In our final day of the Content Marketing section of the Growing Your List challenge, the topic is Viral Video Marketing. More specifically, how to use video to get new subscribers.
For Day 20, refer to pages 48-50 in the
free 31 Day Guide to Growing Your List
* * * * *
Video Marketing is a great strategy to gain exposure and grow your list, IF you have something screen-worthy to share. Otherwise please please please don't junk up the 'Tube...
Video Marketing Options
There's more than one way to create a great video. Usually we think of "talking head" video (getting in front of the camera) when we consider making videos. But you can also create presentation slides, similar to PowerPoint, and screencasts using software like Camtasia or Screenflow.
You can also create fun cartoon videos like Nicole Dean did for the release of her latest product. This was a brilliant idea, and is definitely something to consider if you're looking to create something that has the potential to go viral.
Viral Video Marketing
As Jason Falls said in his talk earlier this week, people don't share "meh" - they share awesome. In order for your video to go viral it has to be super cute, outrageously funny, crazy stupid, insanely brilliant, or wildly entertaining.
Controversial and Offensive also rank very high among viral videos... but you want to keep your objective in mind if you choose to use either of these angles.
That could very easily backfire on you.
Jason suggested you consider the topics you can really have fun with. Put some thought into ways you can frame otherwise "meh" concepts. You might take the idea Nicole mentioned in her blog post and hire people on Fiverr.com to come up with wacky (or just unique) "commercials" for a basic concept. That could be a great way to generate ideas you could develop into a great video.
Think about your market and the things that would really capture their attention, and/or what they would enjoy most.
What You'll Need To Create Videos
For talking head videos, you can use something as simple as a Flip Video Camera or other small portable HD camera. For screencasts you'll need Camtasia or Screenflow. (There is also a free program like Camtasia at CamStudio.org)
For presentation style videos you'll need PowerPoint (PC) or Keynote (Mac). Just Google "how to create presentation video". You can also create neat presentation style videos very easily out of images and text using Animoto.
Obviously the higher quality your videos the better, so put some consideration into how you want to create your videos and what software & equipment you'll use.
How To Use Video Marketing To Grow Your List
First and foremost, have an objective. Know exactly what you want your video to accomplish. If you want viewers to subscribe to your mailing list, use the same strategy you would with a blog post or with article marketing: wow them with great content and lead them into a strong call-to-action.
You can include the incentive and call-to-action in the video itself, as well as the description below the video.
In our guide it was suggested that people who view videos would enjoy more video. That makes sense. You could create a special squeeze page just for your YouTube channel that contains a video invitation to join your mailing list for more great tips & videos. Offering a video-based incentive may convert higher with those visitors.
You might do a 3-part video series and lead from #1 to #2 - and then invite them to get a private invite to view #3 video (not released publicly).
Note on that example: Make sure it's obvious that they are signing up for your mailing list at the same time, or give them a checkbox option (already marked) in case they choose not to subscribe to your mailing list.
Resources:
- FREE Video Marketing Guide
- How to Create a Video Podcast
- 7 Practical Video Blogging Tips
- Create Fun Cartoon Videos
Also see: 12 Ways Brands & Businesses Can Utilize Online Video (awesome post!)
Your Task For Today
Decide if Video Marketing is something you can (and want to) use in your online business model. There are lot of creative ways to use video, and viral videos are incredibly powerful - so definitely give this serious consideration. Research your options and jot down some potential ideas to work with.
If you're not comfortable creating videos yourself, you can always outsource it!
Best,
About Lynn Terry
Video marketing is as integral part of your internet marketing strategies as any other, and it needs precision as well. If everything is done in a proper way, it does benefit.
It really pays to be creative when doing videos. Just talking in front of the camera isn't only boring but unappealing.