Are you currently taking advantage of what online video has to offer?
In most cases, everyone has a preference for visual content and video over written article content. This is also seen daily through both Google and social media. More people are using their mobile devices to search and find information than ever before. When it comes to social media, it's a given that visual content and video performs best.
Write a detailed update on Facebook about the most important thing in the world, and no one cares. Post a picture of your dog or cat, and it gets 100 likes in a few minutes!
If this isn't reason enough to focus on video, we have four more proven methods and examples for you to follow.
1. Build a YouTube channel and subscriber following.
You've probably been hearing about the power and reach of YouTube for years now, but like many of us, you are likely still sitting on the sidelines.
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The majority of influencers on YouTube these days are individuals who are passionate about the videos they create. When trying to better brand yourself and grow a following online, this is also what you want to be known for. The most important thing is to take action and get started.
Setting up a YouTube channel of your own is easy enough, but if you really want to make a lasting impression and stand out from the crowd, there are a few influencer requirements you should consider. As recommended in this reference guide to setting up a YouTube channel, it's important to have a custom header image and unique thumbnails for each of your videos, and to tell viewers to subscribe and like your videos.
These tips might seem obvious, but you would be surprised at how many people slack off in these areas when going live with their first set of videos. Since YouTube doesn't let you upload new videos in place of existing ones, it's important to get it right the first time around.
2. Convert existing video content into text and visual content.
If you aren't currently using online video, YouTube is a great way to get started. However, if you are already creating videos and have a bunch of them working for you, there is still more that you can do.
With over 1 billion active sites on the internet today, it's important to try to create as much content as possible with as little effort as possible. By this, I mean you want to create the best content possible, but not in just one medium.
For example, if you already have online videos working for you, you can transcribe them into a text article, turn them into an audio file, or even get more creative and make visual information based on the data mentioned. Once this is done, you could then add the text content to your blog and the audio to different file platforms, and, of course, the same goes for your visuals.
If you are actively doing this for each video you create, you will have 3-4 times more content on the internet working for you.
3. Take advantage of Instagram video and remarketing ads.
Social media has been one of the most fascinating places to keep an eye on for business growth and personal branding. With more people viewing just visual and video content when browsing the internet or using their mobile device, Instagram has quickly found itself as the go-to platform.
Again, if you aren't already active on Instagram – you should be!
Instagram is all about photos and videos. Without the ability to add a site link or URL to each of the most recent uploads, it's important to make sure your pictures and videos are working for you.
One of the best ways to do this is through the promoted stories and remarketing options available through Facebook ads. If you aren't sure this type of advertising is going to work for you, just take a look at these creative case studies to get some ideas on how to build a winning ad campaign.
In short, you can build a following on Instagram, then market to your followers through its self-service advertising platform. Since you already have a unique set of users following your account, it would likely make your click-through rates and conversions much higher than advertising to a general audience.
4. Explore your options with webinars and video interviews.
For anyone with a business or brand already in place, you likely know the value of hosting or attending a webinar or getting interviewed by an industry expert.
These methods work well for several reasons, but one of the most consistent benefits is that you are getting massive free exposure to new audiences. Since many of the top websites, blogs and podcasts are always looking for new content and experts to interview or co-host with, this makes for a perfect opportunity to grow your reach and brand.
Just like how we talked about how you can use video to create all different types of content, many podcasters and content creators will do this with any interviews or content you might create for them. It's a win-win situation.
To make sure you are a great guest and provide real value to an audience, be sure to follow these webinar and interview tips.
On the flip side, in addition to attending other webinars, podcasts, and video interviews – you could actually host these as well, while benefiting from the expertise and audiences of those you are interviewing.
The benefits of using online video to grow your brand
As you can see, there are plenty of unique and interesting ways to use online video in 2019.
Most people neglect to get into video because they are shy or don't want to be in front of the camera. If that's the case, don't worry! There are many ways to create video without needing to get on camera or even use your voice.
Be sure to explore the many options and opportunities available in the world of online video.