Between networking, regular clients and attendees of my Visibility Matters course, I meet and work with a lot of small business owners. It always takes me by surprise when they bring up the reasons for not using video marketing.
Many businesses began using more videos in their marketing strategy in 2020, and 87% of video marketers say that it gives them a positive ROI (return on investment). People want to see videos about products and services, they are demanding more of this type of content. The fact is, if you’re not using video as part of your marketing strategy, then you’re missing out on more customers. Video is a brilliant way to connect with your customers
So, I thought I’d confront some of the main things people think they know about video marketing, and how those perceptions are wrong. Let’s dispel the misconceptions so that you can approach video with more confidence and stake your claim in the marketplace.
1) YOU NEED TO WRITE & REHEARSE A SCRIPT FOR VIDEO – X
Are you in a feature film or play? Then you need a script. On video, while it’s good to prepare in advance, reading or delivering a memorised script can come across badly. In fact, it can really put a dent in your authenticity.
2) YOU CAN WING IT – JUST TURN ON YOUR CAMERA AND SPEAK – WRONG!
No matter how confident you are, if you are just winging it, it will look unprofessional. Even if it’s a video for social media, remember that you’re speaking to potential clients. Have the respect for your brand and your audience to add some polish.
3) YOU CAN’T HAVE FUN WITH YOUR VIDEOS – UNTRUE!
Why not? Just because you need to prep it a little doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun. Personally, I think organised fun can be just as enjoyable as spontaneity. It’s all in your approach.
4) YOU NEED A FANCY CAMERA OR PHONE – NOPE!
This is one of the major obstacles most of my clients think they have, and in fact, I wrote a whole post about it last year. You have the right equipment on the table in front of you right now! Phone cameras have now progressed to such a level that you can definitely record social media videos on them – you just need to know how. To really get the best out of your phone camera, I offer a lot of guidance on the tools needed in my course.
5) IT’S EXPENSIVE – INCORRECT!
Leading on from the last point, now you know you don’t need fancy equipment, but you still think video marketing is expensive? Once again, it’s all about the know-how. Video marketing used to be more expensive, but now you can get started with very little. Invest some time in learning some proper tips around video, and you’ll discover that you can actually make dozens of videos with barely any budget.
6) WHAT ELSE DID YOU GET WRONG?
A huge mistake that small business owners make with their videos is that they forget how the audience perceive them. Little things can make an audience switch off or trust you less – such as the sound quality, a slight shake of the camera or how close (or far) to the camera you are. These things are so easily fixed, yet every single day I see videos on Facebook, Instagram and even LinkedIn when these minor issues actually ruin the message.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT VIDEO
What other ideas do you have around video marketing? Did any of the above surprise you? What do you think is the biggest challenge for you in video marketing? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn page today. You’ll also find plenty of great tips to ensure that you’re making the most of video marketing in your business.
If you’d like a one-on-one consultation, I am happy to fit you in. Simply, get in touch and we can discuss what’s stopping you from using video marketing to boost your business.