which one gets asked the most?
Provide the answer to that question in the first video you produce for your brand.
Of all the video types, the behind the scenes approach really epitomizes why video is so effective in marketing. In today’s business environment especially, making meaningful and personal connections at a time when we’re physically apart can be mighty powerful.
Job candidates want to get to know the personalities behind the company before making a career change. They need to know that the culture is a good fit for them and that the work is something they’ll enjoy.
When hiring top talent, keep in mind that these recruits will be even pickier about whom they work for because they know companies desperately need their skills. An insider’s view of what it’s like to work for you helps answer the questions they have that might stop them from applying.
You’ve probably heard the saying that people do business with people — not with companies. It might be a tad overused, but it’s still a very accurate statement.
Your future customers want to know the people they’ll be working with. Marketing with behind-the-scenes videos is a great way to peel back the mystery and start building that trust early.
Handpick a few staff members from all the different departments of your company and ask them to explain what a typical workday for them is like. Then, ask them what they love most about working for your company. Use their recorded responses to create your second video.
Start by asking yourself a few crucial questions.
In these types of explainer videos, you’ll also want to consider the type of business you have and make some slight adjustments to your video style.
Begin this marketing video by thinking about your new customers and their pain points as they get started with you.
What obstacles are getting in the way of your customers using your product or being thrilled with your services? Are these obstacles preventable?
Example: Project Management Software
As an example, let’s pretend that your business provides project management software. What issues do your customers have after purchasing your software? Do they have trouble creating their accounts or logging in? What issues do they have that your knowledge center currently doesn’t explain very well?
Once you’ve thought of all the obstacles your customers face, pick the one that impacts them negatively the most, and create a video showing them how to solve it.
Example: Washing Machine Manufacturer
As another example, pretend you sell a complex washing machine with several settings and load options. Your customers might need help determining what settings they should choose. They know what they’re trying to wash (towels, bedding, clothes) but may be unsure how to set the appropriate settings.
In this case, your fourth installment when marketing with video needs to provide a quick overview to help them pick the right options for what they’re trying to wash.
You’ll want to start by thinking about your target audience’s questions in their early research phase. They have problems that they are trying to understand better before committing to a solution.
You need to identify the questions they are asking and walk them through the answers.
For example, let’s say your company provides social media marketing services for clients. You help them plan and execute effective strategies that generate leads and increase their revenue.
Top-of-the-Funnel (TOFU) leads are likely trying to DIY their marketing, so they’re searching for the best way to do it. To attract these leads, you might market with videos that show them:
Just remember, the purpose of these videos is to build long-term relationships and trust. If conversion rates are a focus with this type of video, rethink your strategy. Stay focused on providing value.
Marketing with video is much more than learning how to produce, edit, and promote your videos. You also need to know where you’ll host your videos, how to track and analyze important metrics, and then determine what works and what doesn’t.
Some of our favorite platforms that make it easy to start a marketing video are:
At Simple Strat, we’ve generated more than 500 TOFU leads and over 5,600 YouTube subscribers for our own company — not to mention the similar results we’ve garnered for our clients.
We’re here no matter where you are in your journey of marketing with video—to help you raise awareness, build trust, and ultimately, drive sales.
Now What?