Video marketing is arguably one of the most effective marketing tools utilized by modern businesses. Based on statistics, video views on social networking site Facebook increased from 4 billion to 8 billion per day in 2015. Additionally, it is estimated that video increases the likelihood of online purchases by up to 64%.

These statistics point to video marketing being an invaluable tool for modern businesses. However, despite the positive statistics, businesses need to innovate and be creative when creating video content for marketing purposes. There are several unique and creative ways that businesses can use videos in their marketing strategies. Below are five creative ways that businesses can take advantage of the marketing potential of videos.

Behind the Scenes Videos

Businesses need to create videos that their clients can relate to. One of the best ways to do this is by creating behind the scenes videos. Behind the scenes videos give viewers a look into the daily operations of a business. The benefit of using such videos is that they humanize brands and make them relatable to customers. When creating behind the scenes videos for use on websites or posting on social networking sites, businesses should be creative and bold. In this regard, a behind the scenes video should be unique, interesting and engaging.

Use of Educational Videos

Before the advent of video marketing, businesses had to contend with explaining how their products or services work in writing. The problem with written explanations is that they are mundane. Videos on the other hand provide customers with an easy to understand, enjoyable and interesting experience. Additionally, videos deliver the intended message within a short period of time. There are many professional video production companies in Tampa, Florida that help businesses create educational video content for their customers. Thus, businesses can use the expertise of these companies to make their websites more interesting and enjoyable for customers.

Unboxing Videos

Videos can also be used to create a buzz on social media about a soon to be released service or product. These videos are usually short teasers that get customers excited about new products or services to be released. The videos can be posted on video sharing sites such as YouTube as well as on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. To get more people excited about the upcoming release brands can use social media influencers to reach huge crowds of people. Social media influences will increase a brand’s exposure and strengthen its online presence.  It’s also worth considering social media ads for this kind of video launch.

PR & Communications

Print is an ideal medium for communicating with customers and also sending PR statements. However, videos have a greater reach than print. In this regard, videos can also be used to boost a brand’s PR and also convey messages to customers. The benefit of using videos over print is that videos help convey messages in their truest form. In a video, viewers are able to pinpoint points of emphasis in a message. Also, with video brands can control the uptake of the messages being conveyed.

Real-time Videos

Tools such as Facebook Live and Periscope have opened up a new world for brands and individuals alike. For businesses, these tools are useful for sending out real-time responses to queries as well as posting raw and unedited video content. When done properly real-time videos can be a great way for a brand to express its desire to engage with its customers. Also, real-time videos show that a brand is not afraid, to be honest and presents itself in a more human manner. This helps customers to relate with a brand easily, something which builds trust and can then boost conversion rates significantly. However, real-time video requires teamwork and proper timing. Thus, brands should consider this when creating this type of video content for their customers.

Conclusion

The use of videos for marketing purposes has increased drastically. Today, it is estimated that 96% of B2B companies use videos for marketing. Furthermore, businesses get up to 156% search engine optimization traffic from video content. The introduction of new mediums of sharing video content has made it easy for brands to utilize videos as marketing tools. Therefore, the use of branded videos is set to increase as more customers get access to the internet. In conclusion, videos can be great marketing tools; however, their efficiency will largely depend on how they are utilized.

By Kar

Dr. Kar works in the interface of digital transformation and data science. Professionally a professor in one of the top B-Schools of Asia and an alumni of XLRI, he has extensive experience in teaching, training, consultancy and research in reputed institutes. He is a regular contributor of Business Fundas and a frequent author in research platforms. He is widely cited as a researcher. Note: The articles authored in this blog are his personal views and does not reflect that of his affiliations.