Three easy ways to start using video NOW

You've been warned. Video is EVERYWHERE. If you think you can sit back for another day & ignore video marketing, then you are probably still using a rotary phone and adjusting your TV's tin-foil antenna. There are probably only 3 reasons why you might not be using video.

1. You don't have a budget for it.
2. You don't have time for it.
3. You don't think you have a need for it.

I can assure you, there is a video solution for EVERY budget.  Don't have time? Hire a company, delegate it to an employee, ask a family member (any teenagers around?) or bring on an intern. Time should not be an excuse. Video is essential, and with the correct time management and delegation, it is completely achievable. And if you think you don't need it, search for your competition and your complementary businesses. If any one of them is doing video, you are falling behind. Don't wait to be the last one with a video.

So, how can you do a video that you can afford, that doesn't take much time and that fits the needs of your industry? Here are 3 simple ideas to get you going...

1. Pick up your cell phone when you go to visit your next client, or when your next customer walks in. Casually ask them if they have had a good experience with your business. If they say "yes" (which I am sure they will!), ask if you could record a quick testimonial. (Insider's hint - hold your phone this way for proper video viewing:)

Don't forget to take a selfie with your customer/client as well. You can post the selfie & testimonial on social media and tag the client! Boom - your friends AND their friends will all now see how amazing your company is!

2. When you give a sales pitch, do you find yourself saying the same thing each time? Do you have a PowerPoint or bullet points that you follow?  This tip might not be as DIY as the first one, but any good videography company can take these bullet points and create a dynamic & engaging promo video for your company! It doesn't take any of your time, as it can be done completely with a professional voice-over and graphics, and is typically less expensive than many corporate promotional videos! And going back to "you don't need a video" - think about being able to prequalify customers with this video, or using it as an introduction to your sales pitch to streamline the meeting and get to the most important part - relationship building. 

3. Finally, do you work in an industry that has a lot of BEFORE & AFTER pics or maybe a process that has many dynamic changes from beginning to end? Beauty, construction, restoration, manufacturing and many other industries fall into this category. Video can provide a unique alternative to a flip book of projects. By taking a combination of photos (that you provide) and video that is professionally shot or your provide, a video can engage the viewer by showing a full process from beginning to end, or comparing multiple stunning before and after comparisons. Add a narration and you now have a completely unique marketing tool that will set you above the rest! Don't go to your next trade show with a  photo album of pictures. Display the shots on a large video monitor with graphics that entice potential customers! This same video can also be played in your show room, office or store front as well as your website & social media. Definitely a great bang for your buck!