The job of an internet marketer in 2011 is a daunting one. You must allocate your time between researching the changing trends, implementing new techniques, and counting the mountains of cash in your closet … right. One can easily get overwhelmed with all the avenues beckoning your attention, and for most of us, we hardly have enough time to keep up with the next best thing.
If this sounds like you, then it's time to peel yourself out of your computer throw and hop in front of the camera. Slap on some makeup, drop a few charisma bombs on the audience, and watch your profits soar. Well, kind of.
Making videos to advertise your online business can be extremely effective, especially for an audience accustomed to 3 second frame changes and commercials loud enough to blow out your eardrums. The simple truth is, your audience's attention span is fading every year, and if you want your message to be heard you better make your advertising as entertaining and effortless for them as possible.
I do not know about you, but when I land on a website I would much rather have someone present me their business than read through poor sales copy. Of course, I am not suggesting you should have a video on every page, but for us visual people, is one or two too much to ask for?
This is the mentality you need to bring in 2011. Videos that entertain while they sell are the most effective. The key is to not just inform, but to also engage the heart and mind while telling your story.
A recent study reported that 75% of all internet users actively use videos while online. If I had to guess, I'd say it's even higher than that. Especially with sites like Megavideo and Hulu biting at the heels of Google for the most visits per day.
Perhaps the best part of video marketing is that there is endless opportunity to advertise to your target audience. Similar to other forms of advertising your videos can be targeted geographically, and the content itself can be an advertisement disguised as entertainment. And for those lucky enough to have their videos go viral, their ROI could potentially explode.
Lastly, it would be wise to give due attention to the quality of your video content. Poor lighting, Grainy picture, and choppy transitions are not going to do you any favors. Granted, hiring a production agency to make you a video which might only generate 100 views on YouTube might be a poor use of your advertising budget. If, on the other hand, you have a great personality, a video camera, and are handy with editing software (I suggest iMovie) then you may have found your advertising niche.
Whether or not you have these skills it's worth your time to try your hand at video production. If you can project honesty, sincerity and some enthusiasm for your product or service you will go a long way. With a little effort it can prove to be one of the most effective means of advertising for your online business.