10 Inexpensive Ways Your Local Business Can Use Video Marketing
Video marketing has been known to intimidate small business owners. They don’t think they can afford professional videography and editing. They don’t want their ads to look unprofessional. Or, they don't know what to shoot or how to tell their story.
However, with the rise of social media, video content is more important and easier than ever. A whopping 85% of internet users watch video content monthly, and 54% of users say they want more video content from the brands they follow.
The good news is that your brand can create video content without blowing your marketing budget. Here are ten inexpensive video marketing ideas you can use to connect with customers.
#1) Go Live on Facebook or Instagram
Social media has made it so you can tap into inexpensive video marketing where the only cost is your time and smartphone battery. With just a click of a button, you can go live for events at your store, make announcements to fans, or simply show off your products to anyone who happens to be online.
Live video is incredibly popular – especially on Facebook. Roughly 80% of web users say they would rather watch live video than read a blog, and 82% say they prefer live video over branded social posts. Try out a few live videos on social media and see how your audiences respond.
#2) Try Snapchat and Instagram Stories
Along with exploring live video options, see if you can create content for video-heavy social media outlets. Both Snapchat and Instagram stories can work with static content, but they are also great opportunities to try out video. This is also something you can create with your smartphone.
Both Instagram and Snapchat skew toward younger audiences, so consider whether these channels are right for your target audience. You don’t want your video effort to go to waste if nobody watches your content.
#3) Host Webinars or Online Discussions
You don’t have to have an overly exciting brand to host live events on social media. You may simply want to turn on your computer and host a webinar, Google hangout, or Facebook live event where you discuss a particular topic or answer questions. For example, a dentist could host a discussion about enamel – what it is, why it is important, and how to protect it. This is valuable information that people need.
The content doesn’t need to be flashy, but rather should have substance. The great thing about these webinars is that you can respond to questions in real-time, creating an interactive experience.
#4) Use Video Content to Promote Events
Video marketing and event marketing go hand-in-hand. You can take video of your events and share it with fans, and then use the video content the next year to promote the event again.
This is a great way to get double the use out of your video footage. Video content from events is also highly shareable because attendees want to let their friends know how much fun they had (and tap into their FOMO for next time).
#5) Give Your Employees Social Control for the Day
If you aren’t sure what to post about and are running out of ideas for video content, then give your employees control. Let each employee take over the account for a few days (or a week) each month and let them post about your business in their own unique way.
For example, a restaurant could let a bartender show off their unique cocktail skills and then let the chef show what food prep looks like. These little “behind the scenes” clips are exceptionally popular.
#6) Repurpose and Use Your Video Footage
If you do invest in video production, make sure you get the most out of your efforts. Take your commercials and repurpose the footage for social media, or divide a long video up into small clips that can be used on Instagram and Snapchat. Think about the multiple ways that you can use the footage to extend its value to your brand.
#7) Share Video Content Created By Users
Of course user-generated content is an inexpensive video marketing strategy – because your fans are doing all of the work! Run a contest encouraging people to create video content about your brand and tag you, and then share the content that you think is best.
This idea serves dual purposes. Not only does it provide you with engaging video content, but it also helps you reach new audiences related to your brand. This may not work for certain brands, but if you have a highly-engaged audience then you could see a large number of fans eagerly sharing their ideas.
#8) Get Extra Footage When You Can
If you do rent video equipment or hire professionals to create video content, try to get as much extra footage as possible. It is better to have too much than too little. You never know when you can use this content for extra b-roll or repurpose bloopers into social media content.
#9) Invest in Basic Video Equipment
If you do find yourself hiring videographers or renting equipment regularly for events or promotions, look into buying some of the equipment yourself. You may save money in the long run if you have a few strategic pieces. This will make your video marketing less expensive because you won’t have to factor in equipment cost. You don’t need Steven Spieldberg-quality materials. A high-quality camera and sound equipment, along with a professional editing system, can go a long way.
#10) See What Works and What Doesn’t
There’s no point in investing in video marketing (no matter the cost) if it doesn’t drive the desired results. Check your views and engagement levels. See if viewers are actually becoming customers. By investing in high-ROI video content while investing in content that doesn’t work, you can stretch the value of your marketing efforts.
Implement an Inexpensive Video Marketing Strategy
These are just a few ways your brand can get into video marketing. If you want to save money on video, but also don’t have time to manage your marketing strategy yourself, reach out to MyArea Network.
We handle content creation and promotions for a variety of clients and understand that you are operating on a budget. Our team is here to help you launch a video marketing campaign that attracts and engages both new and existing customers -- at an affordable cost.
