Videos Have Gone Viral

Startups need all the ‘word’ they can get: word of mouth, buzzwords…anything that will get people talking about them. Sometimes, though, words are not enough—and that’s where videos come in.

Videos have been a great tool in getting startups and entrepreneurs noticed, and if done correctly, can be exploited to the max. The cost of making videos has declined rapidly over the past few years, and previous barriers to creating them no longer exist.

Instagram makes videos a breeze, and YouTube recently bought the app (Directr) that helps small-business owners create marketing videos.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed into thinking that you can create a video and post it in seconds, but don’t let the perceived ease of the process fool you. There are proven guidelines to help you make the right video and get the monetary return you want.

But before we get to the tips for making a great video, here are a few more good reasons to taking that route (according to comScore):

  • 100 million. There are 100 million individuals who watch online videos each and every day.
  • 90%. That’s the percentage of online shoppers at major retail sites who said that videos made shopping easier.
  • 16 minutes and 49 seconds. That’s how much time the average person spends watching video advertisements every month.

To make a great video, keep these five tips in mind, and you’ll be all set!

1- First, define your audience. Don’t create a one-size-fits-all video. Bear in mind who you’re addressing, and create a video that appeals to that group. People already familiar with what you’re offering will need a different approach from those with no idea of who you are or what you’re selling.

2- Don’t beat around the bush. Get to the point—you only have 15 seconds if you’re on Instagram, or a little longer if you’re on another medium. Make sure to include a call to action, as long as you have disclosed sufficient information.

3- Invite other brains—the more brains the better. Make sure you come up with the greatest 30 seconds you’ve ever created—then create some more.

4- Add sound: voiceover or music. Anything else is unacceptable.

5- Keep it short. Ads that are too long won’t be seen. The maximum time most people will watch an ad is 30 seconds. Keep that marker in mind, and work toward a shorter video.

6- Be unique. Use interesting visuals, humor, a memorable metaphor…whatever rocks your boat (and theirs).

So imagine what a video is worth if a picture is worth a thousand words. Put videos to work, and let them help you deliver your message in a manner that is both flawless and polished. Your business deserves it.

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