There are millions of businesses in this world. Blogs are fantastic – but it’s important to mix it up and keep things fresh. In a world where YouTube (check out our Youtube channel!) is consistently one of the most popular websites online, video Marketing is clearly a tool to be reckoned with.

There are plenty of different video types to choose from that can be handy for businesses.

An explainer video describing, for example, how you make a product can be really effective at gaining customers’ interest. (Check out ours on business tax allowable expenses!)

A promotional film or animation can help nudge a prospect into becoming a client

Or perhaps just a quick clip of your business in action, which can give your customers an insight into life at your company.

Video is a powerful and flexible medium.

It can not only convey a variety of information but also really help your business stand out from the competition. It doesn’t have to replace anything in your current marketing plan, but can enhance your strategy no end. (It’s important to keep your marketing fresh – read our blog post on how to revitalise your business plan.)

First, determine what you want to achieve with your videos.

Are you sharing useful information, describing your goods or service or engaging with clients?

Who is your audience? New clients will probably require more formal and promotional content, while current clients will prefer a less sales-focused video.

If you’re comfortable showing your face, perhaps consider doing a webinar or sharing your thoughts on something topical. If that doesn’t sound like you, consider filming your product or service – perhaps you’re putting the finishing touches to a cake, or showing them what a piece of machinery you use does.

“Slideshow” videos are a good option to add to the mix too. Ripl is a great app which allows you to make a video with static pictures – perfect for combining “before”, “during” and “after” shots into a video, for example. (Watch a video we made with Ripl!)

Consider your resources, time frame and budget.

There are many programmes, specialists and agencies willing to help out – at a cost of course. These are a great option if you have the funds (the plan you made earlier will help keep these costs down), but don’t feel you necessarily have to. DIY options are many and varied, with numerous types of editing software and apps to help available.

What equipment do I need?

The difference a decent video camera and microphone can make is striking, but equally I’ve seen some great videos from businesses that have just been filmed on a smartphone. For some types of video, this is perfect. For others, you might need a more formal set up. Work out what you want to achieve and decide on your equipment from there.

Whatever you decide, don’t feel you’re stuck to one type. Try out different things, and see you’re your audience respond to.

Plan out each video carefully, and make sure to consider your audience and what you want to achieve.

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